77 Fourth Of July Side Dishes For An All-Star Cookout

Celebrate Independence Day with these easy sides you can make and take.

By

Patricia S York

Updated on June 27, 2024

Southern Living Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans in a serving dish with grilled corn beside — Photo:
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

The Fourth of July is a holiday that brings friends and family together to enjoy the summer weather and a spread of good food—and everyone has a favorite make-and-take dish to bring along to the party. For guys and gals who like to grill, we have some finger-licking rib recipes that will have your guests coming back for seconds. For Southern bakers, a cookout is the perfect time to use seasonal fruits to turn out delightfully melty cobblers or easy-to-transport sheet cakes. For most, however, it's the delicious bounty of Fourth of July side dishes—not only what's on the grill—that makes a paper plate feel like your grandmother's fine china.

A July Fourth barbecue or cookout is simply not complete without classics such as potato salad, baked beans, tomato salad, and creamed corn. Check out this lineup of fresh, seasonal Fourth of July potluck ideas—they'll have you feeling patriotic in no time.

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Classic Deviled Eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sure, we love our good old-fashioned deviled eggs and they are always right for the occasion—especially a potluck.

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Grilled Corn Ribs

Southern Living Grilled Corn Ribs on a plate to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

If the grill is already hot, Grilled Corn Ribs are the ideal 4th of July side. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of fresh flavor to this seasonal dish.

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Classic Baked Beans

Baked Beans — Antonis Achilleos

A dish of baked beans is a welcome addition to any backyard barbecue, and this recipe is classic and effortless to make and take.

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Creamed Corn Mac And Cheese

Southern Living Creamed Corn Mac and Cheese — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

For when you can't decide between corn and mac and cheese, we decided to combine the two.

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Sheet Pan Squash Casserole

Sheet Pan Squash Casserole baked and ready to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

Making squash casserole on a sheet pan instead of a casserole dish means there's even more surface are to cover with the crispy topping.

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Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad

Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This recipe may remind you of the potato salad your grandmother always served at family reunions. With hard-boiled eggs, sweet salad pickles, mayonnaise and jalapeño peppers, we guarantee your guests will be back for seconds.

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Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob

Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

This recipe is simple and delicious enough on its own—but the real stars of the show are the four topping options. From a bacony ranch drizzle to a basil butter with parmesan, these toppings are so good you'll officially make corn on the cob your forever-favorite cookout side.

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Classic Potato Salad

Classic Potato Salad Southern Living — Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

While there are plenty of different ways to make potato salad, this simple, no-fuss recipe is likely similar to the basic one that Grandma always makes.

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Best Homemade Macaroni And Cheese

Best Homemade Macaroni And Cheese — Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

You'll know this homemade mac and cheese is ready to take out of the oven when the cheese is melted and golden brown.

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Creamed Corn

Creamed corn served in a dish with a wooden spoon — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

This dish is a staple at cookouts and barbecues around the South. For an added wow factor, you can top the creamed corn with a sprinkling of fresh chives if desired.

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Tomato-Mozzarella Salad

Southern Living Tomato Mozzarella Salad on a platter to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

As much as we love using up our summer tomatoes in a fat-stacked BLT, we make use of 2 pints of fresh cherry tomatoes for this refreshing salad.

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Classic Coleslaw

Classic Coleslaw — Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Make sure to allow at least 30 minutes for the coleslaw to chill before serving.

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Corn Salad

Southern Living Corn Salad in a bowl to serve with glasses of water beside — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This corn salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight, just reserve the basil to add until just before serving.

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Best-Ever Succotash

Southern Living Best Ever Succotash in the pan ready to serve — Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Packed with some of summer's best produce, including onion, corn, and lima beans, this traditional Southern side makes the perfect potluck dish.

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Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

a bowl full of Deviled Egg Pasta Salad — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

If you can't decide between pasta salad and deviled eggs, serve up the delicious flavors of both in one dish with this 20-minute recipe.

