100 Sensational Summer Sides

Here's our biggest collection of summer side dishes that will be a hit at any backyard BBQ, park picnic, family fiesta, or fabulous fête.

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Tomato Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Photo: Erin Kunkel; Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Tomato Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

Sliced heirloom tomatoes are wow-worthy on their own--a simple vinaigrette and dollops of basil-flecked ricotta take them over the top. Serve with toasted baguette slices to sop up any tomato juices.

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Summer Melon Salad

Photo: Greg Dupree; Styling: Claire Spollen

Summer Melon Salad Recipe
You're just 20 minutes away from the perfect cool-me-down, fruit-filled summer side. Tip: use a small ice cream scoop to create the layers of this refreshing melon salad.

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Shaved Carrot, Cucumber, and Sweet Onion Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Shaved Carrot, Cucumber, and Sweet Onion Salad Recipe
Prepare your picnic table with a show-stopping, carrot, cucumber, and sweet onion side salad. Make this easy summer-fresh salad even easier by slicing carrot and cucumber ribbons with a spiralizer.

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Summer Melon and Ham Salad with Burrata and Chile

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Summer Melon and Ham Salad with Burrata and Chile Recipe
We love the balance of the musky fruit with the salty-sweet ham and the creaminess of the burrata cheese (you can sub fresh mozzarella). You have a lot of strong flavors at play, and the cheese sets the canvas for the whole thing.

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Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Graham Yelton

Tomato and Cucumber Salad Recipe
Sweet summer peach dressing amps up the deliciousness in this simple tomato and cucumber salad in a super-fast 25 minutes.

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New Potatoes with Shaved Celery, Buttermilk, and Dill

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

New Potatoes with Shaved Celery, Buttermilk, and Dill Recipe
Crisp potatoes and a mild creamy dressing help keep this chunky potato salad from being anything but boring.

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Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Mozzarella Recipe

This Caprese-inspired pasta toss is the ultimate summer main for a busy weeknight, outdoor picnic, or lunch on the go.

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Chicken and Arugula Pasta Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Chicken and Arugula Pasta Salad Recipe
This hearty dish can be simplified by omitting the chicken and doubling up on the pasta. Tossing hot pasta with a few ounces of creamy Brie makes for a light, luscious, and flavorful sauce to coat this abundant bowl of fresh veggies and whole-grain noodles.

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Pasta with Prosciutto, Cherry Tomatoes, and Asiago

Photo: Erin Kunkel; Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Pasta with Prosciutto, Cherry Tomatoes, and Asiago Recipe
This quick pasta toss is all about the play of textures: crispy bits of prosciutto, snappy squash, and blistered cherry tomatoes.

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Charred Squash Salad

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Charred Squash Salad Recipe
this salad is equally delicious over sliced tomatoes with burrata or crumbled Valbreso feta, or as a complement to any protein. The herbs can be swapped for any herbs of your choice. Rotating the squash on the grill before turning allows for a little more char.

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Charred Zucchini Salad

Photo: Christopher Testani; Styling: Thom Driver

Charred Zucchini Salad Recipe
This summery salad is easily doubled. To do so, use 2 large skillets to simultaneously cook zucchini batches so the dish is done in the same amount of time.

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Quick Summer Squash and Bell Pepper Gratin

Photo: Erin Kunkel; Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Quick Summer Squash and Bell Pepper Gratin Recipe
This quick summer squash side dish, bakes up in minutes. You could also layer sliced tomatoes in between the onion mixture and the squash and bake a few minutes longer.

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Sauteed Summer Squash with Thyme and Almonds

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Sauteed Summer Squash with Thyme and Almonds Recipe

Cutting the squash into rather thick slices helps it retain a bit of fresh snap after it's sautéed.

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Summer Succotash

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Summer Succotash Recipe
The acidity in this dish gives your palate a great reset that lets you enjoy the different levels of richness, fruitiness, and sweetness in the vegetables.

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Sprouted Quinoa with Marinated Veggies

Photo: Christopher Testani; Styling: Thom Driver

Sprouted Quinoa with Marinated Veggies Recipe
This raw-food dish needs planning and patience, but the payoff is a salad that pops with each crunchy bite.

