Let's talk (late) summer sides
grilled zucchini salad, braised green beans with burst cherry tomatoes, lemony wax beans with brown butter almonds and lemon, and seared Romano beans with marinated peppers and capers
At this point, declaring it grilling season is as revelatory as florals for spring…groundbreaking. However, as someone who tends to white knuckle the last weeks of summer, I’m here to inform you in no uncertain terms that summer ain’t over baby! It’s not over til it’s over which, in my opinion, is right around October. So, we have some grilling still to do. In my opinion, the best part of grilling are the sides that go along with it. The marinated and grilled chicken and steaks are great, but they are mere accessories to the sides. That’s particularly true this time of year when the late summer produce is coming in hot and heavy. Summer squash and tomatoes have been dominating the produce availability list for weeks now, and pole beans are just starting to make an appearance. The side possibilities are endless! Plus, there’s actually no better time to grill. It’s finally cooled off enough to not be sweating your ass off out there and that early just-detectable crispness in the air is the perfect accompaniment to a little outdoor fire situation. Below, I’m sharing a few of my favorites that can be made ahead, served room temp, and never disappoint!
Grilled Zucchini Salad
Perhaps my most frequently made summer side. This one is great because it can be made ahead. Rather than getting wilted and weird, the flavors just get better and better. By grilling the summer squash first, they easily absorb the vinaigrette, and the fresh torn basil and cheese add the perfect balance.
*Note: I make a couple different versions of this depending on what I have. The bottom left picture is without cherry tomatoes and with crumbled goat cheese (feta is also delicious here). While, the above and bottom-middle picture are with cherry tomatoes. Because tomatoes are popping the fuck off right now, I attached the recipe that includes them but both are delicious.
