55 Healthy Summer Side Dishes

Make your summer extra bright and colorful with these side dish recipes!

Welcome to summertime! It’s the most colorful season around, filled with everything from bright and vibrant clothing to a range of beautiful flowers. It’s not all about aesthetics, either. The bounty of fruits and vegetables available during the summertime makes it the best season for eating the rainbow. If you want to take advantage of all the fresh produce but aren’t sure where to start, check out these 55 Healthy Summer Side Dishes!

Deliciously Healthy Side Dish Ideas for Summer or Any Occasion

From backyard barbecues to sunset parties, summer is filled with outdoor celebrations. No one likes to show up to a party empty-handed, but you don’t want to bring the same dish as someone else, either! We have over 50 ideas for healthy summer side dishes, so you’ll have more than enough inspiration all season long. They make for the perfect side dish for a BBQ or cookout, but they also make great snacks. And, if you’re looking for a potluck dish, look no further.

So, throw on a colorful bathing suit and get ready to cool down with these healthy summer side dishes. Your friends and family will love their light but bold flavors.

Healthy Summer Side Dishes

1. Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw

As far as I’m concerned, Brussels sprouts never go out of season. They’re most abundant between August and March, so be on the lookout to make this healthy summer side dish recipe for later summer parties. I love whipping up this healthier take on your typical coleslaw to put on the picnic table next to some of our Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Burgers with Cheese!

Try the recipe: Southwestern Brussels Sprout Coleslaw

2. Clean Eating Summer Gazpacho 

Gazpacho is a cold soup made of fresh, raw, blended vegetables. This super simple gazpacho recipe is one of the yummiest we’ve ever tasted! It combines tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and more!

Try the recipe: Clean Eating Summer Gazpacho

3. Low-Carb Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini 

At one time, cauliflower rice and mash was all the rage. However, zucchini has recently taken center stage. This ridiculously easy, low-calorie side dish will be a hit at your next summer cookout! So yummy!

Try the recipe: Low-Carb Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini 

4. 15-Minute Zucchini Noodle Tomato Salad with Balsamic Dressing

I love, love, love using zoodles in healthy summer side dishes! They’re great for both adults and kids because they give you that pasta texture that we all crave every now and again while not giving you all of the carbs. This easy-peasy zoodle recipe of ours is super refreshing on a hot summer day!

If you’re as big of a fan of zucchini noodles as I am, don’t forget to check out our Zucchini Noodles with Pistachio Pesto and our Chicken Parmesan Over Zucchini Noodles.

Try the recipe: 15-Minute Zucchini Noodle Tomato Salad with Balsamic Dressing

5. Healthy Wedge Salad 

You can’t go wrong with a cold and crisp wedge salad (especially when it has bacon on it!) This healthy side pairs perfectly with burgers, grilled chicken, and more!

Try the recipe: Healthy Wedge Salad 

6. Pizza Zucchini Boats 

We created a healthy pizza side dish that’s actually kid-friendly! I think we can all agree that pizza never goes out of season, both for kids and adults, but too often, adults are worried about how pizza will affect bikini season. Luckily, these pizza boats are swimsuit-approved as they’re low-carb and made with nutritious ingredients.

Try the recipe: Pizza Zucchini Boats 

7. Rainbow Salsa

Talk about eating the rainbow: this SkinnyMs recipe places every color together in a bowl! Throw in some non-GMO, organic tortilla chips, and you’ve got yourself a perfect summer BBQ side dish!

Try the recipe: Rainbow Salsa

8. Cold Sesame Shrimp Zoodles 

In the summer, anything that has the word “cold” in the name is a good thing. And, trust me, the fact that this recipe has the word “cold” in it is not the only reason it’s a good thing. It’s also full of nutrients and of course, flavor! Serve it alongside fresh lobster, or even grilled fish or steak!