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Spinach, Pistachio, and Pecorino Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Spinach, Pistachio, and Pecorino Salad Recipe
Among the many side options this summer, don't forget the greens. Serve a classic, nutty spinach salad alongside your backyard barbecue fixin's.

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Grilled Eggplant Planks with Creole Salsa

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Grilled Eggplant Planks with Creole Salsa Recipe
Grill more than meats this summer. Veggies like grilled eggplant make a simple summer side dish to accompany any cookout.

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Veggie Salad in a Jar

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Veggie Salad in a Jar Recipe
Make these salads up to a day ahead; pack them tightly with the dressing on the bottom, followed by denser ingredients that won't get soggy while they marinate.

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Marinated Field Peas

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Marinated Field Peas Recipe

Banyuls vinegar is cask aged but smoother and less oaky than sherry vinegar. Sub a milder vinegar, like Champagne or white wine, that won't compete with the earthiness of the peas.

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Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Chive Butter

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Chive Butter Recipe

Nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob. Here are a few of our favorite flavor combos for buttering them up.

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Grilled Corn and Snap Pea Salad

Photo: Christopher Testani; Styling: Thom Driver

Grilled Corn and Snap Pea Salad Recipe
Assemble this salad the day before you plan to serve it, but toss in dressing just before serving to keep it crisp.

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Grilled Cabbage Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Grilled Cabbage Salad Recipe
Who says slaw is the only way to enjoy cabbage? This grilled summer side will stand out on your table for it's punchy color, flavor, and texture.

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Grilled Vegetables With Creamy Turmeric Sauce

Photo: Greg Dupree; Styling: Ginny Branch

Grilled Vegetables With Creamy Turmeric Sauce Recipe
Turmeric gives this eggplant, bell pepper, zucchini, and yellow squash side a zesty, peppery, slightly bitter flavor.

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Field Pea and Pasta Salad

Photo: Greg Dupree; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Field Pea and Pasta Salad Recipe

Farfalle and fresh veggies make a seriously delicious summer side.

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Grilled Tomato Bread

Photo: Buff Strickland; Stylist: Olga Naiman

Grilled Tomato Bread Recipe
This rustic side dish has a Spanish inspiration, and although it's simple to make, it's rich with the flavor of ripe tomatoes.

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Summer Vegetable Kabobs

Photo: William Dickey; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Summer Vegetable Kabobs Recipe
Prepare tender, slightly charred vegetables at your next barbecue with this simple recipe. The white wine marinade really adds a unique flavor to the veggies making this dish stand out.

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Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad Recipe
If you're a broccoli salad fan, you'll love the combination of these colorful ingredients, including tart grapes, crunchy pecans, and bacon.

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Stuffed Zucchini with Cheesy Breadcrumbs

Photo: Anna Williams; Styling: Pam Morris

Stuffed Zucchini with Cheesy Breadcrumbs Recipe
These stuffed zucchini are sure to be a favorite at any gathering. Overflowing with artichoke hearts, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts these are hearty enough to be served as vegetarian main dish.

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Grilled Panzanella with Arugula, Burrata, Summer Squash, and Olives

Photo: John Kernick

Grilled Panzanella with Arugula, Burrata, Summer Squash, and Olives Recipe
In this recipe, both the squash and the bread are slightly charred on the grill. This salad pairs well with any grilled meat.

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Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk-Feta Dressing

Photo: Alison Miksch

Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk-Feta Dressing Recipe
Fry fresh from the garden tomatoes, in batches, until golden brown and crispy. For a more powerful flavor, substitute blue cheese for feta.

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Summer Squash Casserole

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Katherine Eckert

Summer Squash Casserole Recipe
Squash casserole is the most versatile Southern side dish. It pairs well with everything from fried chicken at a summertime Sunday lunch to roast turkey at Thanksgiving.

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Summer Grilled Peach Salad

Photo: Jim Franco; Styling: Joe Maer

Summer Grilled Peach Salad Recipe
Gorgonzola cheese gets gooey and delicious melted over the grilled peaches in this amazing summer salad recipe. There's a perfect balance of salty and sweet goodness.

