The summer sun is scorching, with all the activities being held outdoors including games and grilling.
Summer calls for light, refreshing, and delicious side dishes that are in line with the summer spirit.
Be it a BBQ party, casual backyard gathering or garden event; cold summer side dishes are essential.
These meals incorporate seasonal produce – making them healthy and effortless to serve guests as they cool down.
Here are some ideas about how you can weave a piece of what Mother Nature has to offer into your menu.
1. Lemon Ricotta Zucchini Pasta
2. Favorite Greek Farro Salad
3. Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad
3. Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes & Mozzarella
4. Quinoa and Veggie Power Bowls
5. Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
6. Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing
7. Green Goddess Bowls
8. Dijon Tahini Green Beans
9. Strawberry Crunch Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
10. Peach Burrata Salad
11. Mediterranean Orzo Salad
12. Rainbow Orzo Salad
13. Cucumber Feta Salad
14. Mexican Cucumber Salad
15. Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken
16. Creamy Avocado Corn Salad
17. Grilled Corn and Halloumi Salad
18. Courgette Lemon Orzo
19. Avocado & Feta Mediterranean Salsa
20. Pesto Pearl Couscous Salad
21. Butter Bean Salad with Feta
22. Crunchy Lentil Salad
23. Antipasto Farro Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
24. Broccoli Salad with Bacon
25. Asparagus & Summer Corn Salad
26. Spicy Watermelon Salad With Pineapple and Lime Recipe
27. Summer Melon & Prosciutto Salad
28. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
29. Classic French Potato Salad
30. Summer Nicoise Salad
31. Grilled Halloumi and Summer Squash Caprese Salad
32. Roasted Eggplant Hummus
33. Melitzanosalata Recipe (Greek Eggplant Dip)
Enjoy Freshness of Seasonal Produce This Summer
Summer is when nature is at its best offering lots of fresh fruits and vegetables which not only taste good but also have many nutrients needed by your body.
There are juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, sweet bell peppers as well as different types of leafy greens among others.
Therefore these vegetables make excellent cold side dishes that are not only refreshing but also healthy.
Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Tomatoes and cucumbers are classic summer veggies that work well together.
It could be just a simple salad made up of these two vegetables alone or combining them with red onions adding light vinaigrette as desired for such purpose; such salads would only make an excellent addition to any summertime meal you may think about having in future days ahead.
However the cherry tomatoes that exist come out very sweet thus providing pure flavor one needs for his/her salad.
Bell Peppers and Corn
Bell peppers add texture and color to your food due to their vibrant colors while corn adds the sweetness which comes from this combination of flavors.
Grill some corn on the cob before dicing it then mixing it with bell pepper pieces, diced onions plus tangy dressing; there you have got a perfect salad capturing all the tastes associated with summer season.
Leafy Greens
Spinach leaves, arugula and kale are among the leafy greens that dominate summer time.
They form the base of many salads hence serving as a versatile and nutritious canvas for different toppings.
Some nuts, cheese, strawberries or peaches will add some taste to that salad.
Fresh Side Dishes Combining Seasonal Produce
Making cold summer side dishes is all about using these ingredients together in such a way that brings their natural flavors and textures out.
Below are some delicious ways you can combine seasonal veggies into mouth-watering side dishes:
Pasta Salads
Pasta salads provide an easy way to please everybody during summer with various preferences regarding food.
Use whole grain pasta for healthier eating then include fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers plus red onions inside them while dressing it up with light vinaigrette made from Greek yogurt or creamy dressings containing Greek yogurt for more healthiness.
In general, there are certain fragrances basil and parsley bring to this dish as they amplify the taste of your meal.
Fruit Salads
Fruit salads are not only meant for desserts but also can make great side dishes too.
Watermelon, cantaloupe berries and grapes come in handy when combining fruits at a particular season.
For instance, add honey-lime dressing along with feta cheese & mint leaves if you want something slightly savory instead of strictly sweet such as when one needs just refreshment after their dinner break without taking any course between them all which should be served later on in evening time after finishing your main dish followed by dessert: this improves sweetness + salt balance ensuring satisfaction even though being quite refreshing as well
Grain Salads
Bulgur, quinoa, and farro are fantastic summer salads for a cold salad.
These grains are healthy to eat and can be flavored to different tastes.
For instance you can mix cooked, cold grains with lemon or lime juice dressing along with some vegetables or herbs.
When preparing such a salad they can also add legumes like chickpeas or black beans to increase the protein content.
Healthy BBQ Side Dishes
A complete summer BBQ should include easy-to-prepare side dishes which are healthy as well.
Here is how keep your barbecue light and refreshing:
Coleslaw takes on another twist
Conventional coleslaw may end up being heavy due to mayonnaise; however, one made using Greek yogurt or vinaigrette could be just as tasty.
You could alternatively throw in some shredded apples or cranberries for sweetness or kale for more vitamins.
Vegetable platters that have been grilled
Grilled veggies are common during barbecues but they can also be served when cold.
Grill an assortment of vegetables such as bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini and asparagus .
Once cooled down,.
Drizzle them with balsamic glaze or crumble some feta cheese on top.
They could be prepared before hand and served at room temperature making them perfect sides that are convenient yet delicious.
Salads consisting of beans
BBQ bean salads make the best addition to any party because they are both filling as well as healthy.
Combine various types of beans like kidney beans, black beans and cannellini beans with corns, bell peppers onions (red), cilantro etc. Prepare a lime-cumin vinaigrette so that you dress it into these highly sought after dish rich both in fiber.
Cold Party Side Dishes
While hosting a summer party you want side dishes that can be easily served and eaten while still being delicious.
Here is what I came up with for party:
Caprese on skewers
The Caprese salad has always been a classic but providing it in small servings makes it perfect for parties.
Skewer cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and fresh basil leaves then drizzle balsamic glaze over them.
They are delicious bite sized appetizers that your guests can eat quickly.
Cucumber Rounds
Cucumbers are cool and refreshing especially during hot summer days.
Slice cucumbers into thick rounds and top with a variety of toppings.
For example, put some hummus and sprinkle paprika on top or else cream cheese and smoked salmon make an elegant snack.
Cold Cut Trays
An antipasto platter is the best way to offer a wide range of tastes as well as textures.
Marinated vegetables, olives, artichoke hearts as well as cured meat slices inclusive.
Add to this some cheese along with freshly baked bread or crackers meaning that one has everything needed to satisfy hunger pangs at any time.
The guests can choose what they want from among these varied snacks as they walk around.
Conclusion
Delicious Summer Time Cold Side Dishes play an important role in creating delightful and refreshing summer dining experiences.
By focusing on seasonal produce and combining ingredients creatively, you can make healthy side dishes that are easy to prepare for any occasion during the summer season .
Whether you’re having a barbecue, a casual gathering, or even an upscale garden party; these thoughts will keep visitors refreshed , content ,and amazed .
These delicious summer dishes represent the bounty of the season – celebrate it!
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