Summer is all about relaxing, so try some of these easy summer side dishes instead of spending time with fussy recipes! Pair them with grilled steaks, chicken, chops, or fish, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
Grilled Avocados
Turn up the volume on delicious avocados by lightly grilling them and infusing some smoky flavor.
Ingredients
- Whole ripe avocados
- Fresh squeezed lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat
- Slice the avocados in half lengthwise, removing the pit
- Brush the flesh with lime juice, olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper
- Oil the grill grates and place the avocados cut-side down over indirect heat
- Grill with the lid open for 3-4 minutes until the avocado becomes slightly tender
- Remove from the grill. Serve with more lime juice and salt/pepper if desired.
- They can be scooped and sliced, or eaten right from the rind.
Sliced Tomatoes & Cheese
Whether it’s heirloom tomatoes from the farmer’s market or fresh ones from your local grocer, jazz them up with a few flavorful ingredients for a sensational side.
Ingredients
- Fresh, ripe tomatoes (any kind or size)
- Cheese of your choice (goat, feta, blue, parmesan, fresh mozzarella, etc.)
- Chopped herbs of your choice (basil, oregano, thyme, etc)
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar or glaze
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Slice tomatoes to desired thickness, perhaps 1/4 inch thick
- Season with salt and pepper
- Top with cheese, making sure there is cheese on each tomato slice
- Sprinkle herbs evenly
- Lightly pour olive oil & balsamic evenly over tomatoes
Grilled Corn on the Cob
With one ingredient and minimal steps, this simple recipe celebrates the pure flavor of corn during peak season. The sugars in fresh corn begin to turn to starch once it has been picked. So, the fresher your corn, the sweeter it will be.
Ingredients
- Ears of corn, all husks and silks removed
Directions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat
- Oil grates
- Place corn directly over heat, rotating a quarter turn every 1-2 minutes until all four sides are cooked.
- Corn will char lightly, which adds a smoky flavor.
- Serve immediately, with salted butter if desired.
