A backyard barbecue is an iconic Summer staple and an American family favorite. Every family has its own unique way to make their barbecue special. However, just as crucial as the barbecue itself are the versatile sides that go with it! We have compiled 22 splendid side dishes, both classic and creative, to spice up your next BBQ!
Strawberry Pecan Salad
This salad is a strawberry lover’s dream! Strawberries are presented fresh on top as well as in the dressing for maximum strawberry flavor! The mixed green salad is tossed in a tangy strawberry balsamic. It’s a super healthy and bright addition to your next BBQ!
Get Recipe: Strawberry Pecan Salad
Chipotle Corn Ribs
These Chipotle Corn Ribs are sure to be a spicy sensation! Corn cobs are sliced into ribs and coated in vegan butter and smoky chipotle powder. They are then grilled to perfection to provide a spectacular vegan side!
Get Recipe: Chipotle Corn Ribs
Summer Tortellini Salad
This Summer Tortellini Salad is a great twist on the classic pasta salad! It’s filled with fresh, in-season Summer veggies paired with perfectly cooked cheese tortellini, topped with a zesty Italian dressing to tantalize the taste buds!
Get Recipe: Summer Tortellini Salad
Tzatziki Cucumber Salad
Tzatziki Cucumber Salad is a refreshing Mediterranean side dish perfect for accompanying grilled food! Cucumbers and red onion are coated in a tangy tzatziki sauce. It’s super creamy and fresh, perfect for hot Summer days!
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Easy Smoked Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese is an iconic BBQ side, and everyone has their favorite way to do it. Be prepared to add another tasty variation! This classic and creamy mac and cheese is infused with a subtle and delicious smoky flavor. Perfect to pair with BBQ!
Get Recipe: Easy Smoked Mac and Cheese
Herby Crispy Potato and White Bean Salad
This salad uses baked potatoes instead of boiled potatoes for extra flavor. It is tossed with a variety of delicious herbs and veggies and finished with an olive oil vinaigrette. If you don’t like mayonnaise but still want a potato salad, this is your answer!
Get Recipe: Herby Crispy Potato and White Bean Salad
Miso Glazed Zucchini
Miso-glazed zucchini are super simple to make and elevate an already delicious grilled side. Miso adds a delicious twist to the zucchini, making these zucchini look stunning and taste just as good!
Get Recipe: Miso Glazed Zucchini
Vegan Couscous Salad
Couscous salad is a versatile and vibrant side dish for any occasion! The super fresh flavors work especially well for any BBQ. However, it is also super simple to customize with what you want or have on hand!
Get Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Gluten-Free Corn Muffins
The recipe is super simple and perfect for beginner bakers. The corn muffins have a wonderful texture and slightly sweet taste. They are a wonderful gluten-free version of a BBQ favorite!
Get Recipe: Gluten-Free Corn Muffins
Pesto Pasta Salad
This Pesto Pasta Salad is full of classic Italian flavors and super easy to assemble! Basil pesto is the coating for a combination of fresh veggies and creamy mozzarella. This is an Italian edition of a must-have BBQ side!
Get Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad
Grilled Potato Salad Skewers
These Grilled Potato Salad Skewers are a super innovative twist on a classic side. Classic potato salad ingredients are skewered and grilled. Drizzled with a delicious dressing. An elevated new take on a BBQ favorite!
Get Recipe: Grilled Potato Salad Skewers
Grilled Garlic Mushroom Kebabs
Kebabs are a delicious and fun way to add vegetables to a BBQ. Marinated vegetables make for fresh and citrusy skewers. They’re easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or for picky eaters!
Get Recipe: Grilled Garlic Mushroom Kebabs
Fresh Mango Salsa
This salsa is super delicious and can be made in 10 minutes or less! Salsa and sips are a must-have, and this salsa is the perfect combination of sweet and sour. It is full of tropical flavor and a nice change from regular salsa!
Get Recipe: Fresh Mango Salsa
Watermelon Feta Basil Salad
This Watermelon Feta Basil Salad is a masterpiece of balanced Summer flavor! Sweet and fresh fruit is mixed with salty feta and tossed in a tangy blueberry balsamic. Sprinkled with basil for an herby ending to an easy potluck powerhouse!
Get Recipe: Watermelon Feta Basil Salad
Miracle Whip Coleslaw
Coleslaw is another must-have side dish for a BBQ. This Miracle Whip Coleslaw takes a classic dish and keeps it that way! Four ingredients make for a quick, crowd-pleasing side dish.
Get Recipe: Miracle Whip Coleslaw
Potato Salad
This Potato Salad is a zesty and spiced version of the classic side dish. It is still a super creamy potato salad seasoned with cayenne and paprika for a kick; mustard is added to the sauce for an extra bump of zesty Creole flavor. It is a perfect side for spice lovers!
Get Recipe: Potato Salad
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Just five ingredients and an Instant Pot are all you need to make fluffy, fantastic mashed potatoes! This recipe uses an Instant Pot, which means no stovetop is necessary, and it’s super fast! It’s an iconic BBQ side dish made fast and easy!
Get Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
These Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes are a textural wonderland! The potatoes are boiled first and then baked for a super crispy exterior. They are coated in garlic and herb butter. They are loved by kids and adults alike!
Get Recipe: Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
With just three simple ingredients, these Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus are a fast fix but look super fancy! Cooking them on the grill adds an extra layer of flavor. They make an excellent side for any grilled meat!
Get Recipe: Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Supreme Pasta Salad
This Supreme Pasta Salad uses classic pasta salad flavors with two twists. The dressing is the iconic Olive Garden Italian dressing. The pasta is also gluten-free, allowing those who might not normally get to eat pasta to enjoy it!
Get Recipe: Supreme Pasta Salad
Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy Caviar is a super hearty variation of salsa. Brimming with classic salsa flavors as well as delicious beans. It’s a super nutritious and fun way to bring a new type of salsa to the BBQ!
Get Recipe: Cowboy Caviar
Chickpea Pasta Salad
This chickpea pasta salad is super healthy and full of fresh Mediterranean flavor! Your choice of pasta is mixed with multiple herbs and veggies and tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. It’s like eating Summer in a bowl!
Get Recipe: Chickpea Pasta Salad