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25+ cookout side dishes to bring to your next backyard barbecue or potluck! My list includes classic warm weather salads and side dishes, plus cookout sides that require zero cooking.
The Best Cookout Sides
Summer is just around the corner, which means cookout and backyard barbecue season is nearly here! My collection of cookout side dishes includes unique and crowd-pleasing options to pair with your grilled protein of choice, whether that be hot dogs, burgers, chicken, pork, or seafood. We’ve got veggies, breads, salads, dips–pretty much all the cookout sides you’d expect at a summer gathering!
Of all the cookout side dishes in this list, my deviled eggs have to be the most popular. Simple, easy, and a crowd-favorite, these are usually the first to go at any get-together. My recipe has a special ingredient (a pat of butter!) that makes the filling extra special. I like to dress mine up with a garnish of crumbled bacon and pickle, but a classic dusting of paprika works just as well!
Let’s get to the rest of the list ☀️
1. Deviled Eggs
It’s impossible to eat just one! My recipe includes a special ingredient in the filling that makes them extra irresistible.
Million Dollar Deviled Eggs
Less than an hour to make! My version is a party staple that’s elevated with a touch of butter in the filling.
DEVILED EGGS RECIPE
2. Coleslaw
A classic cookout side dish that pairs well with smash burgers, pulled pork, and so much more!
Easy Coleslaw Recipe
Freshly shredded veggies and a homemade dressing make this coleslaw recipe one of the very best!
COLESLAW RECIPE
3. Broccoli Salad
One of my top recipes and one my personal favorite cookout sides! Over 900 5-star reviews prove this one is a fan favorite as well.
Broccoli Salad
This isn’t your average broccoli salad! It’s made with bacon, sunflower seeds, cheese, cranberries, and a simple homemade dressing.
BROCCOLI SALAD RECIPE
4. Buttermilk Cornbread
Cornbread goes great with just about anything, but especially barbecue (like my crockpot pulled chicken!). I also have jalapeno cornbread , if a little bit of heat is more your thing.
Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe
Moist and sweet, this buttermilk cornbread tastes incredible but is actually quite simple to whip up.
BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD RECIPE
5. BLT Dip
My go-to summer dip, this one is great served with crackers or kettle chips.
BLT Dip
Made with a cream cheese base and layers of lettuce, tomato, bacon, and cheese, this dip has all the flavors of the classic sandwich.
BLT DIP RECIPE
6. Potato Salad
We can’t talk about cookout side dishes without mentioning potato salad! It pairs well with any protein and is such a crowd-pleaser.
Potato Salad
I add flavor enhancers to my recipe for the BEST potato salad you’ll ever try! This recipe is perfect for making in advance.
POTATO SALAD RECIPE
7. Macaroni Salad
My #1 summer salad recipe! This macaroni salad has 1500+ 5-star reviews.
Macaroni Salad
The internet’s favorite macaroni salad! It’s crunchy, creamy, and a huge hit at parties.
MACARONI SALAD RECIPE
8. Baked Mac and Cheese
My bacon mac and cheese is a fun twist on this tasty cookout side dish. Or keep things super simple with my easy mac and cheese!
(The Best!) Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Creamy, gooey mac and cheese with a buttery panko topping. This is comfort food at its finest!
BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
9. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is one of the quickest and easiest cookout side dishes. No cooking required!
Cucumber Salad
Only 10 minutes to prep! This recipe is perfect for using up an abundance of garden cucumbers.
CUCUMBER SALAD RECIPE
10. Pasta Salad
Lots of texture and color happening here! This salad is another crowd favorite among cookout sides and is made with my homemade Italian dressing recipe.
(The Best) Pasta Salad Recipe
Fresh, crunchy veggies, perfectly cooked pasta, and a zippy homemade dressing! This is a must-have at summer cookouts.
THE BEST PASTA SALAD
11. Corn Muffins
Perfect with barbecue! These are lightly sweetened and lighter and fluffier than classic cornbread.
Corn Muffins (Perfectly sweet!)
Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet corn muffins make an excellent pairing for chili, barbecue, and so much more!
CORN MUFFINS RECIPE
12. Fruit Salad
Use your favorite fruits (or whatever is in your fridge) and make a fruit salad!
Fruit Salad
Just 5 minutes to prep! My simple, 2-ingredient homemade dressing makes this version tastes absolutely incredible.
FRUIT SALAD
13. Fried Apples
One of my favorite cookout sides with BBQ chicken or pork! My baked apples are another tasty option.
Fried Apples
Sweet, spiced apples in a buttery sauce. Serve them with breakfast, dessert, or as a side with dinner!
FRIED APPLES RECIPE
14. Mexican Street Corn Salad
If you like this recipe, also try my Mexican street corn pasta salad–it’s very similar.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Everything you love about street corn, but none of the mess! This is a unique side dish for summer cookouts or taco nights.
MEXICAN STREET CORN SALAD
15. Biscuits
Don’t forget the honey butter! I also have cornbread biscuits, if you want to try something a bit different.
