20 Healthy Summer Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken

When it comes to summer grilling, nothing pairs better with juicy, smoky chicken than a lineup of fresh, flavorful sides. If you’re wondering what side dishes for grilled chicken will take your meal to the next level, you’ve landed in the right spot. From vibrant salads and crisp veggies to hearty rice and refreshing pasta salads, this collection of 20 healthy recipes has a little something for everyone.

A 6 photo collage showing side dish recipes with text overlay that says 'what to serve with grilled chicken (15 summer sides).

If you’re looking for a grilled chicken recipe, I’ve got you covered! My Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe is ideal for summer grilling, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. The chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor! If you’re more of a drumstick lover, try my Grilled Chicken Drumsticks! With only 30 minutes in a tangy lemon garlic marinade, these drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make.

Want something with bold and smoky flavor? Try my Grilled Chicken Fajitas recipe! A little Greek yogurt keeps the chicken ultra tender, while adobo sauce, cumin, and smoked paprika add that irresistible Tex-Mex kick.

Rice

One Pot Coconut Jasmine Rice Recipe

This Coconut Jasmine Rice is ultra fluffy, buttery, and infused with sweet, nutty flavor thanks to creamy coconut milk, fresh garlic, and ginger. It’s the perfect upgrade from plain white rice and pairs beautifully with your favorite stir-fry, grilled chicken, or tropical-inspired dishes. The best part? It all comes together in one pot with just a few pantry staples. Whether you’re serving chicken curry, pineapple teriyaki chicken, or a saucy shrimp stir-fry, this rice will soak up every drop and steal the show.

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Overhead image of rice pilaf with garlic and herbs.

Orzo Rice Pilaf with Garlic and Herbs

This easy Orzo Rice Pilaf recipe, is a perfect blend of tender orzo and aromatic rice with herbs, ideal for a delicious and elegant side dish.

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Salad

Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad (Mediterranean Style)

This Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad is light, zesty, and bursting with fresh summer flavor. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy red onion, and creamy feta are tossed in a lemony herb dressing with dill, oregano, and a hint of garlic. It’s the perfect easy side for anything off the grill, quick lunches, or potluck spreads—and it comes together in just 15 minutes!

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Cucumber Carrot Salad

20-minute cucumber carrot salad tossed an an umami Asian tamari, rice vinegar sesame dressing made in the same bowl as the salad.

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Strawberry Salad with Warm Goat Cheese Croutons

This Strawberry Salad with Warm Goat Cheese Croutons is easy and delicious with mixed greens, strawberries and warm goat cheese croutons.

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Up close image of lemon arugula salad with parmesan cheese.

Lemon Arugula Salad Recipe with Parmesan Cheese

This Lemon Arugula Salad is light, and perfect with any meal. It mixes arugula, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and pine nuts with a light lemony dressing.

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Overhead image of avocado kale salad in white bowl.

Avocado Kale Salad (Cactus Club Copycat)

Elevate your salad game with this Cactus Club copycat avocado kale salad recipe, packed with grilled avocado and seasoned chickpeas!

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Overhead image of Shirazi salad in silver bowl with spoon.

Salad Shirazi Recipe

Salad Shirazi is a Persian chopped vegetable salad mainly comprised of tomato, cucumber, and onion with a tangy lime juice and olive oil dressing.

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Overhead up close image of burrata Caprese on white dish.

Burrata Caprese (Burrata Tomato Salad)

Burrata Caprese! A delicious twist on a classic caprese salad that you are going to want to eat on repeat all summer long!

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Veggies

Sautéed Summer Squash

Sautéed summer squash is a quick, easy side dish made with yellow squash, zucchini, red peppers, and olive oil. A flavorful and healthy recipe that’s perfect for the summer months.

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Texas-Style Creamed Corn with Poblano Peppers

Discover the perfect blend of sweet corn and smoky roasted poblano peppers in Texas-Style Creamed Corn. A Texan twist on a classic dish.

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Kale Slaw

Kale Slaw is tasty, colorful, crunchy, & tangy-sweet! It is a versatile and makes a great side dish or main salad. Try it today!

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Sweet & Spiced Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots

Deliciously spiced and honey-sweetened roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots make the perfect side dish that pairs with just about anything.

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Roasted Asparagus With Balsamic Vinegar Glaze

This easy oven-roasted low carb asparagus recipe is great to serve any time of the year. Elevate the flavors with salty parmesan shavings.

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Overhead image of Asian broccoli stir fry in black bowl.

Asian Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Asian broccoli stir fry recipe. Tender, crispy broccoli tossed with ginger, garlic, & a beautiful sauce glaze makes a delicious side dish.

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Up close image of oven roasted rosemary carrots on parchment paper covered baking dish.

Easy Oven Roasted Rosemary Carrots

Easy Oven Roasted Rosemary Carrots: This carrot recipe is ideal for holiday dinners, weeknight dinners, and everything in between.

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Green Beans Almondine

This Skillet Green Beans Almondine recipe is a perfect side dish featuring fresh green beans, toasted almonds, and savory garlic, offering a delightful crunch and flavor.

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Ranch Roasted Potatoes

These Ranch Roasted Potatoes are quick, easy, and boast huge flavors…all without any artificial ingredients. See how simple it is to make your own ranch seasoning; you’ll never go back to store packets again.

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Pasta Salad

Autumn Pasta Salad

Autumn Pasta Salad is packed with roasted butternut squash, tart cranberries, and paired with tangy homemade maple Dijon dressing.

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Overhead image of orzo pasta salad with honey dijon dressing in white bowl.

Healthy Orzo Pasta Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

Light and healthy orzo pasta salad with crisp veggies and honey Dijon dressing. Quick to make, perfect for meal prep, potlucks, and summer picnics.

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These easy recipes are guaranteed to keep your meals light, satisfying, and full of flavor. No matter the occasion, these side dishes for grilled chicken will make your cookouts and weeknight dinners feel complete.