20 Irresistible BBQ Sides, Salads & More To Enjoy All Summer
The grill may get all the glory, but every backyard feast knows the real magic happens on the sidelines.
We’re talking crispy, creamy, tangy, and fresh — the sides, salads, and little extras that turn a good barbecue into a full-on summer celebration.
Whether you’re team potato salad or just love for corn on the cob, these dishes bring the color, crunch, and comfort that no plate should be without.
Fire up the flavors, because summer never tasted so satisfying.
1. Classic Coleslaw
Crunchy, cool, and utterly refreshing, coleslaw brings that perfect zippy contrast to smoky barbecued meats. The secret lies in finding the right balance between creamy and tangy.
Many folks swear by adding a touch of apple cider vinegar alongside the mayonnaise for extra zing.
For best results, make your coleslaw the night before – this gives the flavors time to mingle and develop into summer perfection.
2. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Nothing screams summer quite like golden kernels with beautiful char marks! Grilling corn intensifies its natural sweetness while adding a smoky dimension that boiled corn can only dream about.
Leave the husks on during grilling for a natural steam effect, then peel back to add your toppings.
Mexican-style elote with chili powder, lime, and cotija cheese transforms this simple veggie into something extraordinary. Or keep it classic with butter and salt for pure corn bliss.
3. Baked Beans
Simmered to perfection, these sweet and savory beans have earned their place as barbecue royalty.
The magic happens when molasses, brown sugar, and a hint of mustard create that signature sticky sauce that clings to each tender bean.
Adding bacon takes them to the next level – the smoky pork flavor infuses throughout during cooking.
Make a double batch because they taste even better the next day, when all those complex flavors have had time to deepen and meld together.
4. Potato Salad
Grandma’s secret weapon at every family cookout, potato salad brings creamy comfort to the picnic table.
The debate between warm German-style or chilled American versions will never end, but both deserve respect.
Red potatoes hold their shape beautifully, while russets break down slightly to thicken the dressing. The magic ingredient?
A splash of pickle juice in the dressing wakes up all the flavors. Remember to season the cooking water generously – potatoes need salt to shine!
5. Macaroni Salad
Beloved by kids and adults alike, macaroni salad bridges generations with its simple, satisfying charm. Those tender elbow noodles soak up just enough dressing to become flavor bombs in every bite.
Bell peppers add crunch, while a touch of sweet relish cuts through the richness.
Chill it thoroughly before serving – cold pasta salad on a hot day is summer’s perfect temperature contrast. Pro tip: cook the pasta slightly past al dente so it doesn’t harden when chilled.
6. Watermelon Feta Salad
Sweet meets savory in this unexpected flavor marriage that somehow works brilliantly. Juicy watermelon cubes provide refreshing bursts of sweetness while the salty feta crumbles balance each bite perfectly.
Fresh mint leaves add cooling aromatics that make this salad especially refreshing on scorching days.
A light drizzle of good olive oil and balsamic glaze elevates it to gourmet territory. The beauty lies in its simplicity – just a handful of quality ingredients coming together in summer harmony.
7. Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Spiral rotini noodles act like little flavor catchers, holding onto zesty Italian dressing in their twisty crevices. The beauty of pasta salad? It’s endlessly customizable to whatever’s in your fridge.
Cherry tomatoes burst with summer sweetness, while black olives add briny depth. Cubed mozzarella brings creamy richness that balances the tangy dressing.
Make this the day before your cookout – overnight refrigeration allows the pasta to absorb all those herby, garlicky flavors for maximum deliciousness.
8. Grilled Vegetables
Fire transforms ordinary vegetables into caramelized wonders with just a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and asparagus develop irresistible char marks that signal concentrated flavor.
The high heat of the grill caramelizes natural sugars while maintaining a satisfying bite – no more mushy veggies!
A sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving brightens everything up. Keep vegetable pieces large enough not to fall through the grates but small enough to cook quickly.
9. Deviled Eggs
Retro-chic and always the first to disappear from the buffet table! These two-bite wonders balance rich, creamy yolks with a tangy kick that keeps you coming back for more.
A dash of hot sauce hidden in the filling provides a subtle heat that won’t overwhelm. Garnish options are endless – try smoked paprika, crispy bacon bits, or fresh chives.
The presentation trick? Use a star-tipped piping bag for those perfect swirls that make your eggs look professionally done.
10. Caprese Salad
Summer simplicity shines in this Italian classic that celebrates the season’s best tomatoes.
Layer thick slices of ripe heirloom tomatoes with creamy mozzarella for a color contrast that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Fresh basil leaves add aromatic punch and that distinctive peppery flavor. The finishing touch?
A drizzle of high-quality olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar, plus flaky sea salt that makes all the flavors pop. No cooking required – just pure ingredients speaking for themselves.
