Taking backyard entertaining to new heights requires not only delicious main courses but also complementary side dishes that elevate the overall dining experience. Throwing a BBQ party doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you have a variety of easy-to-make summer side dishes at your disposal. These refreshing options are perfect for beating the heat and adding a pop of flavor to your cookout, taking it from ordinary to extraordinary.
From crisp salads to flavorful grilled veggies, these summer bbq recipes are the perfect complement to any cookout. Whether you need make-ahead summer side dishes or healthy summer bbq recipes, there’s something here for every gathering. With these easy recipes, serving up delicious summer meals for BBQs and crowds has never been easier!
This post is about the best Summer Side Dishes.
20 CROWD-PLEASING SUMMER SIDE DISHES TO ELEVATE YOUR BBQ
DILL PICKLE PASTA SALAD
Packed with flavor and texture, this dill pickle pasta salad is a staple for any summer BBQ. The combination of creamy dressing and briny pickles creates a refreshing taste experience that’s perfect for hot summer days. Additionally, it’s an incredibly easy option to prepare ahead of time, making it ideal for large gatherings or potlucks where you need to feed a crowd quickly and efficiently without sacrificing flavor.
BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD
Vibrant and refreshing, this pasta salad is an ideal choice for a summer cookout or picnic. The combination of crispy bacon and creamy ranch dressing creates a bold flavor profile that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or attending a potluck, this salad is sure to be a hit. Plus, it can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for a busy day.
MEXICAN STREET CORN PASTA SALAD
You’ll love this Mexican street corn pasta salad that embodies the essence of elote in a creamy, zesty summer side dish perfect for BBQs. The combination of grilled corn, cotija cheese, and a tangy lime dressing creates an explosion of flavors that’s sure to impress your guests at any cookout. Plus, it’s an effortless make-ahead summer side dish that only gets better with time, making it an ideal choice for hot summer days when you want to enjoy great food without the fuss!
SNOW CRAB STUFFED ZUCCHINI ROLLS
Delivering on flavor without sacrificing nutrition is key when it comes to creating healthy summer side dishes. These snow crab stuffed zucchini rolls are an excellent example of this, offering a refreshing twist on traditional summer fare. The combination of delicate crab and crisp zucchini is not only delicious but also makes for a visually appealing dish that’s sure to be a hit with guests.
MOZZARELLA AND PROSCIUTTO SALAD WITH TOMATO VINAIGRETTE
Veering away from the usual summer salad suspects, this particular combination of flavors and textures offers a delightful twist on traditional sides. Velvety mozzarella, crispy prosciutto, and a tangy tomato vinaigrette come together in perfect harmony, making it an ideal choice for both casual BBQ gatherings and more formal dinner parties alike. With its fresh ingredients and effortless preparation, this salad is also an excellent option to include in your lineup of healthy summer meals.
CAJUN CORN ON THE COB
Adding a burst of flavor to your cookouts and BBQs, this Cajun corn on the cob recipe is an absolute showstopper. The combination of spicy, buttery, and smoky flavors creates a truly mouth-watering experience that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you choose to grill or roast it, the bold flavors of the Cajun seasoning will shine through, making it one of the most sought-after summer side dishes at any gathering.
VEGGIE SKEWERS
Understandably, colorful veggie skewers are a staple during the summer season due to their vibrant colors and delicious flavors. These delectable treats can be grilled to perfection in no time, making them an ideal choice for outdoor gatherings like BBQs or cookouts. Moreover, one of the greatest benefits is that they cater well to diverse tastes since individuals can pick their preferred vegetables, ensuring a fun dining experience.
STRAWBERRY ARUGULA SALAD
Taking inspiration from the flavors of summer, this strawberry arugula salad is a perfect blend of sweet, peppery, and refreshing notes. The combination of juicy strawberries and tangy dressing creates a delicious taste experience that’s ideal for BBQs or cookouts. Additionally, its make-ahead ease and visually stunning presentation make it an excellent choice for any outdoor gathering.
WATERMELON SALSA
Often associated with summertime gatherings, this watermelon salsa is an ideal addition to any outdoor cookout or barbecue. The sweet and juicy flavor of watermelon perfectly complements the tanginess of lime and the spiciness of jalapeño, resulting in a truly refreshing summer side dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Plus, its make-ahead qualities allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it an excellent choice for hot summer days when you want to enjoy quality time with friends and family without too much fuss.
Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
Taking your BBQ game to the next level has never been easier with this mouth-watering smashed potato salad recipe. The combination of golden, crunchy potatoes and a zesty dressing makes them an absolute showstopper at any outdoor gathering. And, as a bonus, they can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for a stress-free summer cookout.
CHARRED ZUCCHINI SALAD
Not only does this charred zucchini salad offer a refreshing twist on traditional side dishes, but its smoky, slightly crispy texture and abundance of fresh herbs make it a perfect fit for warm weather gatherings. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, as just a few easy-to-find ingredients come together to create a truly standout dish that’s perfect for BBQs or casual get-togethers. Its make-ahead ease makes it an excellent choice for feeding crowds during the summer months.
CHIMICHURRI OVEN ROASTED VEGETABLES
Vibrant oven-roasted vegetables take center stage in this refreshing summer side dish, thanks to their tangy and herbaceous coating of zesty chimichurri sauce. This bold and delicious combination is a staple for any outdoor gathering or cookout, providing a nutritious option that pairs well with an array of other healthy dishes.
What’s more, these veggies are incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing them to absorb even more flavor as they sit, making them an excellent choice for make-ahead summer entertaining.
CLASSIC BROCCOLI SALAD
Pleasing crowds with its crunchy texture, creamy dressing, and subtle sweetness, this classic broccoli salad is an ideal summer side dish for BBQs. Its enduring popularity makes it one of the most sought-after options for outdoor gatherings. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to relax and enjoy the party without any last-minute worries about food preparation.
GREEK PASTA SALAD
Taking a cue from classic Greek cuisine, this tantalizing pasta salad combines the richness of olives and feta with the tanginess of a zesty dressing, creating a truly refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings. The unmistakable Mediterranean flavors evoke the warmth and vibrancy of a sun-kissed BBQ, making it one of the most sought-after summer side dishes for outdoor events.
Additionally, its make-ahead convenience is just as impressive, allowing it to hold up beautifully even after a few hours.
CREAMY CHICKPEA SALAD
Delighting in its rich flavor and texture, this creamy chickpea salad offers a refreshing respite from the usual summer fare. Its high protein content makes it an ideal choice for warm weather gatherings, whether you’re hosting a BBQ or attending a potluck. The versatility of this recipe also lends itself perfectly to meal prep, allowing you to prepare it ahead of time and enjoy the convenience of having a healthy side dish ready at your fingertips.
ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD
Naturally, this Italian chopped salad is a perfect addition to any summer BBQ, combining the freshness of vegetables with the richness of meats and cheese. Its bold flavors make it one of the most popular summer meals for outdoor gatherings, where the warm weather calls for light yet satisfying dishes. As an added bonus, its make-ahead quality allows you to prepare it in advance, letting the flavors meld together perfectly as time passes.
CREAMY CUCUMBER AND TOMATO SALAD
Here’s a delightful and rejuvenating cucumber and tomato salad that’s ideal for hot summer days at the cookout. The crunchy cucumbers and succulent tomatoes are skillfully combined with a zesty dressing, turning this into one of the most revitalizing side dishes to serve at BBQs. Moreover, it’s an excellent make-ahead option, as it retains its freshness and flavor over time.
BURRATA CAPRESE SALAD
Gently crafting a perfect summer side dish, this Caprese salad is an elegant combination of creamy burrata, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil. Its light yet flavorful profile makes it one of the best healthy summer side dishes to serve at a BBQ. Given its make-ahead nature, you can prepare it early in the day and let the flavors meld together beautifully as time passes.
MEXICAN COLESLAW
Discovering the perfect summer side dish to complement your outdoor cookouts, this zesty Mexican coleslaw is an excellent choice. The combination of lime dressing and fresh vegetables creates a vibrant and crunchy texture that’s sure to elevate your BBQ game. Additionally, its make-ahead capabilities are a huge bonus, allowing it to only get better as it marinates over time, making it an ideal option for those who want a hassle-free side dish that still packs plenty of flavor.
TOMATO ZUCCHINI PIE
Not only does this savory tomato zucchini pie shine as a delicious summer side dish at a BBQ, but its flaky crust and cheesy filling also make it an exceptional option for feeding a crowd. Additionally, its make-ahead versatility ensures that it remains just as tasty even when served at room temperature.
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