26 Show-Stealing Vegetable Side Dishes to Enjoy All Spring and Summer Long

Pam Nelson
·5 min read

Dill Cucumber Salad

I don't know about you, but I have a ton of tomatoes, beans, corn, zucchini and asparagus sitting on my countertop and in my refrigerator right about now. Which means one thing: summer is in full swing! I love veggies and I am always trying to create new recipes using them up. Click on the gallery up above to view all 26 of these best spring and summer vegetable side dishes.

Related: 30 Fresh and Delicious Summer Salads

Best Summer Vegetable Side Dishes

There are some recipes in this collection of healthy side ideas that are no-cook, super quick and simple to make, while others are oven roasted and delicious—and definitely worth the time. Here is a collection of simple summer recipes like grilled zucchini spears with lemon vinaigrette, roasted green beans and tomatoes topped with feta, and tomato salad with fresh herbs and a balsamic reduction.

Related: 36 Easy Summer Appetizers That Are Perfect for Parties

<p>Taste of Home</p><p>These simple spuds are a step up from your basic <a href="https://parade.com/841830/kristamarshall/broccoli-bacon-stuffed-potatoes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:baked potatoes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">baked potatoes</a>.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="/1263516/parade/parmesan-baked-potatoes/" data-ylk="slk:Parmesan Baked Potatoes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Parmesan Baked Potatoes</a></strong></p>
<p>Teresa Blackburn</p><p>These simple, colorful veggie skewers from Al Roker are a beautiful way to showcase summer produce, and you can change up the mix of vegetables as you like. “Sometimes these disappear even faster than the burgers, ribs or chicken at a cookout,” says <strong><a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/al-rokers-net-worth-shows-140000799.html" data-ylk="slk:Al;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Al</a></strong>.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:<a href="/1211916/alison-ashton/al-roker-grilled-vegetable-skewers-recipe/" data-ylk="slk:Grilled Vegetable Skewers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "> Grilled Vegetable Skewers</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1211831/alison-ashton/get-grilling-with-al-roker-the-today-co-host-shares-grilling-season-recipes-and-tips/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:More Recipes From Al Roker, Plus His Tips for a Perfect Steak;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">More Recipes From Al Roker, Plus His Tips for a Perfect Steak</a></strong></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>As if the dressing wasn't great enough, these veggie planks get topped with crunchy pine nuts and salty feta cheese.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://fortheloveofcooking.net/2010/07/grilled-zucchini-spears-with-lemon.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Grilled Zucchini Spears with Lemon Vinaigrette;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Grilled Zucchini Spears with Lemon Vinaigrette</a></strong></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>What could be better than a salad with tomatoes, corn, bacon, avocado, and creamy ranch dressing? This salad stack, that's what. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2012/07/tomato-stack-salad-with-corn-bacon-and-avocado.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Tomato Stack Salad with Corn, Bacon, and Avocado;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Tomato Stack Salad with Corn, Bacon, and Avocado</a></strong></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>Garlic elevates classic corn to an eleven. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2015/04/oven-roasted-corn-on-the-cob-with-garlic-butter.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter</a></strong></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>This colorful salad is fresh, light, and delicious.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2012/09/pasta-salad-tomatoes-zucchini-and-feta.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Zucchini, and Feta;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Zucchini, and Feta</a></strong></p>
<p>There is something so delicious about fresh tomatoes with good herbs and a tasty balsamic reduction.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2011/08/tomato-salad-with-fresh-herbs-and.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Tomato Salad with Fresh Herbs and a Balsamic Reduction;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Tomato Salad with Fresh Herbs and a Balsamic Reduction</a></strong></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>You will love the combination of the tart lemon vinaigrette with the peppery arugula, the sweet watermelon, and the salty Parmesan. The salad was not only pretty to look at, but it's also tasty too!</p><p><a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2017/05/watermelon-arugula-and-spinach-salad-with-shaved-parmesan.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe: Watermelon, Arugula, and Spinach Salad with Shaved Parmesan;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Get the recipe: Watermelon, Arugula, and Spinach Salad with Shaved Parmesan</strong></a></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>This is the perfect veggie appetizer for any summer barbecue. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2017/06/panko-crusted-zucchini-with-lemon-garlic-aioli.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Panko Crusted Zucchini with Lemon-Garlic Aioli;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Panko Crusted Zucchini with Lemon-Garlic Aioli</strong></a></p>
<p>Sugar snap peas don’t need much to make them taste good. In fact, they shine with a simple sauté in canola oil with crushed red pepper flakes, garlic and ginger.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2014/06/spicy-sugar-snap-pea-saute-with-garlic-and-ginger.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Spicy Sugar Snap Pea Sauté with Garlic and Ginger;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Spicy Sugar Snap Pea Sauté with Garlic and Ginger</a></strong></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>The softened bits of garlic throughout these roasted artichokes are a wonderful and tasty surprise. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2017/07/whole-roasted-artichokes-with-lemon-garlic-aioli.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Whole Roasted Artichokes with Lemon-Garlic Aioli;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Whole Roasted Artichokes with Lemon-Garlic Aioli</strong></a></p>