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Grilled Summer Vegetables and Corn

Photo: Beth Galton

Grilled Summer Vegetables and Corn Recipe
Easy, healthy, and delicious, grilled summer vegetables will be your go-to side for impromptu get-togethers this summer.

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Grilled Corn on the Cob

Photo: Marcus Nilsson; Styling: Angharad Bailey

Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe
Grilled in its husk, the corn takes on a wonderful, lightly charred flavor while its sugars caramelize and intensify. You'll wonder why you ever thought of cooking corn on the cob any other way.

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Shaved Summer Squash Salad with Prosciutto Crisps

Photo: Anna Williams; Styling: Pam Morris

Shaved Summer Squash Salad with Prosciutto Crisps Recipe
Summer squash is delicious raw when it's shaved and marinated with a bit of salt. Add salty prosciutto and you have the perfect side dish.

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Grilled Summer Veggie Succotash

Photo: David Hillegas; Styling: Lydia Degaris-Pursell

Grilled Summer Veggie Succotash Recipe
Don’t let the meat eaters dominate—veggies deserve a front row on the grill. Lightly coat vegetables with oil; they tend to stick to grill grates. if you don’t have a grill pan, cut pieces in half lengthwise, so they’re less likely to drop into the flames.

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Greek Pasta Salad

Kate Sears

Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Go Greek with your pasta salad by stirring in cucumber, tomato, olives, spinach, and feta, and tossing in a tangy vinaigrette.

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Green Beans with Toasted Garlic

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Green Beans with Toasted Garlic Recipe
Simple, garlicky beans are a great side dish to any summer meal.

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Summer Lemon-Vegetable Risotto

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Summer Lemon-Vegetable Risotto Recipe
Risotto takes patience and constant attention, but the refreshing, creamy result is worth the effort. This recipe is a great way to showcase beautiful summer veggies.

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Corn and Summer Vegetable Sauté

Photo: Jeff Kauck; Styling: Andrea Kuhn

Corn and Summer Vegetable Sauté Recipe
Users love this quick and delicious vegetable saute. It's sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering.

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Nutty Okra

Oxmoor House

Nutty Okra Recipe
Salted dry-roasted peanuts add a nutty bite to this fried okra treat. Set out these crunchy bites as an appetizer before the main event.

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Tomato-Herb Pasta

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine

Tomato-Herb Pasta Recipe
You'll love this zesty side dish from Southern Living. It's perfect for a picnic in the park.

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Summer Slaw

Photo: Charles Maraia

Summer Slaw Recipe
This is a classic, simple coleslaw recipe that stays nice and light with low-fat sour cream and milk. It's swimsuit season, after all.

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Grilled Corn Poblano Salad

Photo: Peden & Munk; Styling: Amy Wilson

Grilled Corn Poblano Salad Recipe
This salad gets a spicy kick from both poblano chile and chipotle chile, which pair perfectly slightly charred flavor of the grilled corn.

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Summer Fruit Salad with Lemon-and-Honey Syrup

Karry Hosford

Summer Fruit Salad with Lemon-and-Honey Syrup Recipe
This is a light and delicious fruit salad that can be served as a side or over ice cream as an easy dessert.

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Smoky Three-Bean Bake

Photo: Quentin Bacon; Styling: Anghard Bailey

Smoky Three-Bean Bake Recipe
Three kinds of beans take the classic dish from ho-hum to fun, with different shapes and pleasing textures--from the al dente bite of chickpeas to the creaminess of Great Northern beans.

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Summer Squash Croquettes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Summer Squash Croquettes Recipe
These fun fritters packed full of summer squash will be a family favorite.

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Marinated Tomatoes with Lemon and Summer Savory

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Marinated Tomatoes with Lemon and Summer Savory Recipe
Summer savory is slightly bitter and has an aroma similar to that of thyme. It adds a unique twist to the typical combination of tomato and basil.

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Summer Beans with Preserved Lemon, Almonds, and Rosemary

Lisa Romerein

Summer Beans with Preserved Lemon, Almonds, and Rosemary Recipe
This beautiful bean salad is delicious chilled or served at room temerature. Either way, your friends and family are sure to ask for seconds.

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Baked Couscous with Summer Squash and Herbs

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Baked Couscous with Summer Squash and Herbs Recipe
This side dish--good for a summer brunch or buffet--highlights the squash and kitchen herbs grown at Monticello.

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Potato and Summer Vegetable Stovetop Casserole

Karry Hosford

Potato and Summer Vegetable Stovetop Casserole Recipe
This dish affords the chance to improvise with what you find at your local market. Try purple potatoes in place of fingerlings, Maui or Walla Walla onions instead of Vidalias, or sliced beefsteak heirloom tomatoes for the grape or cherry tomatoes.

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Summer Peach and Tomato Salad

Photo: Gentl & Hyers; Styling: Kendra Smoot

Summer Peach and Tomato Salad Recipe
Simplicity has never looked so beautiful. A stunning combination of skin-on peaches and heirloom tomatoes of various colors, sizes, and shapes creates a sweet-savory salad that pairs well with grilled pork.

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Yellow Plum Salad

Photo: Anna Williams; Styling: Pam Morris

Yellow Plum Salad Recipe
As gorgeous as it is delicious, this salad will become a summer staple. Serve it with grilled chicken, pork, steaks, or seafood. Look for the Mirabelle or other golden-fleshed plums.

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Potato Salad with Herbs and Grilled Summer Squash

Photo: Randy Mayor; Stylist: Jan Gautro

Potato Salad with Herbs and Grilled Summer Squash Recipe
This recipe is a great way to utilize all those fresh herbs that are readily available during the summer. Whether you're growing them in your backyard, potted on the porch, or find them at a local farmers' market, you'll love the brightness they bring to this potato salad.

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Fresh Corn and Avocado Salad

Photo: Annabelle Breakey

Fresh Corn and Avocado Salad Recipe
In the height of summer, you won't find a better side dish for ribs than this deceptively simple combination of peak-season produce. Try bringing it to a party, too.

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Indian-Spiced Grilled Baby Squash

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Indian-Spiced Grilled Baby Squash Recipe
Grilling underscores the earthiness of the cumin and coriander, and enhances the nuttiness of this summer squash. Use white, orange, or yellow pattypan squash for the most colorful skewers.

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New Potatoes with Onions and Spicy Sausage

Photo: Marcus Nilsson; Styling: Angharad Bailey

New Potatoes with Onions and Spicy Sausage Recipe
Our users love this spicy, salty recipe, calling it "absolutely fantastic" and "one of the best potato recipes ever!" Give it a try this summer, and see what you think.

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Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes with Tarragon

Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke

Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes with Tarragon Recipe
A simple marinade of shallots, balsamic vinegar, and fresh tarragon makes the most of summer tomatoes. Try a variety of heirloom tomatoes in this dish for their different colors and flavors. Prepare this one hour before you eat and serve it at room temperature.

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Lightened Squash Casserole

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Amy Burke

Lightened Squash Casserole Recipe
A combo of cornflakes and French fried onions adds an irresistible crunch to this lightened up casserole. At only 139 calories a serving, we think you're safe for swimsuit season.

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Roasted Beets with Pine Nuts, Dill, and Red Onion

Lee Harrelson

Roasted Beets with Pine Nuts, Dill, and Red Onion Recipe
Golden or ruby beets work well in this summer salad. Roast the beets up to four days before serving, and combine with the other ingredients up to two hours before it goes to the table.

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Balsamic Carrot Salad

Balsamic Carrot Salad Recipe
"This is a unique vegetable salad that is great served hot or cold and for picnics or casual summer dinners." -Silvina Bates, Orange, CA

Perk up sliced carrots with the addition of white balsamic vinegar, cilantro, and oregano. Not only is this bright side dish is great for picnics and cookouts, it's also a great source of vitamin A, which really is good for your eyes.

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Zesty Three-Bean and Roasted Corn Salad

Zesty Three-Bean and Roasted Corn Salad Recipe
This southwestern-accented recipe combines canned beans with sweet summer corn and red bell peppers for a colorful side dish.

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Grilled Vegetable Focaccia

Grilled Vegetable Focaccia Recipe
Hearty focaccia is a fitting base for a medley of summer vegetables. Grill the vegetables while the dough rises. Try other toppings, such as thinly sliced tomato, on the focaccia.

