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BBQ Side Dishes

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From refreshing salads to hearty grilled veggies, these BBQ Side Dishes will take your backyard picnic to the next level.

Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or attending a potluck, these collection of 18 side dishes are sure to impress your guests!

Get ready to fire up the grill and get cooking with these amazing barbecue side dish recipes!

Check out all the other Summer Grill Recipes for even more delicious ideas!

A collection of side dishes to serve for a barbecue.

Get ready for a sizzling summer! It's time to soak up the sun and indulge in mouthwatering barbecues!

Whether you're having hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs or even steak, the following recipes would be perfect. Get ready to wow your guests at your next outdoor gathering with these irresistible BBQ sides that are guaranteed to steal the show!

Looking for more easy grilling recipes ? Try my chicken kabobs with pineapple, homemade barbecue sauce and my grilled barbecue chicken legs and thighs...yum!

Tips for Planning the Perfect BBQ Menu

Get ready to have the time of your life with friends and family while feasting on mouthwatering food! We've got some incredible tips to help you kick back, unwind, and truly relish the mouthwatering flavors of your backyard barbecue:

  • Offer a variety of side dishes to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Include options like salads, grilled vegetables, along with everyone's favorite potato salad or pasta salad.
  • On a hot summer day, cold and refreshing side dishes can be a huge hit. Consider serving a crisp garden salad or a refreshing fruit salad.
  • Offer a variety of condiments to accompany your side dishes. Besides the obvious ketchup and mustard, try having on hand barbecue sauce, homemade salsa, or even ranch dressing for dipping veggies.

Summer Entertaining FAQ's

What is a classic side dish for a cookout?

A classic side dish for a cookout is potato salad. It's a staple at many outdoor gatherings and pairs perfectly with grilled meats. The creamy and tangy dressing, combined with the tender potatoes and crunchy vegetables, makes it a crowd-pleasing choice.

How can I safely handle and store leftover food after the barbecue?

Within 2 hours of cooking or being removed from a warm appliance, leftovers should be refrigerated. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria. If the outdoor temperature is over 90°F, such as during a summer outdoor picnic, perishable foods should be discarded if left at room temperature for more than 1 hour.

How can I keep flies and bugs away from the food during an outdoor barbecue?

The easiest way is to use mesh food covers or domes to physically shield the dishes. This helps to prevent flies and other insects from landing on the food while still allowing guests to serve themselves. Placing citronella candles or torches around the backyard will help to repel insects.

🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools

Picnic Mat,Picnic Blanket Waterproof Mat,Picnic Mat,Picnic Blanket Waterproof Mat,More InformationTall Pop-Up Mesh Food CoversTall Pop-Up Mesh Food CoversMore InformationPicnic Plate Napkin and FlatwarePicnic Plate Napkin and FlatwareMore InformationWicker Picnic BasketWicker Picnic BasketMore Information

 

Before You Begin!

If you give any of these a try, please leave a review and star rating! This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.

Anastasia's Best-Ever Baked Beans

These really do look amazing and they're the exact way I prepare baked beans. It's not a July 4th BBQ without baked beans. And yes, they need to have slices of bacon on top. That's what makes them delicious!
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Photo credit: sweetlittlebluebird.com

The Easiest Way to Make Deviled Eggs

It's not a summer picnic if you're not serving deviled eggs. This is an extremely easy recipe!
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Photo credit: walkingonsunshinerecipes.com
The Best and Easiest Deviled Eggs Recipe from Walking on Sunshine Recipes

Zucchini Pie with Crescent Roll Crust

Get ready for a flavor explosion with our Zucchini Crescent Pie! We've taken thinly sliced zucchini and sauteed it to perfection. But here's the twist - instead of a boring old pie crust, we've used flaky crescent rolls to create a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving for more. Get ready to wow your taste buds!
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Photo credit: walkingonsunshinerecipes.com

Corn Fiesta Salad

Tastes great with either fresh corn from the farm or canned corn! A slightly healthier option for a barbecue and it adds so much color to the buffet.
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Photo credit: walkingonsunshinerecipes.com

The BEST Broccoli Salad

Introducing the ultimate recipe for the most amazing Healthy Broccoli Salad! Get ready to indulge in a tangy, creamy dressing paired with dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and red onion. This dish offers the perfect blend of lightness, comfort, and flavor. Plus, it's a healthier twist on the classic broccoli salad, making it the ideal side dish for any meal. Get ready to taste pure deliciousness!
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Photo credit: www.theroastedroot.net

Amish Macaroni Salad

Get ready for the ultimate picnic experience with our mouthwatering Amish Macaroni Salad! This incredible Pennsylvanian Dutch recipe will blow you away, making Walmart's version pale in comparison. The secret to its amazing flavor lies in our tangy dressing, made with a perfect blend of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and a dash of smoked paprika. Don't miss out on this sweet and creamy delight – it's an absolute must-have for your next outdoor gathering!
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Photo credit: www.chocolatemoosey.com

