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Summertime means BBQs, and we have gathered our favorite and most delicious BBQ side dishes to wow your guests!

Collage of BBQ side dish recipes.

We Love a Good Variety!

One of our favorite ways to do a backyard BBQ is potluck style! We take on the main dish or grilled meat and ask others to bring a side dish to share.

It takes the pressure off the host and gives way for some variety in the meal spread. The different sides are often my favorite part!

Incorporating the flavors of seasonal fruits and vegetables creates fresh and tasty side dishes for your grilled dinners. You’ll find both warm and cold appetizers to accompany your main dish. It doesn’t have to be difficult to be delicious. Enjoy these tasty outdoor-party-ready sides!!

From best-loved items like Sweet Coleslaw and Broccoli Slaw to Ramen Noodle Salad or Fruit Kabobs, we have something for everyone.


Our Top 10 BBQ Side Dishes

1 How to Grill Corn on the Cob

How to Grill Corn on the Cob
Total Time: 17 minutes

Recipe Video

Unlock the secret to unbelievably delicious grilled corn with our super simple guide on how to grill corn on the cob!
5 from 7 votes
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2 Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes

Recipe Video

Easy pasta salad with Italian dressing takes minutes to make. It's a classic side dish, perfect for BBQs, picnics, or any night of the week!
5 from 252 votes
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3 Fruit Salad Recipe

Fruit Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Recipe Video

This fruit salad recipe includes an array of colorful and healthy fruits, making it a delicious side dish for any meal.
5 from 52 votes
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4 Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Recipe Video

Simple broccoli salad recipe delivers a hearty and satisfying crunch with a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients smothered in a creamy dressing.
4.98 from 82 votes
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5 Corn Salad

Corn Salad
Total Time: 12 minutes

Recipe Video

This vibrant corn salad is veggie-packed, lightly dressed for a fresh taste, and ready to brighten your plate in under 15 minutes!
4.99 from 87 votes
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6 Potato Salad Recipe

Potato Salad Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes

Recipe Video

This perfect Potato Salad is a famous family recipe. It's simple, packed with flavor, and our most requested side for parties!
5 from 33 votes
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7 Baked Beans Recipe

Baked Beans Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Easy Homemade Baked Beans is a must-have at all of our BBQ's. Everyone who tries it agrees it's the best baked beans recipe!
4.98 from 41 votes
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8 Macaroni Salad With Ham

Macaroni Salad With Ham
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

A favorite for generations, our kid-approved macaroni salad with ham is a potluck winner made in only 20 minutes!
4.98 from 111 votes
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9 Easy Coleslaw Recipe

Easy Coleslaw Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

This quick and Easy Coleslaw makes the perfect side dish for any picnic or BBQ. It takes just minutes to put this classic coleslaw recipe together, and it can easily be customized with the spices and flavors you love most.
5 from 26 votes
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10 Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Asparagus
Total Time: 8 minutes
Sprinkled with salt, pepper, and a little parmesan cheese, grilled asparagus is a simply flavorful side for any dinner recipe! 
5 from 10 votes
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More BBQ Sides

11 How to Boil Corn on the Cob Recipe

How to Boil Corn on the Cob Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

Boiling corn on the cob is a cinch! You will love this juicy corn on the cob to put on the side of any summer meal.
5 from 10 votes
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12 Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Recipe Video

Everyone loves a good slow cooker recipe, and this crock pot mac and cheese is so simple, cheesy, and delicious!
4.99 from 284 votes
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13 Easy Tortellini Salad Recipe

Easy Tortellini Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

Fresh and filling Tortellini Salad whips up in minutes for a delicious summer salad topped with creamy ranch dressing.
4.96 from 22 votes
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14 Instant Pot Potato Salad

Instant Pot Potato Salad
Total Time: 40 minutes
It may be quicker, but this creamy instant pot potato salad has all of the flavor and texture of the original.
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15 Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

Greek pasta salad is packed with traditional Greek flavors and covered in a tasty dressing! It's perfectly light and refreshing.
5 from 10 votes
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16 Chicken Pasta Salad

Chicken Pasta Salad
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

Creamy chicken pasta salad is quick, easy, and packed with hearty ingredients for a filling side or main dish!
5 from 19 votes
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17 Fruit Kabobs

Fruit Kabobs
Total Time: 30 minutes
Our quick and colorful fruit kabobs are easy to customize, creating a healthy and delicious appetizer or side – perfect for every occasion!
5 from 15 votes
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18 Cheesecake Fruit Salad

Cheesecake Fruit Salad
Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes

Recipe Video

Cheesecake fruit salad is the perfect combination of creamy, fluffy, light, and fresh! It's the perfect side or crepe filling!
4.93 from 57 votes
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19 Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

This broccoli cauliflower salad is packed with veggies and ready in 20 minutes for a creamy crunch that is sure to be a hit!
5 from 119 votes
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20 Mozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe

Mozzarella Pasta Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
Easy & Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad is light, delicious, and flavorful. This simply dressed salad is a favorite!!
5 from 11 votes
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21 Ambrosia Salad Recipe

Ambrosia Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Recipe Video

Ambrosia Salad will take you straight back to your childhood. This Southern creamy fruit salad is filled with mini marshmallows!
5 from 9 votes
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22 Sweet Coleslaw Recipe

Sweet Coleslaw Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw is a copycat of a tasty dish from Disneyland's Big Thunder ranch. It is a perfect side dish to any meal or BBQ.
5 from 7 votes
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23 Microwave Corn

Microwave Corn
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

Did you know you can microwave corn on the cob? It's the quickest and easiest way to cook juicy, crispy corn on the cob.
5 from 41 votes
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24 How to Cut a Watermelon

