The summer barbeque is a classic tradition. As soon as it’s warm enough, people can’t wait to break out the old grill and start the good times. But as much fun as grilling the main course can be, no BBQ is complete without some top-caliber side dishes. So whether you’re in charge of making all the food for your party or just need a side to bring along to a BBQ, this list of 15 summer BBQ side dishes is sure to provide more than a few winners.
Mediterranean Bean Salad
With fresh produce and simple ingredients, this Mediterranean bean salad is a satisfying and filling salad that should definitely be served at your next outdoor bbq and picnic. Serve with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp, or simply enjoy as a quick and easy go-to lunch!
Get the recipe: Mediterranean Bean Salad
Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad
Watermelon feta cucumber salad is a classic summer BBQ recipe which pairs with any protein. Try this watermelon salad with anything from burgers and hot dogs to steaks, smoked lamb, or anything else you want to grill. It looks pretty and tastes even better.
Get the recipe: Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad
Baked Mac and Cheese
There’s nothing like a homemade, baked Mac and Cheese recipe for pure comfort food. This BBQ side dish recipe incorporates egg for an almost custardy filling.
Get the recipe: Baked Mac and Cheese
Fresh Green Bean Salad
This fresh green bean salad is perfect served cold or warmed up. It features green beans, tomatoes, walnuts, and an Italian-style homemade dressing.
Get the recipe: Fresh Green Bean Salad
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Grilled corn on the cob is an obvious choice for any BBQ. It can be cooked along with the main course, so it’s convenient. This post shares many tips for the perfect grilled corn and great garlic butter to give it loads of flavor.
Get the recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Apple Coleslaw
A good mix of hot and cold dishes makes a meal more of an experience. Apples and cilantro give this slaw a fresh flavor that guests won’t expect.
Get the recipe: Apple Coleslaw
Cucumber Salad
A light, refreshing cucumber salad goes great with any grilled dish. This one adds a few surprising twists while still keeping true to the traditional cucumber salad recipe.
Get the recipe: Cucumber Salad
Loaded Baked Potato Slices
Baked potatoes are a great, versatile side dish that goes perfectly with a BBQ. However, having an entire baked potato on a paper plate can be a recipe for disaster. This site circumvents that problem by offering potato slices, which are still loaded with everything a baked potato needs.
Get the recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Slices
Red Cabbage and Carrot Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
This awesome red cabbage and carrot salad with lemon tahini dressing recipe is quick, easy to make, and packed with flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and guilt-free.
Get the recipe: Red Cabbage and Carrot Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Veggie kabobs are a great way to complement the main dish at a BBQ. Or, for vegetarian/vegan gatherings, they can be a perfect main dish all on their own. See the post for tips on which ones grill the best and how to get the most flavor out of any grilled veggies.
Get the recipe: Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Crisp Pickled Watermelon Rind
Watermelon is another staple food at outdoor summer get-togethers. But you can wow guests by putting out a bowl of watermelon cubes and another bowl of pickled chunks of the watermelon rind.
Get the recipe: Crisp Pickled Watermelon Rind Recipe
Smoked Potatoes
Potatoes at a BBQ are nothing new. But what comes as a surprise is that these potatoes are smoked to add a whole new layer of flavor.
Get the recipe: Smoked Potatoes
Summer Corn Succotash
You can’t get enough corn at a good BBQ party. Serve this summer corn succotash as a unique way to work this vegetable into the menu.
Get the recipe: Summer Corn Succotash
Old-Fashioned Pea Salad
Sometimes, it’s all about those dishes your parents or grandparents always made for a gathering. This old-fashioned pea salad is a throwback recipe that will have people clamoring for more.
Get the recipe: Old-Fashioned Pea Salad Recipe
Air Fryer Pasta Chips
Can’t spare any more space on the grill? These pasta chips are unique for two reasons: They are made from actual pasta and are made in the air fryer.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Pasta Chips
Sour Cream Potato Salad
A good potato salad is another dish that simply must be served at any BBQ. This creamy recipe adds the tang of sour cream for a real treat.
Get the recipe: Sour Cream Potato Salad
Fried Okra
You simply can’t go wrong serving fried okra. Those who have tried it already know, and those who haven’t will quickly come around. Follow this summer BBQ side dish recipe for perfectly fried, crispy, delicious okra.
Get the recipe: Fried Okra Recipe
Zucchini Cakes
Fried zucchini is another superstar dish that will have guests raving. These zucchini cakes present a new way of preparing the popular vegetable.
Get the recipe: Zucchini Cakes
10 Creative Jell-O Recipes to Try Today
These Jell-O desserts offer a delightful twist to the classic pantry staple. They are reminiscent of the desserts your grandma used to make – from refreshing and colorful cubes to easy cake recipes. They are perfect for jazzing up your dessert table and adding a pop of color to your homemade treats.
10 Creative Jell-O Recipes to Try Today
15 Easy Summer Desserts to Satisfy Your Cravings
Whether you’re having a BBQ or get-together or want something to finish off a family dinner, there’s nothing like a classic summer dessert. Summer desserts are usually light, fluffy, and often fruity. These 15 summer dessert recipes offer various options so everyone can find a favorite.
15 Easy Summer Desserts to Satisfy Your Cravings
15 Tasty Potluck Desserts to Feed a Crowd
Everyone secretly wants to have the “star” dish of the potluck. Well, help improve those odds by bringing a dessert. Desserts automatically are worth a few more points, and these 15 best potluck desserts will surely wow people.
