If your looking for side dishes to bring to a cookout, you came to the right place! When you are invited to a cookout or backyard barbecue, don’t forget to consider the all the side dishes that will complement the main course and make the gathering truly memorable. We got together with some of our favorite food bloggers to share the most amazing SIDE DISHES to bring to a COOKOUT! (Or Tailgate!)
From classic favorites like BBQ BAKED BEANS & BBQ SAUCE to innovative creations, we’ve rounded up a list of mouthwatering side dish recipes that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Oh, and don’t forget the show-stopper smoked pineapple! Perfect served with dinner, or for a dessert with ice cream!
Let’s get started with our made from scratch BBQ sauce, and baked beans. If you are planning to smoke meat low and slow, you will have time to make baked beans and BBQ sauce from scratch. While you are smoking, the beans and sauce are getting infused with flavor. And when the meat comes off the smoker, halve a pineapple and smoke it while the meat is resting.
Best BBQ Sauce
This BBQ sauce is cooked low and slow for an intensely smoky flavor. Perfect for chicken, ribs, pork, and more!
Now it is time to check out all kinds of side dishes that are perfect to bring to a cookout or tail gate. From potato salad, pasta salad and layered salad to good ole’ mac n cheese, these recipes from some of our favorite bloggers will be the perfect thing to take, or serve!
Appetizers
Smoked Deviled Eggs
Get creative with your next deviled eggs by smoking the yolks before creating these dreamy taste treats!
Make-ahead layered salads are a savvy choice for cookouts, as their carefully arranged layers ensure ingredients stay fresh and crisp until serving, while also allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time, creating a delicious and visually appealing dish that requires minimal last-minute preparation. Their convenience and vibrant presentation make them a reliable and impressive addition to any outdoor event, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities with friends and family.
Layered Salad with Berries-Sparkles to Sprinkles
This Layered Salad with Berries is so simple to make as it combines lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, blue cheese, & lots more yummies.
Cornbread Salad has jalapeno cheddar cornbread, bacon, beans and veggies for a delicious southern favorite. This cornbread salad recipe makes a good sized amount and is perfect for a summer potluck or barbecue.
Potato salads are a quintessential cookout favorite, with their creamy, comforting blend of tender potatoes and flavorful dressing offering a satisfying accompaniment to grilled meats and other picnic fare. Their versatile nature allows for a range of flavors and additions, making them a timeless and delightful addition to any outdoor gathering.
The Best Potato Salad
Red Skin Potato Salad is a crowd-pleaser as a side dish for any BBQ! Featuring bacon, pickles, hard-boiled eggs, and ample amounts of creamy mayo, this salad is always a winner. We prefer serving it warm, soon after it’s made.
This mayo-free grilled potato salad is herby, full of flavor, and perfect for the summer grilling season. It’s easy to make and it’s ready in just 45 minutes! #theendlessmeal #grilledpotatosalad
No Mayo Lemon Dill Potato Salad with Asparagus-Life Love Good Food
No Mayo Lemon Dill Potato Salad with Asparagus is refreshing, well-seasoned with fresh dill, and tossed in an olive oil and mustard-based dressing that will blow your mind!
Coleslaw is a fantastic side dish for a cookout due to its refreshing crunch and tangy flavor, providing a perfect contrast to the smoky and savory flavors of grilled dishes. Its versatile nature allows it to complement everything from burgers to barbecue, making it a crowd-pleasing addition to any outdoor gathering.
Apple Coleslaw-The Dizzy Cook
Apples give this traditional coleslaw recipe a twist that adds some sweetness without sugar. This recipe is paleo, Whole30, gluten free, and can be made vegan with instructions included.
Garlic Cilantro Lime No Mayo Coleslaw Recipe-Eating By Elaine
Looking for your next favorite slaw recipe? I’ve got you covered! This no-mayo coleslaw with creamy garlic cilantro lime sauce is a fresh spin on classic
A pasta salad is a staple of summer cookouts, and it’s a great way to showcase the abundance of fresh produce available during the summer months. Start with your favorite pasta – penne, fusilli, rotini or tortelini work well – and toss it with a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy broccoli. Add in some finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and chives for a burst of flavor. Fresh mozzarella balls are a great addition. Cous cous is a great pasta that can be mixed with dried fruits, herbs & chickpeas for an incredible make-ahead pasta salad. Dressings can range from simple extra-virgin olive oil & red wine vinegar to a more complex mixture that includes mustard, honey, or herbs and spices. These can be made with or without cheese. Use a grain free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe | Primavera Kitchen
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is perfect for summer. It’s filled with vegetables, cheese, salami & Italian dressing.
