18 Best Summer BBQ Side Dishes for your next Cookout
Summer BBQ season comes hand in hand with a great lineup of sides. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or bringing a side for potluck, these creamy and crunchy dishes make a ton of difference. These summer side ideas combine the best of elegant and effortless and are perfect for your next BBQ party.
Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
Turn freshly picked ripe peaches into a delicious salad with plenty of oomph this summer. The peaches are grilled till caramelized and then tossed with other summer produce like blackberries, cherry tomatoes, and arugula. Top with fresh creamy burrata and basil, serve with fresh baguette slices. It’s the perfectly elegant spread for parties.
Traditional Potato Salad
The side dish that never quite goes out of style. Tender potatoes with creamy dressing is a BBQ staple that easily pairs with any grilled main. Mayo, mustard, and a splash of vinegar for acidity give the salad its familiar taste while celery and onions add crunch. I love adding chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra richness.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This elote inspired pasta salad brings together the savory, spicy flavors of street corn into a cold, potluck-friendly dish. Mix charred corn, cotija cheese, mayo, and tajin seasoning with al dente pasta. Top with fresh cilantro and juice of a whole lime before serving. This esquites pasta salad is a great make-ahead option for a busy BBQ day.
Deviled Eggs
The best round the year dish ever! Deviled egg saddle the line between appetizer and sides territory, and go from Christmas meals to summer parties. Mix the creamy yolk with mayo, mustard, and some vinegar for that classic tangy flavor. Sprinkle some paprika on top and store them in the fridge!
Mango Bell Pepper Salad
This bright colorful summer salad combines sweet mango with crisp bell peppers for a tropical vibe that pairs so well with grilled meats. The natural sweetness of mango, spiciness of red onion and cilantro, and crunch of bell peppers make this salad a hit at parties.
Creamy Coleslaw
The crunchy cabbage salad has been a BBQ staple since before your grandmother’s time. The mayo based dressing is cool and tangy and the salad stays out really well in the sun. My favorite part? It’s best made ahead of time so the cabbage softens and soaks up the dressing. Add a little celery seeds for that classic BBQ joint flavor.
Baked Beans
Sweet and smoky baked beans are everybody’s favorite side. They can be easily made in the slow cooker, freeing up your cooktop and oven for other dishes. They are also easy to make for crowds in large batches plus reheat well the next day.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Simple and classic, few things say summer BBQ party like a hot charred corn on the cob. Grilling brings out the full flavor of the corn. For a mild taste, brush with butter and dig in. For a more layered taste, add some tajin and lime.
Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad
Finally, the salad that became exploded on the scene a couple of summers back! Juicy cold watermelon pieces, crisp cucumber slices, and salty feta are perfect together on hot summer days. Herbs like fresh mint or basil leaves add a nice aroma. The salad comes together really fast too.
Macaroni Salad
My childhood favorite! Tender macaroni with a bite tossed in rich mayo dressing with celery, bell pepper, and onion is a great base. You can customize this salad hundreds of different ways – add chopped eggs, hams, bacon bits, shredded cheese, even lump crab meat!
Broccoli Bacon Salad
The healthy but delicious counterpart to all other rich salads. Crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, red onions for the spiciness, and cheddar cheese are all so good together! I love how this salad doesn’t wilt and can stand up to the intense summer heat without spoiling.
Caprese Salad
This simple Italian caprese salad uses ingredients from the summer garden – tomatoes and basil and mixes them with fresh mozzarella cheese, olive oil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. The salad is very refreshing on a hot summer day.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
These colorful skewers are both healthy and easy to make. Thread together veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, red onions, and tomatoes then cook till slightly charred. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, and herbs adds flavor.
Sheet Pan Summer Veggies
This easy side dish roasts summer veggies like zucchini, squash, garden tomatoes, and peppers on one pan. Toss with olive oil and seasonings then roast till caramelized. Sprinkle with some parmesan cheese when done. Because it cooks on a single sheet pan, cleanup is quite easy.
Cowboy Caviar (Texas Caviar)
This fresh salad combines corn, tomatoes, black beans, peppers, onions, and cilantro with a zesty oil lime juice vinaigrette. Add some chopped jalapeno for heat. Serve with tortilla chips for scooping. You can make it ahead on a busy BBQ day.
Baked Mac and Cheese
The classic kid-friendly side dish! This baked version of creamy mac and cheese takes it to the next level. The top becomes golden and crispy while the interior remains oh so cheesy. It pairs well with all smoked meats.
Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad
This no-cook salad is a favorite in my family! Juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and spicy red onions taste so well together. Add a dressing of olive oil, vinegar, salt, and fresh herbs and it comes together in minutes.
Cornbread
Sweet and crumbly, cornbread is a staple BBQ side that goes really well with smoky meats. I love making it in the skillet while using the oven for other sides. A spoonful of sugar and chopped jalapenos in the batter gives it a classic sweet spicy taste. Serve warm with pat of butter.
Great barbecue sides are what separate a good cookout from a memorable one. Mix and match some creamy salads with fresh and fruit forward sides to build a great spread for your next BBQ party.
