Summer BBQs are all about the smoky flavor of the grill, good company, and a spread of irresistible sides that keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re firing up the grill in your backyard or heading to a potluck, these 14 mouthwatering summer side dishes will steal the show. From crisp, fresh salads to cheesy classics and bold, unexpected bites—there’s something here for every kind of BBQ lover.
Fresh and Flavorful Salads
1. Classic Coleslaw with a Tangy Twist
No BBQ is complete without coleslaw. This crunchy, creamy side dish offers a refreshing contrast to grilled meats. Our version adds a tangy twist with Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar, giving it just enough bite to keep things interesting.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients: 1 bag shredded cabbage mix, ½ cup mayo, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp sugar, salt & pepper to taste.
- Instructions: Whisk mayo, vinegar, mustard, and sugar together. Toss with cabbage mix. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Tip: Add shredded apple or a pinch of cayenne for a little zing.
2. Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint
This refreshing salad pairs juicy watermelon with salty feta and cooling mint—an unexpected trio that screams summer. It’s a colorful and hydrating side perfect for hot days and smoky BBQ flavors.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients: 4 cups cubed watermelon, 1 cup crumbled feta, ¼ cup fresh mint (chopped), juice of 1 lime.
- Instructions: Gently combine all ingredients. Serve chilled.
Perfect for hot days—light, sweet, and refreshing.
3. Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado and Lime
Smoky grilled corn is elevated in this vibrant salad featuring creamy avocado, zesty lime, and a hint of spice. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, yet light enough to complement burgers and ribs.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients: 4 ears grilled corn (kernels removed), 1 diced avocado, ¼ cup red onion, 1 tbsp olive oil, juice of 2 limes, salt & chili powder.
- Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Serve slightly warm or chilled.
Pairs well with grilled chicken or steak.
4. Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Pesto
Pasta salad is a picnic staple, and this version gets a flavor boost from bold basil pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes. It’s easy to make ahead and travels well—ideal for BBQs and potlucks.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients: 1 box cooked rotini, 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), ½ cup basil pesto, ¼ cup parmesan, salt to taste.
- Instructions: Toss all ingredients while pasta is still warm. Chill before serving.
Optional add-in: grilled chicken or mozzarella pearls.
Crowd-Pleasing Classics
5. Baked Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar
These baked beans are sweet, smoky, and savory all at once. Bacon and brown sugar add depth and richness, making this dish the ultimate comfort-food side for grilled fare.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients: 2 cans baked beans, 4 strips cooked bacon (crumbled), ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp mustard, 1 tbsp ketchup.
- Instructions: Mix everything in a baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 30–40 minutes.
Crockpot version: cook on low for 4 hours.
6. Creamy Potato Salad with Dill and Mustard
Creamy and cool, this potato salad adds zing with tangy mustard and bright dill. It’s a classic that never fails and pairs wonderfully with everything from hot dogs to grilled steak.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients: 2 lbs baby potatoes (boiled & halved), ½ cup mayo, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp fresh dill, ¼ cup chopped pickles, salt & pepper.
- Instructions: Mix dressing separately, then fold into cooled potatoes.
Greek yogurt can replace half the mayo for a lighter touch.
7. Macaroni and Cheese with a Crispy Top
Who can resist gooey mac and cheese with a golden, crunchy topping? This side dish is kid-friendly, soul-satisfying, and the first to vanish at every summer BBQ.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients: 1 box elbow macaroni, 2 cups cheddar, 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, ½ cup breadcrumbs.
- Instructions: Make a roux with butter and flour, add milk and cheese to make sauce. Mix with pasta, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Add smoked paprika or jalapeños for a bold twist.
8. Deviled Eggs with a Kick
These deviled eggs take the beloved classic and add a spicy edge with Sriracha. They’re easy to grab, rich in flavor, and always a hit at outdoor gatherings.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients: 6 hard-boiled eggs, ¼ cup mayo, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp Sriracha, paprika for garnish.
- Instructions: Halve eggs, mash yolks with filling ingredients, pipe back into whites. Sprinkle paprika on top.
Great finger food with a punch!
Grilled or Roasted Veggie Sides
9. Grilled Zucchini and Squash Skewers
Zucchini and squash soak up smoky grill flavor beautifully. Threaded on skewers and brushed with herbs, they’re a colorful, healthy addition to any BBQ plate.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients: 2 zucchinis & 2 yellow squash (sliced), olive oil, Italian herbs, salt & pepper.
- Instructions: Thread onto skewers, brush with olive oil and herbs, grill for 3–5 mins per side.
Simple, smoky, and colorful.
10. Charred Street Corn (Elote)
Inspired by Mexican street corn, this side is bold, creamy, and tangy. Grilling the corn brings out its sweetness, while toppings like cotija cheese and chili powder make it unforgettable.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients: 4 ears corn, ¼ cup mayo, ¼ cup cotija cheese, chili powder, lime wedges.
- Instructions: Grill corn until charred. Spread with mayo, sprinkle cheese and chili powder, serve with lime.
Let guests build their own for a fun twist.
11. Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges with Smoky Aioli
Naturally sweet with crispy edges, these roasted wedges get a smoky upgrade with paprika-spiked aioli. A hearty, slightly indulgent side that works with everything from ribs to grilled veggies.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes (wedged), 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, smoked paprika.
For Aioli: ½ cup mayo, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp lemon juice. - Instructions: Roast wedges at 400°F for 30 mins. Mix aioli separately.
Pairs great with grilled meats.
Fun and Unexpected Additions
12. Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
These simple, stylish skewers pack all the freshness of a Caprese salad into bite-sized bliss. They look beautiful on a platter and are easy to assemble last-minute.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, balsamic glaze.
- Instructions: Alternate ingredients on skewers. Drizzle with glaze just before serving.
Bite-sized elegance.
13. Grilled Peach and Burrata Plate
Grilled peaches are caramelized and tender, and when paired with creamy burrata and peppery arugula, they create a gourmet BBQ side that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients: 2 peaches (halved), olive oil, 1 ball burrata, fresh arugula, balsamic drizzle.
- Instructions: Grill peaches cut-side down. Plate with burrata, arugula, and drizzle.
A sophisticated mix of sweet and creamy.
14. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
Spicy, cheesy, and comforting—these muffins are the ideal BBQ bread side. They’re portable, flavorful, and perfect with a slab of butter or drizzle of honey.
Quick Recipe:
- Ingredients: 1 box cornbread mix, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1 diced jalapeño, 1 egg, ⅔ cup milk.
- Instructions: Mix ingredients, pour into muffin tins, bake as directed on the box.
Serve warm with honey butter.
Wrapping Up
With these 14 delicious side dishes, your summer BBQ spread will be anything but basic. Whether you go for refreshing salads, gooey mac and cheese, or spicy cornbread muffins, these recipes are crowd-pleasers that balance bold BBQ flavors perfectly. Pick a few to try, mix and match, and don’t forget to bring extras—seconds are guaranteed!
Which one will you try first? Pin this post and share your favorites in the comments below!