22 Vegetable Sides That Are Perfect for Summer

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.

Make the most of summer produce with these vegetable side dishes. From zucchini to corn to cucumbers, these side dishes are bright, fresh and delicious. Recipes like our High-Protein Creamy Cucumber-Tomato Salad with Feta & Chickpeas and our Carrot-Vinegar Salad are healthy, seasonal and the perfect accompaniment to any summer meal.

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High-Protein Creamy Cucumber-Tomato Salad with Feta & Chickpeas

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.

This high-protein cucumber-tomato salad gets a creamy upgrade with a blended cottage cheese dressing. Fresh herbs, lemon and garlic add bright, savory flavor, while chickpeas and feta boost the protein to make it more satisfying than a typical side. It’s a refreshing, no-cook dish that pairs well with a variety of mains.

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02 of 22

Grilled Lemon-Pepper Asparagus Is an Easy, High-Fiber Side

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.

This simple grilled lemon-pepper asparagus highlights fresh, bright flavors with minimal ingredients. Squeezed grilled lemon adds a smoky, citrusy finish that complements the crisp-tender spears.

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03 of 22

Carrot-Vinegar Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This carrot-vinegar salad is a simple, refreshing side that highlights crisp vegetables and a lightly sweet-tangy dressing. Finished with fresh herbs, this quick salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes and comes together in just 20 minutes.

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04 of 22

5-Ingredient Tomato-Cucumber Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jason Donnelly, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Food Stylist Assistant: Debra Cioccio, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.
Credit: Photographer: Jason Donnelly, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Food Stylist Assistant: Debra Cioccio, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.

This simple Lebanese-inspired salad highlights fresh summer produce with a bright, tangy dressing and plenty of fresh oregano. Letting the salad sit before serving allows the tomatoes and cucumbers to soak up the red-wine vinegar and olive oil, creating a flavorful, juicy side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, fish or pita.

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05 of 22

Cucumber Salad on Ice

Credit: Photographer: Caley Ellenburg.
Credit: Photographer: Caley Ellenburg.

This refreshing cucumber salad is served on ice. The ice gently softens the red onion while turning it a vibrant pink that contrasts with the bright green cucumber. Tossed with lemon juice, champagne vinegar and fresh dill, this easy side is ideal for hot summer days.

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06 of 22

Salt-&-Vinegar Melting Potatoes

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

These tender-on-the-inside potatoes get their bold flavor from a classic salt-and-vinegar pairing. Roasting at a high temperature creates deeply golden edges, while a final splash of vinegar and broth infuses the potatoes with tangy brightness as they finish cooking.

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07 of 22

Mediterranean Diet Zucchini Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This simple zucchini casserole is suitable for those following the Mediterranean diet. Roasting the vegetables first concentrates their flavor and helps keep the casserole from becoming watery. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a crispy panko topping add a savory finish.

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08 of 22

Cucumber Salad with Spicy Yogurt Dressing

Credit: Photographer: Jason Donnelly, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Food Stylist Assistant: Debra Cioccio, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.
Credit: Photographer: Jason Donnelly, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Food Stylist Assistant: Debra Cioccio, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.

Cool, crisp and creamy, this cucumber salad is the kind of refreshing side dish you’ll want on repeat all summer long. Persian cucumbers, red onion and jalapeño are tossed in a tangy cilantro-lime yogurt dressing that’s packed with bright, herby flavor and just a hint of heat. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers or tacos for an easy dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.

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09 of 22

Cucumber Crunch Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This cucumber crunch salad gets big flavor from a quick dill pickle vinaigrette. Fresh dill, shallot and lemon brighten the dressing, while toasted cashews help make it satisfying. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy, refreshing side dish for grilled chicken, fish or burgers.

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Memorial Day Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This fresh Memorial Day pasta salad is packed with crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes and creamy butter beans, all tossed in a bright herby dressing made with cottage cheese, lemon and fresh dill. Whole-wheat orzo adds hearty texture, making this colorful side dish the perfect addition to cookouts, picnics and potlucks.

