Summers are filled with backyard cookouts and family picnics. Whether you are hosting the gathering or contributing to a potluck, new ideas for summer side dishes with onions will keep everyone at the table happy. Onions add flavor and nutrition to side dish recipes. They pair well with everything from grilled beef and chicken to shrimp and veggie burgers. We’re here to help you plan the best summer meal of the season.
What are the best summer side dishes?
Summer means the temperatures can soar so the less you have to cook, the better. Avoid heating up the oven and turn to recipes that require no cooking, those that only require the stove or microwave, and those that can be prepared alongside meats and fish on the grill. Lighter side dishes are best for summer such as salads and those that make fresh, seasonal vegetables the star. While a few traditional recipes, such as potato salad, are essential, consider keeping other options dairy-free and mayo-free so they won’t spoil in the summer heat.
Can side dishes be made ahead of time?
Most side dishes can easily be made ahead of time, freeing you up to mingle with arriving guests and manage the grill. Pasta salads, potato salads, and marinated vegetables are often more flavorful after they rest in the refrigerator. If a complete recipe can’t be made ahead of time, you can usually make some components so that everything is ready to stir together right before you serve it. For example, chop vegetables and prepare dressings in the morning, but wait to dress leafy green salads until just before you take them to the table.
What kind of onions are best to use for summer side dishes?
During summer months sweet onions and fresh red, white, and yellow onions are all available. Most of these onions are interchangeable in summer side dishes but follow recipes if one type of onion is recommended. To add a pop of color to the table consider working in red onions. For recipes that call for raw onions, take advantage of the short season for sweet onions. This variety has a shorter shelf-life and is only available this time of year.
What are some summer side dish recipes with onions?
Switch up this summer’s potato salad and try BistroPotato Salad with Caramelized Onions. Sliced, tender potatoes are dressed with the flavors of Dijon, dill, and sweet caramelized onions.
Keep things simple and healthy with this Avocado Citrus Salad with Marinated Onions. Our fresh Gazpacho Salad is also loaded with seasonal vegetables for those wanting to keep their meals light and nutritious.
This tangy Marinated Onion and Cucumber Salad is ideal for making ahead of time. You can mix it together in 15 minutes and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Chilled Mango-Caramelized Onion Soup with Shrimp is a summer soup that can be served alongside your favorite salad, or make your own version of a surf-and-turf by pairing it with a grilled steak.
Pasta salads are a picnic essential and this Sweet Onion Pasta Salad with Creamy Herb Dressing
combines slivers of crunchy onion with bell peppers and olives. If you prefer to skip the pasta, try our Sweet Onion Veggie Salad that is served with margarita dressing.
Make your side the same time you prepare your main with this Grilled Vegetable Escalivada. It combines summer favorites such as squash and eggplant so there will be something everyone will enjoy.
How can I get kids involved in preparing summer side dish recipes?
Keep kids busy during summer break by involving them in summer cooking. Kids of all ages can help with stirring potato and pasta salads and blending dressings for side dishes. They can also assemble easy recipes such as these Pineapple Mint Onion Snacks.
Cut the slices for them and let kids stack each serving and garnish them with mint. Involve kids in the planning and recipe preparation. One way to do this is to encourage them to put their twist on summer side dish recipes. We like to use the cookbook activity from our free, downloadable Ninja Onion Odyssey Activity Book.
There is a place to write down recipes to create a cookbook that can be used for many summers to come.
