Top BBQ Side Dishes to Serve at Your Cookout

While I love the main course at warm-weather gatherings, I’m really here for the sides!

Bring on the potato salad, pasta salads, appetizers and more. Below are some of my favorite summer side dishes — fresh, flavorful, easy to prep, and perfect for BBQs or potlucks. I hope you find a few new crowd-pleasers to try.

Pasta salad made with grape tomatoes, spinach, basil, mozzarella and other ingredients in serving bowl.

Tomato Basil Rotini Pasta Salad

Add this Tomato Basil Pasta Salad to your next BBQ for big, fresh flavor. Cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella pearls and shredded Parmesan come together in a simple dressing. Easy to make ahead and anything but ordinary — a bright, crowd-pleasing pasta salad.

Go To Tomato Basil Pasta Salad Recipe

Dish with chicken bacon pasta salad and serving spoon.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Creamy and satisfying, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad mixes crispy bacon, juicy chicken, Parmesan and tomatoes in a quick ranch dressing. Serve as a hearty side or make it the main — it’s always a hit.

Go To Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

Pesto Orzo Salad

A fresh, simple salad made with orzo, homemade basil pesto, mozzarella and tomatoes. Ready in under 30 minutes — add grilled chicken for a main dish or serve it chilled as a vibrant side.

Go To Pesto Orzo Salad Recipe

Serving bowl with potato salad and serving utensils.

Cajun Potato Salad

Brighten a classic with this Cajun Potato Salad. Hard-boiled eggs, crunchy celery and a creamy dressing spiced with homemade Cajun seasoning make it a flavorful, easy-to-assemble side for warm-weather gatherings.

Go To Cajun Potato Salad Recipe

Zucchini pasta salad in serving bowl with wood spoon.

Simple Grilled Zucchini Pasta Salad

Summer in a bowl: grilled lemon-garlic zucchini, corn, Parmesan and fresh herbs make this pasta salad bright and satisfying. Great for picnics or weeknight dinners.

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Pasta salad with sun dried tomatoes, spinach, basil and other ingredients in serving bowl.

Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad uses the flavorful oil from the tomatoes in the dressing for a bold, savory finish. Minimal chopping and about 30 minutes to make — a dependable favorite for summer spreads.

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Cucumber quinoa salad in bowl with peppers, feta, chopped dill and serving utensils.

Cucumber Quinoa Feta Salad

A light, Mediterranean-inspired salad with quinoa, cucumber, red pepper, dill and feta. Toss with olive oil and garlic for a fresh side that travels well to picnics.

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Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Ready in under 20 minutes, this broccoli and cauliflower salad includes dried cranberries, sliced almonds, cheese and bacon in a tangy dressing — a crunchy, nostalgic side that’s always welcomed.

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Bowl with watermelon salad with feta and avocado and spoon scooping into it.

Watermelon Feta Salad with Avocado

Juicy watermelon, creamy avocado, red onion, cilantro and feta — this salad is light, refreshing and ideal for hot days when you want something bright and simple.

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Macaroni and cheese in pan baked with breadcrumbs and chopped parsley on top.

Gruyère Mac and Cheese

Upgrade mac and cheese with a creamy blend of cheddar and Gruyère. Serve baked with breadcrumbs or keep it stove-top for a quick, indulgent side the whole family will love.

Go To Cheddar Gruyere Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy macaroni and cheese shells in clay bowl with chopped fresh parsley on top.

Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

An Instant Pot version that’s rich, creamy and fast to make. A perfect, kid-approved side that’s easier than boxed mac — ready with minimal hands-on time.

Go To Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

Street Corn with Garlic Feta Butter

Street corn gets an upgrade with a garlic-feta herbed butter. Ideal for cookouts when you want the smoky, tangy flavors of street corn without extra fuss.

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Cilantro lime air fryer corn on the cob sitting on brown parchment.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob with Cilantro Lime Butter Sauce

Get grilled-style corn without the grill. Air-fried in about ten minutes and finished with a cilantro-lime butter, it’s a fast, flavorful side for any meal.

Go To Air Fryer Corn on the Cob Recipe

Tomato, basil mozzarella skewers lined up on parchment lined pan.

Marinated Mozzarella Tomato Basil Skewers

Marinated mozzarella soaks in olive oil, balsamic, garlic and herbs before being skewered with tomatoes and basil. A simple, elevated caprese-style appetizer that’s easy to prep ahead.

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Deviled eggs on white serving dish topped with chopped chives, jalapeño, and paprika.

Spicy Deviled Eggs

A zippy twist on classic deviled eggs using sriracha, pickled jalapeños and a touch of cayenne. Make ahead and serve chilled — great as an appetizer or part of a buffet.

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Tortilla chips dipping into bowl with kidney beans, black and pinto beans, vegetables, avocado, corn and more.

3 Bean Avocado Corn Salad

Packed with beans, corn, avocado and fresh veggies, this versatile salad works as a dip or side. Bright, colorful and full of texture — serve with chips or as a taco topping.

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Mango Avocado Salsa

Sweet mango and creamy avocado combine with cilantro and lime for a fresh salsa that pairs perfectly with chips, grilled fish or chicken.

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This is the Top Summer Recipe

Belonging to salad and side categories, and loved by many, here’s a standout summer favorite.

Tortellini Caprese Salad

This Tortellini Caprese Salad is the pasta salad of the season. Ready in about 10 minutes, it pairs cheesy tortellini with fresh basil, tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Hearty enough for a meal, yet perfect as a side.

Go To Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe