16 Summer Sides to Showcase Peak Produce

## A Season of Abundance We are currently experiencing one of the greatest produce seasons of the year, with an array of beautiful and flavorful ingredients at our fingertips. Tomatoes, zucchini, watermelon, stonefruit, and eggplant are just a few of the many delicious options available, and the recipes below will help you make the most of them. ## A Collection of Refreshing Sides From sweet and savory salads to smoky grilled vegetables, the following recipes showcase the best of peak season produce. Each dish is carefully crafted to highlight the unique flavors and textures of its ingredients, making them perfect for hot summer days and outdoor gatherings. ### Tomato-Watermelon Salad This refreshing salad combines sweet watermelon and peak-season tomatoes with fresh herbs and a simple dressing, creating an effortlessly elegant side dish that's perfect for summer. ### Grilled Corn With Harissa and Smoked Paprika Butter Grilled corn gets a bold upgrade with a smoky, spicy butter flavored with harissa and smoked paprika. Rich, buttery, and packed with charred sweetness, it's a standout side dish that pairs perfectly with everything from burgers to grilled seafood. ### Dense Bean Salad With Charred Jalapeño-Lime Dressing Packed with hearty beans, crisp vegetables, and a smoky charred jalapeño-lime dressing, this protein-rich salad is as satisfying as it is refreshing. It holds up beautifully in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead lunch, picnic dish, or potluck contribution. ### Cucumber Salad With Salsa Macha Cool, crisp cucumbers meet the smoky heat and crunch of salsa macha in this bold, refreshing salad. The contrast of fresh vegetables and deeply savory chile oil creates a simple side that's packed with texture and vibrant flavor. ### Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad Grilling peaches intensifies their sweetness and adds smoky depth to this elegant summer salad. Paired with creamy burrata and fresh herbs, it's a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and rich flavors that's perfect for entertaining. ### Grilled Eggplant With Yogurt Sauce Smoky grilled eggplant is paired with a cool, tangy yogurt sauce for a simple dish that's packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Tender, creamy, and beautifully charred, it's a versatile side that complements almost any grilled meal. ### Tomato and Tomatillo Salad Juicy tomatoes and tart tomatillos combine in a bright, refreshing salad that highlights the best of summer produce. The contrast of sweet and tangy flavors makes this an excellent side for grilled meats, tacos, or seafood. ### Spicy Grilled Watermelon Grilling brings out watermelon's natural sweetness while adding subtle smoky notes, and a spicy seasoning blend provides just the right kick. This unexpected side dish is refreshing, bold, and guaranteed to spark conversation at summer cookouts. ### Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) This off-the-cob version of Mexican street corn combines sweet corn with creamy, tangy, spicy flavors for an irresistible side dish. Finished with cheese, lime, and chile, it's rich, vibrant, and a perfect companion to grilled meats or tacos. ### Grilled Radicchio With Cherry Gastrique Grilling mellows radicchio's pleasant bitterness, while a sweet-tart cherry gastrique adds rich complexity. The result is an elegant vegetable side that balances smoky, fruity, and savory flavors in every colorful bite. ### Egyptian Mesaka'a With Eggplant and Tomato Sauce Layers of tender eggplant are simmered in a richly spiced tomato sauce in this comforting Egyptian classic. Naturally vegetarian and deeply flavorful, mesaka'a is equally satisfying served warm or at room temperature with rice or fresh bread. ### Charred Corn and Avocado Salad Sweet charred corn, creamy avocado, and fresh herbs come together in a vibrant salad bursting with summer flavor. Lightly dressed and full of contrasting textures, it's an easy side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or tacos. ### Blistered-Tomato Pasta Salad With Basil Blistering cherry tomatoes concentrates their sweetness, creating a flavorful base for this fresh pasta salad. Tossed with basil, tender pasta, and a light dressing, it's a simple yet sophisticated side that shines at barbecues, potlucks, or casual summer dinners. ### Baked Zucchini Fries With Herby Feta Dip Encased in a Parmesan-laced breadcrumb coating and baked until golden, these baked crunchy zucchini fries are perfect for dipping into its cool, creamy feta and dill dip. ### Eggplant Fatteh This Middle Eastern-inspired dish layers roasted eggplant with crispy pita, creamy yogurt, and warm spices for an irresistible mix of textures. Rich yet refreshing, eggplant fatteh makes a satisfying vegetarian main or an impressive addition to a mezze spread. ### Provençal Tian (Eggplant, Zucchini, Squash, and Tomato Casserole) Recipe This handsome cousin of ratatouille concentrates the flavors of late summer produce, making it a perfect side dish for summer gatherings and barbecues.