The Ultimate Cool Sides For Hot Summer Nights
Whether you're hosting an al fresco dinner party, have family around for a summer barbecue, or are creating a romantic picnic for two, you're going to want multiple summery side dishes. Avoid having to turn on the oven, or spend any more time standing by the hot grill with these cool, refreshing, seasonal side dishes. These eight recipes are perfect for those summer nights when it's too warm to spend any more time than is absolutely necessary near anything that's emanating heat.
Chilled Zucchini Salad With Mint and Feta
Paper-thin slices of zucchini are tossed lightly with olive oil, before being scattered with refreshing mint and salty feta.
For the Chilled Zucchini Salad With Mint and Feta recipe, click here.
Cucumber Salad With Vinegar-Soy Dressing
This light salad is surprisingly flavorful, with a kick from the vinegar and the saltiness of the soy boosting the taste of the crunchy cucumber.
For the Cucumber Salad With Vinegar-Soy Dressing recipe, click here.
Corn, Cucumber, and Pomegranate Salad With Poppy Seeds
This pretty, colorful salad will brighten up every dinner table. It's satisfyingly crisp, and has just a hint of sweetness thanks to the bursting pomegranate seeds.
For the Cucumber, Pomegranate, and Corn Salad With Poppy Seeds recipe, click here.
Greek-Style Orzo Salad
This pasta salad is so much better than the mayonnaise-coated ones you've been served so many times before. You can't be too generous with the quantities of herbs you chop into the strands of orzo.
For the Greek-Style Orzo Salad recipe, click here.
Heirloom Tomatoes With Cilantro and Mint
Enhance the flavors of those ripe and juicy heirloom tomatoes with fresh cilantro and mint. Add in slices of avocado and drizzle over lemon juice for a cooling salad.
For the Heirloom Tomatoes With Cilantro and Mint recipe, click here.
Summer Squash Salad With Lemon Citronette
This delicate, zingy salad is perfect for every warm summer's day. Use the smallest, freshest summer squash you can find for the sweetest salad.
For the Summer Squash Salad With Lemon Citronette recipe, click here.
Summer Strawberry Peach Salad With Goat Cheese
Ripe strawberries and peaches are tossed with leafy greens, sprinkled with feta, and drizzled with a sticky balsamic reduction.
For the Summer Strawberry Peach Salad With Goat Cheese recipe, click here.
Watermelon Radish Slaw
Swap your standard slaw for this quick and easy watermelon and radish variation. Its vibrant color and slightly sweet taste make it the perfect accompaniment to every grilled summer dish.