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11 of 22

Cacio e Pepe Asparagus

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

Inspired by the classic Italian pasta dish, this quick cacio e pepe asparagus side features a creamy Pecorino Romano sauce with plenty of cracked pepper. The asparagus cooks until tender-crisp before being coated in the rich, peppery cheese sauce. It’s a simple 20-minute vegetable side that pairs well with roasted chicken, fish or steak.

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12 of 22

Million Dollar Broccoli Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio.
Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio.

This “million dollar” broccoli casserole earns its name with layers of rich, savory flavor and plenty of texture. Tender-crisp broccoli is coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes, then topped with crispy bacon and a golden whole-wheat panko crust.

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13 of 22

Crunchy Cucumber, Radish & Snap Pea Chopped Salad

Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio.
Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio.

This chopped salad combines crisp cucumber, sweet snap peas and peppery radishes with a bright lemon-shallot dressing. Letting the shallot stand briefly in the lemon juice softens its bite while building flavor in the dressing.

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14 of 22

Simple Fruit Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

A quick lemon-honey dressing ties this adaptable fruit salad together, making it easy to create different variations with one simple base. You can also swap in seasonal fruit or use up what you have on hand, making this a go-to formula for the perfect fruit salad no matter what.

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15 of 22

Sweet Potato Salad

Credit: Photographer: Brie Goldman; Food Stylist: Kelsey Moylan; Prop Stylist: Sue Mitchell.
Credit: Photographer: Brie Goldman; Food Stylist: Kelsey Moylan; Prop Stylist: Sue Mitchell.

Give traditional potato salad a fresh spin with sweet potatoes, peppery arugula and a tangy-sweet dressing. This simple, colorful salad comes together with minimal hands-on time and makes a flavorful addition to weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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Roasted Vegetable & Bean Pasta Salad

Credit: Photographer: Diana Chistruga.
Credit: Photographer: Diana Chistruga.

This easy pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. Roasted vegetables and white beans add plant-based fiber and protein, while a quick herb vinaigrette ties everything together. If you want to make it more filling, grilled chicken would be an excellent addition.

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17 of 22

Easy Marinated Cucumbers

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

These Easy Marinated Cucumbers are crisp and refreshing, and they come together with just a handful of ingredients. Rice vinegar, fresh herbs and a touch of sugar create a light, tangy marinade that enhances the cucumbers’ natural crunch. They’re perfect for meal prep and pair well with grilled meats, sandwiches or grain bowls.

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18 of 22

Melting Broccoli with Lemon & Feta

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

This melting broccoli roasts until tender and deeply caramelized, then finishes with a splash of broth for extra softness. Bright lemon and briny feta add contrast, making this simple side both comforting and vibrant.

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Green Goddess Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

This green goddess salad is crisp, creamy and packed with fresh herbs. A vibrant basil-yogurt dressing coats crunchy cabbage, romaine and cucumber, while avocado adds richness for a refreshing side that pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.

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Melting Radishes

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.

Roasting transforms peppery radishes into something surprisingly mellow, tender and slightly sweet. A splash of broth and a finish of butter create a silky sauce, making this easy side dish a standout addition to weeknight dinners or spring meals.

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Cabbage Wedges with Creamy Mushrooms

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

This cabbage and mushroom dish transforms a humble head of cabbage into a hearty, knife-and-fork side. Searing the wedges before baking builds deep flavor, while a savory mushroom sauce with Parmesan and whole-grain mustard adds a creamy contrast.

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Roasted Carrots with Mustard Vinaigrette

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

These Dijon-roasted carrots pair sweet, caramelized carrots with a tangy Dijon dressing for a simple side that feels elevated. Fresh dill and parsley add a bright finish, making this dish a great match for roasted chicken, fish or grain bowls.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/summer-vegetable-side-dish-recipes-12004133