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Summer Orzo Salad

Summer Orzo Salad — Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

The ideal big-batch summer salad to make ahead for any gathering, this dish is packed with fresh veggies, including cucumbers, tomatoes, and spinach.

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Tennessee Onions

Southern Living Tennessee Onions in the dish ready to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This cheesy onion casserole is guaranteed to become your new favorite side dish.

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7-Layer Salad

7-Layer Salad — JEN CAUSEY; FOOD STYLIST: EMILY NABORS HALL; PROP STYLIST: CALEB CLARKE

Trifle dishes aren't just for desserts. It's the perfect dish for serving up this layered salad that's not only delicious but pretty.

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Old-School Squash Casserole

Southern Living Old School Squash Casserole with a serving scooped out onto a plate with a fork — Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

This is a staple dish that pairs well with just about anything you'll find at a cookout. It takes advantage of summer squash at its peak for a rich and cheesy, yet veggie-heavy dish.

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Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans

Southern Living Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans in a serving dish with grilled corn beside — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

You'll find less sugar and salt in this recipe than traditional baked beans, but still plenty of flavor thanks to a grated sweet potato, chopped sweet onion, and bacon.

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Corn-And-Tomato Salad

Corn-And-Tomato Salad — VICTOR PROTASIO; FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN; PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINE KEELY

Think of this salad as summertime in a bowl. It comes together with just a little bit of stirring.

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Creamy Broccoli Slaw

Creamy Broccoli Slaw — Will Dickey; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee

Store-bought broccoli slaw helps this recipe come together with just 15 minutes of hands-on time.

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Loaded Potato Salad

Southern Living Loaded Potato Salad in a serving bowl ready to serve — Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Kelsey Moylan; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke

This recipe serves up everything you love about loaded potatoes in one bowl that's perfect for potlucks.

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Charred-Vegetable Guacamole

Southern Living Charred-Vegetable Guacamole in a bowl to serve with tortilla chips — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Grilled corn, onions, and jalapeños make a delicious addition to homemade guacamole.

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Texas Caviar

Texas Caviar Recipe — Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This recipe is the quickest way to be everyone's favorite host: 1 bowl, 10 ingredients, 20 minutes.

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Ranch Potato Salad

Southern Living Ranch Potato Salad in a bowl to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Starting the potatoes for this recipe in cold water will help them cook evenly as the water comes to a boil.

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Cucumber-and-Vidalia Onion Salad

Cucumber-and-Vidalia Onion Salad — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

This simple side dish salad comes together in just 10 minutes with no cooking required.

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Sautéed Squash And Zucchini

Southern Living Sauteed Squash and Zucchini in a serving bowl — Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Just a little bit of oil, salt, and pepper are needed to transform fresh summer squash and zucchini into the ideal side dish for any 4th of July gathering.

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Cajun-Style Potato Salad

Cajun-Style Potato Salad — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

We kicked it up a notch with a Louisiana-style spin on traditional potato salad.

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Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob

Oven Roasted Corn on the Cobb — Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

When you don't have the time or energy to grill it, bake it! This recipe is a keeper.

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Macaroni Corn Casserole

Macaroni Corn Casserole — Will Dickey; Prop Styling: Christina Daley; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Think of this recipe as the best of both corn casserole and mac and cheese together in one casserole.

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Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham

Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham — Jen Causey

As far as we're concerned, this old-school cold salad pairs well at any cookout.

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Grilled Potato Salad

Grilled Potato Salad — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Kellie Kelley; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

You'll want to boil the potatoes until they are fork tender and then slice and grill them for this tangy and creamy potato salad.

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Quick Pickled Slaw

Quick Pickled Slaw — Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Tina Stamos

Coleslaw is a summer side dish that we can't get enough of. This recipe is best served the day-of for maximum freshness.

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Grilled Asparagus

grilled asparagus on a platter with a serving fork — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

If the grill is already fired up for the main dish, toss some fresh asparagus on the grates as well.

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Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, And Onion Salad

Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad — Hannah Zimmerman

This vibrant, shareable dish is the ultimate way to put your summer produce to good use.