Homemade Biscuits
Buttery, flaky, and sky high, these are the BEST homemade biscuits you’ll ever try! You won’t believe how easy they are.
HOMEMADE BISCUITS RECIPE
16. Caprese Salad
Like unique cookout sides? Caprese salad will stand out in a crowd.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad tastes like summer! It’s made with all the classic caprese components, but in an easy-to-eat salad.
CAPRESE SALAD RECIPE
17. Shrimp Pasta Salad
Fans of my macaroni salad will love this shrimp version. It’s a fun twist on the classic!
Shrimp Pasta Salad
Veggies, salad shrimp, and macaroni come together in this light and creamy shrimp salad recipe.
SHRIMP PASTA SALAD
18. Chips & Salsa
Grab a bag of tortilla chips and whip up this SUPER easy blender salsa! This is probably the easiest of all my cookout sides.
Homemade Salsa
You won’t believe how easy this salsa is! It can be made with fresh or canned tomatoes and takes just minutes to make in a blender or food processor.
HOMEMADE SALSA RECIPE
19. Corn Salad
Fresh and fiber-filled corn salad will be a welcome addition to your summer cookout or barbecue.
Corn Salad
Made with classic summer veggies, this corn salad is the ultimate cookout side dish! It tastes best made an hour in advance.
CORN SALAD
20. Black Beans
Need a vegan cookout side dish? My black beans will do the trick!
Cuban-Style Black Bean Recipe
Transform canned black beans into a flavorful side dish! Just 10 minutes to prep and they pair well with so many dishes.
CUBAN-STYLE BLACK BEANS
21. Pineapple Salsa
This is such a refreshing side! Pair it with chips or spoon it over grilled chicken or fish (similar to my maple glazed salmon!).
Pineapple Salsa
The perfect balance of sweet and heat, this tropical pineapple salsa is a must-have for summer parties.
PINEAPPLE SALSA RECIPE
22. Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is the perfect pairing for barbecue ribs or chicken. It’s an excellent way to use up summer corn (or make my summer corn chowder!).
Creamed Corn
Crisp, sweet corn in a creamy sauce. It’s so easy to make and can be spruced up with your favorite add-ins.
CREAMED CORN RECIPE
23. Bruschetta
If you have some ripe garden tomatoes lying around, put them to good use with this simple bruschetta (and check out my tomato basil soup while you’re at it too!)!
Bruschetta
Crusty bread topped with juicy marinated tomatoes–so satisfying! Bruschetta makes a lovely summer appetizer or side dish.
BRUSCHETTA RECIPE
24. Drop Biscuits
If you prefer savory biscuits, try my garlic cheese drop biscuits (just add some Old Bay for copycat cheddar bay biscuits!).
Easy Drop Biscuits
Ready in just 20 minutes! Drop biscuits are so easy to make and can be customized with cheese, scallions, and more.
DROP BISCUITS RECIPE
25. Texas Caviar
This can be served as a dip with chips, or as a fresh and crunchy side dish.
Texas Caviar
Finely diced veggies in a zesty homemade dressing. This can be served as a dip or side dish and is a party favorite either way!
TEXAS CAVIAR RECIPE
26. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
All the flavors of your favorite buffalo chicken dip, but in a simple summer salad.
Buffalo Chicken Style Pasta Salad
Only 15 minutes to prep! This is a fun take on the classic–perfect for game day or a summer barbecue.
BUFFALO CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
27. Ramen Noodle Salad
Crunchy and unique, ramen noodle salad is a crowd favorite among cookout sides.
Ramen Noodle Salad
Full of texture, this salad is an easy and unique option for potlucks. It takes jut 10 minutes to prep!
RAMEN NOODLE SALAD
28. Avocado Salsa
Similar to guacamole, this salsa is tasty with your favorite tortilla chips.
Avocado Salsa
Avocado salsa would be an excellent pairing with grilled steaks, shrimp, or chicken. It’s very simple and bursting with flavor!
AVOCADO SALSA
Frequently Asked Questions
Cool, creamy salads, fresh fruit, and grilled summer vegetables make excellent cookout sides with hamburgers and hotdogs. French fries or potato wedges are also great choices!
I have lots of cookout sides that require absolutely zero cooking! These include: cucumber salad, corn salad (use frozen corn), avocado salad, coleslaw, fruit salad, pineapple salsa, salsa, and Texas caviar.
Classic barbecue side dishes include cornbread, mac and cheese, baked beans (let me know if you want a recipe!), coleslaw, creamed corn, and pickles (like my refrigerator pickles).
What are your favorite cookout side dishes? Leave me a comment below if I missed yours so I can add it to my list!
Also, be sure to check out my collection of lemonade recipes, as they’d all be welcome additions to your summer cookouts: homemade lemonade, watermelon lemonade, raspberry lemonade, blueberry lemonade, and strawberry lemonade.
Enjoy!
If you try any of these recipes, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook 💜