From fries and mango salsa to pasta salads and spicy grilled potatoes, here are some of my favorite side dishes that make the perfect finishing touch for any BBQ. Below you’ll find fresh, southern, and global-inspired recipes ideal for picnics, potlucks, and backyard grilling.
Tomato & Cucumber Pasta Salad
This whole wheat pasta salad is loaded with summer vegetables like cucumber and tomato, tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Made with whole wheat pasta, it’s hearty enough to satisfy and light enough for hot days.
Get the Recipe: Tomato & Cucumber Pasta Salad
Southern Style Coleslaw
This creamy Southern coleslaw pairs crisp cabbage with a sweet-tangy dressing for the classic flavor you expect at a cookout. It’s simple, refreshing, and brings the nostalgia of fast-food favorites like Raising Cane’s.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw Recipe
Southern Potato Salad
A summertime favorite, this Southern potato salad features hard-boiled eggs, pickles, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing finished with a sprinkle of Creole seasoning. It’s a classic side that steals the show at cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Southern Potato Salad
Southern Fried Squash
Fresh yellow squash and zucchini are dipped in buttermilk, coated with flour and cornmeal, then fried until golden and crispy. Southern fried squash is a crunchy, flavorful summer side that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Squash
Zucchini Cornbread
This zucchini cornbread is a moist, slightly sweet twist on a classic loaf. Shredded zucchini adds extra moisture and texture to a tender cornmeal base.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Cornbread Recipe
Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy caviar is a vibrant dip of fresh vegetables and flavorful beans dressed in a tangy vinegar dressing. It’s ideal for parties because it holds well at room temperature for a while and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar Recipe
Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
This classic pasta salad is full of crisp vegetables and bright Italian dressing. It’s light, nostalgic, and pairs perfectly with burgers and grilled meats for summer get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad Recipe
Deviled Eggs with Diced Pickles
Classic deviled eggs take on extra flavor with a fluffy, tangy filling and a touch of diced pickles. They’re quick to prepare and always disappear fast at parties.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Diced Pickles
Blue Cheese & Bacon Salad
Crisp romaine, crunchy bacon, and tangy blue cheese tossed in a zesty dressing make this Royal Street Salad a savory, satisfying summer side.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese & Bacon Salad
Crispy Fried Okra
Okra pieces are dipped in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour and cornmeal mix, then fried to crispy perfection in peanut oil. This Southern popcorn-style snack is addictive.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Okra
Fried Corn on the Cob
Deep-fried corn on the cob gets a Cajun-seasoned batter and fried until golden for a crunchy, flavorful twist on a summer classic.
Get the Recipe: Fried Corn on the Cob
Classic Pimento Cheese
Homemade pimento cheese blends shredded cheddar, mayo, and diced pimentos into a creamy, peppery spread. It’s perfect on sandwiches, as a dip for crackers, or as a burger topping.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese
Favorite Pasta Salad
This family favorite pasta salad balances sweet, savory, and tart flavors with a rich homemade dressing and bacon for extra savoriness. It’s a crowd-pleasing side for any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Favorite Pasta Salad
Southern Cornbread
Classic Southern cornbread uses yellow cornmeal and buttermilk and is often baked in a cast-iron skillet for a crisp edge and tender crumb. Cooked with bacon drippings or butter, it’s a staple at summer tables.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Recipe
Ranch Chex Party Mix
Ranch Chex party mix is a crunchy, savory snack that combines salty, cheesy, and crunchy elements for an addictive party treat—perfect to bring to picnics and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Chex Party Mix
Pasta Salad with Corn and Tomatoes
Fresh cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, and cilantro tossed with cavatappi and a bright lemon dressing make this pasta salad a simple, summery side that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Corn and Tomatoes
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
If you love dill pickles, this creamy dill pickle pasta salad balances tangy, sweet, and sour flavors with crunchy pickles and a creamy dressing. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main or bring to potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Bowtie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Loaded with fresh vegetables, al dente bowtie pasta, and a tangy Italian dressing, this salad is easy to prepare and keeps well in the fridge—great for weeknight meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Bowtie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Dill Pasta Salad
Ready in under 20 minutes, this dill pasta salad highlights fresh dill, cheese, and lemon for a bright, quick side that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pasta Salad
Instant Pot Pasta Salad
This Instant Pot pasta salad cooks pasta perfectly without draining, then tosses it in a tangy vinaigrette for a fast, hands-off side.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pasta Salad
20 Minute Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta
This lemon orzo salad mixes crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, and salty feta in a bright lemon dressing—ready in about 20 minutes and ideal for summer entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta
Bourbon Candied Pecans
These sweet, spicy candied pecans have a subtle bourbon note that elevates the flavor. They’re crunchy, addicting, and make a great snack or party nibble.
