No-Cook Side Dishes For Summer Barbecues And Weeknight Dinners
As outdoor temperatures rise and rise, the last thing you want to do is spend an afternoon indoors melting in the kitchen. That's why our favorite grilling recipes exist, after all. But then, there's the matter of side dishes. Sure, you can grill some veggies and call it a day, but if you want something to balance out your burgers, grilled chicken and grilled salmon, then no-cook side dishes should be a staple of your go-to summer menu.
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Whether you're just whipping up an easy weeknight dinner or heading to a barbecue at a friend's house or park, these no-cook summer side dish recipes taste fantastic and will keep your kitchen cool.
Pineapple, Walnut and Carrot Salad
If you grilled some pineapple the night before and aren't sure what to do with it (beyond serving it with some leftover ham), turn that sweet, syrupy fruit into this refreshing, crunchy salad. If you don't have grilled pineapple, canned pineapple chunks will work just fine.
For the Pineapple, Walnut and Carrot Salad recipe, click here.
Caprese Skewers With Pesto
One of the best foods to pack for a picnic, these easy caprese skewers are a fresh and easily snackable side for any outdoor gathering.
Creamy Garlic Salad
Sometimes, all you want is a simple side salad, and this one is basic without being basic. A super garlicky homemade dressing takes this romaine, cucumber and mushroom salad to another level. This salad pairs well with any grilled meat, but we like it best with a perfectly grilled steak.
Fresh Guacamole
One of our all-time favorite dips, guacamole is a summertime must. Whether you serve it with tortilla chips as a side or appetizer or choose to put a couple of spoonfuls on your grilled fish tacos, you can't go wrong with this fresh guac recipe.
Baby Kale and Goat Cheese Salad
Creamy, tangy and salty, goat cheese makes any salad better, including this simple kale salad. Top with a homemade vinaigrette of your choosing, serve with grilled fish or chicken and enjoy.
Creamy Tricolor Slaw
Hear us out – mayonnaise-based sides, like this creamy cabbage and carrot coleslaw, are technically among the worst foods to bring to a cookout. After all, sun and mayo do not mix. But if your barbecue is at a friend's house or you're cooking at home, this classic dish is worth serving – as long as you keep it indoors.
Shrimp Cocktail Salad
Shrimp cocktail is one of those retro recipes that never goes out of style. In this twist on a classic, shrimp is served with avocado and lime in tall glasses for a party-ready appetizer or side. Although this recipe calls for you to cook shrimp, you can very easily use precooked shrimp.
Brussels Sprout Salad With Pear and Pomegranate
Though they're best known for being roasted, Brussels sprouts are a really good base for a salad. These tiny cabbages have a crunchy, slightly waxy texture that's surprisingly satisfying. Shred those sprouts, toss them with some pear and pomegranate, and you'll be good to go.
For the Brussels Sprout Salad With Pear and Pomegranate recipe, click here.
Creamed Cucumbers
Cucumbers are plentiful in summer gardens, so it can be hard to know what to do with them all. This simple, old-fashioned side of creamed cucumbers is the perfect remedy.
Cucumber Salad
If you're not a fan of creamed cucumbers, this simple cucumber salad uses a vinegar-based dressing, making it an ideal side dish to bring to outdoor barbecues held.
Easy Watermelon Salsa
If you've picked out the perfect watermelon, eat a few slices as-is, but be sure to save some for this refreshing and light watermelon and jicama salsa — pair with something substantial, like ribs for a balanced meal.
Easy Kimchi Slaw
If you don't have weeks to make properly pickled kimchi, this quick kimchi slaw, coated in plenty of gochujang, will make a satisfying side for your burgers. Heck, you may even find yourself topping your patties with it.
Spinach Salad With Tangerine-Rosemary Vinaigrette
This simple spinach salad with a homemade vinaigrette and plenty of tangerines is a great side dish for any meal but can also work as a base for grilled chicken or shrimp.
For the Spinach Salad With Tangerine-Rosemary Vinaigrette recipe, click here.
Easy Homemade Hummus
A charred chicken gyro is one of the easiest things to make on the grill, and what goes better with gyros than hummus? Honestly, what doesn't go well with hummus? With some fresh veggies or pitas, this no-cook dip pairs with any dinner.
Marinated Tomato Basil Salad
If your cherry tomato plant exploded this summer with tons of fresh fruit (yes, tomatoes are a fruit!), then let them shine in this easy tomato salad, which uses three cups of tomatoes.
Piri Piri Cheese Cubes With Kalamatas and Toasted Pistachios
One of the best recipes for cheese lovers, these spicy cheese cubes are mixed with olives and pistachios for an explosion of saltiness. Replace your tired ol' bowl of chips with this endlessly munchable snack.
For the Piri Piri Cheese Cubes With Kalamatas and Toasted Pistachios recipe, click here.
Summer Zucchini Salad
If you find yourself with tons of zucchini but are sick of tossing it on the grill as a vegetarian grilling option, then use the light summer squash for this bright salad instead.
Very Vanilla Fruit Salad
After eating a big plate of ribs or barbecued chicken (that isn't boring), a light, refreshing scoop of something is just what you need. This fruit salad, which has a hint of vanilla for a surprising element, is the best balance to those hefty, saucy foods.
Pineapple Avocado Salsa
One of the best salsas or dips for summer, this pineapple avocado salsa has just four ingredients. You can scoop it up with chips, but it also pairs wonderfully with similarly light entrees, like grilled fish or chicken.
Fresh Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Cucumber, tomatoes and carrots are crunchy, colorful vegetables, but they're not exactly known for being packed with flavor. This salad remedies that issue with a vibrant dressing made of lime, honey and red onion.
Lemongrass and Peanut Slaw
Inspired by some of our favorite Thai recipes, this coleslaw features a dressing made of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and lemongrass puree. The cabbage is certifiably crisp, but peanuts and chow mein noodles add extra crunch.
The Best Coleslaw Ever
Watermelon and Cucumber Salad
Watermelon, cucumber and mint honestly may be some of the most refreshing ingredients on Earth, and this salad just so happens to use all three of them along with briny feta. Serve beside spicy summer dishes to balance out the heat.
Spicy Conch Salad
One of the best recipes for seafood lovers, this spicy salad uses the very underrated shellfish conch as its base. The kick comes from chopped red Thai chiles and sriracha sauce.
Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a bright refreshing Spanish soup perfect for fans of tomatoes. Serve with grilled bread as a great starter, and you'll understand why this is one of the best cold recipes for hot summer days.
For the Gazpacho recipe, click here.
More from The Daily Meal:
Salad Recipes for When You're Just Tired of Lettuce
Summer Recipes to Try on the Grill
4-Ingredient Entrees Perfect for Busy Weeknights