Description
A collection of 5 delicious and easy summer side dish recipes perfect for any dinner. These recipes are quick to prepare and feature fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients
- Corn Salad: 4 ears of corn, kernels removed; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; salt and pepper to taste
- Tomato and Cucumber Salad: 2 large tomatoes, chopped; 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; salt and pepper to taste
- Grilled Asparagus: 1 pound asparagus, trimmed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; salt and pepper to taste; lemon wedges, for serving
- Watermelon Feta Salad: 4 cups cubed watermelon; 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Caprese Skewers: 1 pint cherry tomatoes; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini); fresh basil leaves; balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Corn Salad: In a large bowl, combine corn kernels, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over corn mixture and toss to combine.
- Tomato and Cucumber Salad: In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. In a small bowl, whisk together basil, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over tomato mixture and toss to combine.
- Grilled Asparagus: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Serve with lemon wedges.
- Watermelon Feta Salad: In a large bowl, combine watermelon, feta cheese, and mint. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Toss gently to combine.
- Caprese Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
- For the Corn Salad, you can grill the corn before removing the kernels for a smoky flavor.
- The Tomato and Cucumber Salad can be made ahead of time, but add the dressing just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
- When grilling asparagus, be sure to watch it carefully to prevent it from burning.
- The Watermelon Feta Salad is best served immediately.
- For the Caprese Skewers, you can use different types of tomatoes and mozzarella, such as grape tomatoes and ciliegine mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: summer side dishes, corn salad, tomato cucumber salad, grilled asparagus, watermelon feta salad, caprese skewers, easy recipes, vegetarian