Try the recipe: Cold Sesame Shrimp Zoodles 

9. Quick and Easy Southwest Cucumber Avocado Salad 

This is one of my favorite healthy summer side dishes to bring to a party. It’s not only full of flavor but it’s always a huge hit! I get asked for this recipe on the regular. 

Try the recipe: Quick and Easy Southwest Cucumber Avocado Salad

10. Maple Baked Beans

Who doesn’t like eating baked beans at a backyard barbecue over the summer? I know I do. What I don’t like, though, is those store-bought baked beans that are full of unnecessary amounts of salt and sugar. Come to think of it, I also don’t like taking hours out of my day to make homemade baked beans, either.

You might be wondering what the happy medium is…well, it’s our Maple Baked Beans recipe (AKA your summer barbecue savior)!

Try the recipe: Maple Baked Beans

11. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

This is one of those healthy summer side dishes that doesn’t have to be eaten by just vegetarians. The Big Man’s World created this veggie-friendly dish, but even carnivores will love it. In fact, when I made it for a family party at my boyfriend’s house, his sister didn’t even know it was made with tofu! The spicy barbecue flavors are all you’ll taste (in SUCH a good way).

Try the recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

12. Grilled Zucchini Caprese 

With this recipe, we’ve taken the well-known Caprese salad and given it a unique new twist! Served on fresh, low carb zucchini spears, this yummy side offers an easy way to enjoy your favorite summer salad! 

Try the recipe: Grilled Zucchini Caprese 

13. Chickpea Mediterranean Rice

Chickpeas are the main ingredient in hummus, and (last time I checked) nothing really beats hummus. The chickpeas in this recipe give this healthy hummus an extra crunch while also loading it with tons of nutritional value. Just some of the amazing health benefits of chickpeas include:

• Tons of fiber
• Good source of vitamin B6
• Can lower bad cholesterol
• Good source of vitamin C
• High in protein
• Good source of iron for vegetarians

Try the recipe: Chickpea Mediterranean Rice

14. Tortellini Pasta Salad 

This tortellini pasta salad is a BEAUTIFUL addition to any summer time spread. The first time I made it, no one was around to see it. I made sure the next time would be for summer gathering and boy was it a hit (for both beauty and flavor!)

Try the recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad 

15. Baked Feta Sticks with Hot Honey Dip 

As someone who considers themselves somewhat of a cheese connoisseur, believe me when I tell you that these are delicious! These baked feta sticks go perfectly with a Mediterranean-inspired main course!

Try the recipe: Baked Feta Sticks with Hot Honey Dip 

16. Loaded Southwest Corn and Zucchini Skillet

Zucchini and summer go together like two peas in a pod. If you’ve never tried growing your own zucchini, it’s a must! Last summer, I grew my own zucchini, and they tasted so much fresher than the zucchini I bought at the supermarket.

As much as I am encouraging you to grow your own zucchini, using store-bought or farm-stand zucchini will not take away too much from how DELICIOUS this recipe is! It’s the perfect way to switch up how you cook the summer veggie, and it makes for an A+ summer side dish.

Try the recipe: Loaded Southwest Corn and Zucchini Skillet

17. Cucumber Quinoa Salad

Cucumbers are my absolute go-to vegetable during the summer. They’re just so refreshing in the summertime, thanks to that high water content to ward off dehydration. Not only that, but their cold crunch is just unbeatable. You’ll enjoy all of that in this summer salad by Gimme Some Oven.

Try the recipe: Cucumber Quinoa Salad

18. Easy One Skillet Mac and Cheese 

Mac and cheese is always a great addition to any meal. It’s even better when it’s healthy and no one at the party knows! I brought this dish to a get-together with my friends, and everyone loved them…even my friend who swears that healthy food tastes bad!

Try the recipe: Easy One Skillet Mac and Cheese

19. 5-Ingredient Pesto Pasta Salad

Let me make it even easier for you to decide whether you should make this refreshing summer side dish. Let me tell you the five ingredients that this SkinnyMs recipe calls for:

• Whole wheat rotini pasta (chickpea pasta and quinoa pasta work great, too!)
• Pesto
• Roasted red peppers
• Low-fat provolone cheese
• Baby Spinach

Yup, that’s it! How easy is that? It’s always my go-to when I have to bring something to a summer party.

