by Rori Trovato

From picnics on the beach to backyard barbecues, summertime always includes eating outdoors. What these alfresco events usually don't include are refrigerators, stoves or warming shelves. It's important to know that your dishes can be served at any temperature and won't spoil in the sun or change in flavor or texture if they've been in transport for too long.

Here are some recipes for side dishes that can accompany a great variety of warm-weather main courses. They'll become staples for just about any outdoor occasion that comes your way this summer.

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