22 Side Dishes That Never Fail to Impress, Perfect for a BBQ, Picnic, or Potluck

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

Strawberry Pecan Salad
Image Credit: Plates By Nat.

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

Chipotle Corn Ribs
Image Credit: World of Vegan.

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

Summer Tortellini Salad
Image Credit: Our Love Language Is Food.

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
Image Credit: The Healthful Ideas.

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!

Image Credit: Tzatziki Cucumber Salad

 

Easy Smoked Mac and Cheese

Easy Smoked Mac and Cheese
Image Credit: Learning to Smoke.

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

Herby Crispy Potato and White Bean Salad
Image Credit: Avocado Skillet.

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
Image Credit: Foxes Love Lemons.

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

Vegan Couscous Salad
Image Credit: Happy Kitchen.

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

Gluten-Free Corn Muffins
Image Credit: Dish By Dish.

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

Pesto Pasta Salad
Image Credit: The Forked Spoon.

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

Grilled Potato Salad Skewers
Image Credit: A Grateful Meal.

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

Grilled Garlic Mushroom Kebabs
Image Credit: Chef Ani.

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

Fresh Mango Salsa
Image Credit: Cook With Kushi.

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

Watermelon Feta Basil Salad
Image Credit: Regain Your Sparkle.

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

Miracle Whip Coleslaw
Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

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

Potato Salad
Image Credit: Chili Pepper Madness.

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

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Image Credit: Chew Out Loud.

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

Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Image Credit: Rich and Delish.

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

Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Image Credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

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

Supreme Pasta Salad
Image Credit: The Crafty Blog Stalker.

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
Image Credit: Raepublic.

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

Chickpea Pasta Salad
Image Credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

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