Try the recipe: 5-Ingredient Pesto Pasta Salad

20. Loaded Baked Potato Salad 

Whenever I think of pasta salad, I can’t help but think of its cousin: potato salad. They’re both just such great healthy summer side dishes. This potato salad recipe kicks it up a notch with ingredients like dill, shredded cheese, slivered almonds, and more!

Try the recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Salad 

21. Rainbow Salad with Sauteed Veggies and Boiled Potatoes 

Nothing says summertime like a plate full of bright, vibrant colors and fresh, nutritious ingredients. This tasty salad is the perfect side dish for just about any main course!

Try the recipe: Rainbow Salad with Sauteed Veggies and Boiled Potatoes

22. Instant Pot Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Sauce

Along with zucchini, corn is also another summer favorite of mine! There’s nothing like sitting down outside at a family dinner while watching the sunset with a juicy corn on the cob in your hand. I especially love it when it has chipotle sauce drizzled all over it!

Try the recipe: Instant Pot Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Sauce

23. Delicious Crab and Corn Salad 

Why not stick with the fine summertime food? Corn. I’m still talking about corn. It’s full of fiber, and is absolutely delicious in this crab and corn salad. You’d think the sweet crab would be the star of this show but it’s a toss up! You’ve just got to try it. Serve this crab and corn salad alongside grilled shrimp and roasted potatoes. 

Try the recipe: Delicious Crab and Corn Salad 

24. Slow Cooker Corn Pudding 

I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’ll stop with the corn side dish recipes after this one…maybe.

This is yet another recipe that is amazing during the summer months. The sweetness of this dish pairs perfectly with a more savory main like ribs!

Try the recipe: Slow Cooker Corn Pudding

25. Strawberry, Avocado, and Spinach Salad

Almost every time I make this summer side salad, I end up eating so much of it (because it’s SO good) that I don’t leave room for dinner. And, you know what: I never even regret it!

Try the recipe: Strawberry, Avocado, and Spinach Salad

26. Healthy Fried Green Tomatoes 

Fried green tomatoes are a summertime staple and these take it a step further by actually being good for you! These go great with other Southern dishes like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and even collard greens!

Try the recipe: Healthy Fried Green Tomatoes 

27. Summer Fruit Quinoa Salad 

This salad is a simple combination of wholesome ingredients. To be more specific, it’s a combination of quinoa, berries, orange juice, and fresh mint, all of which are super refreshing during summer!

Try the recipe: Summer Fruit Quinoa Salad

28. Spicy Mango Salsa 

Sweet, spicy, appealing – what more could you ask for? Sometimes I want some salsa, but I want it with a twist. That’s when I turn to this original SkinnyMs recipe!

Try the recipe: Spicy Mango Salsa 

29. Berry and Walnut Salad 

This sweet and light salad is such a yummy addition to just about any warm weather meal! Serve it alongside some grilled burgers or throw some grilled chicken on top of it! YUM. 

Try the recipe: Berry and Walnut Salad 

30. 5-Ingredient Butternut Squash Fritters 

These squash fritters are super simple yet ultra-satisfying. Plus, they’re super easy when feeding a crowd!

Try the recipe: 5-Ingredient Butternut Squash Fritters

31. Easy, Healthy Refried Beans

My family never had refried beans growing up. The first time I ever had them was at one of my boyfriend’s summer family parties back in high school. I remember being so hesitant to try them for a couple of reasons. First of all, I was super health conscious and wasn’t sure what was in them. Second of all, they didn’t look very appetizing.

Lo and behold, I tried them and loved them. Unfortunately, though, me liking them did not make them any healthier. Fortunately, though, this recipe of ours does!

