75 Easy BBQ Side Dishes to Make All Summer Long
Folks'll be filling up their plates and coming back for more!
Summer is all about the barbecues! If you're planning on throwing an outdoor party, you've probably got some summer grilling recipes already in mind, but what about the side dishes? They're just as important! Thankfully this list covers everything from classic barbecue side dishes like baked beans and mac and cheese to healthier options like veggie-packed salads and grilled corn. Summer parties are gonna be great!
Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)
This Mexican classic is easily the most flavorful way to eat fresh corn and makes one excellent side dish for your summer barbecues!
The Casa Wedge Salad
We love a good wedge salad for dinner and this Tex-Mex inspired version isn't just good, it's great! Mexican Cotija cheese is milder than blue, and the creamy avocado dressing just can't be beat!
Greek Tomato and Feta Salad
This classic Greek salad is best during the summer, when veggies are freshest.
Root Beer Baked Beans
This classic summer side gets a boost of unexpected flavor that'll make it a new favorite at all of your summer barbecues.
Toasted Seed Coleslaw
Another must-have side dish, this slaw gets some extra crunch and flavor from 4 different kinds of seeds.
The Only Basic Pasta Salad Recipe You'll Ever Need
If there's one must-have bbq side dish that cannot be missing at any self-respecting feast, it's pasta salad. This version has everything you expect — and nothing you don't want.
Ritzy Ranch Mac ’n’ Cheese
We added a few additions to this kid-friendly bbq side dish that takes it from "oh they have mac and cheese" to "wow, how did you make this?"
Grilled Corn, Three Ways
Grilled corn is required. But these three simple corn toppings are inspired.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Pesto and Basil Schmear.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Mexican "Street Style" Topping.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Red Pepper Jelly Glaze.
Charred Corn Salad
Because every summer party needs a big ol' bowl of corn.
Charred Baby Peppers with Lime and Cashew Vinaigrette
These simple peppers tossed in vinaigrette make a great side for almost any kind of main.
Get the recipe for Charred Baby Peppers with Lime and Cashew Vinaigrette.
Easy Peasy Cucumber Salad
This super simple mix of crisp cukes, green onions, herbs, and vinegar with lime juice is a pair-with-anything side.
Field Peas with Peaches and Burrata
Field peas are a Southern speciality, but if you can't find them, black-eyed peas make a great substitute. Extra creamy burrata cheese, fresh fruit, and a smattering of herbs complete the dish.
Jalapeño–Sour Cream Cornbread with Honey Butter
This is the cornbread you'll want to use to sop up your favorite bbq rib sauce.
Chive Potato Salad
Even if you already have a beloved potato salad recipe, this version might just become your new favorite. As an added bonus, it’s a healthier dish thanks to mayonnaise being swapped for olive oil.
Fried Pickles with Buttermilk Ranch
How do you make pickles even more snack worthy? Batter 'em up, fry 'em, and dunk 'em in ranch dressing!
Parmesan Tots with Dipping Sauce
A sweet and salty dipping sauce is the ultimate addition to these potato gems. Fun fact: Lauren Akins, wife to country superstar Thomas Rhett, helped come up with this recipe.
Grilled Summer Squash with Lemon-Scallion Dressing
Searching for new ways to incorporate more veggies into your diet? Give this charred dish a try—it features a good amount of fresh summer produce.
Watermelon, Tomato, and Feta Salad
You’ve probably enjoyed plenty of watermelon slices at your backyard barbecues, but not prepared like this. It’s about to become a staple for all your summer dinners.
Fresh Summer Peach Relish
Serve this sweet-savory bbq side dish with any grilled protein. We like it with Smoky Grilled Dry-Rub Pork Chops.
Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Parmesan-Roasted Summer Squash and Herbs
Served with seasonal roasted squash, this bbq side dish that everyone will be clamoring for.
Get the recipe for Pan-Seared Gnocchi with Parmesan-Roasted Summer Squash and Herbs.
Make Paper Flowers That "Rose" to the Occasion
9 Best Feeders to Attract Hummingbirds This Spring
65 Best Memorial Day Recipes for the Cookout
A Party-Ready Outdoor Kitchen from Home Town Stars
