A good BBQ is all about the smoky grilled meats, but let’s be honest, it’s the side dishes that steal the show.
The right sides can turn a simple cookout into a summer feast to remember.
These 60 BBQ side dishes are here to bring the flavor, the variety, and the crowd-pleasing vibes.
Fire up the grill and don’t forget to make room on your plate!
10-Minute Brazilian Vinaigrette Salad
Image Credit: The Passport Kitchen.
This tasty Brazilian vinaigrette salad (called vinagrete brasileira in Portuguese) is often served at Brazilian BBQs. This Brazilian ‘salsa’ will add some freshness, acidity, and a bit of spice you your summer cookout.
Get The Recipe: 10-Minute Brazilian Vinaigrette Salad (AKA Brazilian Salsa)
Cottage Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad
Image Credit: Cottage cheese Recipes.
This cottage cheese ranch ranch pasta is a protein-packed version of a classic pasta salad. It’s loaded with chicken and bacon, and wrapped up in a creamy, irresistible sauce.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Ranch Pasta Salad
Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans With Apples and Bacon
Image Credit: State of Dinner.
These baked beans are smoky, a little sweet, and warmed with a splash of bourbon. The caramelized apple adds a subtle twist that blends beautifully with the bacon, maple, and spices.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Apples and Bacon
Layered Cornbread Salad
Photo Credit: Savvy Mama Lifestyle.
A layered cornbread salad makes a great side dish for summer parties and potlucks. This flavorful salad has layers of corn, cornbread, cheese, and salsa for a zesty dish that everyone will want the recipe for.
Get the recipe: Layered cornbread salad
Parmesan Zucchini Chips
Image Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.
Crispy yet tender with the right amount of crunch, these Parmesan Zucchini Chips are an easy and versatile vegetable side dish that are perfect for a BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Zucchini Chips
Sautéd Summer Squash With Rosemary and Lemon Recipe
Image Credit: Mommy Rose.
This summer dish celebrates the simplicity and freshness of summer squash. The added rosemary and lemon make this delicious vegetable really pop.
Get the Recipe: Sautéd Summer Squash with Rosemary and Lemon Recipe
Creamy Chicken and Bacon Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe
Image Credit: Gennifer Rose.
This pasta salad may be easy to make, but it truly delivers in terms of flavor! You’ve got the tangy and creamy ranch sauce, smokiness from the bacon, and a dash of fresh zest from the veggies.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Bacon Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe
Mediterranean Salad With Roasted Potatoes
Image Credit: Chef’s Pencil.
You’ll enjoy this unique twist on roasted potatoes. They are air-fried (or baked in the oven) and combined with Mediterranean classics such as feta cheese, olive oil, Kalamata olives, and fresh dill. This salad delivers a refreshing mix of textures and bright, herbaceous notes.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salad with Roasted Potatoes
Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
Image Credit: The Forked Spoon.
These Veggie Skewers made with zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers are grilled to perfection and drizzled with tangy balsamic vinegar and brushed with a fresh garlic herb sauce.
Get the Recipe: Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
Classic Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Image Credit: Marathons and Motivation.
This Classic Creamy Coleslaw Recipe is a vintage dish that’s perfect for serving at any occasion. It is made with 10 simple ingredients including: cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, salt, black pepper, dry mustard, lemon juice, and coriander seeds.
Get the Recipe: Classic Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Air Fryer Paneer Tikka Recipe
Image Credit: Veg Buffet.
Incredibly delicious and bursting with spicy and savory flavors, this Air Fryer Paneer Tikka is a perfect appetizer for any occasion. Spicy paneer cubes marinated in a blend of Indian spices, yogurt, and Gram flour and crisped in the air fryer is a twist on a classic Indian Paneer Tikka.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Paneer Tikka Recipe
Roasted Cherry Tomato Orecchiette Pasta
Image Credit: The Pasta Project.
This delicious Southern Italian roasted cherry tomato pasta is the perfect summer pasta dish or side dish. It tastes delicious with sweet and fresh summer flavors, and it’s ready in just 45 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomato Orecchiette Pasta
Easy Baked Beans With Ground Beef
Image Credit: Bless This Meal.
These Easy Baked Beans with Ground Beef are hearty, smoky, and sweet. They’re simmered to perfection with savory beef, green peppers, brown sugar, and a hint of mustard.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Roasted Potato and Lentil Salad
Image Credit: Joyful Eating.
This potato and lentil salad is a satisfying, zesty dish that is delicious as both a side dish and a fulfilling meal. Try it topped with grilled halloumi, a dollop of yogurt mint sauce, or a drizzle of tahini dressing.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potato and Lentil Salad
French Fries From Scratch
Image Credit: The Cooking Foodie.
