Photo, Roberto Caruso.
Side salads are the backbone of a great summer barbecue—they add colour, variety and fresh flavour to the main table, breaking up heavy servings of grilled meat. So for your next weekend meal, go all out and load up a paper plate or two with salads that celebrate the best of the season. Tip: Don't be afraid to make extra, even if you're only cooking for family or a small socially distanced group — many of these salads will keep well in the fridge (hello leftovers!).
Scroll through our favourite summer side salad recipes:
If you’re not grilling your potatoes for potato salad, you’re doing it wrong. Pair with our reverse-sear steak. Get this chimichurri grilled potato salad.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.You won’t be able to stop picking at this refreshing salad filled with lightly pickled veggies. Pair with our grilled satay tofu skewers. Get this Thai basil and cilantro salad recipe.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.You’ll love this take on a classic coleslaw. Pair with our teriyaki chicken wings. Get this chive and napa cabbage salad recipe.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.Okra is well-used and requested all year round in the Philippines: it can be tossed in salad, stewed, or braised. Rich tomatoes and bright okra are a perfect pair for this delicious dish, plus our cooking method gets rid of the slimy texture. Get this Okra & Tomato Salad recipe.
Photo, Ashley Capp. Food styling, Ashley Denton. Prop styling, Rayna Marlee Schwartz.Finely chopped cauliflower replaces the bulgur in this classic Middle Eastern salad. Pair with our harissa and za’atar grilled lamb chops. Get this mint cauliflower tabbouleh recipe.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.Tarragon leaves pair perfectly with the fruits and veggies in this salad. Pair with our grilled honey Dijon salmon fillets. Get this tarragon, grilled fennel and apple salad.
Photo, Roberto Caruso.In the Philippines, this dish is made with grated green papaya. We’ve decided to go with mango, as it's a little easier to find. Get this Mango Slaw recipe.
Photo, Ashley Capp. Food styling, Ashley Denton. Prop styling, Rayna Marlee Schwartz.This brightly coloured salad, made with multi-grain bread, tomatoes, cucumbers and flaked tuna, will complement any barbecue table (but it can also hold its own as a main dish!). Get this tuna panzanella salad recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.While halloumi cheese is great when grilled, we like to add it, uncooked, to this carrot and chickpea salad for a more muted flavour. Get this carrot, halloumi and chickpea salad recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.Give your potato salad a Mediterranean spin with sun-dried tomatoes, olives and a lemon-oregano dressing. Get this Greek potato salad recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.This savoury melon salad is a popular offering at street-food carts in Mexico, and is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue, too. Get this spiced melon salad recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.This simple slaw has just the right amount of creaminess. Pair it with barbecued chicken, or add it to pulled pork sandwiches. Get this classic coleslaw recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.Sugar snap peas, along with fresh and canned beans, gives this salad a satisfying crunch. Get this bean salad recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.This crowd-pleaser is a major improvement from the versions you find at the grocery store, and makes the perfect side for a summer barbecue. Get this classic macaroni salad recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.Loaded with baby spinach, cucumber, lentils and tomatoes, this dish adds a touch of Turkish inspiration to the salad table. Get this Turkish salad with mint and feta recipe.
Photo, Sian Richards.This crunchy, satisfying salad uses tart apple (you'll love it) and gherkin pickle (our favourite in potato salad) to balance out the rich cream dressing. Baby red potatoes, hard-boiled eggs and a generous amount of dill fronds bring it all together. Get this Nordic potato salad recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.You’ll fight over the leftovers for this salad of tender-crisp asparagus, sharp parmesan and toasted pine nuts. Get this shaved asparagus salad recipe.
Photo, Erik Putz.Red potatoes not only add a vibrant pop of colour to this classic side dish, they also hold their shape better than other varieties so leftovers (if there are any!) will be equally fantastic. Get this baby-red-potato salad recipe.
Photo, John Cullen.Fresh vegetables, citrusy vinaigrette and a kick of jalapeño make this sunny pasta salad a staple for weeknight dinners and family barbecues. Get this summer-corn pasta salad recipe.
Photo, Angus Fergusson.We’ve added cilantro, edamame and shiitake mushrooms to black rice to turn it into a beautiful salad. It’s an easy way to load up your plate with extra colour and fresh flavours. Get this black rice and edamame salad recipe.
Photo, John Cullen.Enjoy the fresh simplicity of summer tomatoes with cheese. Get this heirloom caprese salad recipe.
Photo, Robert CarusoCharred eggplant, fresh tomatoes and capers mean every mouthful is brimming with flavour. Get this grilled eggplant salad recipe.
Photo, Angus Fergusson.Packed with herbs, zesty citus and tender-crisp brown rice, this lettuce-less salad is a refreshing barbecue side. Get this herbed brown rice salad recipe.
Photo, Angus Fergusson.Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.