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Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry-Spinach Salad — Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Nothing says summer like a bucket of fresh strawberries from a roadside farm stand!

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Pineapple-Pepper Slaw

Pineapple-Pepper Slaw — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

A little sweet, a little spicy—this slaw is sure to be a potluck star.

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Cowboy Pasta Salad

Cowboy Pasta Salad — Photo: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

With taco-inspired ingredients like black beans, corn, cheese, and ground beef, this side dish might be your new summer family cookout go-to.

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Heirloom Tomato Pie

Southern Living Heirloom Tomato Pie finished in the pan and ready to serve — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Summertime is practically synonymous with tomato pie, and this recipe will have you making it all season long!

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Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal

Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal Recipe — Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

When it's too hot to break out the deep-fryer, a quick and lighter pan-fry will do the trick. It lets fresh okra really shine.

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Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese — Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Macaroni and cheese...but make it summery. Use your in-season tomatoes to top off this classic comfort side dish.

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Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad

Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad — Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

While you'll see plenty of salads that pair tomatoes and watermelon together, we think peaches deserve a little more attention beyond cobbler. This salad tastes like summer.

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Macaroni Pie

Macaroni Pie — Antonis Achilleos

My, oh my—a macaroni pie?! Mac and cheese that's firm enough to be sliceable, but with an utterly irresistible creaminess that can only be the result of pure magic—we're not sure how, but we made it happen.

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Smashed Oven-Fried Okra

Southern Living Smashed Oven-Fried Okra on a platter to serve with dipping sauce — Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Part appetizer, part side dish, 100% party-approved.

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Grilled Corn Salad

Southern Living Grilled Corn Salad on plates to serve — Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Using grilled corn helps this side dish hit all of the flavorful, smoky, and slightly sweet notes in every bite.

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Watermelon, Cucumber, And Feta Salad

watermelon, cucumber, and feta recipe — PHOTO: HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; PROP STYLING: LYDIA PURSELL; FOOD STYLING: TONI BROGAN

This isn't your basic watermelon salad. Cucumbers and melon soak up a tangy lime-lemon-shallot vinaigrette and are topped with feta cheese.

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Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers with Dijon Dipping Sauce

Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers with Dijon Dipping Sauce — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

While this whole dish is a winning combo, it's the okra that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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Crispy Potatoes

Crispy Potatoes — Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Katelyn Hardwick

Two different kinds of potatoes and the foolproof combo of seasonings will see you through this recipe.

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Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

It doesn't get more crowd-pleasing than a Caprese. Give this salad a fun new look by using a mix of multicolored cherry tomatoes and small fresh mozzarella balls tossed in a simple vinaigrette.

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Permanent Slaw

Permanent Slaw — Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Like a cross between a vinegar-based coleslaw and chowchow, this recipe is just the tangy touch to add to any cookout main.

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Oven-Fried Zucchini Sticks

Baked Zucchini Fries — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Serve these crispy zucchini fries as a fun and fresher alternative to French fries.

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Mac and Cheese with Ham

Southern Living Mac And Cheese With Ham — Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayliss

Believe it or not, this reader favorite is made on the lighter side. Subtle than most on the butter and cheese, this outdoor party original will still melt in your mouth.

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Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with Field Peas

Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with Field Peas — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

This gorgeous summer pasta salad showcases peak-season tomatoes, fresh herbs, and field peas.

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Lady Pea Sala

Southern Living Lady Pea Salad on a plate to serve — Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This light and bright salad comes together with just 10 minutes of hands-on time.

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Tee's Corn Pudding

Tee's Corn Pudding — Emily Laurae/Southern Living

One of our most requested recipes for a summer outdoor event, this classic recipe has a rich, soufflé-like texture without the hassle.

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Corn Fritters

corn fritters — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins

These fritters are reminiscent of hush puppies, but are much lighter and richer in flavor.