This Greek Orzo Pasta Salad recipes is a family favorite in the summer time. Crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, salty olives and creamy feta cheese are all tossed in a tangy lemony vinaigrette.
Try this Caprese Pasta Salad recipe for a hearty and satisfying twist on the classic. Whole-grain bow-tie pasta is combined with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves to make a healthy side dish.
Creamy Broccoli & Zucchini Pasta Salad (vegan + gluten-free)-Eating By Elaine
Cold pasta dishes are perfect for summertime al fresco dining. This Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad is delicious while being mayo-free, dairy-free & nut-free.
Easy Caprese Pasta Salad [Summer Salad] - Masala Herb
Caprese Pasta Salad with Tomato Mozzarella and Penne Pasta noodles. Delightful cold summer themed salad, easy to prepare and a favorite! Italian insalata pasta alla caprese.
This tasty Caesar pasta salad is loaded with vegetables and tossed in a creamy vegan Caesar dressing for a dish that is full of flavor! This simple recipe is perfect for lunch to go! I
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad will be a hit and your next summertime gathering. It’s light, refreshing, and chock-full of fresh vegetables. Plus, it’ll be ready in 30 minutes or less!
With toasted ramen noodles, crunchy nuts, two kinds of cabbage, and a sweet and savory dressing, this Ramen Noodle Salad recipe is perfect for potlucks!
Creamy, savory, hearty, fresh, flavor-loaded Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad. This delicious summer side dish (or lunch recipe) is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Loaded Vegetable Greek Pasta Salad-Healthy with a chance of Sprinkles
Tender whole-wheat pasta tossed with a homemade authentic greek dressing, Kalamata olives, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp English cucumbers, red bell peppers, Pepperoncini peppers, and chunks of yummy feta cheese. This greek pasta salad is always a hit!
Macaroni salads offer a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, with Hawaiian macaroni salad featuring a creamy blend of mayo, tender pasta, and a hint of sweetness from pineapple, while Mexican macaroni salad boasts a zesty kick from ingredients like jalapenos, lime, and cilantro, creating a bold and satisfying dish with a south-of-the-border twist. These unique variations elevate the classic macaroni salad, adding a global flair that’s sure to intrigue and satisfy taste buds at any gathering.
Greek Orzo Salad-Living Lou
Greek Orzo Salad is tossed with a homemade Greek dressing, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, onions, olives and feta cheese.
Hawaiian-Inspired Macaroni Salad-Sense and Edibility
Macaroni Salad takes a trip to the Hawaiian Islands with its tart vinegar-mayo base. A punch of onion and sweet carrots make this the ultimate BBQ side dish.
When the sun is shining and temperatures are rising, a refreshing fruit salad is a must-have on your cookout menu. Combine a variety of sweet fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, and grapes for a colorful and hydrating side dish. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle the fruit with a simple syrup made from equal parts water and brown sugar with a squeese of lime. This sweet and juicy fruit salad will be a hit among both kids and adults.
Watermelon Cucumber Salad-Garlic & Zest
Watermelon Cucumber Salad w/feta cheese & honey lime dressing is a refreshing summer side dish that’s perfect for picnics and barbecues.
Easy Southern Grape Salad-Recipe from a Pantry By Bintu
This quick & easy creamy, crunchy Southern Grape Salad recipe is great for potlucks, BBQs, dessert or a side dish and only needs 5 mins of effort to make!!
Fresh Fruit Salad With Whipped Cream (Gluten Free)!-Garlic, Salt & Lime
Fruit salad with homemade whipped cream is the best tasty side dish! It’s often served alongside a holiday dinner and is a popular addition to any summer cookout or barbeque.