Try the recipe: Easy, Healthy Refried Beans

32. 5-Ingredient Mexican Corn 

Hey, remember when I said I’d stop with the corn recipes? Well, I’m sorry, but I lied.

I mean, how sad would you all be if I didn’t throw a Mexican corn recipe in on here? This killer recipe is great for any summer evening – but especially a Taco Tuesday summer evening!

Try the recipe: 5-Ingredient Mexican Corn

33. Clean Eating Oven Roasted Mushrooms

I actually love eating these mushrooms all on their own as a side to most meals, but they also taste great on top of burgers and sandwiches! This summer side dish is great alongside those cheeseburgers and hot dogs.

Try the recipe: Clean Eating Oven Roasted Mushrooms

34. Skinny Lemon Muffins 

Summer breakfasts and brunches require side dishes too, don’t they?! Our skinny lemon muffins offer just the right amount of sweetness to pair with your savory omelet and salty bacon! These extra moist muffins are also kid and husband-friendly. 🙂

Try the recipe: Skinny Lemon Muffins 

35. Summer Herbed Naan

If you’re enjoying Indian cuisine on a summer evening, you’ll definitely want to consider making this yummy herbed naan to go along with it!

Try the recipe: Summer Herbed Naan

36. Red Lobster’s Cheddar Biscuits

Maybe it’s the fact that I’m constantly thinking of the ocean in the warmer months, but I always crave seafood more over the summer. This SkinnyMs recipe is one of my go-to side dish recipes during the summer when I’m cooking shrimp, salmon, crab, or lobster…or really any seafood!

Try the recipe: Red Lobster’s Cheddar Biscuits

37. Blueberry Banana Smoothie 

This super summer smoothie is made using one of my all-time favorite foods: blueberries. There are so many health benefits of blueberries, but just to name a few, blueberries are:

• Low in calories
• Loaded with antioxidants
• Can lower blood pressure
• Improve cognitive function

On top of that, the sweetness of the banana and freshness of the spinach makes this the perfect healthy side smoothie for scrambled eggs or even pancakes!

Try the recipe: Blueberry Banana Smoothie 

38. Quick and Easy Roasted Vegetable Skewers 

Oh yes, we have another recipe featuring the rainbow. I hope you’re starting to see it as a summer side dish theme!

These kebabs are so easy to make, it’s hard to believe they would be so yummy. I love making these as sides to meat-filled kebabs. Nothing says a good summer night like a chicken kebab in one hand and a roasted vegetable kebab in the other.

Try the recipe: Quick and Easy Roasted Vegetable Skewers

39. Slow Cooker Garlic and Thyme Mashed Potatoes

You might associate mashed potatoes with hearty winter meals, but I think they go perfectly with summertime heat. Especially this healthy summertime version, which turns out light and fluffy – every time!

Try the recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic and Thyme Mashed Potatoes

40. Creamy and Tangy Apple and Red Cabbage Slaw 

You can’t have a summer picnic or get together without fresh, creamy, and tangy slaw! This side goes great with barbecue pulled pork, grilled chicken, burgers and hotdogs, and so much more!

Try the recipe: Creamy and Tangy Apple and Red Cabbage Slaw 

41. Citrus and Walnut Salad 

This salad is bursting with citrus flavors and satisfying textures. Your guests will love it and so will you!

Try the recipe: Citrus and Walnut Salad

42. Orange Glazed Roasted Carrots

The ginger and orange flavors shine out of these carrots like the sun shines down on us during the summertime. They’re so vibrant! These carrots make for a great side dish to any meal over the summer.

Try the recipe: Orange Glazed Roasted Carrots

43. Classic Guacamole 

Every good party needs guacamole! This recipe will ensure that your party will have the BEST guacamole! Red onion, garlic, jalapenos, tomatoes, and, of course, avocados – what more could anyone ask for in a summer side dish?!

Try the recipe: Classic Guacamole 

44. Peach Salsa 

Peaches are perfect for summer, but they’re particularly tasty in this fresh peach salsa recipe! Enjoy it with some salty tortilla chips or serve it on top of fish tacos!

