46 Skinny Side Dishes for Your Summer Cookout

46 Skinny Side Dishes for Your Summer Cookout

Read Time: 21 mins

46 Skinny Side Dishes for Your Summer Cookout1/46 Slow-Cooked Summer Squash 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Slow-Cooked Summer Squash Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 2 hours 50 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We love squash, but I got tired of fixing just plain squash and cheese. I decided to jazz up the dish a bit. This was a huge hit with my family. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 111 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat

protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat. 2/46 Corn Okra Creole 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Corn Okra Creole Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This dish is representative of my area of the country, and particularly the Texas-Louisiana border. The okra, corn and Creole seasonings are all popular here. —Ruth Aubey, San Antonio, Texas Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 147 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch. 3/46 Stewed

Bubbly cheddar cheese adds a down-home feel

Zucchini and Tomatoes 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 3 hours 50 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A fresh take on traditional vegetable sides, this make-ahead dish stars zucchini, tomatoes and green pepper. Bubbly cheddar cheese adds a down-home feel. —Barbara Smith, Salem, Oregon Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 126 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch. 4/46 Lemon Garlic Mushrooms 7 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 15

Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable

min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 94 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable. 5/46 Quinoa with Peas and Onion 21 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Quinoa with Peas and Onion Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 45 min

If you have freshly shelled peas on hand, substitute them for the frozen

Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Even picky eaters will love this protein-packed dish. If you have freshly shelled peas on hand, substitute them for the frozen. —Lori Panarella, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 174 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat. 6/46 Grilled Squash 10 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Easy Grilled Squash Recipe photo by Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This is

Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat

one of the best ways to prepare butternut squash and is great alongside grilled steak or chicken. As a bonus, butternut squash is full of vitamin A. —Esther Horst, Monterey, Tennessee Nutrition Facts: 2 slices: 178 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat. 7/46 Marinated Tomatoes 9 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Tasty Marinated Tomatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 10 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My niece introduced me to this colorful

recipe some time ago

recipe some time ago. I now make it when I have buffets or large gatherings because it can be prepared hours ahead. This is a great way to use a bumper crop of tomatoes. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia Nutrition Facts: about 2 pieces: 93 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable. 8/46 Cauliflower Potato Salad 14 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Cauliflower Potato Salad Recipe photo by Emily Davis for Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From

the Recipe Creator: Cauliflower in potato salad?

the Recipe Creator: Cauliflower in potato salad? You bet, along with carrots, olives and other yummy surprises. —Mike Schulz, Tawas City, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 61 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 375mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch. 9/46 Grilled Zucchini with Onions 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Wondering what to do with all of your garden-grown zucchini in the summer? Give it a sizzle and a little heat with this healthy side.

It’s also an easy recipe to double or triple for summer cookouts

It’s also an easy recipe to double or triple for summer cookouts. —Alia Shuttleworth, Auburn, California Nutrition Facts: 3 zucchini halves: 73 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat. 10/46 Basil Grilled Corn on the Cob 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Basil Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Corn on the cob is a comforting and cherished Midwest dish. It’s amazing when grilled, and

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat

my recipe adds a few unexpected ingredients to make it taste even more like summertime. —Caitlin Dawson, Monroe, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 1 ear of corn: 125 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat. 11/46 Golden Zucchini Pancakes 6 Reviews Golden Zucchini Pancakes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 8 zucchini pancakes Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: If your garden is overflowing with zucchini this time of year, make these incredible pancakes to use it up. We

squeeze the zucchini well before using to remove excess moisture

squeeze the zucchini well before using to remove excess moisture. —Terry Ann Dominguez, Silver City, New Mexico Nutrition Facts: 2 pancakes: 145 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 510mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat. 12/46 Rainbow Veggie Salad 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Every salad should be colorful and crunchy like this one with its bright tomatoes, carrots, peppers and sassy spring mix. Toss with your best dressing. —Liz Bellville, Jacksonville,

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat

North Carolina Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 64 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat. 13/46 Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt Sauce 1 Review Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt Sauce Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I created my own cauliflower recipe in honor of my grandma, who taught me to love this delicious and healthy vegetable. She cooked with it all the time.—Lidia Haddadian,

Pasadena, California Nutrition Facts: 1 cauliflower wedge with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 177 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. 14/46 Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad 2 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Dan Roberts for Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: With ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and grilled corn, this bright salad tastes just like summertime! —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 164 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 237mg sodium, 11g

carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein

carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch. 15/46 Veggie Kabobs 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved TASTE OF HOME Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Grilling is a delightful way to prepare the season’s freshest produce. The zesty Italian marinade adds just the right amount of spice to these veggie kabobs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 202 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 598mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. 16/46 Garden-Fresh Rainbow Chard 2 Reviews

Stir up these good-for-you greens with garlic and red onion

Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Chard, a member of the beet family, is prized for its green leaves and colorful stalks. Stir up these good-for-you greens with garlic and red onion. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 115 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 631mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat. 17/46 Grilled Vegetable Platter 40 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 30 min Servings 6

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

Cauliflower Potato Salad 14 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Cauliflower Potato Salad Recipe photo by Emily Davis for Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Cauliflower in potato salad?

Answer coming soon. We are working on detailed responses to this common question.

Grilled Zucchini with Onions 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Wondering what to do with all of your garden-grown zucchini in the summer?

Answer coming soon. We are working on detailed responses to this common question.

⭐ Expert Tips

  • Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

  • Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.

  • Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.

✅ Key Takeaways

  • These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

  • Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

  • Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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