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Need some new ideas for summer BBQ side dishes? These recipes feature simple ingredients like cucumbers, pasta, corn, and cheese. So easy yet satisfying!
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Summer is the perfect time to experiment with lighter, brighter flavors.
Excited to host your next get-together? These sides are full of fresh ingredients and come together with little effort.
Big Mac Tacos
These tacos are the ultimate mashup you didn’t know your BBQ needed.
Drizzle with extra Big Mac sauce over the top just before serving, then pair with potato wedges.
Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tacos
Deviled Eggs with Relish
This recipe gives deviled eggs a sweet and tangy upgrade.
It’s ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients like mayo, sweet relish, and yellow mustard.
Get The Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Relish
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Who doesn’t love bacon side dishes? These smokies are so easy to make, you can enjoy them even beyond summer.
Serve them with mac and cheese or coleslaw.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
This recipe offers a fresh take on traditional grilled corn.
It’s simple to prepare and brings a ton of flavor with smoky spices, olive oil, and a bit of salt.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Ribs
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Crispy Accordion Potatoes
Want to try a new potato side dish? These potatoes are so beautiful and crunchy, with a savory garlic twist.
They definitely feel more exciting than basic fries or wedges.
Get The Recipe: Crispy Accordion Potatoes
Air Fryer Hand Pies
You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make these hand pies.
They’re loaded with a savory filling made with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and Sloppy Joe sauce.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Hand Pies
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
This dip is creamy, spicy, tangy, and cheesy, perfect for dipping chips or celery at a summer gathering.
The recipe includes cream cheese, but you can use mayo if it’s not available.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
If you’re craving something cheesy and meaty, these sausage balls are a brilliant choice.
Make them ahead of time and just warm them in a slow cooker once you’re ready to party.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
There’s nothing boring about these summer sides.
Try this simple dip. It’s made with frozen spinach, artichoke hearts, mayo, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta
Even the most common ingredients can deliver the biggest flavors.
This bruschetta layers prosciutto, mascarpone cheese, arugula, and honey.
Get The Recipe: Prosciutto Arugula Bruschetta
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
These sliders are everything you want in a summer side—melty, crispy, creamy, and full of flavor.
Bake them until golden, then pair with cucumber lemonade.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
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Jerusalem Salad
Is there any other salad as bright and refreshing as this one?
It’s made with English cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, lemon, and olive oil.
Get The Recipe: Jerusalem Salad
No Boil Mashed Potatoes
You don’t need to boil a single pot of water to enjoy these fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes.
This recipe uses Yukon Gold, but feel free to use Russet potatoes!
Get The Recipe: No Boil Mashed Potatoes
Cold Green Bean Salad
This is a no-fuss BBQ side that works with almost any main dish.
It tastes zesty, savory, and slightly sweet, with green beans, white balsamic vinegar, black-eyed peas, and yellow summer squash.
Get The Recipe: Cold Green Bean Salad
Dr Pepper Baked Beans
There’s nothing like the sweet and smoky combo of baked beans at a summer cookout.
This version adds a fun twist with a splash of Dr Pepper. You’ll love its rich, caramel-like depth.
Get The Recipe: Dr Pepper Baked Beans
Pasta Salad Crudaiola Barese
This pasta salad is the definition of fresh flavors.
Chill it for around two hours before serving so the flavors can soak in. Then, serve it with grilled shrimp skewers or lemon chicken!
Get The Recipe: Pasta Salad Crudaiola Barese
Sweet Cornbread
Try this simple baking project!
This cornbread is ready in less than an hour and pairs well with baked ribs, collard greens, and more.
Get The Recipe: Sweet Cornbread
Grilled Cauliflower (15-Minute Florets)
This grilled cauliflower is seasoned with earthy spices and seasonings.
It’s so simple, yet it tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. Drizzle it with tahini or yogurt sauce before serving.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower (15-Minute Florets)
Grilled Veggie Skewers
These grilled veggie skewers are colorful, healthy, and totally customizable.
They offer a great way to use up whatever’s in your fridge. You can add mushrooms, eggplant cubes, or baby potatoes.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Veggie Skewers
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Orzo is a great choice for pasta salads! Check out this one.
It comes with tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and a delicious dressing.
Get The Recipe: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Cucumber Slaw
If your BBQ sides are starting to feel a little boring, now’s the perfect time to switch things up.
Start with this slaw featuring red cabbage, cucumbers, cilantro, and jalapeño.
Get The Recipe: Cucumber Slaw
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Grilled Watermelon Salad
Craving refreshing fruity salads? This one also brings a smoky surprise to the table.
Serve it with spicy grilled chicken and couscous.
Get The Recipe: Grilled Watermelon Salad
Kiwi Feta Salad With Basil Oil
Believe it or not, you can turn your favorite kiwi into a flavorful salad.
This recipe comes together in minutes with fresh basil, tomatoes, and avocado.
Get The Recipe: Kiwi Feta Salad With Basil Oil
Mexican Grilled Onions (Cebollitas Asadas)
Looking for the best side dish for your Mexican barbecue? Then this recipe is for you!
These onions are smoky, charred, and loaded with umami flavors.
Get The Recipe: Mexican Grilled Onions (Cebollitas Asadas)
Simple Pesto Potato Salad
This salad is made with potatoes, white vinegar, mayo, pesto, bacon, and lemon juice.
It’s quick, flavorful, and looks as good as it tastes.
Get The Recipe: Simple Pesto Potato Salad
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You won’t need a long ingredient list or special tools to make these recipes.
If you’re prepping for a huge get-together, go for versatile and budget-friendly options. Think potatoes, corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, and pasta.
These ingredients are all delicious, and you can do so much with them!
25 Sides for BBQs That Will Level Up Your Next Cookout
Add more flavor to your next cookout with these tasty sides for BBQs. You’ll find delicious dishes like hand pies, dips, salads, and grilled veggies.
Read it here: 25 Sides for BBQs That Will Level Up Your Next Cookout
25 Easy Side Dishes for BBQ That’ll Vanish Before You Finish Grilling
These easy side dishes for BBQ parties are so delicious they’ll vanish before you even finish grilling. Guests won’t be able to stop eating them.
Read it here: 25 Easy Side Dishes for BBQ That’ll Vanish Before You Finish Grilling
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Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Tired of bringing the same thing to every BBQ? Try one of these recipes or try them all—they’re too good to miss:
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