<p>Climb into this bowl of summer produce perfection. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2013/04/roasted-grape-tomatoes-and-zucchini-topped-with-feta-and-chives.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Roasted Grape Tomatoes and Zucchini Topped with Feta and Chives;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Roasted Grape Tomatoes and Zucchini Topped with Feta and Chives</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/1367744/theresagreco/orzo-recipes/#gid=ci02a514c23008247d&pid=lemony-chicken-and-asparagus-orzo" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:45 Outrageously Good Orzo Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">45 Outrageously Good Orzo Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>This corn sauté paired very nicely with the stuffed poblanos and I thought it was delicious.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2015/04/corn-saute-with-zucchini-and-bell-pepper.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Corn Sauté with Zucchini and Bell Pepper;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Corn Sauté with Zucchini and Bell Pepper</a></strong></p>
<p>Zucchini coins are the platonic ideal of a late summer appetizer or a nice side dish.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2010/12/zucchini-coins-with-marinara-and.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Zucchini Coins with Marinara and Parmesan;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Zucchini Coins with Marinara and Parmesan</a></strong></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>A quick and easy sauté of zucchini and squash spears with crushed red pepper flakes. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2014/08/spicy-zucchini-and-squash-spears.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Spicy Zucchini and Squash Spears;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Spicy Zucchini and Squash Spears</a></strong></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>Sweet heirloom tomatoes sing with the tangy lemon and salty feta.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2014/09/lemony-spinach-saute-with-heirloom-tomatoes-and-feta-cheese.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Lemony Spinach Sauté with Heirloom Tomatoes and Feta Cheese;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Lemony Spinach Sauté with Heirloom Tomatoes and Feta Cheese</a></strong></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>The combination of sweet corn, salty cotija cheese, spicy jalapeno, creamy mayonnaise, and tart lime made this corn salad so flavorful and delicious.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2018/06/mexican-corn-salad.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mexican Corn Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Mexican Corn Salad</strong></a></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>Bookmark this nice and light side dish but full of flavor.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2012/06/green-beanyellow-bean-and-tomato-salad-with-white-balsamic-vinaigrette.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Green Bean,Yellow Bean, and Tomato Salad with White Balsamic Vinaigrette;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Green Bean,Yellow Bean, and Tomato Salad with White Balsamic Vinaigrette</a></strong></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>To make this dish, drizzle tomatoes with olive oil and balsamic vinegar then seasoned them with a bit of sea salt, freshly cracked pepper, and garlic powder, to taste.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2013/09/balsamic-roasted-tomatoes-with-fresh-basil.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes with Fresh Basil;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes with Fresh Basil</a></strong></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>The secret to better tomatoes and zucchini? Cotija cheese and cilantro.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2015/05/zucchini-and-tomato-saute-with-cotija-cheese-and-cilantro.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Zucchini and Tomato Sauté with Cotija Cheese and Cilantro;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Zucchini and Tomato Sauté with Cotija Cheese and Cilantro</a></strong></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>This classic side goes well with roasted chicken and grilled salmon alike. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2017/05/asparagus-spears-with-lemon-garlic-aioli.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Asparagus Spears with Lemon-Garlic Aioli;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Asparagus Spears with Lemon-Garlic Aioli</strong></a></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>Summer refreshment in a bowl.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2019/05/dill-cucumber-salad.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Dill Cucumber Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Dill Cucumber Salad</a></strong></p>

For the Love of Cooking

Summer refreshment in a bowl.

Get the recipe: Dill Cucumber Salad

<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>Feta makes any summer produce, however simply cooked, so much better. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2014/05/roasted-green-beans-and-tomatoes-topped-with-feta.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes Topped with Feta;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes Topped with Feta</a></strong></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>Caprese salad ranks high as one of the best ways to get your fill of summer tomatoes. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe:</strong> <a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2017/07/heirloom-caprese-salad-with-balsamic-reduction.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Heirloom Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Heirloom Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction</strong></a></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>Bacon bits and onion elevate this sheet pan green bean recipe. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://fortheloveofcooking.net/2019/05/roasted-green-beans-with-bacon-and-onion.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Roasted Green Beans with Bacon and Onion;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Roasted Green Beans with Bacon and Onion</strong></a></p>
<p>For the Love of Cooking</p><p>Add this bake to your summer tomato bucket list. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><a href="https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2018/08/southern-tomato-pie.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Southern Tomato Pie;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Southern Tomato Pie</strong></a></p>

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