Say hello to grilling season with these 13 flavor filled side dishes! From artichokes to strawberries, this list will help you add flavor, color, and variety to your next potluck party or backyard BBQ.
***All recipes and pictures in this post were provided courtesy of the recipe creator. Please see the included links for the full recipes. The Amazon link below is an affiliate link. By using the link I may obtain a small commission, but the price you pay does not change. Thank you for supporting the businesses that support Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.***
As the days get warmer and our social calendars begin to fill, we are all stuck with the same question: What dish should I make for the party? Trying to create side dishes that will complement almost anything while still being delicious in their own right isn’t always easy, but I’m here to help!
I have gathered together 13 of my favorite side dishes from 13 of my favorite bloggers. My first priority in sharing this list is to provide you with a lot of variety without having to search through pages of suggestions.
I have included a little bit of everything with the common thread of being tasty and beautiful. Some of these can function as appetizers, some work better as side dishes, and some can multitask as both. I’ve included veggies, grains, and fruits, and hope you find something here that your friends and family will enjoy!
Loaded Corn on the Cob courtesy of
Felesha at Say Grace Blog
Calling all corn on the cob lovers! Felesha may be your new best friend. She takes corn on the cob then covers it in a combination of cream cheese, bacon, jalapenos, spring onions, and parmesan cheese. An indulgently savory dish that anyone is welcome to bring to my next pool party!
Artichokes alla Romana courtesy of
Rosemary at An Italian in My Kitchen
Roman style artichokes prepared with mint, garlic, and oregano. Try this recipe early in the spring season to get the youngest, most tender artichokes available.
Spicy Ethiopian Red Lentils courtesy of
Kathleen at Hapa Nom Nom
The star of this dish is the Ethiopian spice blend berbere. Within the post, you’ll find a crash course on the different kinds of lentils available and a link to make your own berbere spice blend at home. Alternatively, you can purchase online from Whole Spice via Amazon, or you may be able to find it in your local grocery store.
Dilly Smashed Baby Potatoes courtesy of
Melanie at A Virtual Vegan
These potatoes are lightly seasoned with dill then baked, smashed, and baked again to create a crispy texture on the outside with soft potato goodness on the inside. She pairs them up with a vegan creamy horseradish sauce that can be used for dipping or drizzling on top.
Edamame and Quinoa Salad courtesy of
Lisa at Garlic and Zest
A delightfully refreshing salad with quinoa, edamame, radish, spring onions, parsley, and mint that won’t wilt in the heat. It can be made a day early and served while cold or at room temperature. If you happen to have leftovers, it makes a great lunch for the work week ahead as well.
Vegan Cabbage Steaks with Tahini Sauce courtesy of
Vicky at Avocado Pesto
These cabbage steaks can be served as a side or an appetizer, depending on how you plate them. They are oven roasted to get a crispy caramelized crunch and topped with an inventive tahini mustard sauce. Your vegan friends won’t be the only one thanking you if you show up with this dish.
Strawberry Baked Brie courtesy of
Trevor at Show Me the Yummy
This brie breaks out of it’s standard pastry crust and welcomes in spring. Strawberries, pecans, and basil are marinated in a balsamic honey glaze, then layered on top of warm brie. Pair it with crackers or bread and you have a delicious appetizer that may be difficult to share.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Pepper Cashew Dressing courtesy of
Ashley at Fit Mitten Kitchen
Brussels sprouts season is on the way out, but you should be able to still find some fresh stalks over then next few weeks. If you do, this is one of the best spring friendly ways to serve them. The brussels won’t wilt if made in advance and the dish tastes great warm or cold.
Mediterranean Confetti Quinoa Salad courtesy of
Shelley at Two Healthy Kitchens
The vibrancy in the color of this salad makes me want to rush out and buy the ingredients! This salad has a lot going on, but can be made a day or two in advance and served up cold. It makes a total of 9 cups, so it’s great for feeding a small crowd.
Lemon Garlic Asparagus courtesy of
Sarah Jane at Everyday Sarah Jane
A delightfully simple and refreshing take on asparagus with pine nuts and lemon. This asparagus cooks up quickly – in under 10 minutes – for nutritious side dish that won’t weigh you down.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad in Endive Leaves courtesy of
Ilona at Ilona’s Passion
I’m a sucker for a good couscous salad. This one adds fresh vegetables and herbs, then serves it up stuffed inside endive leaves. It’s such a cute way to present couscous salad as a finger food and would be welcome at any of my warm weather parties.
Panko Parmesan Broccoli courtesy of
Tracy at Baking Mischief
This broccoli bakes up in as little as 10 minutes, giving you a cheesy broccoli side dish with a slight crunch that isn’t laden in mayonnaise. Tracy says it’s great for a quick weeknight dinner, but I think it would work quite well for that last minute party invite when you don’t have hours to prepare.
Screaming Skillet Green Beans courtesy of
Renee Nicole’s Kitchen
Screaming skillet green beans get their name from the screaming hot skillet used to cook them. Laced with garlic and the fruity citrus notes of white wine, they make a great summer side dish. Bonus: they can be cooked in a cast iron skillet on the grill in less than 8 minutes.
Thank you so much for sharing my Strawberry Baked Brie! 🙂
You are welcome Jennifer! It looks amazing!!
Thanks for featuring my Panko Parmesan Broccoli! The other sides here look to die for. I can’t wait to try them ALL. 🙂
Thank you for volunteering!! It was SO difficult to choose.
So many delicious recipes to choose from! Thanks for including mine. Sharing via social media : ))
Thank you!!!
That strawberry baked brie looks awesome! Thanks for including my edamame and quinoa salad!
Lisa, thank you for volunteering! Your salad is delicious.
I am so sad that our sprouts season is over here. Luckily we are right in the middle of asparagus season so can definitely try that & the green beans recipes. Thanks for the suggestions.
You’re welcome!! Our sprout season is on it’s way out, but there is nothing like fresh asparagus. Thanks for stopping by!
All the recipes look delicious and we live to grill. Thank you for providing so many good ideas for future meals. Great inspirations.
You’re welcome!! Thanks for stopping by!
What an excellent set of side dishes, they all look delicious. My favorite is the Ethiopian red lentils.
I love the look of that corn on the cob! Sweetcorn is one of my favourite veggies 🙂
Doesn’t it?! Corn on the cob loaded with bacon and cheese sounds like a great indulgence!
These all look great!! Thanks so much for including my asparagus recipe! XO
Summer is the time of year when I love eating vegetables more than any other. Some of these dishes look like they could sub as the main meal!
I completely agree! A few of them would make a great lunch on a hot day.