Healthier Summer Side Dishes

As summer rolls in, so does the season of barbecues, picnics, and outdoor feasts. But let's be honest, often the sides are just an afterthought: the same old mayonnaise-heavy salads and tired, buttery corn. It doesn't have to be that way! This year, we're revamping the side dish scene with healthier options that are just as tasty, if not more, than your traditional go-tos. From zesty quinoa salads packed with herbs to grilled veggies with a twist, we've got recipes that will make you rethink what it means to prepare a side dish.

Big Mac Salad Recipe (Cheeseburger Salad)

This Big Mac salad recipe (cheeseburger salad) is an easy low carb meal in 20 minutes! All the flavors of the drive-thru, but much healthier.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad Recipe (Cheeseburger Salad)

Keto Cucumber Salad

Summer in a bowl! This Keto Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing and so EASY to make. It's perfect for meal prep, picnics, cookouts and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Keto Cucumber Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad

This Cucumber and Tomato Salad is super simple and packed with flavor. Summer in a bowl! {gluten free, keto, whole30, vegan}
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad {Keto, Gluten Free}

Watermelon And Cucumber Salad {Simple & Fresh}

This Watermelon and Cucumber Salad is a great way to celebrate a warm summer day. This healthy salad is full of watermelon, cucumber, feta, avocados, and mint. It's perfect for a party or neighborhood get together.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon And Cucumber Salad {Simple & Fresh}

Skinny Watermelon Feta Salad

Skinny Watermelon Feta Salad is the perfect side dish for summer holiday cookouts and block parties. It's totally fresh and packed with minty flavor. {gluten free}
Get the Recipe: Skinny Watermelon Feta Salad

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This easy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a cinch to make and it's packed with flavor. Using lots of herbs really fills it with flavor. (gluten-free)
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Strawberry Feta Salad

This Strawberry Feta Salad is one of the best summer salads for healthy eating. It is packed with flavor and texture and made with simple ingredients like baby kale, fresh strawberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta. Coated with a simple balsamic vinaigrette, this salad will surely be a hit at your table.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Feta Salad

Vegetable Tian

Vegetable Tian is a gorgeous vegetarian side dish. Make it with summer vegetables or try one with winter root vegetables. Add parmesan or goat cheese, too!
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Tian

Low Calorie Pasta Salad {Low Cal, Gf, Vegan}

This Low Calorie Pasta Salad is loaded with vegetables and chickpea pasta. Made light and healthy for a tasty, gluten free pasta salad recipe.
Get the Recipe: Low Calorie Pasta Salad {Low Cal, Gf, Vegan}

Simple Corn Succotash

Simple Corn Succotash is made with fresh sweet corn and frozen lima beans or edamame. Check out this simple 20-minute veggie side dish!
Get the Recipe: Simple Corn Succotash

Spinach Orzo Salad With White Beans

This spinach orzo salad with white beans is a simple and healthy summer side dish with the fresh flavors of lemon and basil.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad With White Beans

Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad With Sour Cream Dressing

Make this Creamy Cucumber Salad! It's a refreshing side dish recipe for your next summer barbecue or potluck with a light, tangy dressing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad With Sour Cream Dressing

Mediterranean Black Lentil Salad

This Mediterranean black lentil salad is a healthy easy side for summer. It has feta cheese, red peppers, cucumbers and spinach in it and is gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Lentil Salad

Berry Fruit Salad

The BEST Berry Salad: easy, healthy, and completely irresistible! A refreshing honey lime dressing takes this easy fruit salad recipe to a whole new level!
Get the Recipe: Berry Fruit Salad

Grilled Zucchini

Easy Grilled Zucchini with balsamic glaze is such a simple but delicious summer side dish and great way to use up garden fresh zucchini!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Very Berry Avocado Salad

This Very Berry Avocado Salad is full of fresh fruit and ripe avocados for a healthy summer treat! It's easy to make and perfect as a BBQ side or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Very Berry Avocado Salad

Heirloom Tomato Salad

Heirloom Tomato Salad is a fresh and juicy salad that's easy to make with different colored tomatoes and a delicious garlicky vinaigrette.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Salad

Simple Sautéed Swiss Chard

This is the most simple (fool-proof) way to cook Swiss Chard and it's totally delicious! Plus it's super healthy, vegan and low carb!
Get the Recipe: Simple Sautéed Swiss Chard

Healthy No Mayo Potato Salad With Cucumber & Mint {vegetarian}

Enjoy this no-mayo potato cucumber salad with a hint of mint as a lighter alternative; perfect for summer & ideal for picnics and pot lucks.
Get the Recipe: Healthy No Mayo Potato Salad With Cucumber & Mint {vegetarian}

Lemon and Garlic Roasted Zucchini and Corn

Lemon and Garlic Roasted Zucchini and Corn- An easy, impressive, simple summer side dish with sweet corn, toasty garlic, and fresh lemon zest. Vegetarian/Vegan, gluten free, and healthy!
Get the Recipe: Lemon and Garlic Roasted Zucchini and Corn

Low Carb Rainbow Asian Slaw

Low carb rainbow asian slaw is great for summer with it's colorful vegetables & sugar free Thai dressing. Only 86 calories & 3.2g net carbs!
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Rainbow Asian Slaw

Healthy Yellow Summer Squash Casserole

This healthy Summer Squash Casserole is an easy and delicious way to enjoy fresh yellow squash! Make it ahead of time and pop it in the oven!
Get the Recipe: Healthy Yellow Summer Squash Casserole