Try the recipe: Peach Salsa Recipe

45. White Bean and Herb Hummus

I will tell you time and time again that adding hummus to a meal only enhances it…especially when it’s our White Bean and Herb Hummus! This is the perfect, light hummus for summertime.

Try the recipe: White Bean and Herb Hummus

46. Air Fryer Banana Chips 

These crunchy banana chips are a great accompaniment to subs, sandwiches, or wraps! Since I was a kid, I’ve always paired subs, sandwiches, wraps, and anything of the kind with chips as a side dish. This yummy (and healthy) chip recipe offers the perfect side for your summer lunch!

Try the recipe: Air Fryer Banana Chips 

47. Loaded Greek Sweet Potato Fries 

This is yet another recipe that I love to make as a side to lunch sandwiches or dinner wraps during summer time! They’re healthy and packed with delicious, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. So good!

Try the recipe: Loaded Greek Sweet Potato Fries

48. Super Easy Cauliflower Fried Rice

Chinese food is just as yummy over the summer as it is during the winter! I love cuddling up with a plate full of Asian cuisine that includes a side of our healthier fried rice any time of the year. It’s good in front of a backyard fire pit or even in front of the TV inside after spending the day outside in the summer heat. Because our recipe is low-carb, I won’t lose any self-confidence in my bathing suit.

Try the recipe: Super Easy Cauliflower Fried Rice

49. Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables 

Pasta salad is a fantastic summer side dish but it’s even better when you add in freshly grilled vegetables! It’s packed with nutrients and pairs well with a number of different proteins!

Try the recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables 

50. Eggplant and Zucchini Gratin by Julia Child 

This gorgeous and flavorful veggie side dish is almost too pretty to eat! Luckily, I said almost, so go ahead and dig in! It will complement filet mignon perfectly!

Try the recipe: Eggplant and Zucchini Gratin by Julia Child

51. Almond Orange Frisee Salad

This recipe of ours makes for a great side dish to any meal that needs some lightening up. Whether that’s a dense cheeseburger or a heavy, summery pasta dish, this salad does not disappoint over the summer!

Try the recipe: Almond Orange Frisee Salad

52. Air Fryer Egg Rolls 

These air fryer egg rolls are so yummy and actually good for you (unlike most take out options). Whip them up alongside some of our orange chicken and chicken fried rice! 

Try the recipe: Air Fryer Egg Rolls 

53. Avocado Stuffed Deviled Eggs 

We’ve put a healthier spin on this classic summer side dish! Our avocado stuffed deviled eggs are packed with extra nutrients and flavor. Plus, they’re so easy to make!

Try the recipe: Avocado Stuffed Deviled Eggs 

54. Broccoli Cashew Crunch Salad 

We can’t get enough of this broccoli cashew crunch salad but it’s particularly tasty on a warm, summer day! Serve it alongside barbecue, grilled chicken, burgers, steaks, and more!

Try the recipe: Broccoli Cashew Crunch Salad

55. Baked Asparagus Fries with Creamy Chipotle Dip

Why not end this list with a SkinnyMs recipe that makes for a great summer side dish (and a great beach snack!). Whenever I’m craving French fries, I make these baked asparagus fries. They satisfy my cravings and leave me feeling happy without getting bloated.

Try the recipe: Baked Asparagus Fries with Creamy Chipotle Dip

Now that you have 55 different recipes for healthy summer side dishes, what are you waiting for? By adding some healthy summer side dishes to your dinner table every night, you’ll add beneficial nutrients to fuel your body while also adding flavor to your day. So, hop to eating the rainbow. You won’t be upset that you did!

What are your favorite healthy summer side dishes? Let us know in the comments! 

Enjoyed this post? Check out more:

• One Pan Veggie Pasta
• Gluten-Free Mango and Black Bean Tacos
• 19 Low Calorie Gluten Free Snacks

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