Easy Summer Side Dishes For a Summer Party

Planning a summer party? These easy summer side dishes are perfect for pairing with your favorite grilled meats or enjoying on their own. From refreshing salads to savory potato sides, this collection of dishes is simple to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a picnic in the park, these crowd-pleasing recipes are sure to make your summer gatherings even more delicious!

Mexican Street Corn On The Cob

Mexican street corn on a wooden board.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful twist on corn, you’ve gotta try this easy Mexican Street Corn On The Cob! It’s loaded with sweet, spicy, and tangy goodness, thanks to a delicious mix of crumbled Cotija cheese, mayo, crema, lime juice, and spices. Every bite is creamy, zesty, and totally irresistible. Perfect for BBQs, family get-togethers, or even your next Taco Tuesday! Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn On The Cob

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexcian street corn pasta salad in a white bowl with a spoon.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is seriously packed with flavor! It’s got the perfect mix of savory, tangy, and sweet, with a creamy lime dressing that ties it all together. Every bite is loaded with texture and big, bold flavors. It’s the ultimate side dish for potlucks, BBQs, or anytime you want to wow a crowd! Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Homemade Baked Beans from Scratch

Baked beans in cast iron skillet with salt and pepper shakes on the side.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

These saucy Homemade Baked Beans come together in just one day — no overnight soaking needed! They take a little extra effort, but trust me, they’re totally worth it. Once you taste the rich, made-from-scratch flavor, you’ll never want canned beans again! Get the Recipe: Homemade Baked Beans from Scratch

Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Scoop of macaroni and cheese with stringy melty cheese.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese is pure comfort in a bowl — and it’s ready in just 25 minutes! The cheese sauce is perfectly creamy and velvety, giving you that warm, gooey goodness everyone loves. It’s a must-have at our holiday table, but honestly, we’ll find any excuse to make it! Get the Recipe: Easy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Creamy cucumber salad served in a white bowl with fresh dill.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This creamy cucumber salad is a fresh and easy classic! With crisp cucumbers, red onions, and a pop of fresh dill, it’s tossed in a simple tangy dressing that’s light, cool, and super quick to throw together. Perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, or whenever you need a no-fuss side that everyone will love! Get the Recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian macaroni salad in a white bowl with a spoon.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is all about simple, classic ingredients that come together for the perfect sweet, tangy, and creamy flavor! It’s the kind of easy dish where every ingredient gets a chance to shine, and that’s exactly what makes it so loved. A true Aloha State favorite, it’s perfect for Easter, potlucks, or your next summer BBQ! Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Easy Spaghetti Pasta Salad

Spaghetti pasta salad in a white bowl.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This easy Spaghetti Pasta Salad is light, fresh, and perfect for BBQs or picnics! It’s loaded with veggies, cheese, and tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Plus, it comes together in just 10 minutes once the pasta’s cooked — easy, tasty, and always a hit! Get the Recipe: Easy Spaghetti Pasta Salad

Corn Salsa with Black Beans

Corn salsa with black beans in a blue bowl.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This easy Corn Salsa with Black Beans is bursting with Southwest flavor and comes together in just 10 minutes! The sweet corn and hearty black beans make the perfect combo for a fresh, balanced salsa. It’s awesome for dipping with tortilla chips or piling onto tacos, salads, or grilled chicken — definitely a must-bring for your next family BBQ or picnic! Get the Recipe: Corn Salsa with Black Beans

Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad

Orzo pesto salad in a white bowl with a blue napkin on the side.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

Get ready for a flavor explosion with this quick and easy Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad! It’s packed with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny black olives, tender orzo, crisp cucumbers, red onions, feta, and plenty of pesto. Fresh, delicious, and always a hit at any gathering! Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad

Creamy Red Potato Salad

Potato salad served in a yellow bowl.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This is my go-to recipe for the best Creamy Red Potato Salad! It’s super easy to make with simple, fresh ingredients like red potatoes and eggs, all tossed in a rich, creamy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or backyard BBQs — it’s always a crowd favorite! Get the Recipe: Creamy Red Potato Salad

Stovetop White Cheddar Mac & Cheese (Panera Copycat Recipe)

White cheddar mac and cheese in a white bowl.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This creamy, cheesy Stovetop White Cheddar Mac & Cheese is the ultimate easy comfort food! Ready in just 25 minutes, it makes a perfect side dish or even a main meal. The rich, homemade cheese sauce is so good, everyone will be asking for seconds! Get the Recipe: Stovetop White Cheddar Mac & Cheese (Panera Copycat Recipe)

