Instant Pot Summer Side Dish Recipes

If there is ever a time to break out of the Instant Pot, it is during summer. Summer is too hot to sweat in the kitchen over a hot stove. Instant Pot summer side dish recipes can help you put together a delicious meal you can enjoy outside with family and friends.

Don’t spend your summer sweating in the kitchen cooking a meal; use Instant Pot summer side dish recipes instead. Did you know that people eat out more often during the summer season?

This yearly trend has several reasons, but weather is the most significant factor. Warm weather invites us all to enjoy the outdoors. What could be better than a warm evening out enjoying good company and delicious food?

However, some people decide to eat out because the weather makes cooking too hot. We could pump up our A/C units and get the job done. However, that makes for one expensive meal. Would it not be cheaper to just eat out in the long run?

Those with Instant Pots know a better way. We won’t need to crank up the A/C when using an Instant Pot because it won’t heat the kitchen. Instant Pot side dish recipes can also help us assemble an entire meal without standing in the kitchen, stirring occasionally, while something else is cooking on the grill outside or in the oven.

Instant Pot summer cooking tips can help us get the most out of our Instant Pots, even during summer. There is a name for this, “countertop cooking.” Countertop cooking is when you use appliances like the Instant Pot or slow cooker to cook your meals.

Now, eating out can remain a special treat rather than a way to escape the heat.

Instant Pot Summer Side Dish Recipes

Summer is the perfect time to host a BBQ with friends and family. The Instant Pot doesn’t seem to help much when making grilled food, but side dishes can be made in an Instant Pot.

One of the most popular summer BBQ side dishes is potatoes, and Instant Pot mashed potatoes can get the job done. We can even go crazy and make some of the best scalloped potatoes in an Instant Pot.

Of course, it is a hot day, so maybe we want to make something a little colder. The Instant Pot can help with that, too! Your BBQ guests will enjoy this quick and easy Instant Pot potato salad recipe.

The best part is there is a version with and without eggs. Ultimately, the Instant Pot can help with your summer BBQ, even giving you the ability to make multiple versions of a dish that usually takes a while to make.

What to Bring to a Summer Cookout

A summer cookout is an ingrained tradition in American history. But what is the difference between a cookout and a BBQ? A BBQ is when you grill food low and slow over charcoal or an open flame. A cookout is more like grilling.

The food needs to be cooked fast, and there needs to be enough for everyone. Usually, people bring dishes or drinks to a cookout when invited. The best thing to get will always be a side dish; an Instant Pot macaroni salad fits perfectly; just don’t add anything weird.

Another popular cookout recipe is the classic Southern collard greens recipe. This recipe is a combination of healthy greens and delicious bacon. It is easy to see why it is a staple at the cookout.

What is a Good Side Besides Potatoes?

The classic dishes are classic for a reason, so people have turned them into easy Instant Pot summer side dish recipes. However, we don’t always want to stick with the classics. Summer potato salads, pasta salads, collard greens with bacon, all good recipes.

Then there are those times when we have an itch to show off a bit and try something new. The first rule is never to bring a first attempted dish to a BBQ or a cookout. Try it out first and ensure it is one you are proud to share.

We could go with something simple like a twist on a classic, an Instant Pot cheddar bacon ranch potato salad instead of the usual. We can also use something less common, like pressure-cooked brown rice and black bean salad.

When did you last have Thai food on the menu at home? Instant Pots can also help make some exotic dishes, like Thai quinoa and edamame salad. However, some will be sad to see the potatoes missing from the table.

Simple Instant Pot Summer Side Dishes

One thing we can all agree on is that we want easy cooking during summer. We want to spend our hot days by the pool and warm nights with friends and family. There is no time to be standing in the kitchen putting together a meal.

Instant Pots are perfect for summer cooking because they quickly finish the job. We can make the best Instant Pot twice-baked potatoes in under 40 minutes! How about making another BBQ/summer classic dish that usually takes over an hour in half the time?

Baked beans have earned their place among typical summer side dishes, and the Instant Pot makes them easier to enjoy. The Instant Pot can help us all enjoy a heartier meal without waiting for a table at a restaurant.

More Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Outdoor BBQ Recipes | You don’t have to stick to just side dishes with your Instant Pot during summer gatherings.

Healthy Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken | Teriyaki chicken is a delicious meal that can be made easily and quickly with the help of your Instant Pot.

Beanless Instant Pot Ketogenic Chili Recipe | Some people may say chili is a side dish. Others will say it is a main dish. However, you will enjoy this chili no matter what part of the plate it is on.

Instant Pot Pepper Soup Recipes | Soup isn’t exactly a summer recipe, but this soup deserves to be enjoyed whenever and wherever you want.

Low Carb Instant Pot Pork Chops Recipe | Don’t have enough space for pork chops on the grill? That’s okay, you can throw them in the Instant Pot for a delicious dish.