The weather outside is completely gorgeous and you’re stuck in the kitchen, crafting a multi-course meal for that dinner party you promised to host three weeks ago. No worries, friend: Here are 18 summer sides that come together with only five ingredients (you’ve got salt, pepper and olive oil, right?), so you can soak up the sun.
18 Five-Ingredient Summer Side Dishes to Make on Repeat
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Published Jul 19, 2019
Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
No one needs to know you used store-bought dressing—they won’t even be able to tell, promise. (Thanks, Coterie member Heidi Larsen).
Arugula Salad With Parmesan, Lemon And Olive Oil
Who has a minimal ingredient list and a three-minute prep time? This guy.
Sesame Garlic Roasted Asparagus
A little bit of sesame oil goes a long way to make this side, courtesy of Coterie member Monique Volz, spectacularly flavorful. Bonus points if you toast the sesame seed garnish.
Zucchini Rice
And you thought the summer squash was just for zoodles. Serve this healthy starch substitute with a grilled steak or chicken—your choice.
Tomato Salad With Grilled Halloumi And Herbs
Ripe tomatoes and fresh basil don’t need much more than a sprinkling of flaky salt. Add some grilled halloumi and voilà, fancy summer side.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Shishitos And Chives
Once you smash potatoes, you’ll never want them any other way. Thanks, Coterie member Jodi Moreno.
Five-ingredient Caprese Phyllo Cups
Forget the fact that these babies take almost no effort—they’re also really damn cute.
Easy Zucchini Chips
You’re three ingredients away from a side that’s as easy (and satisfying) as ripping into a fresh bag of potato chips.
Five-ingredient Spinach Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
Allow Coterie member Maria Lichty to demonstrate that simple and flavorful aren’t mutually exclusive (especially when it involves Parmesan, garlic and butter).
The Best Grilled Corn
When the grill is already fired up, why not throw some corn on top? It’s easier and tastier than boiling.
Everything Home Fries
Coterie member Gaby Dalkin knows that French fries are never a bad idea—time to break out the Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel seasoning.
Grilled Broccolini
Since seasonal produce already requires little to no fuss, we’re grilling veggies all summer long.
Roasted Asparagus With Lemon, Feta And Pistachios
With a trio of flavors like these, it’s hard to believe this elegant side takes less than 30 minutes to make.
Crispy Salted Tostones
These fried plantain slices take just 15 minutes to make and are begging to be dunked in your favorite dipping sauce.
Summer Corn, Halloumi And Browned Butter Salad
Confession: We could eat corn every single day until September, no matter how it’s prepared. Here, the browned butter seals the deal.
Grilled Eggplant With Roasted Tomatoes And Scallion Miso Butter
Take a quick trip to the farmers market, then tell everyone you grew the ingredients for this salad in your backyard.
Grilled Artichokes With Lemon Vinaigrette
Serve these at your next barbecue (with aioli for dipping and a side of rosé, of course).
Summer Green Bean Bacon Salad
The hyper-seasonal squash blossoms are worth seeking out, but if you can’t find them, sub in parsley. (Thanks, Coterie member Carlene Thomas.)
