16 Summer Side Dishes That Always Steal the Show

When the grill heats up, it's the summer side dishes that often bring the most flavor- and the most requests for seconds.

From timeless classics to fresh and unexpected salads, this lineup of 16 crowd‑pleasing Summer sides is perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or just backyard dinners.

Each recipe is easy to prep ahead, travel-friendly, and ready to shine alongside burgers, ribs, or grilled chicken. Scroll through and find your favorites- these are the sides guests will be talking about long after the last bite.

1. Baked Mac and Cheese

The best Baked Mac and Cheese recipe in a square baking dish with a spoonful being lifted up.

Cheesy shells, rich béchamel, and a golden breadcrumb topping- this Baked Mac and Cheese provides an upscale twist on comfort food.

2. Classic Potato Salad

The best Potato Salad recipe with boiled eggs, celery, and chopped potatoes all covered in a creamy dressing.

Creamy, tangy, and perfectly chilled- Classic Potato Salad made with tender potatoes, crisp celery, and a hint of mustard for that authentic picnic taste.

3. Baked Beans

A pan of saucy homemade Baked Beans with bacon, ready to serve.

Baked Beans slow‑baked in the oven with bacon, molasses, and spices for a smoky-sweet flavor (no slow cooker involved).

4. Pesto Pasta Salad

A fresh Pesto Pasta Salad with bowtie noodles, crisp cucumbers and tomatoes all tossed in pesto.

Al dente pasta lightly coated in fresh pesto, tossed with cherry tomatoes and parmesan- this Pesto Pasta Salad can be served chilled or at room temp.

5. Funeral Potatoes

Homemade Funeral Potatoes are so easy to make and everyone loves them! They are cheesy and comforting with a crispy topping.

Funeral Potatoes are a warm, cheesy hash brown casserole with a buttery, crunchy topping, baked until golden brown.

6. Tomato Cucumber Salad

Crisp cucumbers and cherry tomatoes come together in the best Tomato Cucumber Salad, perfect for potlucks!

Tomato Cucumber Salad combines fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions tossed in a simple vinaigrette.

7. Cowboy Caviar

A big bowl of Cowboy Caviar is the best potluck side dish! Grab some chips and scoop up all the fresh ingredients in every bite!

Cowboy Caviar is a mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro, tossed in a zesty lime dressing.

8. Italian Pasta Salad

Everyone loves the best Italian Pasta Salad packed with summer sausage, olives, mozzarella cheese pearls, and parmesan cheese. It takes just a few minutes to toss together and is great for potluck or meal prep!

Italian Pasta Salad combines cold pasta with olives, pepperoni, bell peppers, and Italian vinaigrette, making it great for packing into lunches.

9. Street Corn Pasta Salad

If you love street corn, you will love this Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe! It's creamy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious!

Street Corn Pasta Salad blends smoky grilled corn, creamy feta, zesty lime juice, fresh cilantro, and a touch of chili powder for the perfect balance of bright, bold flavor.

10. Cucumber Onion Salad

Cucumber Onion Salad is a simple side dish that is quick to make but tastes so fresh! It's perfect for summer!

Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions marinated in a tangy, sweet-vinegar dressing, this Cucumber Onion Salad makes a great make-ahead friendly dish.

11. Buttermilk Cornbread

Buttermilk Cornbread is soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. It's so easy to make for a crowd and delicious with some butter and a drizzle of honey.

Light and tender, baked in a skillet or pan, with a touch of sweetness, this Buttermilk Cornbread is best served warm.

12. Baked Potato Salad

Baked Potato Salad is perfect for potlucks! It combines all of our favorite toppings from loaded baked potatoes in a delicious side dish! This never lasts long!

Baked Potato Salad is full of roasted red potatoes tossed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, fresh green onions, and a creamy, tangy sour cream-based dressing for a comforting, flavor-packed side dish.

13. Corn Casserole

Corn Casserole is warm, moist, and packed full of flavorful corn. Make it for a weeknight dinner or bring it to a potluck!

Corn Casserole is a soft, scoopable mix of sweet corn, cornbread base, and creamy cheese, all baked together.

14. Burrata Salad

Burrata Salad has crispy pita bread on top of greens with fresh burrata cheese, tomatoes, and herbs. It's the legendary salad everyone will want the recipe for!

Creamy burrata cheese served over ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, and a drizzle of balsamic in this Burrata Salad. It's perfect for your next backyard party!

15. Broccoli Salad

The best Broccoli Salad combines fresh broccoli with fresh apples in a creamy and sweet sauce. It's so delicious and easy to make ahead for a potluck!

Broccoli florets with sunflower seeds, red onion, and a creamy mayo-based dressing, this Broccoli Salad is a crowd-pleaser.

16. Vinegar Coleslaw

Fresh and flavorful Vinegar Coleslaw has no mayo and has a vinegar-based dressing instead. It's healthy and addicting!

This light, tangy Vinegar Coleslaw skips the mayo in favor of a vinegar-based dressing with a touch of sweetness. It’s crisp, colorful, and holds up well at outdoor gatherings.

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