Summer is here and Memorial Day Weekend marks the official start of BBQ season. I almost missed the date this year, but I’m on track now and sharing a fresh, simple collection: 10 Simple Summer Salads + Sides from the blog. These recipes are perfect for potlucks, graduation parties, backyard cookouts, or any warm-weather gathering.
While digging through older posts I found plenty of salads, dips, and side recipes that are just as delicious now as when they were first published — some photos may look a little dated, but the flavors hold up. When a recipe goes live it’s often a current favorite, but it can get buried by the next trend. This roundup brings those recipes together so you can find and make them more often without hunting through the archives.
Expect tossed salads, pasta salads, grain and bean-based salads, and a few dips. My guiding principle for every recipe on this list is SIMPLE — minimal fuss, maximum flavor. After all, summer means pool time, lemonade, and easy entertaining, not hours in the kitchen.
There’s also a bonus grill-friendly recipe included so you’ll have something substantial to bring to a cookout. Ready the sunscreen and the picnic blanket, and don’t show up empty-handed — these dishes travel well and are crowd-pleasers.
In no particular order (aside from the pasta salad), here they are:
Tomato Basil Pasta Salad
Mango Avocado Salsa
Strawberry Feta Quinoa Salad
Caprese Farro Salad
Cucumber Dill Quinoa Salad
Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad
3 Bean Cowboy Caviar
Black Bean + Cauliflower Rice Salad
Avocado Peach Caprese Salad
Vegan Chickpea “Tuna” Salad
This one might not scream BBQ side at first, but I bring it to nearly every potluck. Pile it on crackers and it disappears fast — it’s a reliable crowd favorite.
Bonus Recipe
Cilantro Lime Black Bean Burgers
These are my go-to all summer long. I make a double batch and freeze them uncooked so they’re ready to toss on the grill whenever guests arrive.
These ten recipes offer a variety of textures and flavors — bright, herb-forward salads, hearty grain and bean options, fruity salsas, and a make-ahead veggie burger for grilling. They’re designed to be easy to prepare, transport, and serve, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying summer gatherings.