Simple, seasonal, and bursting with flavor—these Mediterranean sides let your ingredients shine.

When the weather warms, we crave less fuss and more flavor. Whether you're hosting a backyard dinner or throwing together a midweek meal, summer sides should be quick, vibrant, and ingredient-driven.

Here are five of our favorite easy summer side dishes, starting with a charred broccolini recipe that’s become a staple at our own table. Each dish is made with just a few pantry favorites—including infused olive oils, sea salt, and estate-grown herbs—but brings bold flavor with minimal effort.

CHARRED BROCCOLINI WITH LEMON INFUSED OLIVE OIL

INGREDIENTS

▢ 1 bunch broccolini
▢ 1-2 tbsp Bona Furtuna Lemon Infused Olive Oil
▢ Flaky sea salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Blanch broccolini in salted boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and pat dry. 
2. Char on a hot grill or cast-iron pan for 3–4 minutes until slightly blackened.
3.  Drizzle generously with Lemon Infused Olive Oil and sprinkle with sea salt before serving. Mangiamo.
   

Why it works: The smoky edges of the broccolini pair beautifully with the bright citrus oil, making this an ideal companion for grilled meats, seafood, or a simple pasta.

MARINATED CHERRY TOMATOES WITH OREGANO FLOWERS

A burst of sweet acidity, perfect over toasted bread or alongside grilled halloumi.

INGREDIENTS

▢ 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
▢ 2 tsp Bona Furtuna Organic Oregano Flowers
▢ 2 tbsp Bona Furtuna Heritage Blend Olive Oil

DIRECTIONS

1. Toss tomatoes with Oregano Flowers and Olive Oil. Let sit 15 minutes for flavors to meld. Mangiamo.

SICILIAN CITRUS CUCUMBER SALAD

Cool, crunchy, and kissed with lemon—this 3-ingredient side comes together in seconds.

INGREDIENTS

▢ 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
▢ 1 Tbsp Bona Furtuna Lemon Infused Olive Oil
▢ Pinch of Bona Furtuna Pure Sicilian Sea Salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Toss cucumbers in Infused Lemon Oil and sprinkle with Sicilian Sea Salt. Chill until ready to serve. Mangiamo.

WARM TARALLI & CASTELVETRANO OLIVES WITH ROSEMARY

An elegant starter or snack that’s deeply aromatic and utterly craveable.

INGREDIENTS

▢ 1 cup Castelvetrano Olives
▢ 1 cup Bona Furtuna Olive Oil Taralli
▢ 1 tsp dried rosemary

DIRECTIONS

1. Warm olives and Taralli in a low oven (250°F) with rosemary for 5–10 minutes until fragrant. Serve with wine or spritzes. Mangiamo.

GRILLED STONE FRUIT WITH CHILI HONEY DRIZZLE

A sweet-and-spicy side that’s equally at home next to burrata, grilled pork, or a scoop of gelato.

INGREDIENTS

▢ 2 ripe peaches or nectarines, halved
▢ 1 Tbsp Bona Furtuna Wildflower Honey + chili flakes
▢ Optional: fresh mint or basil

DIRECTIONS

1. Grill cut fruit until charred. Drizzle with chili honey and top with herbs. Mangiamo.

These side dishes all share the same Italian principle: use the best ingredients, keep it simple, and don’t overthink it. With Bona Furtuna’s Organic Infused Olive Oils, Raw Honey, and Estate-Grown Herbs, flavor is already built in—you just need to let it shine.

Whether you’re planning a cookout or building a Mediterranean mezze board, keep these easy summer side recipes close. They're made for long tables, good company, and glasses raised toward golden hour.