Beyond the Grill: Summer Sides & Sauces That Steal the Show

 

🌽 Beyond the Grill: Summer Sides & Sauces That Steal the Show

Grill season is heating up, and after last week’s post on top foods to sear, we’re keeping the flavor train rolling. This week, we’re diving into the unsung heroes of summer cookouts—sides and sauces. These are the kinds of bold, vibrant flavors we featured at Bold, and if you remember that chimichurri sauce we served with the sous vide hanger steak… yep, it’s in here too.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just elevating a weeknight dinner, these dishes will steal the spotlight.

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🥗 1. Grilled Corn Salad with Lime Crema

Why it works: Smoky-sweet corn meets creamy, citrusy tang—perfect with grilled meats or tacos.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup cotija cheese (or feta)
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Grill corn until lightly charred, then cut kernels off the cob.
2. Mix corn, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and cheese in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk lime juice, sour cream, mayo, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle crema over salad and toss gently.

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🌿 2. Chimichurri Sauce (Just like Bold’s!)

Why it works: This Argentinian classic adds a punch of herby, garlicky brightness to steak, chicken, or grilled veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
2. Let sit for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld.
3. Serve over grilled meats or as a dipping sauce.

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🧄 3. Roasted Garlic & Herb Potato Skewers

Why it works: Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs baby potatoes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt & pepper
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water)

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until just tender, then cool slightly.
2. Toss with oil, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread onto skewers and grill until golden and crispy.

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🍹 Bonus: Summer Cocktail Pairings

🍉 Basil Watermelon Smash

• 2 cups watermelon chunks
• 4–5 fresh basil leaves
• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz lime juice
• Splash of soda water

Muddle watermelon and basil, shake with vodka and lime juice, strain over ice, top with soda.

🍍 Grilled Pineapple Mojito

• 2 slices grilled pineapple
• 6 mint leaves
• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 tsp sugar
• Club soda

Muddle pineapple, mint, sugar, and lime. Add rum, shake, pour over ice, and top with soda.