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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    19 Summer Sides That Steal the Show Every Time

    Published: May 20, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Okay, real talk—when it comes to summer cookouts, I’m way more excited about the sides than whatever’s on the grill. Like sure, burgers and hot dogs are great, but give me a creamy pasta salad, some charred corn with a twist, or something crunchy and refreshing, and I’m in heaven. These summer sides aren’t just filler—they’re the kind of recipes that have people hovering around the table, sneaking bites before everything’s even served. So if you’re looking to seriously upgrade your next BBQ or picnic, these summer sides are about to become your new go-tos.

    Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

    A skillet filled with creamy, cooked corn kernels being stirred by a wooden spoon. The creamed corn appears to be seasoned and mixed with a rich, creamy substance, creating a luscious texture. The background is a grayish cooking surface.
    Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Rich, buttery Creamed Corn gets a homemade makeover with just four simple ingredients and 10 minutes on the stove.
    Get the Recipe: Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

    Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

    Ranch pasta salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
    Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    My All-American Summer Menu 🇺🇸

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    With all the classic flavors of creamy ranch dressing, salty bacon, and cheddar cheese, this ranch pasta salad is a refreshing crowd pleaser.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

    Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

    A bowl of creamy coleslaw with shredded purple cabbage, carrots, and herbs sits on a gray cloth napkin next to vintage silver utensils—perfect as one of your favorite dinner side dishes.
    Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Looking for a mouthwatering red cabbage coleslaw recipe? Try our quick and easy Southern dish that is perfect for busy cooks. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

    Greek Cucumber Salad With Lemon Dressing

    A bowl of Greek salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese on a white surface—perfect for spring recipes. Small bowls of olives and feta are nearby.
    Greek Cucumber Salad With Lemon Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Looking for a quick and flavorful salad recipe? Try our Greek Salad with refreshing cucumbers and zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Cucumber Salad With Lemon Dressing

    Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes

    Someone dipping a potato into a bowl of sauce.
    Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This easy, 20-minute grilled potato wedges recipe makes light and pillowy potatoes that are crispy on the outside.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes

    Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat

    A spoon full of baked beans with hamburger.
    Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These easy baked beans with ground beef are a perfect side dish for cookouts. Smoky with a sticky sweet sauce, they’re a classic.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat

    Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

    A bowl of carrot and raisin salad next to a bunch of carrots.
    Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Fresh carrot raisin salad is EASY and so flavorful! All you need is a bowl and a grater to make this slightly sweet classic salad.
    Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

    Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

    A side dish of pesto pasta next to fresh parsley.
    Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This easy parsley pesto pasta salad with walnuts is a great summer salad and incredibly simple to make for any occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

    Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries

    A clear glass bowl of corn salad with blueberries.
    Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    You’ll love this Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries with a little cumin, onions and cilantro to give this a savory twist.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries

    Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

    A bowl of macaroni salad next to a wooden spoon.
    Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    A Southern-style macaroni salad made with a creamy mayo, sour cream and dijon mustard dressing. Mix with cheddar cheese to finish, and served chilled.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

    Savory Green Beans With Bacon

    A close-up of cooked green beans mixed with pieces of bacon and sliced onions, served on a decorative blue and white plate—perfect for adding to your holiday side dishes spread.
    Savory Green Beans With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Green Beans with Bacon and Onions will transform a simple side dish into a FABULOUS one. Great for when you want to jazz up your vegetables.
    Get the Recipe: Savory Green Beans With Bacon

    Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

    A pea salad with cheddar cheese in a serving bowl.
    Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This green pea salad is a Southern favorite that comes together in one bowl. Easy to make ahead, it’s flavorful with a touch of a spicy kick.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

    Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Canned Soup

    A serving spoon in a green bean casserole made from scratch,
    Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Canned Soup. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Follow these steps at home to make this creamy casserole with fresh green beans. No canned mushroom soup here! A homemade cream sauce is used.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Canned Soup

    Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

    A platter of green bean and potato salad.
    Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Full of fresh summer flavors, this cold green bean salad recipe adds in tender new potatoes for a refreshing take on a classic summer meal.
    Get the Recipe: Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

    Cheesy Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham

    A serving spoon in a corn casserole.
    Cheesy Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This ultra cheesy corn casserole with cream cheese and ham will be your new favorite side dish! Creamy, cheesy, and so much flavor!
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham

    No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

    Parsley being sprinkled over warm potato salad
    No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This warm Roasted Potato Salad is not only great for your next potluck or cook out, but it’s perfect for a simple dinner.
    Get the Recipe: No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

    Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

    A bowl of cucumber salad with onions and two serving spoons
    Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This tangy Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and since it has no mayo, it’s perfect for warm summer days.
    Get the Recipe: Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

    Easy Fresh Green Beans And Mushrooms

    Easy Fresh Green Beans And Mushrooms. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Learn how to prepare fresh green beans and mushrooms that are crisp, not soggy, with these easy-to-follow steps and tips.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Fresh Green Beans And Mushrooms

    Seafood Pasta Salad

    seafood pasta salad in a bowl.
    Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    Seafood Pasta Salad is always such a hit at any summer cookout. It’s a perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, onion-y & sweet from the imitation crab.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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