Summer’s go-to main dish deserves delicious friends.

But unless you’re on a protein-only diet, a Southerner cannot live on grilled chicken alone!

These 29 fresh, fast, and summer sides will round out yourgrilled chickendinner perfectly.

Southern Living Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad in the bowl to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Fried Corn

Creamy sweet corn is one of summer’s most wonderful gifts.

Serve up a big spoonful or two with your favorite grilled chicken.

Crispy and tangy, they play well with smoky grilled chicken.

Southern Living Three Pickle Potato Salad

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These okra and sweet pepper kabobs can cook right alongside the chicken.

Lay the spears crosswise across the grates so they don’t fall through.

Throw in a few pepitas for a nice crunch.

Spicy Pineapple Slaw

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Kellie Kelley; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Position them on the grill separate from the chicken to avoid any cross contamination.

Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans

These baked beans have a secret ingredient that makes them a little healthier.

Southern Cornbread Salad

Grilled chicken is great but can be a little boring.

Southern Living Zesty Corn-and-Squash Salad

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Pair it with this showstopper layered salad to give your guests something to talk about.

Smashed-Cucumber Salad

Frustrated?

Take it out on summer cucumbers.

Southern Living Crispy Prosciutto, Strawberry, and Burrata Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette on a platter to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Smashing them crack open their interiors, allowing dressing to flavor them from the inside out.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Start with elbow pasta and let the magic happen.

Plus, this version has a healthy spin (yes, it’s true).

Southern Fried Corn

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

We swap the usual Romaine for kale and whipped up a creamy dressing using Greek yogurt.

The secret to its 5-star reviews?

Crispy chunks of bacon, Parmesan cheese, and plenty of garlic.

Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal Recipe

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Southern Living BLT Pasta Salad in a bowl to serve with extra bacon on the side

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Cucumber-and-Vidalia Onion Salad

Credit: Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Southern Living Mexican Corn on a platter to serve with beers

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fried green tomatoes stacked

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Grilled Okra-and-Pepper Skewers with Dijon Dipping Sauce

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Southern Living Sauteed Squash and Zucchini in a serving bowl

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grilled asparagus on a platter

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Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

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Southern Living Sweet Potato-and-Cabbage Slaw in a bowl to serve

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Grilled Peach-and-Arugula Salad with Feta

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Kellie Kelley; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad

Credit: Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Summer Orzo Salad

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Creamy Broccoli Slaw

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Southern Living Corn-and-Tomato Salad in a serving bowl with salad servers

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Southern Living Smoky-Sweet Baked Beans in a serving dish with grilled corn beside

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Southern Living Cornbread Salad in a trifle bowl ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Smashed Cucumber Salad in a bowl to serve

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Chopped Kale Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Credit:Caitlin Bensel