53 Delicious BBQ Side Dishes To Try This Summer
Planning your menu and need some great BBQ side dishes? I’ve rounded up a bunch of tasty options your family will love. They’re perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and all your summer get-togethers. These simple, crowd-pleasing recipes will make your next barbecue even better.
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Use our table of contents to jump to the section that interests you the most
- Potato BBQ Side Dishes
- Salad Side Dishes
- Grilled Vegetable Sides
- Baked BBQ Side Dishes
- Fruit Sides & Desserts
- Tips For choosing BBQ Side Dishes
One of my favorite parts of any BBQ has always been the side dishes. I remember summer cookouts growing up when my plate was piled high with everything but the meat.
Those creamy potato salads, fresh fruit dishes, and cheesy baked sides felt like summer.
Now, I love bringing that energy to our backyard gatherings, and I’ve rounded up 53 of the best BBQ side dishes to help you do the same.
This post is part of my Meal Planning for Busy Families collection — hundreds of curated recipe ideas organised by meal type, plus a free printable meal planner and grocery list.
Potato BBQ Side Dishes
Potatoes, the versatile star of any barbecue, can be prepared in many ways, whether on the grill or indoors. From crispy wedges to creamy salads, the options are endless. Here are 12 mouthwatering potato BBQ side dishes for you to savor.
Loaded Potato Salad
A hearty twist on the classic, this potato salad is packed with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for summer BBQs or potlucks, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time.
German Potato Salad
This warm German potato salad combines tender red potatoes with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and fresh herbs tossed in a tangy-sweet mustard dressing. It’s a flavorful, mayo-free side perfect for summer BBQs and fall gatherings.
Potatoes On The Grill
Tasty foil-wrapped potatoes grilled until tender and golden, then finished with melted butter and your favorite seasonings. This easy, no-fuss side pairs well with any BBQ spread.
Smashed Potato Salad
Smashed potatoes are roasted until crispy, then tossed in a creamy, herby dressing for a bold and tasty twist on traditional potato salad. This recipe is a great choice for backyard BBQs or casual summer meals.
Greek Potato Salad
This Greek Potato Salad is a fresh take on a classic side. Tender potatoes are tossed with olives, fresh dill, and a homemade mustard-honey dressing, creating a bright, tangy, and full Mediterranean flavor dish that intrigues your guests.
Grilled Potatoes In Foil
Baby red potatoes are tossed with fresh rosemary, garlic powder, and olive oil, then sealed in foil packets and grilled until golden and tender. This simple yet flavorful side pairs perfectly with any grilled main.
Creamy Bacon Potato Salad
This creamy potato salad features red-skinned potatoes mixed with crispy bacon, fresh dill, and a tangy ranch-sour cream dressing. It’s a flavorful side dish perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.
Spring Potato Salad
Red potatoes are grilled until golden, then tossed with baby peas, arugula, and a bright lemon-mint vinaigrette. This bright and colorful salad is a fresh option for spring and summer cookouts.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Air-fried sweet potato fries are crisp, golden, and packed with sweet-savory flavor. Quick to prepare and seasoned with garlic, dill, and paprika, they make an easy and healthy side dish.
Grilled Potato Wedges
Potato wedges are tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and other simple spices, then grilled to golden perfection with just enough char. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make a quick and delicious side for any summer meal.
Sweet Potato Salad
Picture roasted sweet potatoes with black beans, corn, red bell pepper, and red onion tossed in a zesty lime and jalapeño dressing. This colorful, mayo-free salad is delectable and perfect for summer cookouts.
Italian Potato Salad
Red potatoes are combined with crisp bacon, celery, bell peppers, red onion, and fresh basil, then tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette. This delicious salad is a refreshing choice for summer gatherings.
Salad Dishes
Salads are the perfect way to balance out all the grilled goodness at a BBQ. They’re fresh, easy to prep ahead, and full of summer flavors. Whether you want something light and crisp or hearty and satisfying, these 12 salad side dishes will fit right in with whatever’s sizzling on the grill.
Tangy Cucumber Salad
Crisp cucumber slices and red onion are tossed in a creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and vinegar, then seasoned with fresh dill and oregano. This refreshing cucumber salad is a delicious, tangy side perfect for summer cookouts.