Side dishes for cookouts do not have to be boring. Shake it up with a dish made with fresh sweet Summer corn. From corn dip to cornbread salad to corn salad, your friends are sure to love one of these recipes!
Grilled Corn Salad-Rainbow Plant Life
All you need are 10 ingredients and 25 minutes to make this flavor-packed Grilled Corn Salad. Perfect for summer barbecues!
This cheesy corn dip is made on the grill. The perfect balance of sweet corn and spicy peppers come together in this cheesy dip. Perfect for corn chips, or veggies.
Southwest Jalapeno Ranch Pasta Salad with Corn and Cherry Tomatoes - Nest & Nosh
This dish tastes like summer in a bowl! Tangy, creamy jalapeno ranch-coated pasta combines with crispy fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper for a refreshing bite.
Looking for a crunchy and nutritious side? A broccoli salad with a tangy dressing is the answer. Blanched broccoli florets are added to a variety brocolli salads. From A keto bacon ranch, to a raisin and broccoli salad, we have the one for you! These salads not only adds a pop of color to your cookout menu but also provides a refreshing and satisfying bite.
Broccoli Raisin Salad with Apples-Mae's Menu
Broccoli raisin salad: an easy-to-make, wilt-resistant, and tasty side dish salad that will be welcome at any potluck or barbecue
Cucumber side dishes are a refreshing choice for cookouts, providing a cool and hydrating contrast to the smoky flavors of grilled dishes, while their crisp texture adds a satisfying crunch to the meal. Whether in the form of a classic cucumber pickles or a strawberry arugula salad with cucumbers, these dishes bring a burst of lightness and flavor that complements the outdoor ambiance of a cookout perfectly.
Strawberry Cucumber Salad W/Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing-Paleo Gluten Free Guy
This easy, healthy Strawberry Cucumber Salad with arugula and pecans has a creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for spring and summer!
This crisp and refreshing cucumber salad is the perfect to-go side dish with its mix of thinly sliced cucumbers, vibrant red onion, and tangy vinaigrette.
Creamy Cucumber Salad is the epitome of summer in a bowl with its refreshing flavors. Grab some cucumbers to make this simple and crowd pleasing side dish!
Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Turmeric-It's Not Complicated Recipes
Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Turmeric is a delicious side dish, ideal for many occasions. It is healthy, satisfying and best of all, easily prepared.
These Keto brussel sprouts with bacon were made weekly when I was really dedicated to the keto diet. They’re delicious and are the perfect side dish. Although, I’m no longer on the keto diet I still make these on a weekly basis. Ingredients Brussel sprouts Bacon Onions Garlic Red pepper flake Salt &…
These marinated heirloom tomatoes capture summer’s most prized flavor. Summer tomatoes sit in a bright, bold marinade of olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano.
Caprese Skewers: The Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion - Crazy for Couponing
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests? Look no further than Caprese skewers! These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to fancy dinner parties. With their fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation, they’re sure to…
Green Lentil Tabbouleh Salad Delight (Oil-Free!)-Our Plant Based World
Tired of eating the same boring salads? Try out this tantalizing and nutritious Green Lentil Tabbouleh Salad! Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with a nutritious ingredients.
These one-pot apple baked beans are a delicious side dish filled with wholesome ingredients. Bacon, beans, and apples are baked in a sweet and tangy sauce until bubbly. #theendlessmeal #bakedbeans
Quinoa and Chickpea Salad (Vegan, Low Calorie)-All Nutritious
If you are looking for more delicious plant-based dishes for your healthy diet you need to try this super simple quinoa and chickpea salad. This easy low calorie recipe is loaded with veggies so you can enjoy more nutritious vegan meals.
Black Eyed Pea Salad with Collard Greens-Sense and Edibility
Black eyed pea salad with collard greens is a vegan side dish of black eyed peas tossed with garlic-ginger vinaigrette and fresh veggies. #blackeyedpearecipes
Mexican Bean Salad (Low Calorie, High Protein)-All Nutritious
This spicy Mexican bean salad recipe is the perfect low calorie lunch or side dish you didn’t know you needed. Having nutritious low calorierecipes is essential to helping you lose weight on your healthy diet.