Feta Cheese Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Feta cheese watermelon salad in a white bowl.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This easy 4-ingredient Feta Cheese Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze is the perfect light and refreshing summer side! Juicy, sweet watermelon pairs perfectly with salty, tangy feta for a mix of awesome flavors and textures. A sprinkle of fresh mint and a drizzle of balsamic glaze take it over the top — it’s a must for potlucks, picnics, or backyard BBQs! Get the Recipe: Feta Cheese Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Overhead image of honey butter skillet corn in skillet with a wooden spoon.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

Honey Butter Skillet Corn is the easiest (and tastiest) side dish to whip up — and it’s ready in just 15 minutes! Made with frozen corn, butter, cream cheese, and honey, it’s sweet, creamy, and seriously delicious with any meal. Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Skillet Corn

House Salad

House salad in a white bowl.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

Everyone needs a go-to House Salad recipe, and this one’s it! You know that super fresh, delicious tossed salad you can’t stop eating at a restaurant? This is the easy version you can whip up right at home. It’s perfect for serving a crowd, whether you’ve got company coming over or you’re headed to a potluck! Get the Recipe: House Salad

German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)

Close up image of braised red cabbage with apples in a white bowl.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This German Red Cabbage is packed with sweet and tangy flavors from brown sugar, apples, and vinegar — and it couldn’t be easier to make! It’s a budget-friendly side dish with a pop of vibrant color that pairs perfectly with pork, sausage, or beef. Plus, it’s super quick on the stovetop and freezes like a dream, making it great for meal prep too! Get the Recipe: German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)

Mexican Cornbread

Honey butter on Mexican cornbread.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This easy Mexican Cornbread is loaded with bold flavors from jalapeños and pepper jack cheese — and it’s seriously delicious! Buttermilk and sweet corn make it extra rich, tender, and moist. It’s amazing on its own or as the perfect side for everything from soups and salads to BBQ, grilled meats, and casseroles! Get the Recipe: Mexican Cornbread

Baked Beans with Ground Beef (Stovetop, Oven, Slow Cooker)

Baked beans with ground beef and bacon in cast iron skillet with a spoon.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This easy Baked Beans with Ground Beef recipe is a total crowd-pleaser — and super budget-friendly too! Packed with flavor, the hearty ground beef and creamy beans come together in every irresistible bite. These loaded baked beans are the perfect sidekick for BBQ favorites like burgers, ribs, grilled chicken, and hot dogs, making them a must at any picnic or potluck! Get the Recipe: Baked Beans with Ground Beef (Stovetop, Oven, Slow Cooker)

Moist Sweet Cornbread

Cornbread stacked on a plate and drizzled with honey.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This easy Moist Sweet Cornbread is pure comfort food! The brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the hearty cornmeal, while buttermilk keeps it super moist and tender. With its warm, cozy flavors, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd at holidays, potlucks, or alongside your favorite casseroles. Get the Recipe: Moist Sweet Cornbread

Strawberry Fluff Salad

Strawberry fluff salad in a glass bowl.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This Strawberry Fluff Salad is super quick and easy — just 5 ingredients and you’re good to go! The sweet strawberries, fluffy marshmallows, and whipped topping come together to make a light, refreshing dessert everyone will love. It’s a go-to favorite for potlucks, BBQs, and holiday get-togethers! Get the Recipe: Strawberry Fluff Salad

Easy Pico De Gallo Recipe (10 Minutes & 6 Ingredients)

Pico de gallo in white bowl with slice of lime and nachos on the side.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This Easy Pico de Gallo is fresh, flavorful, and so simple to make! Juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, spicy jalapeños, and a splash of tangy lime juice come together for the perfect bite. A little salt and fresh cilantro tie it all together — you’ll definitely be going back for seconds! Get the Recipe: Easy Pico De Gallo Recipe (10 Minutes & 6 Ingredients)

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Overhead image of chickpea salad on a white plate.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is fresh, flavorful, and so easy to throw together! Packed with chickpeas, crisp veggies, and a simple dressing, it’s perfect for meal prep or quick lunches on busy days. You’ll want to make it on repeat for everything from family dinners to casual get-togethers! Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Loaded Fattoush Salad

Close up image of Fattoush salad in a brown bowl.
Photo Credit: She’s Not Cookin’

You’re going to fall in love with this Loaded Fattoush Salad! It’s packed with crisp veggies, hearty chickpeas, and creamy feta for tons of flavor and extra protein. Toss it all in a zesty Mediterranean dressing with fresh herbs, and you’ve got a salad so good, it’ll rival your favorite restaurant version — seriously, where has this been all your life?! Get the Recipe: Loaded Fattoush Salad

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