Cucumber And Apple Salad
Looking for something light, crisp, and just a little unexpected? Cucumber and apple salad brings the crunch with sweet and tangy flavors in every bite. It’s a fresh, no-fuss side that pairs perfectly with anything hot off the grill.
Creamy, Bacon, Ranch Pasta Salad
This creamy bacon ranch pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser. It combines tender pasta, crispy bacon, and a medley of fresh vegetables tossed in a rich ranch dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a satisfying weekday meal. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements ensures that everyone will be coming back for seconds.
Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Salad
Looking to spice up your BBQ spread? This spicy salad combines juicy watermelon chunks with smoky charred corn, all tossed in a zesty jalapeño-lime dressing. Topped with fresh herbs and a crunchy sprinkle of corn nuts, it’s a bold and vibrant side that brings a sweet heat to any summer gathering.
Heirloom Tomato Salad
This heirloom tomato salad celebrates summer’s best flavors. Juicy, colorful tomatoes are paired with creamy mozzarella and fresh herbs, then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your BBQ table.
Mediterranean Salad
Smoky grilled veggies take center stage in this bold Mediterranean salad. Tender eggplant, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus tossed in a maple balsamic basil dressing, every bite is bursting with summer flavor.
Burrata Caprese Salad
Creamy burrata meets marinated cherry tomatoes in this elegant twist on a classic Caprese salad. The tomatoes are tossed in a zesty vinaigrette with garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of honey, then spooned over the burrata. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, it’s a rich, well-seasoned side that brings a taste of Italy to your summer table.
BBQ Grilled Asparagus Salad
Smoky grilled asparagus meets sweet dried cranberries, creamy feta, and crunchy toasted pepitas in this vibrant salad. A drizzle of maple syrup ties it all together, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s a standout side dish that will impress at your next BBQ.
Apple Carrot Salad
This modern twist on the classic Waldorf salad combines crisp Honeycrisp apples, shredded carrots, celery, golden raisins, and walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing made with vanilla yogurt and a touch of mayonnaise. It’s a refreshing, well-balanced side that pairs perfectly with grilled meats at your next BBQ.
Classic Broccoli Salad
This classic broccoli salad combines crunchy florets, sharp cheddar, red onion, and dried cranberries. Tossed in a creamy, slightly tangy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make ahead for your next BBQ.
5 Bean Salad
This Five-Bean Salad is a vibrant medley of kidney, black, navy, green, and wax beans tossed in a tangy-sweet vinaigrette. It’s a protein-packed, fiber-rich side dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for summer gatherings.
Cucumber, Tomato, Avocado Salad
Cucumber, tomato, and avocado salad is a refreshing addition to any summer meal. It features creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing. This quick and healthy side dish is ready in just 10 minutes. This salad is satisfying and easy to prepare, perfect for picnics or as a light main course.
Grilled Vegetable BBQ Side Dishes
Fresh produce is everywhere in the summer, and it’s the perfect time to take full advantage. Grilling vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds that irresistible smoky flavor. Plus, you can cook them alongside the meat on the grill. No running back and forth from the kitchen. It’s easy, convenient, and seriously tasty.
Mexican Grilled Onions
Mexican grilled onions, or cebollitas asadas, are a smoky, savory side that brings authentic flavor to your BBQ spread. Lightly seasoned and grilled until tender with a hint of char, they pair perfectly with grilled meats, tacos, or as a standalone treat. Fresh lime juice adds the finishing touch to this simple yet delectable dish.
Grilled Bok Choy
Grilled bok choy is a quick and easy side dish that brings big flavor with minimal effort. In 10 minutes, you can transform this leafy green into a tender, slightly crisp accompaniment perfect for any meal. This versatile vegetable pairs well with a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to stir-fries.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Colorful and bursting with summer flavor, these grilled veggie skewers are a must-have for your next cookout. Featuring zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers, they’re brushed with a fresh garlic herb sauce and finished with a drizzle of tangy balsamic vinegar. Simple to prepare yet anything but boring, these skewers are a vibrant addition to any BBQ spread.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus in foil is a quick, easy side dish that adds loads of flavor with minimal effort. In just 10 minutes, you can transform this leafy green into a tender, slightly crisp accompaniment perfect for any meal. This versatile vegetable pairs well with a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to stir-fries.
