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My go-to summer sides have a delicious taste that will make you want to make them your main dish. Filling and tasty enough to do so, these recipes became family favorites that can pair well with many entrees for the summer season.
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Fresh and Filling Side Salads
These easy side salads are a few of my tried and trues and are fitting for the summer weather. Pairing well with many main dishes, these salad and pasta salad recipes blend savory and fresh on a foolproof level that many can enjoy.
This fresh and easy balsamic pasta salad is everything you love about Caprese—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil—tossed with a tangy homemade balsamic dressing. It’s the ultimate summer side!
This easy potato salad recipe combines tender potatoes, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing for a classic side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, it's a go-to recipe you'll make again and again.
Warm, creamy, and some even cheesy. These warm summer sides are packed with flavor that will make the cut this summer season. Recipes that have quickly become a few of my hot weather favorites. If you can’t beat the heat, join it.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan Cheese are a yummy side. They're tender on the inside, and crispy on the outside. Plus, they're full of flavor and covered in cheese.
This Roasted Smashed Potatoes recipe is the perfect side dish. They are crispy on the outside and creamy in the middle and sure to be a hit every time.
Spicy Green Beans are a great easy side! These beans are so full of flavor, they're perfect for any night of the week, yet fancy enough for holiday meals.
A full plate of savory goodness needs a sweet balance. Recipes like my Ambrosia Watergate Salad and my Pineapple Fluff meet the nostalgia standard, just in time for summer. This is where desserts and sides are meant to coexist in sweet harmony all on the same plate.
Fruit salad with Cool Whip is a quick, no-bake classic made with fluffy whipped topping, juicy fruit, and mini marshmallows. It’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or easy weeknight desserts—simple to prep, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
My strawberry poppyseed salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and slightly nutty flavors. It's a popular choice for a light summer lunch, a side salad at brunch, or even a starter for a more substantial meal.
Cherry Jello Fruit Salad is a jiggly dessert to go with a big holiday meal. It's light and full of fruit, making this great recipe a wonderful addition to a Thanksgiving table. Feel free to get creative in the kitchen by trying different flavor combinations.
Ambrosia Watergate Salad Recipe is heavenly creamy, light and fluffy, and absolutely delicious with the added crunch from pecans or walnuts. This side dish is perfect for potlucks and Thanksgiving holiday dinner.
My go-to summer side dishes have my seal of approval all summer long. You won’t be able to help coming back to these. They work hard to make the cut while keeping it fresh, warm, and nostalgic. Pair my go-to sides with some grilled recipes, such as my Grilled Crispy Chicken Wings and my BBQ Ribs.
