Planning a summer cookout and wondering what to serve alongside your grilled favorites? These classic BBQ side dishes are the perfect addition to any backyard party or BBQ party.
If you’re grilling BBQ chicken, steaks, burgers, or smoky ribs, the right sides make the meal complete.
I have compiled a list of my top favorite easy BBQ side dishes. You’ll find everything from refreshing salads to Southern BBQ sides that pair perfectly with grilled meats.
They’re basically built for serving with the big hits—ribs, BBQ chicken, steaks, and burgers—but they actually work just as well as general Side Dishes For Dinner when you aren’t firing up the grill.
These Barbeque Side Dishes are my go-to for building a well-balanced plate that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any outdoor hangout.
1- Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic summer BBQ side dish that is loved by many. It’s easy to prepare, delicious and adds a pop of color to your plate.
To prepare, simply grill the corn on a hot grill until it’s slightly charred, then add some butter, salt, and pepper. You can also add some chili powder or lime juice for an extra kick.
2- Swedish Pizza Salad
Swedish pizza salad is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that pairs perfectly with any BBQ meat. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for parties.
To prepare, shred some Iceberg Lettuce, then mix with mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, pepper and salt. You can also add some chopped apples or raisins for a sweeter taste.
3-Broccoli Bacon Salad
This one usually disappears first. Combining the crunch of fresh broccoli with savory bacon bits, this crowd-pleasing favorite brings a creamy texture to your plate.
It’s one of those classic BBQ side dishes that balances healthy greens with the smoky flavors guests crave.
4-Chickpea Pomegranate Apple Crunch Salad
If you want something that really pops on the table, this is it. The sweet pomegranate and crunchy apples are such a bright contrast to heavy ribs.
5-Chilled Italian Orzo Salad
Perfect for those hot July afternoons. It’s light, zesty, and easy to scale up if you’re feeding a massive group.
Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic for a reason. They’re creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-delicious.
To make them, simply boil some potatoes until they’re tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re good to go.
For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the mix.
6- Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic BBQ side dish that is loved by many.
These are the quintessential side items for BBQ. That sweet and savory combo pairs so well with literally any meat.
I usually mix canned beans with ketchup, brown sugar, and molasses, but if you want to go big, add some chopped bacon or sausage in there.
Refreshing Salads for Summer BBQ
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy some light and refreshing salads that are perfect for any BBQ or cookout.
Here are a few of my favorite summer salads that are sure to impress your guests.
7-Dill Pickle Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a classic summer side dish that is always a hit at any BBQ. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
I like to use tri-color rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese.
For the dressing, I mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s a simple and delicious salad that everyone will love.
8- Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
Okay, if you’re bored of the usual mushy potato salad, you have to try this version. You basically boil the baby potatoes, smash them flat, and roast them until they’re super crispy before tossing them into the salad.
It adds this amazing texture that you just don’t get with the traditional recipes—plus, it’s a total conversation starter at a cookout. Just a heads up, they’re so good you might find yourself snacking on the crispy potatoes before they even make it into the bowl!
9- Spicy Peach and Chickpea Salad with Fresh Greens
I know, peaches in a salad? Just trust me on this one—it’s a total game changer for a summer BBQ. You get that incredible sweetness from the peaches.
It’s super fresh, looks gorgeous on a platter, and is honestly the perfect way to use up those ripe summer peaches while they’re in season.
10- Black Bean and Corn Salad (Dense Bean Salad)
If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the “dense bean salad” trend, and honestly, it’s a trend for a reason.
This one is a total powerhouse side for BBQ chicken or ribs because it’s so hearty—it doesn’t just sit there, it actually fills you up.
It’s a vibrant mix of black beans and sweet corn that brings a great texture to the plate, and the best part is it actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to hang out in the fridge.
11- Tuscan Tuna Salad With White Beans (No Mayo Version)
Now, I know tuna salad usually means a big scoop of mayo, but this Tuscan version is a total breath of fresh air. It’s light, zesty, and honestly feels a bit more “adult” than the stuff from our lunchbox days.
