Summer is the perfect time to gather with friends and family for a delicious meal. And what better way to impress your guests than with a perfectly cooked roast pork?
But, as any good host knows, the main dish is only half the battle. The right side dishes can elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best side dishes to serve with roast pork during the summer months. From refreshing salads to savory vegetable dishes, we’ve got you covered.
So, fire up the grill and let’s get cooking!
What To Serve With Roast Pork In Summer?
When it comes to serving roast pork in the summer, you want to choose side dishes that are light, refreshing, and complement the flavors of the pork. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables are a classic summer side dish that pairs perfectly with roast pork. Try grilling zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions for a colorful and flavorful addition to your meal.
2. Watermelon Salad: Nothing says summer quite like watermelon. Combine diced watermelon with feta cheese, mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a refreshing and sweet salad that pairs well with savory pork.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob is a staple at any summer barbecue. Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a simple yet delicious side dish.
4. Cucumber Salad: Cucumber salad is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with any protein. Combine sliced cucumbers with red onion, dill, and a simple vinaigrette for a quick and easy salad.
5. Grilled Peaches: Grilled peaches are a sweet and savory side dish that pairs well with roast pork. Brush peach halves with olive oil and grill until caramelized, then serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Refreshing Summer Salads
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing side dish to serve with roast pork in the summer, salads are a great option. Summer salads are packed with juicy fruits and vegetables that peak in the summertime, making them a perfect complement to savory pork. Here are some refreshing summer salad ideas to try:
1. Tomato and Mozzarella Salad: This classic salad is a summer staple. Combine sliced tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette for a simple yet delicious salad.
2. Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad: Grilled peaches add a sweet and smoky flavor to this salad, while arugula adds a peppery bite. Top with crumbled goat cheese and a simple vinaigrette for a tasty summer salad.
3. Watermelon and Feta Salad: This sweet and salty salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Combine diced watermelon with crumbled feta cheese, mint, and a drizzle of olive oil for a refreshing summer salad.
4. Corn and Black Bean Salad: This Tex-Mex inspired salad is packed with flavor. Combine grilled corn, black beans, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty summer side dish.
5. Caprese Pasta Salad: This hearty pasta salad combines all the flavors of a classic Caprese salad with pasta for a filling side dish. Combine cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette for a tasty summer salad.
No matter which salad you choose to serve with your roast pork, make sure to use fresh ingredients that are in season for the best flavor. With these refreshing summer salads, you’ll have the perfect complement to your roast pork at any summer gathering.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a healthy and delicious side dish that’s perfect for summer. Not only do they add color and flavor to your plate, but they’re also easy to prepare. Simply toss your favorite veggies in olive oil and seasonings, then grill until tender and slightly charred.
Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions are all great options for grilling. Cut them into large chunks or slices so that they’re easy to handle on the grill. You can also add some cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor.
To really elevate your grilled vegetables, try adding a balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving. These simple additions will take your side dish to the next level.
Grilled vegetables are also versatile enough to pair with different types of pork roast. Whether you’re serving a classic pork loin or a more flavorful pork shoulder, grilled vegetables will complement the flavors perfectly.
So next time you’re wondering what to serve with your roast pork in the summer, consider grilling up some fresh and colorful veggies. Your guests (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Light And Flavorful Quinoa Dishes
If you’re looking for a light and flavorful side dish to serve with your roast pork this summer, quinoa is a great option. Not only is it gluten-free and protein-packed, but it’s also incredibly versatile and can be flavored in a variety of ways. Here are some delicious quinoa dishes to try:
1. Middle Eastern Quinoa Salad: This salad features tart dried cherries, chopped pistachios, and mint for a Middle Eastern twist on quinoa. Serve it with braised lamb or spice-rubbed roasted chicken to complete the theme.
2. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: This salad is a simple mix of quinoa, veggies, Mediterranean staples, and a zesty lemon dressing. It’s perfect for sultry grilling nights when you have some chicken or pork chops over the fire.
3. Fresh Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: This salad features summer squash, tomatoes, eggplant, basil, and mint for a light and healthy dish. It’s great for leftovers and can easily be doubled to serve more people.
4. Spicy Quinoa with Hatch Green Chiles: This dish is a spicy take on quinoa and features hatch green chiles for added flavor. Throw in some onion and green bell pepper for even more taste.
No matter which quinoa dish you choose, it’s sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering. Not only are these dishes flavorful and light, but they also provide a healthy alternative to traditional carb-heavy sides.
Sweet And Tangy Fruit Salsas
If you’re looking for a more unique side dish to serve with your roast pork, consider making a sweet and tangy fruit salsa. The combination of juicy fruit and zesty flavors is a perfect complement to the savory pork. Here are some ideas for fruit salsas to try:
1. Mango Salsa: Combine diced mango with red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice for a sweet and spicy salsa that pairs well with pork.
2. Pineapple Salsa: Diced pineapple mixed with red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, and lime juice creates a tropical and tangy salsa that is perfect for summer.
3. Peach Salsa: Diced peaches mixed with red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice creates a sweet and tangy salsa that pairs well with roast pork.
4. Apple Slaw: Shredded Granny Smith apples mixed with cabbage, carrots, and a mayonnaise-based dressing with cilantro, mustard, lemon juice, caraway seeds, and thyme creates a crunchy and flavorful slaw that complements the pork perfectly.
5. Cherry Farro Salad: Combine cherries with farro, greens, and a sweet vinaigrette made with olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard for a unique and refreshing side dish that pairs well with roast pork.
No matter which fruit salsa you choose to make, it’s sure to add a burst of flavor to your summer roast pork meal.
Classic Potato And Corn Sides With A Twist
While classic potato and corn sides are always a hit with roast pork, why not try some new twists on these traditional dishes? Here are some ideas to add some excitement to your meal:
1. Fingerling Potato Salad: Instead of traditional potato salad, try using fingerling potatoes for a buttery and delicious twist. Toss with a simple vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and diced red onion for a flavorful side dish.
2. Slow Cooker Creamed Corn: Take your corn on the cob to the next level with this slow cooker creamed corn recipe. Combine fresh corn kernels with cream cheese, butter, and spices for a rich and creamy side dish.
3. Roasted Corn and Tomato Salad: Roast fresh corn on the cob and cherry tomatoes in the oven for a sweet and savory salad that pairs well with roast pork. Toss with fresh basil and a balsamic vinaigrette for a burst of flavor.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Switch out traditional potato fries for sweet potato fries for a healthier and more colorful side dish. Season with cinnamon and brown sugar for a sweet twist, or go savory with paprika and garlic powder.
5. Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad: Combine grilled corn kernels with diced avocado, red onion, and cilantro for a fresh and flavorful salad that pairs well with roast pork. Dress with lime juice and olive oil for a bright and tangy finish.
By incorporating these twists on classic potato and corn sides, you can elevate your roast pork meal to new heights of flavor and excitement.
