Nothing says summer quite like firing up the grill, serving juicy burgers and hot dogs and gathering with family and friends for a backyard feast.
And while the main course may get most of the attention, everyone agrees that the best part of any summer cookout is the sides!
From classic potato salad to vibrant corn salad and crisp coleslaw, these are the best BBQ side dishes to serve during grilling season!
Whether you’re hosting your next cookout or heading to a neighborhood potluck, these easy sides pair perfectly with bbq chicken, ribs, burgers and grilled vegetables.
Go through the list and let me know what you’re making first!
Chicken Macaroni Salad
This hearty chicken macaroni salad combines tender chicken, elbow macaroni, crunchy celery and a creamy dressing for a filling and satisfying side.
Dijon mustard and lemon juice impart a nice tanginess, while sour cream and mayonnaise create the perfect creamy texture.
This macaroni salad is a great side for hot dogs, burgers or smoky grilled chicken. The flavors get even better the next day, making it an easy BBQ side dish to prepare ahead of time.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
If you love elote, this Mexican street corn pasta salad takes things to the next level!
Tender pasta, fresh corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice and a creamy dressing combine for one of the best BBQ sides of the season.
The smoky flavor from grilled corn pairs beautifully with creamy avocado and chopped cilantro. Serve it alongside BBQ chicken or grilled steak with tortilla chips for scooping. This pasta salad delivers bold flavor in every bite and quickly becomes a summer staple.
Sweet Summer Corn & Scallion Salad
Fresh corn is one of the highlights of summer, and this simple side dish lets it shine.
Sweet kernels are tossed with scallions, honey, lime juice and buttery avocado for a light and refreshing corn salad.
Serve it at room temperature with grilled meats or seafood for the perfect summer side dish. It’s a beautiful thing when simple ingredients come together in such a delicious way!
Summer BBQ Potato Salad
No list of barbecue sides is complete without classic potato salad.
This version combines tender potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, celery and a creamy dressing with sweet onions and pickle relish.
We’re also adding 2 kinds of mustard for depth of flavor. It’s one of our favorite ways to round out a summer cookout menu and pairs perfectly with baked beans, burgers and ribs.
Mexican Macaroni Salad
Mexican macaroni salad is packed with colorful vegetables, creamy dressing and bold spices.
Elbow macaroni is tossed with corn, bell peppers, lime juice, chili powder and fresh corn for a flavorful salad everyone loves.
This fun twist on traditional macaroni salad makes it one of the best BBQ side dishes for parties and potlucks! Pair it with BBQ sauce-slathered ribs or grilled chicken for a crowd-pleasing combination.
Red Hot and Blue Potato Salad
Made with only six ingredients, this simple potato salad recipe, a copycat of Red Hot and Blue’s famous side dish, is the easiest and most delicious recipe you’ll make this summer.
Hard boiled eggs add richness while extra celery seed gives this potato salad lots of fresh flavor.
Perfect for Memorial Day, Fourth of July or your next summer cookout, this dish brings big flavor to the table. Serve it alongside sweet potato fries, baked beans and grilled sausages for the ultimate barbecue season spread.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Loaded with crisp vegetables, pasta, feta, and juicy cherry tomatoes, Mediterranean pasta salad is always a hit.
Tossed in an easy, zesty dressing, it’s fresh, colorful and satisfying.
This pasta salad works well as a light main course or a great side for grilled meats.
Healthy Southwestern Coleslaw
This healthy slaw features crunchy red cabbage, jalapeño peppers, sweet summer corn and a creamy avocado dressing with fresh lemon juice.
It’s a lighter spin on classic creamy coleslaw but still packed with flavor! It’s dairy free, gluten free and low carb.
Serve it on tacos, alongside BBQ chicken or with tortilla chips for a fun and fresh side.
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
Cool cucumbers tossed in a spicy sesame dressing create a refreshing contrast to rich grilled foods.
This salad is super simple and also very low in calories and carbs, so help yourself to seconds!
Rice vinegar, ginger, garlic and a drizzle of sesame oil give this flavorful salad bold flavor with minimal effort.
This easy BBQ side dish is especially good with grilled shrimp, steak skewers or barbecue chicken. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and fresh herbs for extra crunch and freshness.
Black Bean, Corn and Avocado Salad
This colorful salad combines black beans, fresh corn, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, cilantro and fresh lime juice for a refreshing summer favorite.
It’s one of the best side dishes for cookouts because it pairs well with almost everything from burgers and hot dogs to grilled fish and tacos. We love serving it with homemade tortilla chips for scooping.
Cold Pesto Pasta Salad
Cold pesto pasta salad is one of those summer sides that disappears quickly at every party.
Tender pasta is tossed with basil pesto sauce, juicy cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls and sweet summer corn.
I always recommend making my homemade basil pesto sauce recipe, but to make things super quick and easy you can buy pesto sauce at the grocery store.
Make this side dish ahead of time and store leftovers in the fridge for several days. This pasta salad tastes delicious chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect side dish for outdoor entertaining.
Restaurant Style Coleslaw
This classic creamy coleslaw is crisp, tangy and slightly sweet thanks to a touch of sugar in the dressing.
If you like the coleslaw at KFC, you’re going to love this recipe! Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, it’s a timeless classic side for every barbecue spread.
Serve it with pulled pork sandwiches, ribs or fried chicken for the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
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