Smoked Corn On The Cob
Smoked corn on the cob is next-level good—sweet, juicy, and infused with bold, smoky flavor. If you’re ready to take your summer BBQ up a notch, this side dish will steal the show.
Mexican Street Corn
Ready to bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food to your backyard BBQ? This easy Mexican Street Corn recipe transforms fresh, sweet corn into a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy delight that’s sure to impress your guests. Perfect as a side dish or a standout addition to your summer cookout menu.
Grilled Stuffed Avocados
Grilled avocados are the unexpected BBQ side you didn’t know you needed. Their creamy texture takes on a subtle smokiness from the grill, creating a perfect base for a variety of fillings. They are a versatile and delectable addition to your summer cookout.
Grilled Corn Recipe With Cilantro Lime Butter
Grilled corn on the cob is a summer staple, but slather it with cilantro lime butter, and you’ve got a side dish that steals the show. The combination of smoky charred kernels and zesty, herb-infused butter brings a burst of flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Grilled Summer Squash Crostini With Goat Cheese And Pesto
Grilled Summer Squash Crostini with Goat Cheese and Pesto is a delightful way to savor the abundance of zucchini and yellow squash during summer. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for summer entertaining.
Grilled Zucchini Recipe With Orange And Mint
Grilled zucchini gets a fresh summer twist with a burst of citrus and a hint of mint. This light, vibrant dish is anything but boring—and it’s just the thing to brighten up your BBQ spread. You’ll want to make extra.
Grilled Vegetable Medley
This grilled vegetable medley is a vibrant, smoky mix that brings a burst of color and flavor to your BBQ spread. Tossed in a savory marinade and cooked to tender perfection, it’s a versatile side that complements any main dish. These veggies are sure to be a hit at your next cookout.
Baked BBQ Side Dishes
Baked veggie side dishes bring comfort—and at a BBQ, they’re just what you need to round out the grill. From creamy mac and cheese to smoky baked beans, these dishes are warm, hearty, and rich in satisfying flavors. They’re easy to make ahead, and your guests will line up for seconds.
Creamy Tomato Butter Beans
Looking for a hearty, unexpected side for your next BBQ? Creamy tomato butter beans bring rustic comfort to the table with bold flavor and a silky texture. They’re simple to make, packed with plant-based goodness, and perfect for serving up alongside grilled mains.
BBQ Baked Beans With Ground Beef
BBQ Baked Beans with Ground Beef are a hearty, crowd-pleasing side that brings a rich, smoky flavor to your cookout. Combining tender ground beef with slow-cooked beans in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, they’re a satisfying addition to any summer gathering.
Apple Baked Beans
Apple Baked Beans bring a sweet and savory twist to your BBQ spread. With tender beans, crisp apples, and a hint of smoky richness, this dish offers a comforting yet unexpected flavor combination. It’s a standout side that adds a touch of Southern charm to any summer gathering.
Sweet & Spicy Instant Pot Baked Beans
Sweet & Spicy Instant Pot Baked Beans are a game-changer for your BBQ lineup. The brown sugar, maple syrup, and jalapeños mix delivers bold flavor with just the right kick. Quickly made and packed with taste, they’re a perfect match for anything hot off the grill.
Baked Beans With Pork
Baked Beans with Pork is a hearty, nostalgic side dish that brings comfort and flavor to any BBQ. Combining tender beans with smoky pulled pork and a touch of molasses, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish that perfectly complements grilled meats.
Macaroni And Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, our mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food side for your BBQ. With its rich texture and crowd-pleasing flavor, it complements any grilled main. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, it’s sure to become a staple at your summer gatherings.
Best Cornbread Recipe
Golden, tender, and just the right amount of sweet, this cornbread is a BBQ essential. It’s the kind of side that disappears fast—especially with a pat of butter melting on top. Whether serving ribs, brisket, or smoky beans, this moist, crowd-pleasing classic belongs on your summer table.
Garlic Cheese Rolls
Warm, buttery, and loaded with gooey cheese, these garlic rolls are the kind of side that disappears fast. Inspired by a beloved California pizzeria, they’re rolled up like cinnamon buns, so every bite is packed with melty cheese and garlicky goodness. Perfect for soaking up BBQ sauces or serving straight from the skillet.
