When planning out summer menus, the focus is usually on figuring out the perfect main dish to make and the side dishes are merely an afterthought. But burgers and barbecue would be nothing without a supporting cast of salads and sides that help round out and complement the robust flavors with a touch of sweet, tangy, creamy or cool. So, this summer we’re focusing on the true stars of the meal by making these perfect summer salad and side dish recipes.
Marinated Tomatoes and Onions
Impeccably ripe summer tomatoes and Vidalia onions are tossed with a simple mustard vinaigrette to bring out their juicy sweetness in this classic summer recipe. It comes to us by way of BBQ pitmaster Rodney Scott and the secret ingredient in the dressing is Rodney’s Rib Rub and Rodney’s Sauce – his signature vinegar and cayenne barbecue sauce. Best eaten at room temperature after the tomatoes and onions have softened slightly, this is a perfect salad for an outdoor picnic or party.
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Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
Summer weekends are meant for dining al fresco, and this pasta salad will become your go-to recipe for brunches on the porch. A more sophisticated version of the typical pasta salad served at picnics, it features smoked salmon, goat cheese and a homemade lemon dill aioli dressing. Making your own aioli might seem daunting but is really quite simple. And the resulting light and creamy flavor is far superior to jarred mayonnaise, making it well worth the effort.
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Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad
Offset the rich and smoky flavors of barbecued or grilled meats with this refreshing fruit salad. It’s basically summer in a bowl with juicy, sweet watermelon that is simply tossed with salty feta, cool mint and a touch of honey. You can replace the watermelon with any other type of summer melon, just be sure the melon is perfectly ripe. Wondering how to tell if a melon is ripe? Check out this 6-step approach from David Leite of Leite’s Culinaria.
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Zesty Roasted Potato Salad with Preserved Lemons
Potato salad is a must-have at every summer gathering. This take on the classic amps up the potato flavor by first roasting the potatoes and then tossing them with a briny tart dressing of yogurt and preserved lemon, along with plenty of fresh garden herbs. If you can’t find preserved lemons, feel free to substitute regular lemon zest and lemon juice in the recipe. Look for Meyer lemons at the market, they’re worth seeking out for their slightly sweeter flavor.
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Smashed Cucumbers
Smashing cucumbers with a rolling pin releases some of the water from the vegetable and helps intensify their flavor. Toss them with this slightly spicy garlic, lime and mint dressing which is deliciously absorbed by the irregularly-shaped pieces. The cucumbers are a refreshing accompaniment to rich and spicy foods, or serve them on a Mezze Platter alongside hummus, olives, feta, roasted red peppers and plenty of grilled pita for a casually elegant summer feast.
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