18 summer side dishes to bring to a BBQ
These BBQ side dishes are easy to make and work well with whatever’s coming off the grill. Most of them can be made ahead or packed up to go. Solid options for cookouts, picnics, or backyard hangouts.
Watermelon Salad Recipe
This watermelon salad is peak summer energy, super refreshing, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s the kind of fun twist that always disappears fast at picnics and cookouts. Get the recipe: Watermelon Salad Recipe
Italian Sub Pasta Salad
This Italian sub pasta salad has everything you love in a sub, just tossed with pasta and ready for a crowd. It works as a side or a main, and it’s basically begging to show up at your next BBQ or hangout. Get the recipe: Italian Sub Pasta Salad
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Corn ribs are taking BBQ’s by storm, and this air fryer recipe for corn riblets makes them even quicker and easier. Ready in under 25 minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Garden Fresh Pasta Salad with Parmesan Cheese
This garden-fresh pasta salad combines the vibrant flavors of freshly picked vegetables with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, creating a light and flavorful dish. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a refreshing option that will leave everyone coming back for more. Get the recipe: Garden Fresh Pasta Salad with Parmesan
Spring Onion and Herb Potato Salad
This spring onion potato salad is a delicious and nutritious side dish that blends the crisp freshness of spring onions with the creamy comfort of tender potatoes. It’s the ideal addition to any BBQ spread. Get the recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is ultra creamy and cheesy but way lighter than the classic version. Quick, easy, and delicious, it’s the perfect comfort food. Serve it as a side or a meatless main at your BBQ. Get the recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Mexican Street Corn
Mexican street corn is a bold and tasty dish that tastes great with any meal. Pan-fried corn is coated with a creamy blend of mayo, cheese, and spices, giving you all the deliciousness of street food without the grill. Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn
Cilantro Three-Bean Salad
Ideal for healthy meal prep, this salad tastes better and better. You cannot get enough of protein-packed beans, crunchy veggies, and a cilantro salsa dressing. Get the recipe: Cilantro Three Bean Salad
Cajun Corn on the Cob
Summertime is corn season, and cajun corn on the cob takes everyone’s favorite BBQ summer side dish and spices it up with a Cajun kick. Sweet corn is deliciously complimented by a little spice. Get the recipe: Cajun Corn on the Cob
Cole Slaw Pasta Salad
Let’s make this coleslaw pasta salad one of your new favorite summer side dishes that combines coleslaw mix with tender pasta, a creamy salad dressing, and other savory goodies. This rustic, casual side dish is ideal for cookouts, barbecues, or a light lunch. Get the recipe: Cole Slaw Pasta Salad
Easy Fruit Salad
This fruit salad is the perfect sweet and refreshing BBQ side dish. It’s a mix of fresh, juicy fruit that makes for a light and delicious addition to your cookout plate. Get the recipe: Easy Fruit Salad Recipe
Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad is a hearty vegetarian side that’s loaded with Mediterranean ingredients, including olives and sun-dried tomatoes. It takes less than 45 minutes to make and is perfect for a picnic, potluck, or lunch. Get the recipe: Italian Pasta Salad
Greek Pasta Salad
This Greek pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. A vibrant mix of crisp veggies, tangy feta, and a bright herb dressing transforms simple pasta into a flavorful dish. Get the recipe: Greek Pasta Salad
Grilled Veggie Skewers
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. Hello, summer! Get the recipe: Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
Cowboy Caviar Salad
Spin the Texas caviar dip into a really yummy salad by adding rice. It features the most delicious chili maple dressing. A great meal prep option. Get the recipe: Cowboy Caviar Salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican street corn pasta salad is a unique twist on the classic, blending the creamy, tangy flavors of street corn with pasta for a dish that’s both bright and satisfying. It’s a colorful, easy-to-make option that shines as a side or even as the star of the meal. Get the recipe: Street Corn Pasta Salad
Flaky Sourdough Biscuits
These flaky sourdough biscuits are the ultimate side dish upgrade. Buttery, tender, and full of flavor from sourdough discard and buttermilk, they’re perfect for any meal or BBQ. Get the recipe: Flaky Sourdough Biscuits
Watermelon Feta Basil Salad
This watermelon feta basil salad takes a classic combo and turns it into the ultimate summer side. Juicy watermelon, tangy feta, and fresh basil come together with greens, red onion, and a balsamic drizzle. Get the recipe: Watermelon Feta Basil Salad