The grill is fired up, and those burgers and hot dogs smell AMAZING. Summer barbecues are ALL about that delicious smoky flavor.
But a truly AWESOME BBQ needs more than just the main event. It needs fantastic side dishes to go along with it!
Think cool, refreshing salads, maybe some creamy potato or pasta dishes, or even some simple, tasty grilled veggies. The right sides can take your cookout to a WHOLE new level of YUM.
If you’re looking for some fresh ideas to make your spread SHINE, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up 24 super summer side dishes that are PERFECT for any barbecue. There’s something here for everyone, from classic comforts to exciting new flavors. So, let’s check out these easy and delicious options that will make your next BBQ a HUGE hit!
1. Pesto Cauliflower
Enjoy the incredible flavor of Pesto Cauliflower, a delicious and easy side dish. This amazing cauliflower pesto recipe is perfect for those following a keto or low carb lifestyle. It’s a simple way to elevate any meal.
2. Dill Pickle Smashed Potatoes
Dill Pickle Smashed Potatoes are a delightfully easy and delicious side dish.
Enjoy the unique, tangy flavor of these perfectly crispy potatoes.
3. Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
This Roasted Sweet Potato Salad offers a vibrant and healthy addition to any meal.
It features tender sweet potatoes roasted to perfection, complemented by toasted pecans, tangy goat cheese, and creamy avocado.
Enjoy this easy sweet potato salad as a truly delicious side.
4. High Protein Green Goddess Cottage Cheese Yogurt Dip
This High Protein Green Goddess Cottage Cheese Yogurt Dip is a wonderfully healthy and delicious choice. It’s an easy-to-make cottage cheese yogurt dip perfect for snacking or sharing. You’ll love its fresh, inviting flavor.
5. Sunshine Salad
Sunshine Salad is a delightfully bright fruit salad.
Bursting with tropical flavors like pineapple, bananas, and mandarin oranges, this low-calorie option is perfect for summer.
6. Air Fryer Zucchini
Air Fryer Zucchini is a fantastic way to enjoy crispy roasted zucchini in just 20 minutes. This easy air fryer recipe is perfect for beginners, creating a delicious quick side dish or appetizer. It’s truly one of the best zucchini recipes for a fast and flavorful meal.
7. Creamy Cheddar Jalapeno Corn Casserole + Dip Recipe
This Creamy Cheddar Jalapeno Corn Casserole is a wonderful side dish for any meal or gathering. It brings together sweet corn and zesty jalapenos in a rich, creamy blend. Best of all, it doubles as a savory dip, perfect for sharing!
8. Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Crispy Roasted Potatoes are incredibly simple to make using just a few basic kitchen tools.
You’ll achieve perfectly crispy roasted potatoes, creating a satisfying crunch that makes them a delicious side for any meal.
9. Ranch Coleslaw
Ranch Coleslaw offers a delightful twist on a classic side dish.
This cool, crunchy ranch coleslaw recipe combines crisp cabbage with the tangy taste of ranch dressing.
It’s the perfect easy side to enjoy with any of your favorite meals.
10. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges make a deliciously nutritious snack or perfect side dish.
They’re crisp, tender, spicy, and sweet, cooking up quickly in your air fryer in 30 minutes or less.
11. Chipotle Maple Carrots
Chipotle Maple Carrots are the perfect vegan side dish.
These carrots offer a wonderful blend of sweet maple and a smoky chipotle kick.
It’s an inviting way to add vibrant flavor to any meal.
12. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes offer a burst of sweet, caramelized flavor that’s incredibly simple to make.
These beautifully roasted tomatoes, infused with garlic and herbs, are perfect as a versatile side dish or a bright topping for pasta.
13. Ramen Noodle Salad
This Ramen Noodle Salad is a fantastic, hearty dish perfect for any occasion.
It features crunchy ramen noodles and crisp cabbage, all tossed in a delicious oriental dressing.
This ramen noodle cabbage salad is excellent for making ahead to feed a crowd.
14. Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Get ready to enjoy delicious Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, cooked to perfection in just 15 minutes. This simple air fryer corn recipe locks in all the incredible flavor without needing any oil. It’s the easiest way to make tender, flavorful corn every time.
15. Southwestern Cornbread Salad
This Southwestern Cornbread Salad is a vibrant and flavorful layered dish.
It’s perfect to prepare ahead of time for barbecues or potlucks.
This delightful cornbread salad with its stunning layers is sure to be a popular addition to any buffet.
16. Keto Tzatziki
Enjoy the fresh, zesty taste of this Keto Tzatziki. This easy, low carb sauce is perfect for adding a delicious gluten-free kick to any meal. It’s a simple way to elevate your dishes.
17. Greek Couscous Bowls
Enjoy vibrant Greek Couscous Bowls, a light and healthy dish.
These bowls are packed with fresh vegetables, fluffy Israeli couscous, and tangy feta cheese.
It’s a perfect choice for a refreshing main course or a flavorful side.
18. Cucumber Tomato Salad w/ Lemon Dill Dressing
This Cucumber Tomato Salad w/ Lemon Dill Dressing is a refreshing, light, and delicious 10-minute side dish. It’s the perfect easy addition for any lunch or dinner. This delightful cucumber tomato salad is also great to bring to your next summer cookout.
19. Tabbouleh Recipe
This Tabbouleh recipe offers a wonderfully fresh, vibrant, and healthy Tabbouleh salad. It’s perfect for easy summer dining, making it simple to learn how to make Tabbouleh for your next meal.
20. Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for summer. This delightful watermelon feta salad combines juicy watermelon and crisp cucumber, all tossed in a bright lime dressing. It’s a simple watermelon salad that offers a unique and satisfying taste.
21. Corn Dip
This hot Corn Dip is bursting with bold flavor from jalapeño and pepper jack cheese.
It’s the perfect appetizer for entertaining guests.
Scoop it up with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing recipe.
22. Grape Salad
Enjoy Grape Salad, a perfect sweet side dish for any gathering. This delightful dessert salad features fresh red and green grapes coated in a rich cream cheese dressing, topped with crunchy walnuts and a touch of brown sugar for extra sweetness.
23. Pickle Pasta (Dill Pickle Salad)
This Pickle Pasta (Dill Pickle Salad) guarantees a perfectly dressed and never dry or bland salad.
It’s packed with zesty dill pickles and cheesy cubes, making it a flavorful hit for any gathering.
24. Tomato Feta Salad
Enjoy the bright flavors of our Tomato Feta Salad, a fresh summer delight. This vibrant dish combines sweet tomatoes, juicy peaches, and ripe strawberries, perfectly balanced with creamy feta. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy the season.