11. Cornbread
Golden, crumbly perfection with that perfect sweet-savory balance makes cornbread the ideal companion for anything barbecued.
The crispy edge pieces are always fought over – they’re where the butter has caramelized against the hot pan.
Southern-style tends to be less sweet with more pronounced corn flavor. Northern versions lean sweeter with a cake-like texture.
Whichever camp you’re in, serving it warm is non-negotiable. A cast-iron skillet creates that coveted crust while keeping the inside tender and moist.
12. Cucumber Tomato Salad
Crisp, cool, and impossibly refreshing, this simple salad provides the perfect counterpoint to rich barbecued meats.
Paper-thin cucumber slices and juicy tomato chunks create a beautiful mosaic in your bowl.
Red onion adds a gentle bite that’s tamed by the tangy vinaigrette. The dressing is intentionally light – just enough to coat without drowning those garden-fresh vegetables.
Make this right before serving to maintain maximum crunch and vibrant colors that scream summer freshness.
13. Garlic Bread
Buttery, aromatic, and irresistibly crunchy on the outside while remaining soft inside – garlic bread elevates any barbecue spread to memorable heights.
The aroma alone draws people to the table before you’ve even called them.
Compound butter with fresh garlic, parsley and a hint of Parmesan creates layers of flavor that store-bought versions can’t match.
Wrapping in foil before grilling allows the butter to melt into every crevice. Open the foil for the last few minutes to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.
14. Fruit Salad
Nature’s candy bowl brings a welcome sweetness to balance savory barbecue flavors.
The rainbow of colors isn’t just pretty – it represents different antioxidants and nutrients that make this treat as healthy as it is delicious.
Skip the heavy, creamy dressings and let the fruits shine. A light honey-lime dressing enhances natural flavors without overwhelming them.
The texture contrast between firm grapes, juicy watermelon, and soft berries creates an interesting eating experience in every spoonful.
15. Jalapeño Poppers
Addictively spicy-creamy bites that disappear faster than you can make them! These little flavor bombs combine the kick of fresh jalapeños with cooling cream cheese filling for perfect balance.
Wrapped in bacon, they offer that irresistible combination of spicy, creamy, smoky, and crispy in one bite-sized package.
The grill adds another dimension of flavor as the peppers slightly char and soften. Pro tip: wear gloves when prepping the jalapeños – those oils can linger on fingers for hours!
16. Mac and Cheese
Comfort food royalty meets barbecue in this crowd-pleasing classic. The golden, slightly crispy top layer gives way to creamy, cheesy pasta underneath – textural heaven in every spoonful!
Using multiple cheeses creates depth of flavor – sharp cheddar for punch, monterey jack for meltability, and parmesan for nutty notes.
A hint of mustard powder and cayenne cuts through the richness. The ultimate hack? Add a splash of starchy pasta water to your cheese sauce for silky smoothness without breaking.
17. Pickled Red Onions
Vibrant pink rings that transform from sharp and pungent to bright and tangy through the magic of quick pickling.
These aren’t just pretty – they’re flavor enhancers that wake up your taste buds between bites of rich barbecued meats.
The pickling liquid combines vinegar’s tang with a touch of sweetness that tames the onion’s bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re the ultimate last-minute side.
Their versatility is impressive – pile them on sandwiches, tacos, or directly onto your plate for a zingy accent.
18. Broccoli Bacon Salad
Crunchy raw broccoli florets become irresistible when paired with smoky bacon bits and a creamy, slightly sweet dressing.
The textural contrast between crisp vegetables and chewy bacon keeps each forkful interesting. Red onion adds sharpness while sunflower seeds contribute nutty crunch.
The make-ahead nature of this salad is perfect for busy hosts – it actually improves after a few hours in the refrigerator as the broccoli slightly softens and absorbs the flavors. Even vegetable skeptics reach for seconds!
19. Three Bean Salad
Retro in the best possible way, this colorful medley combines green beans, yellow wax beans, and kidney beans in a sweet-tangy marinade that gets better by the hour.
The contrasting shapes and colors make for an eye-catching presentation. Unlike mayo-based salads, this vinaigrette-dressed dish stands up beautifully to summer heat – no refrigeration worries!
The beans provide satisfying texture while soaking up all that flavorful dressing. Make it a day ahead for maximum flavor development and minimum day-of preparation.
20. Chips and Guacamole
Creamy, chunky, and utterly craveable – freshly made guacamole with crispy tortilla chips kicks off any barbecue on the right note.
The secret lies in perfectly ripe avocados – they should yield slightly to gentle pressure.
Hand-mashing creates that ideal texture with some chunks remaining for interest. Lime juice prevents browning while adding essential brightness.
Diced jalapeños bring controllable heat that builds with each bite. Serve in a molcajete for presentation points, or keep it casual in a bowl surrounded by chips for easy dipping.