Foil Pack Grilled Red Potatoes

With just 4 simple ingredients, this pantry staple side dish is a total game-changer. Whether you choose to whip them up on the grill or in the oven, you'll be amazed at how little prep time they require. And the best part? You can even prep them ahead of time!
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Photo credit: budgetdelicious.com

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

This mouthwatering Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad! Packed with savory chicken and crispy bacon, this salad takes the classic ranch pasta to a whole new level. It's a complete meal on its own and perfect for those sunny summer picnics and parties. With a creamy ranch dressing that will leave you craving for more, this salad is a must-have for any outdoor gathering. Get ready for a taste sensation like no other!
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Photo credit: www.inspiringsavings.com

Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad

Get ready to taste summer with this amazing Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad! Bursting with tender corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and zesty lime, this side dish is the epitome of summer goodness. And the best part? It only requires 5 ingredients and can be ready in just 20 minutes! Don't miss out on this refreshing and vibrant salad that will wow your taste buds.
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Photo credit: flavorthemoments.com

Slow Cooker New England Baked Beans

Get ready for the ultimate summer side dish recipe - Slow Cooker New England Baked Beans! It's unbelievably easy and hassle-free. Just throw all the ingredients into your trusty crockpot and let it do its magic. No more dealing with the tedious process of boiling or soaking dried beans. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and avoid heating up your house. Get excited for a delicious and stress-free cooking experience!
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Photo credit: foodmeanderings.com

Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

With just 10 simple ingredients (plus salt & pepper), you can whip up this delightful dish in a mere 15 minutes. It's the ultimate addition to any summertime meal.
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Photo credit: cozypeachkitchen.com

Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad

With just 10 simple ingredients (plus salt & pepper), you can whip up this delightful dish in a mere 15 minutes. It's the ultimate addition to any summertime meal.
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Photo credit: xoxobella.com

Apple Coleslaw

This delectable summer side dish is packed with crisp and crunchy cabbage, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of juicy apples. And to top it all off, it's coated in a luscious, creamy apple dressing.
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Photo credit: thedizzycook.com

Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

Get ready to elevate your summer get-togethers with the ultimate crowd-pleaser: Summer Orzo Pasta Salad! Bursting with flavors and textures, this recipe combines delightful orzo pasta, protein-packed chickpeas, tangy feta cheese, crunchy summer vegetables, and aromatic fresh herbs. And the best part? It's all drizzled with a refreshing and oh-so-delicious light vinaigrette. Don't miss out on this incredible addition to your summer spread!
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Photo credit: www.acedarspoon.com

Grandmom's Macaroni Salad

Get ready for the most sensational side dish to accompany all your favorite summer party foods - burgers, dogs, grilled chicken, you name it! This recipe is unbelievably easy and requires just a handful of simple ingredients. Trust me, it'll become your go-to for any BBQ gathering.
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Photo credit: www.maryellenscookingcreations.com

The Easiest Healthy Homemade Coleslaw Recipe!

I love how creamy this recipe looks! I like to add chopped apples and walnuts to my homemade recipe.
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Photo credit: www.midlifehealthyliving.com

Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe

I can't wait for fresh tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden to make this salad.
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Photo credit: www.annsentitledlife.com

Deviled Egg Potato Salad

It's not a summer barbecue without potato salad. This recipe combines both my love of potatoes and deviled eggs together. I love hard boiled eggs in potato salad. How about you?
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Photo credit: cookingwithcarlee.com

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About Lois

Originally from Queens, NY, Lois is the voice behind Walking on Sunshine Recipes, where she shares easy, family-friendly meals made with simple ingredients. She believes dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious and offers practical recipes, monthly meal plans, and free printables to help busy families cook with less stress and more joy. When she’s not in the kitchen, Lois enjoys time with her family, gardening and sharing inspiration from her home in rural Pennsylvania.

Comments

  1. Mitzi says

    Thank you so much for all these delicious bbq sides. I have made the Amish macaroni salad a few times. My family and friends love it. I will definitely try many others you suggested all summer. I know they will all be great. Thanks again for helping me plan my summer bbq’s.

    Reply

    • Lois says

      Thank you for visiting! I appreciate the great comment as well. We love the Amish macaroni salad as well! Enjoy your summer!

      Reply

  2. Elizabeth McGlone says

    These were great! Super simple. Next time I'll let the corn soak in sugar water to amp the sweetness of the corn. I grilled the corn without foil in the corn shucks. I would also recommend shucking the corn outside after grilling with tongs (so you don't burn your hands) and so the charred pieces don't get all over your kitchen! Another reviewer was right, the corn silk comes right off easily after grilling! Thanks for the great recipe!

    Reply

  3. Kim Kimka says

    This all looks so yummy! Makes me hungry now 🙂

    Reply

  4. Emma Charlotte says

    Wow. The dish that you have shared here, seems yummy and delicious to eat. I would like to try to make it at my own home.

    Reply

  5. Veronica Lee says

    Yummmm! Everything looks sooooooo gooooood!

    Reply

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