Skip the restaurant and store-bought options, and learn how to make French fries from scratch in just 30 minutes using four simple ingredients!
Get the Recipe: How to Make French Fries from Scratch
Italian Sweet & Sour Baked Peppers
Image Credit: Cucchiarella.
These Italian Sweet and Sour Baked Peppers are the perfect side dish to add a splash of color to your table!
Get the Recipe: Italian Sweet & Sour Baked Peppers
Easy Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe
Image Credit: The Fresh Cooky.
This oven-baked Chili Dogs recipe features a quick homemade chili con carne, melted cheese, and soft buns—all baked together for a fun, easy meal that feeds everyone at once.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe
Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Image Credit: Healing Tomato.
This easy, spicy cucumber salad with harissa-marinated feta and bold flavors is an unforgettable taste experience. It’s the perfect side dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Old-Fashioned Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits Recipe
Image Credit: An Off Grid Life.
Need some sourdough biscuits to round out your BBQ? These easy sourdough discard biscuits are the perfect recipe.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits Recipe
Jerusalem Salad Recipe (Simple Israeli Salad)
Image Credit: Seasons in the Kitchen.
This cucumber, tomato, and onion salad is the perfect complement to any meal, offering a taste of the Mediterranean with every bite. It’s perfect for a healthy, quick, and flavorful option.
Get the Recipe: Jerusalem Salad Recipe (Simple Israeli Salad)
Sweet Heat Watermelon Crunch Salad
Image Credit: Tasty Cue.
This Sweet Heat Watermelon Crunch Salad is the refreshing, crunchy, slightly tangy side dish you didn’t know you were missing this summer. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your backyard BBQ feel extra fancy, even if you’re throwing something together.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heat Watermelon Crunch Salad
Easy Southern Baked Beans With Ground Beef Recipe
Image Credit: Supermom Shuffles Cooking.
This Easy Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef is one of the easiest and most delicious summertime side dishes you’ll ever make. It’s the perfect side dish for any summer (or winter) grilling occasion!
Get the Recipe: Easy Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef Recipe
Greek Pasta Salad
Image Credit: Cinnamon and Sage Co.
Add some bright and tangy Mediterranean flavor to a classic dish with this fresh and easy Greek Pasta Salad! This simple side dish is made by tossing pasta, chickpeas, feta cheese, and a variety of vegetables in a zesty Greek dressing.
Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad
Loaded Potato Salad
Image Credit: Living Chirpy.
This Loaded Potato Salad recipe loads up traditional potato salad with the classic flavors of a loaded baked potato. This takes regular potato salad with fork-tender Yukon golds and adds sharp cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, and more.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Salad
Cottage Cheese Queso
Image Credit: Hanaa Box.
This 3-ingredient viral cottage cheese queso is spicy, creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect high-protein dip for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Queso
Grits on the Grill
Image Credit: Platter Talk.
This recipe for grilled grits is a tasty example of an Americana fusion food. It’s a traditional Southern breakfast side dish that’s been transformed into a grilled side dish.
Get the Recipe: Grits on the Grill
Cowboy Pasta Salad
Image Credit: Cooking with Carlee.
This Cowboy pasta salad has lots of veggies and black beans in a creamy BBQ dressing. It is a great summer side dish, but also works as a main dish if you are looking for something cool and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Pasta Salad
Corn and Avocado Salad
Image Credit: Simply Scratch Made.
This grilled Corn and Avocado Salad is the perfect use for your summer corn! It’s loaded with the smoky flavor of charred corn and tossed with peppers, tomatoes, lime juice, and creamy avocado.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Avocado Salad
Panzanella Toscana (Italian Bread Salad)
Image Credit: The Scatty Mum.
This Panzanella Toscana Italian Bread Salad combines fresh tomatoes, stale bread (yes, really!), and basil to make the most delicious salad. Dairy- and egg-free, this moreish salad can easily be adapted to be gluten-free too.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Toscana (Italian Bread Salad)
Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad
Image Credit: Happy Honey Kitchen.
This easy jalapeno popper potato salad is creamy, tangy, and a little spicy!. With roasted potatoes, pickled jalapeno peppers, bacon, and cheese tossed in a flavorful dressing, it’s a perfect twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad
Grilled Vegetable Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette and Feta
Image Credit: Buttered Veg.
