Top 15+ Must-Try BBQ Side Dishes for Your Next Outdoor Gathering

1. Kimchi Potato Salad

Traditional potato salads often lack excitement, but this version breaks the mold. Store-bought kimchi is combined with tender baby red potatoes, seasoned with zesty lime juice, and coated in a creamy mayonnaise dressing infused with gochujang and chili garlic sauce. Topped with toasted sesame seeds for a satisfying crunch, this dish is the ideal accompaniment to your favorite grilled dishes.

2. Butternut Squash Fries

Though butternut squash is typically a winter vegetable, it’s readily available year-round, making it a great addition to your summer BBQ menu. For this healthier take on fries, coat butternut squash strips with cornstarch, season generously, and bake until crispy. Serve alongside grilled chicken, ribs, a fresh salad, and dipping sauces like ketchup or garlic aioli.

3. Broccoli Slaw With Creamy Ranch Dressing

Slaws are a staple at barbecues and cookouts, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet, and saucy flavors of wings, ribs, brisket, and other grilled favorites. This version features a broccoli slaw base mixed with homemade ranch dressing, scallions, parsley, and sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch. For an extra touch, consider adding chives, matchstick carrots, or shredded cabbage to elevate the dish.

4. Elote Jalapeño Poppers

These seasonal appetizers or sides are a fantastic way to highlight fresh corn. Creamy and spicy, these oven-baked poppers are stuffed with a mix of corn, cream cheese, Cotija cheese, mayonnaise, and gut-healthy Greek yogurt. Brightened with lime zest, garlic, and scallions, they deliver a burst of flavor in every bite.

5. Grilled Romaine Salad With Avocado Dressing

Since you’re already firing up the grill, take your salad to the next level by grilling it too. This recipe involves charring romaine hearts for a smoky flavor, grilling focaccia and tearing it into crouton-sized pieces for added crunch, and topping it with briny capers, a creamy avocado dressing, and a sprinkle of savory Parmesan cheese.

6. Caprese Pasta Salad

For lovers of the traditional Caprese salad, this variation is a must-try. It retains the essence of fresh tomatoes and cheese but replaces mozzarella with the richer, creamier burrata. Fusilli pasta adds heartiness, while a tangy vinegar-based dressing and toasted pine nuts provide a satisfying crunch.

7. Loaded Baked Potato Salad

This summer side dish combines two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible creation. Blending the best of potato salad and loaded baked potatoes, it features bacon, mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, and shredded cheese. A standout feature is that the potatoes don’t need peeling before boiling—their skins add both texture and vibrant color to the dish.

8. Summer Nachos

For a lighter, seasonal twist on nachos that’s packed with flavor, try this vegetarian recipe. It layers tortilla chips with smoky paprika-spiced corn, sautéed zucchini, and a creamy avocado-yogurt sauce that’s irresistible. Perfect for sharing, this dish works as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side.

9. Asian-Inspired Cabbage Slaw

This fresh and vibrant coleslaw comes together in just 15 minutes and is a BBQ essential. A mix of cabbage, bell pepper, onion, carrots, and snap peas is tossed in a flavorful dressing made with rice vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey. Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or tofu for a satisfying meal.

10. Chickpea and Chorizo Salad

This quick 25-minute salad brings together protein-rich chickpeas, vibrant tomatoes, and smoky Spanish chorizo. Perfect as a side or main dish, it’s dressed with a sherry vinegar vinaigrette enhanced with honey and smoked paprika, creating a delightful balance of tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. It can even be made a day ahead for convenience.

11. Niçoise-Inspired Potato Salad

This summer side dish merges the best of Niçoise salad and potato salad, ready in just one hour. Roasted fingerling potatoes are paired with hard-boiled eggs, haricot verts, grape tomatoes, and black olives. A tangy dill and Dijon dressing ties everything together, adding a burst of flavor to this vibrant dish.

12. Kale Slaw With Lemon-Tahini Dressing

For those who prefer slaw without a vinegar base, this kale slaw is a must-try. The highlight is a fragrant oil and seed blend featuring crushed coriander and cumin seeds heated in olive oil. This mixture is poured over a tahini-dressed kale and red cabbage slaw, creating a side dish that complements grilled meats and burgers beautifully.

13. Toasted Israeli Couscous With Corn and Herbs

This vibrant summer salad combines sweet corn kernels with a medley of fresh herbs—basil, chives, and dill—along with caramelized onions for added depth. The result is a savory-sweet dish that pairs perfectly with grilled fish, roast chicken, or seared steak at any cookout.

14. Zucchini Tzatziki Slaw

This refreshing slaw replaces traditional chopped cucumber with crisp cabbage and raw zucchini. Topped with pepitas for a crunchy texture, it’s an ideal side dish for summer barbecues or backyard gatherings, complementing any grilled protein.

15. Grilled Mediterranean Salad

This isn’t your typical pasta salad. This version features campanelle pasta tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing, paired with grilled halloumi, zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and fresh oregano. Perfect for BBQs or summer cookouts, it’s a flavorful upgrade to a classic dish.

16. Spicy Street Corn Salad

While cooked corn is delightful, it’s equally enjoyable raw. This elote-inspired salad proves just that, turning the Mexican street snack into a hearty dish by combining raw corn with pinto beans, fresh herbs, jalapeño, and a generous amount of arugula. Pair it with grilled fish tacos for a satisfying and complete meal.