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White Bean-and-Asparagus Salad

White Bean-and-Asparagus Salad Recipe
After cooking the asparagus, this is practically a dump-and-stir recipe and perfect for a busy summer schedule.

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Potato Salad 101

Becky Luigart-Stayner; Melanie J. Clarke

Potato Salad 101 Recipe
An all-American necessity at summer get-togethers and reunions, this creamy, old-fashioned potato salad uses pickle relish, eggs, and mustard.

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Carrot-Ginger Salad

Kate Sears

Carrot-Ginger Salad Recipe
Ginger and cilantro add fresh bursts of flavor to this carrot salad. it's a perfect side dish for your next BBQ bash.

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Southwest Watermelon Salad

Photo: John Kernick

Southwest Watermelon Salad Recipe
Make this refreshing and unique salad for your next summer get-together. Your friends will be clamoring for the recipe.

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Lemon-Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Lemon-Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Three ingredients are all you need for a super-easy fruit salad or dessert at your next barbecue.

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Homemade Potato Chips

Photo: Kate Mathis; Food Styling: Suzette Kaminski; Prop Styling: Shana Faust

Homemade Potato Chips Recipe
These baked potato chips call for just three ingredients and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Celery-Fennel Salad with Olives

Photo: Kate Mathis; Food Styling: Suzette Kaminski; Prop Styling: Shana Faust

Celery-Fennel Salad with Olives Recipe
You'll love the bite and slight licorice flavor that the fennel gives to this salad. Kalamata and green olives make enhance the flavors and add a salty tang.

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Creamy Buttermilk-Herb Potato Salad

Photo: Quentin Bacon; Styling: Anghard Bailey

Creamy Buttermilk-Herb Potato Salad Recipe
Serve this rich and creamy potato salad at your next picnic for a delightful side dish that goes well with just about everything.

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Deviled Eggs with Assorted Toppings

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Amy Burke

Deviled Eggs with Assorted Toppings Recipe
What summer party would be complete without deviled eggs? Let your guests get creative and top their eggs with whatever inspires them.

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Coleslaw Raita With Mint

Photo: Jonny Valiant

Coleslaw Raita With Mint Recipe
Mint and honey add unique flavors to this coleslaw and toasted walnuts a crunchy nuttiness. We also love the tangy sweetness from dried cranberries.

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125 Sensational Summer Sides

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Tomato Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette

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Summer Melon Salad

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Shaved Carrot, Cucumber, and Sweet Onion Salad

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Summer Melon and Ham Salad with Burrata and Chile

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Tomato and Cucumber Salad

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New Potatoes with Shaved Celery, Buttermilk, and Dill

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Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Mozzarella

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Chicken and Arugula Pasta Salad

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Pasta with Prosciutto, Cherry Tomatoes, and Asiago

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Charred Squash Salad

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Charred Zucchini Salad

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Quick Summer Squash and Bell Pepper Gratin

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Sauteed Summer Squash with Thyme and Almonds

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Summer Succotash

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Sprouted Quinoa with Marinated Veggies

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Spinach, Pistachio, and Pecorino Salad

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Grilled Eggplant Planks with Creole Salsa

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Veggie Salad in a Jar

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Marinated Field Peas

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Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Chive Butter

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Grilled Corn and Snap Pea Salad

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Grilled Cabbage Salad

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Grilled Vegetables With Creamy Turmeric Sauce

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Field Pea and Pasta Salad

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Grilled Tomato Bread

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Summer Vegetable Kabobs

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Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad

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Stuffed Zucchini with Cheesy Breadcrumbs

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Grilled Panzanella with Arugula, Burrata, Summer Squash, and Olives

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Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk-Feta Dressing

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Summer Squash Casserole

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Summer Grilled Peach Salad

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Grilled Summer Vegetables and Corn

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Grilled Corn on the Cob

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Shaved Summer Squash Salad with Prosciutto Crisps

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Grilled Summer Veggie Succotash

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Greek Pasta Salad

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Green Beans with Toasted Garlic

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Summer Lemon-Vegetable Risotto