This delicious grilled vegetable salad calls for grilled asparagus and other vegetables, feta cheese, tomatoes, roasted garlic vinaigrette, and reduced balsamic glaze.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetable Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette & Feta
Strawberry Cucumber Salad
Image Credit: The Oregon Dietitian.
Add a brightly colored pile of juicy, savory-sweet goodness to your plate with this simple Cucumber Strawberry Salad recipe! With just seven simple ingredients and 10 minutes of active prep, you’ll have a stunning summer side dish that’s perfect for pairing with all your BBQ favorites.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cucumber Salad
Cucumber and Apple Salad
Image Credit: Nuts and Twigs.
This Cucumber and Apple Salad is Crisp, light, and refreshing. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Juicy apples and crunchy cucumbers combine with a light, zesty dressing to create a simple yet vibrant dish in just about 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber and Apple Salad
Mexican-Style Elote (Corn) Salad Recipe
Image Credit: A Latin Flair.
You’ll love the sweetness of the corn, combined with a tangy flavor and a hint of spice, in this delicious Mexican-style Elote (Corn) Salad Recipe. It’s a perfect mix of fresh corn kernels, creamy yogurt and mayo, lime, and smoky spices.
Get the Recipe: Mexican-Style Elote (Corn) Salad Recipe
Easy Smoked Mac and Cheese
Image Credit: Learning to Smoke.
This homemade smoked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. This tried-and-true recipe, with the addition of smoke flavor, makes it the ultimate side dish for any BBQ!
Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Mac and Cheese
Elote
Image Credit: Cheerful Cook.
Elote is smoky, creamy, and everything we love about Mexican Street Corn, from bold flavor to simple summer prep. Grilled corn is slathered with a creamy blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, cotija cheese, cilantro, and spices, then finished with a final squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Elote
Skillet Cornbread With Green Chiles and Toasted Cumin
Image Credit: Carne Diem.
The recipe is inspired by the Spicy Corn Bread recipe from the KCBS BBQ Society cookbook and The Fearless Chef. This version does not stray too far from the original recipe, but it does have the inclusion of hot honey and green chiles, which makes it even better!
Get the Recipe: Skillet Cornbread with Green Chiles and Toasted Cumin
Kimchi Slaw
Image Credit: Next Level Baker.
This Kimchi slaw is a fusion of traditional coleslaw with Korean kimchi flavors. It’s a bold, tangy, and spicy twist on a classic coleslaw. You get all the amazing flavor of kimchi, along with the crunch of coleslaw.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Slaw
Butter Bath Corn (Milk Boiled Corn on the Cob)
Image Credit: Sweet Tea and Thyme.
Milk-boiled corn on the cob is the ultimate way to have the most tender and buttery corn. Once you try simmering fresh summer corn in a buttery milk bath, you’ll see exactly why this is truly the best way to cook corn!
Get the Recipe: Butter Bath Corn (Milk Boiled Corn on the Cob)
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Image Credit: The Cooking Duo.
Don’t let the name scare you off! Gooey, delicious, cheesy potatoes are perfect always.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Keto Coleslaw Recipe
Image Credit: Like Hot Keto.
This keto coleslaw recipe has a delicious, sweet, and tangy dressing with zero sugar; it’s delicately spicy and ultra creamy.
Get the Recipe: Keto Coleslaw Recipe
Grilled Pierogies
Image Credit: In the Kitch.
These grilled pierogies are made with dumpling wrappers to keep it simple and a cheesy, smooth potato filling. It’s a great summer side dish that can also be enjoyed as a snack, paired with protein, or served with other sides.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pierogies
Tropical Chicken Slaw With Pineapple Vinaigrette
Image Credit: Yellow Bliss Road.
This Tropical Chicken Slaw is crunchy, delicious, and full of flavor, and topped off with a creamy Pineapple Vinaigrette – you’ll forget that it’s good for you, too!
Get the Recipe: Tropical Chicken Slaw with Pineapple Vinaigrette
Cilantro-Lime Corn Salad Recipe
Image Credit: Chef Denise.
This delicious cilantro-lime corn salad recipe is the perfect Mexican side dish for enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos, mulitas, carne asada, and more.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro-Lime Corn Salad Recipe
Baked Ranch Mushrooms
Image Credit: Pumpkin ‘ N Spice.
These Baked Ranch Mushrooms are a simple, five-ingredient side dish that’s packed with flavor. Fresh mushrooms are tossed in a combination of olive oil, butter, and zesty ranch seasoning and baked until golden and tender.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ranch Mushrooms
Homemade Batter Fried Broccoli With Creamy Sauce
Image Credit: The Buttery Fairytale.
