Looking for the perfect side dishes to take to a cookout? From creamy pasta salads to grilled corn with a kick, we’ve got fresh takes that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re heading to a backyard barbecue or planning your gathering, these dishes will stand out far beyond the usual coleslaw and potato salad.
From make-ahead Mediterranean tortellini salads to smoky grilled vegetables, tangy three-bean medleys to loaded potato casseroles, and sweet melon-halloumi combinations to zesty Mexican street corn salads – these dishes are designed to complement anything from burgers to ribs while becoming stars in their own right. The best part? They’re all easy to transport and serve at room temperature, perfect for those sunny afternoon get-togethers.
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Grilled Cornbread
A smoky, golden-brown cornbread that pairs perfectly with any BBQ spread. The slight char from the grill enhances the sweetness of the cornbread.
Recipe: Grilled Cornbread
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
A creamy, cheesy, and bacon-loaded mashed potato dish perfect for BBQ gatherings.
Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Grilled Broccoli
Crispy, slightly charred broccoli with a smoky flavor. It is a great way to add greens to your BBQ plate while keeping it flavorful.
Recipe: Grilled Broccoli
Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheese, these smoked potatoes make the ultimate BBQ comfort food.
Recipe: Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Grilled Carrots with Brown Butter
Tender, smoky carrots with a rich brown butter glaze. It is a simple yet delicious BBQ side dish that adds natural sweetness.
Recipe: Grilled Carrots with Brown Butter
Baked Sweet Potato
Perfectly soft and naturally sweet, these baked sweet potatoes are a simple yet delicious BBQ side.
Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
Stuffed Jalapeños (Jalapeño Poppers)
Spicy jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese and grilled to perfection. It’s a must-have for any BBQ side lineup.
Recipe: Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
Grilled Zucchini
Smoky, tender zucchini slices that soak up the BBQ flavor beautifully. A great low-carb side dish for summer grilling.
Recipe: Grilled Smoked Zucchini
Broccoli Salad
A lightened-up version of classic broccoli salad with all sorts of tasty goodies like dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing.
Get the recipe here
Air Fryer Potato Skins
Air fryer potato skins are crispy, cheesy, and flavorful, making them perfect for a BBQ. They’re quick to make, healthier than fried versions, and go great with burgers, grilled meats, or as a tasty appetizer!
Get the recipe here
Bocconcini Salad
Bocconcini salad recipe is a fun twist on the classic Caprese salad with a combination of cherry tomatoes, basil, and bocconcini.
Get the recipe here
Lentil Salad
Bring this delightful Lentil Salad to your next BBQ for a hit everyone will enjoy. Composed of wholesome green lentils, crisp cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, sharp red onion, and fresh parsley, this salad is elevated with tangy feta cheese and dressed in a zesty lemon-Dijon concoction.
Get the recipe here
Canary Melon Salad with Halloumi
Easy salad with halloumi balanced perfectly with sweet canary melon, salty prosciutto, peppery rocket, and crunchy shaved fennel. A great refreshing salad to lift the summer vibes.
Get the recipe here
Easy Italian Pasta Salad
Everybody loves pasta salad, but classic pasta salad recipes are typically loaded with unwanted fat and white carbs. This easy recipe has all the bold flavors you love, but a few simple tweaks make it so much healthier {and perfect for swimsuit season}!
Get the recipe here
Gluten-Free Baked Beans
Homemade baked beans with bits of crispy bacon and hints of BBQ sauce are the perfect side dish for your next BBQ.
Get the recipe here
Grape Salad with Cream Cheese-Vanilla Dressing
So cool and refreshing on a hot summer day! This classic picnic salad is always a hit!
Get the recipe here
Basil Pesto Pasta Salad
This basil pesto pasta salad includes tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and nutritional yeast. It’s ideal as a make-ahead camping or road trip meal.
Get the recipe here
The Easiest Zesty Italian Pasta Salad (Meat and Cheese)
This cold pasta salad recipe is bursting with bold Italian flavors. Ideal for meal prep and parties. It can be made in just 20 minutes!
Get the recipe here
Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe
This delicious Mexican Street Corn Salad is a delicious addition to any BBQ. Quick and easy to make and full of flavor!
Get the recipe here
Easy Homemade Cornbread without Eggs!
This easy cornbread comes together with simple pantry-friendly ingredients. It’s moist, buttery, and delicious.
Get the recipe here
Potato Salad (Easy No Mayo Recipe)
This easy no-mayo potato salad is a winner. Watch this herby, garlic mustard potato salad disappear.
Get the recipe here
New York Deli Macaroni Salad
This is an authentic NYC deli macaroni salad recipe. This sweet and creamy salad is made with elbow macaroni and a creamy mayo-based dressing. It makes the perfect cold side to bring to your next BBQ. Plus, it’s simple to make. Garnish with chopped curly parsley to make it look extra special.
Get the recipe here
Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
This loaded potato salad recipe is packed with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions. It’s always a favorite dish with friends and family at barbecues or family gatherings.
Get the recipe here
Tomato Basil Pasta Salad with Mozzarella & Fontina
This pasta salad recipe has tomatoes, basil, and two types of cheese! It’s a delicious addition to any picnic or potluck gathering.
Get the recipe here
Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad
This Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad is a great BBQ side dish! It’s tossed in a homemade dressing along with marinated artichokes, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
Get the recipe here
Crowd-Pleasing Tuscan Tortellini Salad in a Flash
This tortellini pasta salad is extremely versatile. You can change out the ingredients based on what the guests prefer, or what is growing in your garden at that time. Prep it ahead of time for parties or family get-togethers.
Get the recipe here
Summer Watermelon Salad with Feta will be your new favorite!
This Watermelon Salad with Feta and Basil is incredibly delicious and so easy to prepare. The salty, savory ingredients counter the sweetness of the fruit – it’s full of fresh flavor!
Get the recipe here
Vegetable Potato Salad
Make this delicious vegetable potato salad recipe with fresh cucumbers, onions, and carrots!
Get the recipe here
Creamy Chickpea Salad
Southwest Quinoa Salad
Glazed Balsamic Carrots on the Grill
Roasted Mushroom and Tomato Pasta Salad
Elote Pasta Salad – with Crispy Chipotle Tortilla Strips
Corn and Tomato Salad – Buttery Bread. Mozzarella. Basil.
Cucumber and Onions in Vinegar
Berry Bacon Salad
Bean and Rice Casserole (Dump and Bake)
Three Bean Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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