By swapping the mayo for a good quality olive oil and lemon juice, you get this really bright flavor that pairs surprisingly well with steaks or even just on its own.
The white beans make it super filling too, so it’s a great side for a BBQ if you want something that’s healthy but won’t leave anyone hungry.
12- Watermelon Feta Salad
I know, I know—fruit and cheese sounds weird if you haven’t tried it, but it’s the ultimate summer refresher. It’s that sweet-and-salty vibe.
Just cube up some watermelon and cucumber, toss in the feta and mint, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Trust me on this one.
13- Healthy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This Healthy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is one of the best sides for steaks that I have ever tried.
I am going to tell you the perfect recipe for this Healthy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad that is super delicious and filled with veggies.
All you need is a handful of ingredients and some minutes to make this meal for an amazing side dish for a steak dinner.
This nutritious salad is our family favorite which is made by tossing chickpeas with fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta, parsley, and bright lemon vinaigrette.
Creative Vegetable Sides For Chicken Wings
As a vegetarian, I’m always on the lookout for creative and delicious vegetable sides to serve at barbecues.
Here are a few of my favorite recipes that are sure to impress your guests.
14- Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a classic summer side dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
To prepare, simply toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill over medium heat until tender and lightly charred.
Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a simple yet flavorful dish.
15- Grilled feta zucchini skewers
Zucchini skewers are a fun and colorful way to serve up this versatile summer squash. To make, slice zucchini into rounds and thread them onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper.
Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then grill until tender and lightly charred.
16- Stuffed Bell Peppers
These are great if you have vegetarians coming over (or even if you don’t!).
Stuff with a mixture of cooked rice, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, then bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Top with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro for a colorful and flavorful dish.
Starchy Complements
As much as I love grilled meats, I know that they can be quite heavy on their own. That’s why I always make sure to have some starchy sides to balance out the meal.
Here are my top three picks for starchy complements:
17- Mexican Street Corn Kale
Think of this as Southern Fried Corn’s slightly more sophisticated cousin. It’s cooked in a skillet with bacon drippings (yes, please) and butter, which makes it incredibly savory.
It’s a huge favorite at our cookouts when we’re serving BBQ chicken.
18- Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Super creamy and slightly sweet. If your BBQ sauce is a bit spicy, this is the perfect thing to cool everything down.
19- Easy 3 ingredient Naan Bread
Honestly, having fresh bread to mop up the extra BBQ sauce is a game changer. And it’s only three ingredients, so it’s basically no-stress.
20- Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic side dish that never goes out of style. It’s easy to make and pairs well with almost any grilled meat.
To make garlic bread, I start with a fresh baguette and slice it in half lengthwise.
Then, I spread a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and parsley over the bread and bake it in the oven until it’s golden brown. The result is a crispy, garlicky, buttery bread that’s impossible to resist.
21- Potato Salad
Potato salad is another classic side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues. This is my go-to “nostalgia” dish.
I personally love the creamy version with mayo, mustard, and that crunch from celery and onion. A little sprinkle of dill and paprika on top makes it look (and taste) way more impressive than it actually is to make.
This potato salad is always a hit with my guests and it’s a great way to use up any leftover potatoes.
22-Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Okay, so these are a total staple for a reason. They’re just… creamy, garlicky perfection.
To make them, simply boil some potatoes until they’re tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re good to go.
For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the mix.
23- Spicy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
If you’re serving steaks, you need these. They’re rich, thinly sliced, and baked in a creamy sauce until bubbly. I like to add some fresh thyme or rosemary to give them a bit of an earthy twist.
24- HASSELBACK POTATOES
These look so cool on a plate. You slice them thin (but not all the way through!) so they form little pockets for cheese and bacon bits. Finish them with a dollop of sour cream and some chives—absolute game changer for a family dinner.
For the hasselback potatoes recipe, slice the potatoes thinly but not all the way through, creating pockets that hold melted cheese and flavorful toppings.
After baking until golden and tender, the potatoes are stuffed with crispy bacon bits and gooey cheddar, then finished with a drizzle of sour cream or crème fraîche and a sprinkle of chives for added freshness.
