It’s the sides that bring the cookout together. Sure, grilled burgers and ribs are the stars, but it’s the colorful salads, creamy scoops, and smoky veggies that make people stay for seconds (and thirds). These 18 cookout side dish ideas are the perfect mix of flavor, texture, and crowd-pleasing comfort. They’re easy to prep, great for sharing, and full of that summer celebration vibe.
Also Read:
- 13 Delicious Trifle Bowl Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
- 17 Delicious Cream Cheese Recipes for Easy Dinners, Desserts, and Party Treats
- 17 Must-Try Old Southern Recipe Ideas That Taste Like Home
1. Classic Macaroni Salad
Image: spendwithpennies.com
You can’t go wrong with this old-school favorite. Elbow macaroni tossed in a creamy dressing made from mayo, mustard, and just enough sweetness. Crunchy celery, red onion, and chopped pickles give it a bite that balances the richness beautifully.
Why it works: It’s chilled, satisfying, and nostalgic—exactly what people expect (and love) at a backyard BBQ.
Olivia’s Tip: Stir a spoonful of pickle juice into the dressing. It adds brightness and just the right tang to wake up the flavors.
Get the Classic Macaroni Salad recipe
2. Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Image: tastesbetterfromscratch.com
Imagine everything you love about a loaded baked potato—melty cheddar, smoky bacon, sour cream, and green onions—all in a creamy, cold salad form. The red potatoes hold their shape while soaking in all that flavor, making this hearty dish one of the first to disappear.
Why it works: It’s rich, satisfying, and packs a punch of flavor that holds its own next to grilled meats.
Olivia’s Tip: Don’t peel the potatoes. The skins add a little texture and keep the salad from turning to mush.
Get the Loaded Baked Potato Salad recipe
3. Grilled Corn with Garlic Butter
Image: easygoodideas.com
Fresh summer corn brushed with garlic butter, kissed by the grill until it’s perfectly charred—this side is simple, stunning, and always a hit. The sweet corn flavor gets a smoky upgrade, and the melted butter brings it all together.
Why it works: It’s interactive, hands-on food that smells incredible on the grill and tastes even better.
Olivia’s Tip: Add crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and a squeeze of lime to give it that irresistible street corn twist.
Get the Grilled Corn with Garlic Butter recipe
4. Creamy Coleslaw
Image: saltandlavender.com
Cool, crisp, and slightly sweet, coleslaw is a must at any BBQ. This version balances shredded cabbage and carrots with a creamy dressing that has just a hint of tang. It cuts through smoky meats and rich sides like a fresh breeze.
Why it works: It adds crunch, color, and contrast. No plate feels complete without it.
Olivia’s Tip: Let it chill for at least an hour before serving so the flavors can mingle and the veggies stay snappy.
Get the Creamy Coleslaw recipe
5. Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Image: spendwithpennies.com
This salad is summer in a bowl—juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and thin-sliced red onion tossed in a light vinaigrette with fresh herbs. It’s hydrating, refreshing, and full of bright garden flavor.
Why it works: It’s light enough to pair with heavy meats and fresh enough to stand on its own.
Olivia’s Tip: Crumble in a little feta for a salty, creamy contrast that makes the whole thing pop.
Get the Tomato and Cucumber Salad recipe
6. Southern Baked Beans
Image: grandbabybakes.com
Smoky, sweet, and hearty—these baked beans are the real deal. They simmer slowly with bacon, brown sugar, onions, and a dash of BBQ sauce until the flavors melt together into rich, sticky goodness.
Why it works: They complement any grilled meat and feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Olivia’s Tip: Bake uncovered for the last 30 minutes to caramelize the top—totally worth it.
Get the Southern Baked Beans recipe
7. Pasta Salad with Veggies
Image: nourishplate.com
This colorful crowd-pleaser is tossed with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, olives, and zesty Italian dressing. It’s crisp, fresh, and totally fuss-free.
Why it works: It’s a refreshing break from heavy BBQ and works well with just about anything on the grill.
Olivia’s Tip: Add cubed mozzarella or provolone for extra heartiness and creamy bites.
Get the Pasta Salad with Veggies recipe
8. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Image: pinterest.com
Zucchini, mushrooms, red onions, and peppers get brushed with olive oil and grilled to tender perfection. These veggie skewers bring color, nutrition, and smoky flavor to any table.
Why it works: They’re healthy, easy to serve, and feel like a complete dish on their own.
Olivia’s Tip: Don’t forget to soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning on the grill.
Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe
9. Deviled Eggs with Paprika
Image: sashaservedwhat.com
A true Southern cookout isn’t complete without deviled eggs. These little bites are smooth, creamy, and finished with a smoky sprinkle of paprika on top.
Why it works: Easy to prep ahead and always one of the first things to disappear.
Olivia’s Tip: A dash of pickle juice or Dijon mustard adds a hidden layer of flavor guests will love.
Get the Deviled Eggs with Paprika recipe
10. Watermelon Feta Salad
Image: feelgoodfoodie.com
Cool, sweet watermelon paired with salty feta and fresh mint leaves makes this salad a refreshing favorite. Drizzle with lime juice, and you’ve got the ultimate summer bite.
Why it works: It’s hydrating and feels light and fancy without any effort.
Olivia’s Tip: Keep it chilled until serving so the watermelon stays crisp and juicy.
Get the Watermelon Feta Salad recipe
11. Broccoli Bacon Salad
Image: carlsbadcravings.com
This salad hits every flavor note: crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, red onion, sweet raisins, and a creamy dressing. It’s hearty, colorful, and full of texture.
Why it works: It holds up beautifully at outdoor events and only gets better as it sits.
Olivia’s Tip: If you don’t love raw broccoli, blanch it for just one minute to soften slightly without losing crunch.
Get the Broccoli Bacon Salad recipe
12. Caprese Salad Skewers
Image: dinneratthezoo.com
These bite-sized skewers layer cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves—finished with a balsamic drizzle. Fresh, elegant, and ridiculously easy to assemble.
Why it works: No fork required, and they look gorgeous on any party tray.
Olivia’s Tip: Use marinated mozzarella for extra flavor in every bite.
Get the Caprese Salad Skewers recipe
13. Sweet Corn and Black Bean Salad
Image: cookingclassy.com
Corn, black beans, diced bell pepper, avocado, and cilantro tossed in a lime dressing—it’s colorful, zesty, and full of flavor. Great as a side or served with tortilla chips.
Why it works: This salad is hearty but light, and packed with texture.
Olivia’s Tip: A touch of cumin or chili powder gives the dressing a smoky Southwestern vibe.
Get the Sweet Corn and Black Bean Salad recipe
14. Garlic Parmesan Grilled Potatoes
Image: erinloveswhole.com
Baby potatoes tossed in garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, then wrapped in foil and roasted on the grill. They come out tender on the inside with crispy, cheesy edges.
Why it works: They’re fuss-free, flavorful, and go with everything from burgers to steaks.
Olivia’s Tip: Use a mix of red and yellow potatoes for color and flavor variety.
Get the Garlic Parmesan Grilled Potatoes recipe
15. Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing
Image: everylittlecrumb.com
This bright and juicy salad features melon, pineapple, grapes, and berries tossed in a citrus dressing made with lime and orange juice. A clean, sweet finish to any cookout plate.
Why it works: It’s naturally sweet, hydrating, and super kid-friendly.
Olivia’s Tip: Add chopped mint just before serving to brighten the whole bowl.
Get the Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing recipe
16. Elote Pasta Salad
Image: badbatchbaking.com
Inspired by Mexican street corn, this pasta salad mixes grilled corn with pasta, cotija cheese, mayo, lime, chili powder, and cilantro. Creamy, tangy, and full of flavor.
Why it works: It brings bold flavor to a classic BBQ table with minimal effort.
Olivia’s Tip: It’s just as tasty cold or at room temp—perfect for potlucks.
Get the Elote Pasta Salad recipe
17. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Image: fromchefskitchen.com
This salad feels fancy but is easy to make. Roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, peppery arugula, and crunchy walnuts all tossed in balsamic vinaigrette—it’s earthy, sweet, and tangy.
Why it works: It’s a gourmet touch that balances rich grilled meats with freshness.
Olivia’s Tip: Roast and chill the beets in advance for quick prep on the day of the cookout.
Get the Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad recipe
18. Mac and Cheese Cups
Image: deliciouslittlebites.com
Creamy mac and cheese baked in muffin tins until golden on the edges and soft in the middle. Perfectly portioned and easy to pick up—no forks required!
Why it works: It’s a fun twist on a comfort classic, and kids especially love them.
Olivia’s Tip: Mix in cooked bacon or jalapeños for a delicious flavor twist your guests won’t forget.
Get the Mac and Cheese Cups recipe
Ready to level up your summer BBQ?
Save these recipes, pin your favorites, and try a few at your next cookout. Don’t forget to share this post with friends who love good food and great company.
👇 Which side dish are you trying first? Tell us in the comments!
0 Comments