Fruit BBQ Side Dishes
Summer fruit is at its peak, not just for dessert. From sweet and juicy to zesty and unexpected, fruit makes a bright, refreshing addition to any BBQ spread. These side dishes bring bold flavor, vibrant color, and something special to your table. We also tucked in a few desserts to serve alongside the fruit.
Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple is a sweet and smoky treat that brings a tropical flair to your BBQ spread. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, enhancing its juicy flavor without the need for added sweeteners. Whether served alongside savory dishes or as a light dessert, it’s a simple yet delectable addition to any summer gathering.
Star Spangled Fruit Salad
Star-spangled fruit Salad is a festive and refreshing addition to your summer BBQ. With juicy strawberries, blueberries, and crisp apple stars, it’s bursting with fresh flavor and patriotic flair. This fun, colorful side dish is bound to be a hit at any warm-weather gathering.
Banana Pudding Fruit Salad
Creamy, nostalgic, and packed with fresh fruit, this sweet side brings all the comfort of banana pudding with a summery twist. Banana Pudding fruit salad is the kind of crowd-pleasing dish that disappears fast—so you might want to make a double batch. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or anytime you want something fun and easy.
Ambrosia Salad
Creamy, sweet, and a bit retro, this classic Ambrosia salad is a nostalgic favorite that never goes out of style. With its mix of juicy fruit, soft marshmallows, and a cool, creamy base, it’s the kind of side dish that brings smiles to every summer gathering. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or whenever you want to add a touch of old-school charm to your table.
Mexican Fruit Salad
Sweet, juicy fruit gets a bold makeover with a splash of lime and a sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning. This vibrant fruit salad brings a zesty kick to your BBQ spread, balancing sweetness with a touch of heat. It’s a refreshing twist that adds color and flavor to any summer gathering.
Peach Avocado Salad
Juicy peaches and creamy avocado come together in a salad that’s as refreshing and vibrant. Tossed with crisp cucumbers, red onion, and a zesty honey-lime dressing, it’s a sweet-savory combo that tastes like summer in every bite. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or whenever you want to impress with something light, colorful, and full of flavor.
Strawberry, Watermelon, and Basil Salad
This refreshing summer salad combines juicy strawberries, cool watermelon, and fresh basil. It’s a simple yet vibrant dish that adds a burst of color and flavor to your BBQ spread. This salad is a delightful way to enjoy the season’s best produce, perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Red, White Blue M&M Cookies
Soft, chewy, and bursting with red, white, and blue M&Ms, these cookies are a festive treat that adds a patriotic flair to any summer celebration. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or holiday gatherings, they’re a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth while showing off national pride.
Red, White, And Blue Jello Shots (kid-friendly)
Bright, festive, and fun, these red, white, and blue Jello cups are a hit with kids and adults alike. Layered with vibrant colors, they’re a cheerful addition to your summer BBQ spread. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re sure to bring smiles.
Patriotic Pretzels
Salty, sweet, and splashed with red, white, and blue patriotic pretzels are a festive treat that’s fun to make. Kids will love helping dip and decorate them, making this a perfect hands-on activity for your summer gathering. They’re colorful, crunchy, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Tips for Choosing the Best BBQ Side Dishes
Planning your BBQ side dishes? Start by thinking about how many people you’ll be feeding. The more guests, the more side dishes you’ll want—and it helps to include a mix of hearty, light, sweet, and savory options. Salads are always a win.
Classics like potato or macaroni salad are especially handy. They’re affordable to make in large batches, easy to prep and help fill everyone up without much fuss.
Don’t forget something sweet—fruit with a dip is always a hit.
Prep what you can ahead of time to make things easy on the day. Offer a mix of hot and cold dishes and balance flavors and textures—creamy, crunchy, fresh, and bold.
It’s also a good idea to include a couple of BBQ side dishes that work for guests with dietary needs. And if you’re eating outside, bring covers to keep the bugs away and your food fresh.
With 53 mouthwatering BBQ side dishes, you’re sure to find a few new favorites for your next cookout. Whether you’re grilling veggies, baking beans, or serving up something sweet, these recipes will bring big flavor to the table. Don’t forget to pin this post so you can return anytime and try more recipes!
This post is part of the Kid-Friendly Recipes resource hub at Rediscovered Families — your complete starting point for easy family recipes, holiday treats, meal planning help, and more.