55 Best BBQ Sides for Your Backyard Cookout This Summer
From classic flavors to healthy and fresh dishes — you'll be reaching for seconds!
What's summer without a BBQ? And while perfectly cooked proteins, epic burger recipes and summer appetizers that feature the finest seasonal produce are stars, no barbecue menu is complete without a delicious spread of BBQ side dishes. Whether you're looking for Memorial Day side dishes to kick off summer or some tasty and refreshing BBQ salads to enjoy on the hottest days, we rounded up our best options. From kid-friendly food picks and crowd favorites (hello, potato salad!) to twists on some classics, these BBQ sides may even outshine the mains.
Of course, in addition to the burgers, sausages, grilled veggies and other sides, you’ll want to have a big batch of refreshing summer cocktails ready for the grown-ups. The kids can enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage, but we think they’ll be more excited about the summer dessert options. And if you need something to keep them occupied and away from the hot grill, you can always set up a fun summer activity, like a backyard obstacle course or creative craft table.
We all know that the food is the star of any backyard BBQ, but you can also create the perfect party setting with some backyard decorating ideas that’ll have everyone ooh-ing and ahh-ing. With these recipes in your pocket and a nice outdoor area, your backyard BBQs are sure to become a can’t-miss event for all your friends.
Shaved Fennel and Celery Salad
This light, refreshing salad gets a boost of flavor from chopped capers and Parmesan, which complement any grilled protein.
Get the Shaved Fennel and Celery Salad recipe.
RELATED: 60 Best Memorial Day Recipes, From BBQ Sides to Desserts
Charred Corn with Parmesan-Parsley Butter
Purée butter with parsley, Parmesan, garlic and lemon for a rich and tangy topper on sweet grilled corn. Save any extra to slather on steak or seafood!
Roasted Beet and Orange Salad
Earthy beets and sweet oranges are a match made in heaven. Top it off with arugula and shaved cheese and you have a real winner.
Get the Roasted Beet and Orange Salad recipe.
RELATED: 24 Easy Vegetable Side Dishes That Go With Any Main
Cheesy Bay Biscuits
These tender, craggy drop biscuits are perfect for sopping up BBQ sauce.
Get the Cheesy Bay Biscuits recipe.
Old Bay–Spiced Potato Salad
This crowd-favorite BBQ side gets an upgrade from a zesty vinaigrette made with olive oil, Dijon mustard and of course, Old Bay seasoning!
Get the Old Bay–Spiced Potato Salad recipe.
Classic Green Slaw
Want to mix it up? This dressing is very versatile, so you can toss it with a variety of crunchy veggies. Try kale, jicama or cucumbers!
Get the Classic Green Slaw recipe.
RELATED: 40 Easy Summer Salads That Pack in the Best Seasonal Flavors
Crispy Roasted Potatoes
These bites of golden-brown goodness are the perfect addition to your favorite BBQ menu.
Get the Crispy Roasted Potatoes recipe.
Peach Caprese Salad
Swap out typical tomatoes for summer’s sweetest stone fruit!
Get the Peach Caprese Salad recipe.
RELATED: How to Grill Everything From Burgers to Chicken to Watermelon, According to Test Kitchen Experts
Wedge Salad with Creamy Herb Dressing
An iconic steakhouse starter since the 1960s, the wedge salad makes a cool, crisp and crunchy side, and the dressing can be easily doubled if you're hosting a big BBQ bash.
Chickpea Salad with Smashed Cucumbers
Packed with irresistible veggies like red onion, crunchy cucumbers and sweet cherry tomatoes, this invigorating salad truly has it all. Bits of jalapeño give an added spice, while the herb and lemon dressing brings it all together.
Blistered Snap Peas
Season snap peas with gochugaru and a squeeze of lemon for a simple grilled side.
Get the Blistered Snap Peas recipe.
Cucumber Radish Salad
Celebrating the start of spring with a warm day BBQ? This fresh, seasonal side will be a hit, thanks to plenty of fresh herbs and big chunks of feta.
Get the Cucumber Radish Salad recipe.
Ranch Slaw
Persian cucumbers and sugar snap peas — plus a healthy glug of ranch dressing — make this slaw perfect for any BBQ.
Get the Ranch Slaw recipe.
BLT Pasta Salad
Turn this fan-favorite sandwich into a crowd-pleasing salad with the addition of rigatoni.
Get the BLT Pasta Salad recipe.
Succotash
Fresh summer veggies get a chance to shine in this side dish made with corn, cherry tomatoes, green beans and zucchini.
Get the Succotash recipe.
Grilled Broccoli
Give basic broccoli a major upgrade with a little time on the grill and a dunk in a spicy lemon-butter sauce.
Get the Grilled Broccoli recipe.
Grilled Cabbage Wedges with Creamy Caraway Dressing
Charring the cabbage causes it to caramelize, amping up its natural sweetness while adding a hint of smokiness. Serve big wedges alongside grilled chicken or pork.
Get the Grilled Cabbage Wedges With Creamy Caraway Dressing recipe.
Creamy Corn Pasta
Corn gets puréed with Romano cheese into a creamy sauce to coat orecchiette. Pair it with grilled protein for the ultimate summer dinner.
Get the Creamy Corn Pasta recipe.
Lime and Aleppo Pepper Green Beans
Mildly spicy, earthy (like cumin), and just a little bit fruity, Aleppo pepper adds major flavor to easy grilled green beans. Zesty lime kicks it up a notch!
Grilled Romaine Lettuce with Creamy Feta Dressing
The grill brings smoky flavor to an otherwise mildly flavored vegetable, while the feta, Greek yogurt, and lemon dressing amps things up even more.
Get the Grilled Romaine Lettuce With Creamy Feta Dressing recipe.
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