Get the Recipe: Candied Bourbon Pecans
Crispy Dill Fridge Pickles
Quick refrigerator dill pickles are salty, crunchy, and simple to prepare—no canning required. They’re perfect to add to burgers or serve on the side.
Get the Recipe: Dill Fridge Pickles
Zesty Quinoa Salad
Cool and refreshing, this zesty quinoa salad is full of healthy ingredients and can be served vegetarian or with added chicken for protein. It’s a light, satisfying option for hot days.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Quinoa Salad
Antipasto Pasta Salad
This antipasto pasta salad brings together meats, cheeses, peppers, pasta, and greens with a balsamic vinaigrette for a robust, flavorful summer dish.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Pasta Salad
Chicken Garden Pasta Salad
Loaded with chicken, cheese, vegetables, and pasta, this Chicken Garden Pasta Salad works as a light dinner or a hearty side for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Garden Pasta Salad
Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad
This Mexican orzo salad is bright and fresh with tomatoes, corn, avocado, and herbs—an ideal cold pasta side for BBQs and grilling dinners.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad
Hot Honey Pasta Salad Recipe
This hot honey pasta salad features a sweet-spicy dressing tossed with pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, basil, arugula, and pepperoni for a bold, quick side ready in about 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Pasta Salad Recipe
Corn Pico de Gallo
Sweet corn pico de gallo adds grilled or roasted corn for a smoky-sweet twist on a classic salsa—great for chips or as a fresh topping.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pico de Gallo
Orzo Pasta Salad
Fresh, healthy, and easy to prepare, this orzo pasta salad is ideal for making ahead and serving chilled at summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pasta Salad
Quick, Easy Vegan Pasta Salad
This vegan pasta salad is packed with vibrant Mediterranean vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette—great for BBQs, potlucks, or quick weeknight sides.
Get the Recipe: Quick, Easy Vegan Pasta Salad
Sweet Cornbread
Made in a cast-iron skillet, sweet cornbread is buttery and slightly crumbly with crisp edges—an ideal companion to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cornbread
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Sesame Poppyseed Dressing
Loaded with fresh strawberries and topped with a sesame poppyseed dressing, this strawberry spinach salad is a bright, refreshing choice for lunch or a light side at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Spinach Salad
Cherry Tomato Salsa
Sweet cherry tomato salsa bursts with fresh garden flavors and is perfect with tacos or tortilla chips. It’s quick to make and full of bright, herbal notes.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Tomato Salsa
Mango and Avocado Salsa
Ripe mangoes, creamy avocados, and crunchy bell pepper combine in a sweet and tangy mango avocado salsa that’s perfect with chips, on salads, or as a burrito filling.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salsa
Easy Oven Baked French Fries
Coated in olive oil and seasoned, these oven-baked fries crisp up beautifully and pair perfectly with burgers and your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Baked French Fries
Cucumber Salad
Thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion are quickly pickled for a sweet-tangy cucumber salad that’s a staple at summer tables.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Quick Korean Pickles
These spicy Korean-style cucumber pickles are crisp, zesty, and add a lively kick to any meal—an easy way to introduce bold flavors to your BBQ spread.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Pickles
Orzo Caprese Salad
This Orzo Caprese Salad puts a twist on the classic with orzo pasta, juicy tomatoes, cucumber, and creamy mozzarella—ready in under 30 minutes for lunch or as a side.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Caprese Salad
Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta and Fresh Mint
Sweet strawberries, cool cucumber, tangy red onion, feta, and fresh mint combine for a vibrant summer salad that highlights seasonal flavors in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cucumber Salad
Spicy Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
This spicy jalapeño pimento cheese adds heat to the classic spread for a bold appetizer or snack that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa
Fire-roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, and a touch of smoky jalapeño make this roasted cherry tomato salsa a bold, quick dip for summer snacking.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa
Pickle de Gallo Recipe
Pickle de Gallo blends garlicky dill pickles with salsa-style flavors for a unique, veggie-packed dip that’s bold enough to eat with a spoon.
Get the Recipe: Pickle de Gallo Recipe
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