21 Bean and Grain Sides for a Summer Spread

Once summer rolls around, I always find myself looking for new side dishes to mix things up. There's nothing wrong with the usual salads, but it's fun to have a few more options, especially for cookouts, picnics, or potlucks.

From baked beans and black bean salad to chimichurri rice, lentil tabbouleh, and fresh green bean salads, there's something here for just about every summer meal. You might even find a new favorite that steals the spotlight from whatever's on the grill.

Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Apples and Bacon

A close-up of baked beans in sauce, garnished with sliced green onions, with a spoon in the dish. — Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Apples and Bacon. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Rich, smoky flavors meet sweet caramelized apples in Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Apples and Bacon. Every bite is hearty, comforting, and perfect alongside grilled favorites. This recipe is a great choice for cookouts, backyard barbecues, or relaxed family dinners when you want a crowd-pleasing classic.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Apples and Bacon

Hearty Mexican Wild Rice

wild rice topped with tomatoes — Mexican Wild Rice. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Warm spices and the naturally nutty flavor of wild rice make Hearty Mexican Wild Rice a standout side. Its pleasantly chewy texture adds extra interest to every bite while complementing a variety of main dishes. It's a delicious way to bring wholesome flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Wild Rice

Creamy Savory Coconut Jasmine Rice

A close-up of a bowl of cooked rice garnished with chopped green herbs, with a spoon scooping some. — Coconut Jasmine Rice. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Looking for an easy way to elevate plain rice? Creamy Savory Coconut Jasmine Rice delivers fluffy grains infused with coconut milk, garlic, and ginger for a flavorful twist. The delicate balance of creamy and savory flavors pairs well with everything from grilled meats to seafood.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Jasmine Rice

Hawaiian Macadamia Fried Rice for Family Dinners

A square white bowl filled with fried rice, chopped vegetables, and scrambled egg strips. — Hawaiian Macadamia Fried Rice. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

A handful of crunchy macadamia nuts transforms Hawaiian Macadamia Fried Rice for Family Dinners into something extra special. The combination of savory flavors and rich texture makes every serving satisfying. It's an easy side that feels impressive without requiring much extra work.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Macadamia Fried Rice

Fresh Black Bean and Corn Salad

A wooden bowl filled with black bean, corn, avocado, tomato, and pepper salad with cilantro. — Fresh Black Bean and Corn Salad. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

Colorful vegetables, hearty black beans, and sweet corn come together in Fresh Black Bean and Corn Salad for a refreshing summer side. A zesty homemade dressing adds brightness without overpowering the fresh ingredients. It's quick to prepare and perfect for cookouts, tacos, or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Black Bean and Corn Salad

Fluffy Orzo Pilaf Rice

A glass bowl filled with cooked rice, garnished with chopped fresh herbs on top. — Orzo Pilaf Rice. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

Toasted orzo adds a subtle richness to Fluffy Orzo Pilaf Rice while keeping the texture tender and light. This versatile side pairs effortlessly with grilled meats, seafood, poultry, or vegetables. It's an easy recipe you'll find yourself making often.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pilaf Rice

Green Beans and New Potato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

Green Beans and Potato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Crisp green beans and tender potatoes come together beautifully in Green Beans and New Potato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette. The lightly sweet dressing enhances every bite without overpowering the vegetables. It's equally at home on a holiday table or a casual summer picnic.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta

A bowl of white bean salad with red peppers, onions, parsley, and feta cheese, served with two gold spoons. — Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Immigrants Table.

Packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich beans, Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta is both light and satisfying. The lemon-garlic vinaigrette keeps every bite bright and refreshing. It's a wonderful no-cook side for entertaining or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta

Fresh Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries

Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Smoky grilled corn and bursts of sweet blueberries give Fresh Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries its colorful appeal. A tangy dressing ties everything together while highlighting the fresh ingredients. It's a vibrant addition to picnics, barbecues, and outdoor meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries

Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Hearty enough to satisfy a crowd, Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef take a barbecue favorite to the next level. Slow-cooked in a rich, smoky sauce, every bite is packed with comforting flavor. It's a dependable addition to cookouts, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef

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Feta Green Bean Salad with Tomatoes

Bright tomatoes, crisp green beans, and creamy feta make Feta Green Bean Salad with Tomatoes as colorful as it is flavorful. The tangy mustard dressing ties everything together beautifully. It's a simple side that pairs perfectly with grilled meals throughout the summer.
Get the Recipe: Feta Green Bean Salad with Tomatoes

Crustless Tomato Pie with Farro

Fresh summer tomatoes shine in Crustless Tomato Pie with Farro alongside herbs, cheese, and hearty farro. Every slice is creamy, savory, and packed with seasonal flavor. It makes a wonderful side or light meal when tomatoes are at their peak.
Get the Recipe: Crustless Tomato Pie with Farro

Copycat Chipotle Mexican Grill Black Beans Recipe

Mexican Grill Black Beans. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Skip the takeout and enjoy the bold flavors of Copycat Chipotle Mexican Grill Black Beans Recipe at home. Smoky seasoning gives these beans plenty of depth, making them perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or grilled meats. It's an easy homemade side you'll reach for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Grill Black Beans

Creamy Corn and Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

Corn and Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Cool, crisp, and creamy, Creamy Corn and Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt is a refreshing choice for warm days. Sweet corn and crunchy cucumbers create wonderful texture in every bite. Serve it with grilled favorites or as part of a light summer spread.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

Bright Chimichurri Rice

Chimichurri Rice. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor to Bright Chimichurri Rice while keeping the texture light and fluffy. This versatile side complements grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables with ease. Add chicken for a satisfying one-pot meal when you want something more substantial.
Get the Recipe: Chimichurri Rice

Sweet & Tangy Black Eyed Pea Salad

Black Eyed Pea Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Sweet, tangy, and refreshingly crisp, Sweet & Tangy Black Eyed Pea Salad is made for warm-weather gatherings. The bright dressing perfectly complements the hearty beans for a dish that's both light and satisfying. Make it ahead for parties, picnics, or easy weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Black Eyed Pea Salad

Green Bean and Sweet Corn Salad with Fresh Herbs

Green Bean and Sweet Corn Salad. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Seasonal vegetables take center stage in Green Bean and Sweet Corn Salad with Fresh Herbs. A bright vinaigrette and fragrant herbs keep every bite fresh and vibrant. It's an easy side for everything from cookouts to weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean and Sweet Corn Salad

Easy Cuban-Style Black Beans Using Canned Beans

A bowl of cooked black beans with chopped vegetables, stirred with a wooden spoon. — Cuban-Style Black Beans. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Busy nights call for recipes like Easy Cuban-Style Black Beans Using Canned Beans that come together quickly without sacrificing flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, this satisfying side pairs beautifully with rice or your favorite Latin-inspired meals. It's a simple addition that feels both hearty and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Cuban-Style Black Beans

Fresh Lentil Tabbouleh

Lentil Tabbouleh. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Fresh herbs and protein-rich lentils give Fresh Lentil Tabbouleh a hearty twist on the classic salad. Bright flavors and crisp vegetables make it both refreshing and satisfying. It's an excellent side for warm-weather meals or a wholesome lunch.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Tabbouleh

Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon

Deep molasses flavor and crispy bacon make Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon a timeless barbecue favorite. The blend of beans creates a satisfying texture while the sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweet and smoky. This classic side belongs at every family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon

Crock Pot Boston Baked Bean Recipe

Boston Baked Bean Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Slow cooking brings out the rich, sweet-and-savory flavors in Crock Pot Boston Baked Bean Recipe with almost no hands-on work. The long simmer creates a hearty side that's ideal for gatherings. Bring it to potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners for guaranteed smiles.
Get the Recipe: Boston Baked Bean