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Roasted Pepper-Tomato Salad With Crispy Black-Eyed Peas

Southern Living Roasted Pepper-Tomato Salad With Crispy Black-Eyed Peas — Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Make a light and bright summer salad with your seasonal bounty.

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Spicy Pineapple Slaw

Spicy Pineapple Slaw — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Kellie Kelley; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

No mayo required for this summertime slaw that gets a little kick from minced jalapeño pepper and a Fresno chile.

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Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad with Feta

Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad with Feta — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Kellie Kelley; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Throw some peaches on the grill with your hamburgers and hot dogs. The sweet slices pair perfectly with feta and arugula for a side salad.

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Broccoli and Grape Pasta Salad

Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad in a white bowl with golden spoon — Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

A light and refreshing pasta salad for any potluck.

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Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes served in a baking pan — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Ranking; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

It's the creamy, cheesy potato bake that belongs at every barbecue.

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Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole

Zucchini, Squash, and Corn Casserole — Hector Sanchez; Stylist: Buffy Hargett

Yellow squash and zucchini are quite prolific in the South. This recipe, a popular choice for cookouts and outdoor parties, makes delicious use of summer's bounty.

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Rum Baked Beans

Rum Baked Beans — Hector Sanchez

Baked beans belong at a Fourth of July cookout like hotdogs belong at the ballpark. Loaded with bacon and four types of beans, this side is so hearty some might mistake it for the main course.

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Street Corn Salad

Street Corn Salad — Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

This quick and effortless Street Corn Salad comes together in a quick 20 minutes. Combine the ingredients with a dash of olive oil and sprinkle with cheese and you have a delicious summer side or dip. Now that's summer siding made simple!

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Picnic Egg Salad

Picnic Egg Salad on Toast — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

No picnic or potluck is complete with one of the most nostalgic spreads—egg salad.

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Ham Salad

Cheese Puffs with Ham Salad — Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

We are bringing old-fashioned ham salad back to the spotlight with this recipe. It's fit for any occasion: Keep it simple with crackers or dress it up as a tea sandwich.

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Fried Green Tomatoes

fried green tomatoes stacked — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins

The ultimate side dish: Serve them shining on their own, with a dip, or on an iconic Fried Green Tomato BLT.

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Whipped-Cream Corn Salad

Whipped-Cream Corn Salad — Southern Living

This recipe elevates classic cream corn and makes it extra light and fluffy.

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Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

garlic parmesan green beans — Photographer: Isaac Nunn, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Even the vegetable averse will go crazy for these green beans made with bacon, crispy Parm, and plenty of garlic.

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BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons

BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons — Photo: Alison Miksch

This deconstructed version of summer's most beloved sandwich (the BLT) makes for an incredibly satisfying side.

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Deviled Egg-Potato Salad

Deviled Egg Potato Salad — Antonis Achilleos

You can't go wrong when you combine two of the South's most popular picnic dishes: deviled eggs and potato salad.

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South Carolina Slaw

South Carolina Slaw — Will Dickey

A traditional Carolina slaw uses vinegar, not mayo. This one also pairs up with two types of mustard for a truly tangy slaw option.

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Grandma Gwen's Beans

Grandma Gwen's Beans — Jennifer Davick; Prop Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

This top-rated reader favorite won our 2012 'Cue Awards for Best Baked Beans. One bite and you will understand why.

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Two-Cheese Squash Casserole

Two-Cheese Squash Casserole — Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Amy Burke

This cheesy summertime favorite calls for yellow squash, but feel free to sub in some zucchini for an added burst of color.

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Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad

Tomato and Watermelon Salad — Oxmoor House

If you like salt on your watermelon, you'll love the flavors of this salad. When Chef Bill Smith at Crook's Corner Café and Bar in Chapel Hill, NC put this dish on his menu, it was an instant hit. Who knew tomatoes and watermelons play so well together?

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Three-Cheese Pasta Bake

Three-Cheese Pasta Bake

This delicious variation on traditional macaroni and cheese is easy to prepare and ideal for both weeknight family dinners and weekend entertaining.

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