8 grilling sides that get better with time

Grilling season is equally about the meat as it is about the sides and I love a side that can be made-ahead and gets better as it marinates in the fridge. 

Also, I prefer to have one grilled component (usually protein) and then sides that are not grilled so there isn’t too much smoky, charred flavor going on all at once.

So below are a few favorite summer salads that you can make a big batch of and then all you have to do is throw protein on the grill and call it a meal!

(ALL RECIPE TITLES BELOW ARE LINKED)

Grilled Veggie Couscous Salad with Yogurt Ranch Dressing

This salad is all about the dressing, so you can replace the grilled veggies with raw veggies or use jarred artichokes/peppers etc…

Summer Shrimp and Bean Salad

Already packed with protein from the shrimp and beans, this hearty salad can be a stand alone dinner with some tortilla chips or toast.

Grilled Street Corn Salad

Corn (you can grill it, pan-fry it, or leave it raw) gets tossed with lots of herbs, crunchy cabbage, and spicy jalapeño in a creamy tangy dressing. Pair it with this Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken.

Best Ever Lentil Salad

This really is the best ever lentil salad and is so good paired with grilled/cooked sausage.

Thai Crunch Rice Salad with Sesame Peanut Dressing

A flavor and texture packed salad that you can pair this with some simple grilled chicken or these satay chicken skewers.

Raw Corn Tomato and Avocado Salad

a super simple, no-cook salad that’s best enjoyed with some kind of grilled protein and tortilla chips OR put it all into a tortilla for tacos. If making head, leave the avocado out. 

Crunchy Broccoli and Lentil Salad with Dates

A veg packed salad with a middle-eastern spin that would pair well with any grilled protein or make Greek Lamb Patties.

Crunchy Bean Salad with Spiced Tomato Dressing

Lots of beans and crunchy raw veggies in a tomato dressing pairs with literally any grilled protein or make these Chipotle Pineapple Pork Skewers.