30 Memorial Day Side Dishes for a Stress-Free Cookout
Creamy salads, zesty slaws and grilled veggies ahead.
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer cookout season. Sure, who doesn’t love digging into a slab of sticky ribs, juicy burgers, or perfectly grilled steaks? While those main dishes might be the focus, as you plan your Memorial Day menu, don’t forget about the sides!
Here, you’ll find some of the best Memorial Day side dishes to round out your cookout. There’s lots of cool classics like creamy pasta salads and crunchy slaws to some smokier favorites like grilled vegetables, baked beans, and a few potato salads that everyone will scoop up first. In fact, you'll find the best sides for burgers and sides for kebabs and tons of BBQ sides to pair with any grilled meat. For instance, you might want to make the Southern potato salad with your pulled pork for a traditional Southern comfort food feast.
If you’re headed to a potluck or planning a lakeside picnic with the family, many of these ideas (including Ree Drummond's newest twist on macaroni salad!) are easy to pack and hold up well while on the go, so they make great picnic sides. Whatever you decide to do, don't forget to make the patriotic weekend complete with a few classic red, white, and blue desserts!
Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
Both tomato and cucumber are refreshing, so it only makes sense to combine them in this sweet and savory salad! Add tangy feta and fresh herbs for the perfect summer side.
Get Ree's Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad recipe.
Mango Salad
If fish is on the menu, especially fish tacos, try this salad: The combination of sweet mango, spicy chili-lime seasoning, and crunchy jicama makes this refreshing salad the perfect pairing.
Get the Mango Salad recipe.
Grilled Mushrooms
Here's a new way to serve ‘shrooms: Grill 'em! The meaty mushrooms get big flavor when coated in soy-garlic butter and grilled until juicy and tender.
Get the Grilled Mushrooms recipe.
Lemon Herb Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is made for summer cookouts! It’s tossed with tender pasta, fresh herbs, and a zippy lemon dressing.
Get the Lemon Herb Pasta Salad recipe.
Cornbread Casserole
Cornbread is a cookout classic, but that doesn't mean it has to be a hassle. This easy casserole version starts with a simple boxed mix, so you get all the comfort with way less effort!
Get Ree's Cornbread Casserole recipe.
Ratatouille
Create a dish that's as beautiful as it is tasty. Layers of seasonal veggies—like yellow squash, zucchini, and eggplant—are arranged into a vibrant, flavor-packed casserole that's sure to impress.
Get the Ratatouille recipe.
Ranch Slaw
The secret to this vibrant, crunchy slaw is the homemade dressing! It's a perfect blend of buttermilk, vinegar, garlic, onion powder, hot sauce, and fresh herbs.
Get Ree's Ranch Slaw recipe.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Brighten up your holiday spread with these simple grilled skewers. Each one is brushed with a tangy balsamic marinade and topped with colorful, fresh parsley.
Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe.
Corn Salsa
Corn salsa isn't just for dipping! It also doubles as a tasty side dish, especially when served alongside tacos or piled on top of grilled chicken or fish.
Get the Corn Salsa recipe.
Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
All the tangy, creamy flavors of the classic deviled egg made even better when tossed into a cool, creamy macaroni salad.
Get the Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad recipe.
Tabbouleh
This Middle Eastern salad is a crisp and cool addition to summer cookouts. It’s made with veggies and lots of fresh herbs, but it's the bulgur that adds a delicious texture to the dish.
Get the Tabbouleh recipe.
Grilled Okra
Throwing some okra on the grill is the easiest way to get all the flavor out of this veggie. It cooks up in just 15 minutes and the result is incredibly smoky and delicious.
Get the Grilled Okra recipe.
Succotash
This easy Southern side dish is a celebration of summer veggies! It combines corn, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with hearty lima beans and fresh herbs.
Get the Succotash recipe.
Caesar Salad
A good Caesar salad will never steer you wrong. Whether you're serving up grilled steaks or cfish it's the perfect side. Take the extra effort to make the dressing from scratch—it’s worth it!
Get the Caesar Salad recipe.
Shrimp Pasta Salad
This pasta salad calls for cooking the shrimp with melted butter and Old Bay seasoning, so you know it's going to be packed with flavor! Plus, you can pack it in a cooler for a beach trip.
Get the Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe.
Bow Tie Pasta Salad
A favorite with kids and grownups alike, this pasta salad combines savory ham, cheddar cheese, crunchy bell peppers, green onions, and sweet green peas for the perfect balanced bite.
Get the Bow Tie Pasta Salad recipe.
Deviled Eggs
No picnic or potluck would be complete without deviled eggs! This recipe doesn't overcomplicate things, but it ensures a perfect creamy bite every time.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Southwestern Pasta Salad
A creamy, smoky pasta salad that’s loaded with bold Southwestern flavors like pinto beans, Mexican cheese, and chipotle dressing, paired. with corn, avocado and lots more.
Get the Southwestern Pasta Salad recipe.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Sliced into rounds and then grilled to a caramelized finish, sweet potatoes smoky flavor from the grill. A warm, herby butter sauce takes them over the top.
Get the Grilled Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Your favorite loaded baked potato just got a flavorful summertime twist! The cool, creamy potato salad is packed with cheese, bacon, and green onion.
Get the Loaded Baked Potato Salad recipe.
Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad
Cookout Sides Beyond Potato Salad and Coleslaw
Chipotle Black Bean Veggie Burgers
Homemade Lemonade