This homemade batter-fried broccoli with creamy sauce recipe is so good. It has crispy fried broccoli coated in thick cheesy garlic sauce.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Batter Fried Broccoli with Creamy Sauce
Grilled Broccolini With Lemon Herb Yogurt Sauce
Image Credit: Parsley and Parm.
Grilled broccolini is one of those deceptively simple dishes that’s easy to make. Charred and tender with crispy tips, it’s a fast and flavorful side that brings major Mediterranean vibes to your table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Broccolini with Lemon Herb Yogurt Sauce
Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Image Credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen.
This Easy Italian Pasta Salad combines rotini pasta with fresh veggies, mozzarella, salami, and zesty Italian dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for any summer meal and it can easily be made in advance.
Get the Recipe: Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Honey Halloumi Salad
Image Credit: Cooking Gorgeous.
If you enjoy fresh, vibrant salads with a mix of sweet and savory flavors, this Mediterranean Honey Halloumi Salad is a great option to try. It’s made with pan-seared halloumi cheese, juicy peach, crisp cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and arugula, all tossed together with a sweet-sour dressing made from honey, lemon, and pomegranate molasses.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Honey Halloumi Salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Image Credit: Heavenly Spiced.
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fun and delicious summer side dish recipe. It takes everything you love about elote —sweet corn, creamy sauce, and cotija cheese —and tosses it all together with pasta for a seriously delicious bite!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Spanish Style Gigante Bean Salad
Image Credit: Coley Cooks.
This simple gigante bean salad is rich, smoky, and vinegary, creamy, crunchy, and will have you coming back for seconds. It can be served warm or cold and is rich in Spanish flavors, including sherry vinegar and smoked paprika.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Style Gigante Bean Salad
Grilled Asparagus Salad
Image Credit: Sweet and Savory Meals.
You’ll love making and eating this 15-minute Grilled Asparagus Salad. It’s seasoned with Italian herbs and onion powder, then grilled until it’s tender and lightly charred. It’s finished with fresh lemon and crumbled feta for a flavorful and healthy salad that’s perfect as a side for grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus Salad
Charred Corn Salad With Feta and Dill
Image Credit: Hey snickerdoodle.
This Charred Corn Salad with Feta and Dill is the perfect summer side dish, full of flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for making ahead. It’s creamy, a little smoky, and has just the right amount of zip from fresh lime and dill.
Get the Recipe: Charred Corn Salad with Feta and Dill
Gouda Mac and Cheese
Image Credit: Tasting with Tina.
This Gouda Mac and Cheese is a delicious and cheesy pasta dish. Made with a combination of cheddar cheese and gouda cheese for a velvety sauce and topped with golden brown breadcrumbs for the best crunchy texture. You are going to love this recipe!
Get the Recipe: Gouda Mac and Cheese
Classic American Macaroni Salad
Image Credit: Strength and Sunshine.
This Classic American Macaroni Salad is made gluten-free and vegan. This is such a traditional BBQ side dish, and now everyone can eat it.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Macaroni Salad
Grilled Summer Squash and Zucchini With Lemon Basil Drizzle
Image Credit: Maplevine Kitchen.
This is such a vibrant and easy side dish! You simply grill summer squash and zucchini, drizzled with a zesty lemon basil sauce, and topped with creamy feta—simple, fresh, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Summer Squash and Zucchini with Lemon Basil Drizzle
Mexican Beans (Frijoles de la Olla)
Image Credit: Earth to Veg.
Frijoles de la Olla, or Mexican-style beans cooked in a pot, are a healthy, hearty, and budget-friendly option. Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, these beans only require four ingredients and a couple of hours of hands-off cooking.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Beans (Frijoles de la Olla)
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Image Credit: Garlic All Day.
These Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the easiest side dish to make. They are perfectly garlicky, buttery, and fluffy. All the cooking and mashing is done right in the Instant Pot; you don’t even need to drain the potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes (No Drain)
Chili Lime Quinoa Salad With Kale & Roasted Chickpeas
Image Credit: Beet of the Wild.
This crowd-pleasing Quinoa Salad with massaged kale, roasted Chickpeas, and a homemade Chili Lime Dressing is the perfect make-ahead meal or potluck side!
Get the Recipe: Chili Lime Quinoa Salad with Kale & Roasted Chickpeas
Frog Eye Salad
Image Credit: Baking Beauty.
This cool and creamy frog eye salad is the perfect make-ahead side dish. It is always quick to disappear at BBQs and potlucks!
Get the Recipe: Frog Eye Salad
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