23 Summer BBQ Side Dishes That Will Steal the Spotlight
Change your BBQ game with these 23 easy and delicious side dish recipes. These sides are sure to be a hit.
Summer is here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill! While everyone loves a juicy burger or hot dog, the real stars of a BBQ often end up being the side dishes.
Let’s be honest, a BBQ isn’t complete without a few delicious sides to round out the meal.
Get ready to impress your guests with these 23 mouthwatering BBQ side dishes that will have them begging for seconds.
Why Side Dishes Are the Unsung Heroes of BBQs
Side dishes might not be the main event, but they play a crucial role in making your BBQ a success. Here’s why:
- Balance the meal: Side dishes add a variety of flavors and textures to your plate, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Keep things interesting: A BBQ with only burgers and hot dogs can get boring. Side dishes add excitement and variety to the menu.
- Cater to different tastes: Everyone has different preferences, and side dishes allow you to cater to a wider range of tastes.
- Make the meal memorable: A unique or delicious side dish can be the thing that your guests remember most about your BBQ.
23 Recipes to Elevate Your BBQ This Summer
1
Crispy Homemade Potato Chips
Once you make your own potato chips, you’ll never go back to the store-bought ones! These chips are so light, crispy, and flavorful. They make a great side dish for sandwiches or a delicious snack!
Check out this recipe
2
BLT Panzanella
This bread salad combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and crusty bread in a tangy vinaigrette.
Check out this recipe
3
Pineapple Salsa Recipe
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4
Easy Spaghetti Pasta Salad
This Easy Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a refreshing side with loaded veggies, cheese, and tangy vinaigrette, perfect for barbecues or picnics, ready in just 10 minutes!
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5
Avocado Tomatillo Dip
A delicious green dip with a smooth and creamy texture, blending the richness of avocado with the bright tanginess of tomatillos.
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6
Low Calorie Potato Salad
This makes a great addition to any salad, barbeque or party buffet.
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7
Watermelon Feta Basil Salad with Blueberry Balsamic
This Watermelon Feta Basil Salad with blueberry balsamic is an easy, refreshing salad for summer parties. Bonus: it takes only 10 minutes.
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8
Sweet Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
This Sweet Creamy Coleslaw Recipe is made with coleslaw and flavored with a tangy and sweet dressing. It’s perfect for your next potluck dinner.
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9
Asian Cucumber Salad
Delight in a refreshing Asian cucumber salad – a perfect blend of crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, and vibrant flavors. Try it now!
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10
Cucumber and Beetroot Salad – Avocado Skillet
This Cucumber and Beetroot Salad is the perfect side salad for spring. It is simple to make and full of flavor. It is also vegan.
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11
Tortellini Pasta Salad
My simple tortellini pasta salad is packed with fresh vegetables, salty cheese, tender cooked pasta and homemade red wine vinaigrette.
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12
Chickpea Avocado Salad
This Chickpea Avocado Salad is an easy salad you’ll want to make on repeat! It’s loaded with fresh veggies, avocado, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
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13
Ensalada de Gallina (Venezuelan Chicken Potato Salad)
Ensalada de Gallina. Creamy chicken and potato salad, Venezuelan style featuring chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas, apples, and a creamy homemade dressing
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14
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad (Quick and Easy)
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad combines elbow macaroni noodles, hard-boiled eggs, and bacon in creamy dressing for the perfect summer side dish!
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15
Cucumber Sweet Pepper and Avocado Salad with Lemon Honey Mustard Dressing – Avocado Skillet
This cucumber sweet pepper and avocado salad with lemon honey mustard dressing is the perfect summer side salad. It is vegetarian and dairy free.
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16
Healthy Greek Salad
Enjoy the fresh flavors of a classic Greek salad! Discover crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and delicious olives in every bite.
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17
Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
This Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe is quick, simple, and tremendously flavorful. This dish boasts bold, exciting flavors. It can be made ahead of time.
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18
Hearts of Palm Salad with Vegan Avocado Dressing (Ensalada de Palmitos)
Refreshing, light, and easy Venezuelan Hearts of Palm Salad with avocados, tomatoes, and arugula dressed in a creamy vegan avocado salad dressing.
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19
Tropical Pineapple Salad
I love fresh fruits salad, that sweetness and citrusy juices of fruits give the salad a refreshing punch.
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20
Romaine Salad with Chopped Veggies and Feta
This romaine salad with chopped veggies, feta and a simple lemon dressing is delicious and very easy to make. It is perfect as a healthy crunchy side salad.
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21
Classic Pasta Salad Recipe (Homemade Dressing)
Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors with our classic pasta salad recipe featuring a homemade dressing. Easy, delicious, and sure to impress!
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22
Gluten-Free Broccoli Salad with Greek Yogurt
Bursting with vibrant flavours our gluten-free broccoli salad with Greek yogurt is a guilt-free delight. This salad is sure to impress anyone for any meal, whether it be a BBQ, dinner, or potluck. It is a refreshing lighter taste of a classic favourite.
Check out this recipe
23
Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Bacon
Brown sugar baked beans are doctored up and make your cookout complete – it’s the perfect side dish with any BBQ meal.
Check out this recipe
Side Dish Success Tips
- Plan ahead: Make a list of the side dishes you want to make and gather all the ingredients in advance.
- Prep ingredients: Chop vegetables, grate cheese, and measure out spices ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
- Don’t forget the drinks: Offer a variety of beverages to complement your side dishes, such as lemonade, iced tea, or beer.
- Serve in style: Use colorful serving dishes and garnish your side dishes with fresh herbs for an extra touch of elegance.
- Have fun: BBQs are all about enjoying good food and good company, so relax and have a blast!
Your BBQ Sidekicks Await
With these 23 mouthwatering side dish recipes, your summer BBQs are sure to be a hit. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just having a few friends over, these dishes will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
So fire up the grill, gather your friends, and get ready for a delicious summer feast.
