25 Best BBQ Sides to Serve at Every Summer Cookout
Pasta salads, potato salads, coleslaw, and so much more.
Barbecue season is officially here! That means it's time to break out all your trusty BBQ recipes like sweet-and-smoky ribs, juicy grilled chicken, and Ladd Drummond's famous grilled tenderloin. But while you're busy drooling over these mouth-watering mains, don't overlook the backbone of every great cookout: the best BBQ sides! "You can never have too many sides at a summer cookout," says Ree. With this list, you can make that your summer motto, too.
A plate brimming with brisket or pork demands classic Southern accompaniments like okra and creamy Southern potato salad. Fortunately, this lineup is the answer, featuring smoky grilled veggies, creamy slaws, and comforting pasta salads. With these delicious summer side dishes, you'll find tried-and-true favorites inspired by classic barbecue joints, like cornbread, baked beans, and mac and cheese. You’ll also find refreshing seasonal recipes, like tomato cucumber feta salad and corn casserole.
Looking to get creative with your BBQ sides? Try Ree's deviled egg macaroni salad that is the best of both worlds in each bite. Or you can kick up your corn on the cob by slathering it in spices and Mexican-style cheese. There are also some great ways to use other summer vegetables and even some grilled fruit. Pick and choose a few of these best barbecue side dishes to serve at your next outdoor gathering. They might just steal the show! And be sure to come back for more ideas all summer long.
Baked Beans
Before you're done with these beans, cover the top in thick slabs of bacon and bake before serving. It's the reason Ree calls these "the best ever." Plus, as she puts it: “This recipe also makes enough to feed a small army, so it's great for potlucks!”
Get Ree's Baked Beans recipe.
Classic Three-Bean Salad
Fresh summer green beans make an appearance in this side dish. It's a surprising twist to a classic salad that typically only uses canned beans. That one change makes the world of difference.
Get the Classic Three-Bean Salad recipe.
Skillet Cornbread
It's not a proper barbecue without some tasty cornbread. Bake it in a cast iron skillet and you’ll get deliciously crispy edges. Don't forget to slather it with lots of butter, of course!
Get Ree's Skillet Cornbread recipe.
Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
Take a cue from Greece and let seasonal tomatoes and cucumbers shine. With tangy feta and fresh herbs, the veggies make for the perfect summer side no matter what you’re serving.
Get Ree's Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad recipe.
Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
If you’re planning on making deviled eggs and macaroni salad, why not combine the two into the ultimate side dish of the season? It’s the best of both worlds!
Get Ree’s Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad recipe.
Mushroom Salad
If you’re looking for something different than the usual sides, try mushrooms. Here, cremini mushrooms are sautéed then mixed with cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and a honey-balsamic dressing.
Get the Mushroom Salad recipe.
Ranch Slaw
You can't have a cookout with a heaping dish of creamy coleslaw! This version of the classic recipe takes the simple side to another level with homemade ranch dressing and lots of cruciferous veggies and carrots. Yum!
Get Ree's Ranch Slaw recipe.
Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This simple pasta salad tastes as cute and colorful as it looks! It's filled with bits of tender ham, cheddar, and peas coated in a delightfully creamy dressing in each spoonful.
Get the Bow Tie Pasta Salad recipe.
Southern Potato Salad
What makes a Southern-style potato salad so good? It's creamy, chunky and packed with hard boiled eggs, sweet pickle relish, and celery and green onion for crunch.
Get the Southern Potato Salad recipe.
Cowboy Caviar
Guests don't even have to know a thing about horses to enjoy this fresh and colorful "caviar." It's halfway between a salad and a salsa—filled with lots of fresh veggies, like tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and jalapeño, as well as black-eyed peas and black beans.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Grilled Okra
Whether or not your guests are a part of the okra fan club before your cookout, everyone will enjoy this smoky summer veggie served alongside all your BBQ favorites! The charred flavor from the grill adds the perfect contrast to the lemon pepper seasoning and fresh lemon on the side.
Get the Grilled Okra recipe.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
All those hearty BBQ meats on your plate call for a refreshing touch of fresh veggies to harmonize the flavors. Crafting these skewers is a breeze, and with a zesty balsamic marinade, they're unexpectedly indulgent, too!
Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe.
Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs
If you're anything like Ree, a platter of deviled eggs is a must-have for any potluck! These dill pickle-flavored ones are tangy, bright, and perfect for your next summer BBQ.
Get Ree's Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs recipe.
Butter Beans
These comforting beans are tender and savory with just a hint of sweetness. And if that doesn't convince you to make them, the bacon flavor will!
Get the Butter Beans recipe.
Cucumber Salad
Beat the summer heat by adding this refreshing cucumber salad to your menu! It's cool and crisp, so it'll balance out all that hearty brisket or ribs.
Get the Cucumber Salad recipe.
Grilled Asparagus
There's just something about simply grilled vegetables that makes us so happy. In this case, fresh asparagus shines with just a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Get the Grilled Asparagus recipe.
Italian Pasta Salad
Who doesn’t love a pasta salad (or any salad for that matter) with lots of mix-ins? This one has too many to count, but mozzarella pearls, diced salami, and black olives are just some of the good ones.
Get the Italian Pasta Salad recipe.
Yellow Squash Casserole
This casserole dish is summer comfort food at its finest! The yellow squash is layered with a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with crisp, butter crackers for crunch.
Get the Yellow Squash Casserole recipe.
Grilled Watermelon
There's something marvelous about the combination of sweet and savory. That's why this watermelon side dish is the perfect pairing for your barbecue dinner. It's juicy, refreshing, and has a hint of smokiness.
Get the Grilled Watermelon recipe.
Mexican Street Corn
No matter what you’re making, you can't go wrong with a side of corn. Try this extra flavorful twist where the corn is seasoned with chili powder and topped with sea.
Get the Mexican Street Corn recipe.
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