This creamy crockpot macaroni and cheese starts with uncooked macaroni. Just throw the milk, cheese, and seasonings in the slow cooker for a meal everyone will love!
Easy Yeast Rolls for Beginners-The Perks Of Being Us
f you’ve ever been intimidated by the idea of working with yeast, fear not! This recipe for Easy Yeast Rolls for Beginners will have you baking every weekend!! Our mission here is to make baking accessible to everyone, and that’s why we’ve crafted the perfect guide to help you master the art of creating these delightful yeast rolls with ease. Perfect for sharing with friends!
Cheesy Cheddar Jalapeño Bread can be made by hand, in the bread machine, or in a dutch oven. It’s spicy, flavorful, and delicious! Use it as a toasting bread, for snacking, and in a variety of other ways. Cheddar Jalapeño Dutch Oven Bread This cheddar jalapeño bread was created and tweaked from my n…
As you prepare for your next family dinner, or backyard cookout, keep these delicious side dishes in your back pocket. Whether you’re grilling up juicy burgers, flavorful pork chops, or tender carne asada, these side dish recipes are the perfect complements to take your cookout menu to the next level. From the classic potato salad with a twist to the inventive Mexican street corn salad, these summer sides are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the best part of summer – great food, good company, and unforgettable memories.
Wow! This is one fantastic list. We all get in a rut as to what to bring for game day or a get together and here you have so many options. I have bookmarked this page for future reference.
Love this collection! Bookmarking and sharing with the masses because this is so so useful! And thank you so much for including my Greek cucumber + tomato salad!
This list saved the day over the weekend when I racked my brain for a side to bring to a cookout. I made the Garlic Cilantro Lime No Mayo Coleslaw and it was wonderful!
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Kristen
So many amazing side dishes! Thank you for putting them all together in one place!
Bruce and Dina Miller
Kristen,
Glad to share all the amazing bloggers recipes! Still adding more!!
Dina and Bruce
Andrea
Wow! This is one fantastic list. We all get in a rut as to what to bring for game day or a get together and here you have so many options. I have bookmarked this page for future reference.
Bruce and Dina Miller
Andrea,
So nice to know! Enjoy!!
Dina and Bruce
dana
Love this collection! Bookmarking and sharing with the masses because this is so so useful! And thank you so much for including my Greek cucumber + tomato salad!
Bruce and Dina Miller
Dana,
That salad is so good! We could eat it every day!!
Dina and Bruce
Whitney
This is so helpful! I am saving this because I am always stumped on what to bring as a side dish! Great ideas!
Bruce and Dina Miller
Whitney,
We are planning on making up several this weekend! Glad you like!
Dina and Bruce
Tayler
This list saved the day over the weekend when I racked my brain for a side to bring to a cookout. I made the Garlic Cilantro Lime No Mayo Coleslaw and it was wonderful!
Bruce and Dina Miller
Tayler,
That recipe is so good! Glad you enjoyed it!
Dina and Bruce
Elaine & James
WOW, this list is amazing! So many great sides to choose from!
Thanks for sharing!
Bruce and Dina Miller
Elaine and James,
We are working our way thru all these sides, so much yum!
Dina and Bruce
Ned
I’m getting so excited for the long weekend. I can’t wait to make several of these recipes. Thank you!
Bruce and Dina Miller
Ned,
Same! This list is a life-saver for us! So many fast and tasty side dihes!
Dina and Bruce
Sisley
These are some great ideas to try. I will need some more cookouts to try them at.
Bruce and Dina Miller
Sisley,
Yes! Hope you enjoy!
Dina and Bruce
Gina Abernathy
So many great dishes to try for a cookout. I’m looking forward to trying several of them over the weekend.
Bruce and Dina Miller
Gina,
Same! The pasta salads are dreamy!!
Dina and Bruce
Suja md
This looks really delicious and fairly simple to make! Can’t wait to try it out! thanks for the recipe 🙂
Bruce and Dina Miller
Suju,
So glad, we hope you try some of these!
Dina and Bruce
Kathleen
What a marvelous list of foods for a cookout. Many are perfect for game too! Looking forward to trying some of these out.
Bruce and Dina Miller
Kathleen,
Great tailgaiting ideas for sure!
Thank you,
Dina and Bruce