How to Cut a Watermelon
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

Is there anything better than a ripe juicy watermelon? Learn How to Cut a Watermelon into cubes, sticks, and triangles with our top tips!
5 from 25 votes
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25 Veggie Cups Appetizer

Veggie Cups Appetizer
Total Time: 15 minutes
Quick and Easy Veggie Cup Appetizers – filled with dressing and veggies, this mess-free snack is great for so many occasions.
5 from 3 votes
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26 Arugula Salad Recipe

Arugula Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
Fresh Arugula salad is loaded with healthy greens, juicy tomatoes, and parmesan shavings with pine nuts and creamy avocado on top!
5 from 7 votes
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27 Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
Fresh, vibrant Cucumber Tomato Salad is a simple salad perfect for summer and your bounteous harvest. It's a quick side for any meal!
5 from 6 votes
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28 Asparagus Salad Recipe

Asparagus Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
Filled with mozzarella cheese, and cherry tomatoes, seasoned with basil, and covered in a light balsamic vinaigrette, this asparagus salad is bursting with flavor! Best of all, it comes together in less than 10 minutes!
5 from 10 votes
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29 Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe

Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad – a simple, delicious and quick salad perfect for dinner or for BBQs and get togethers. So many great flavors!
5 from 10 votes
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30 Caprese Kabobs Recipe

Caprese Kabobs Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
Simple, quick and delicious Caprese Kabobs take minutes to throw together and are perfect for any party or get together.
5 from 12 votes
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31 Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

Simple, flavorful, and healthy Oven roasted vegetables take less than 10 minutes of prep work! Nothing beats yummy veggies roasted in the oven!
4.97 from 31 votes
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32 Green Bean Salad Recipe

Green Bean Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
Crisp and flavorful green bean salad is seasoned with garlic, feta, and lemon for a tasty side, perfect to accompany any dinner!
5 from 4 votes
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33 Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipe

Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipe
Total Time: 18 minutes
A simple, creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad is loaded with pasta, peas and chicken. It's perfect for parties, family dinners, and potlucks!
5 from 26 votes
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34 Homemade Cornbread

Homemade Cornbread
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

This melt-in-your-mouth homemade cornbread has a hint of sweetness and is perfect to serve with your favorite soup and chili recipes.
5 from 69 votes
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35 Sweet Cornbread Recipe

Sweet Cornbread Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Moist and fluffy Sweet Cornbread is perfect to enjoy all year long, but especially with soups in the fall.
4.95 from 37 votes
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36 Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Mexican Street Corn Recipe
Total Time: 13 minutes

Recipe Video

Made in under 20 minutes, this deliciously cheesy Mexican street corn recipe is a perfectly spiced complement to any Mexican dinner.
5 from 582 votes
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37 Esquites Recipe

Esquites Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes

Recipe Video

This Esquites recipe is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any fiesta – plus, it's made in just 20 minutes!
5 from 35 votes
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38 Best Homemade Mac and Cheese

Best Homemade Mac and Cheese
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

This is the cheesiest, creamiest, altogether best homemade mac and cheese you'll ever make! The whole family will definitely approve!
4.99 from 173 votes
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39 Broccoli Slaw Recipe

Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
Broccoli slaw is layered with green onions, oriental ramen noodles, peanuts, and sunflower seeds in a delicious dressing!
5 from 8 votes
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40 Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe

Spinach Tortellini Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
Cold spinach tortellini salad is the ultimate side dish for BBQ and potlucks. It's packed with all the best flavors!
4.89 from 27 votes
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41 Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe

Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
Sweet + savory Ramen Noodle Salad is topped with a simple homemade dressing. It's easy, delicious, and whips up in only 15 minutes!
5 from 15 votes
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42 Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Total Time: 22 minutes
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is a smoky and savory side dish. It is crispy, delicious, and takes about 20 minutes to prepare!
5 from 8 votes
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43 Jello Pretzel Salad

Jello Pretzel Salad
Total Time: 20 minutes
This classic treat is always a crowd pleaser with a pretzel crust, cream cheese layer and strawberry jello topping! Strawberry Jello Pretzel Salad is the ultimate combination of sweet and salty!

44 Mexican Corn Salad Recipe

Mexican Corn Salad Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

Grilled Mexican corn salad is a quick, easy twist on Elote. It's a perfect side for pairing with your Mexican favorites!
5 from 7 votes
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45 Frito Corn Salad Recipe

Frito Corn Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

Fresh and tasty frito corn salad is bursting with sweet corn and covered in a perfectly spicy creamy sauce. It is perfectly refreshing.
5 from 16 votes
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46 Mexican Corn on the Cob

Mexican Corn on the Cob
Total Time: 14 minutes

Recipe Video

Our Mexican corn on the cob recipe is loaded with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime for a deliciously easy street corn favorite!
5 from 62 votes
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47 Mexican Bean Salad

Mexican Bean Salad
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
This veggie-packed Mexican bean salad is seasoned to perfection and prepped in minutes for a tasty, filling side!
5 from 3 votes
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48 Broccoli Strawberry Salad Recipe

Broccoli Strawberry Salad Recipe
Total Time: 7 minutes
Strawberry broccoli salad is creamy and refreshing with pops of juicy fruit. It can easily be made ahead and enjoyed later!
5 from 17 votes
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About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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6 Comments

  1. jess says:

    this post was super helpful! especially the section on how much to plan for, that gave me so much information that I didnt know that I needed! thank you so much for sharing

  2. Erin says:

    I love that you included a few veggie sides. It’s always nice to have a few options for vegetarians or when you just want a healthy option to balance everything!

  3. Allyson Zea says:

    I am such a fan of side dishes, I’d much rather had various side dishes over a main course! I can’t wait to try these!

  4. Kristina says:

    Honestly the sides are usually my favorite part of BBQ’s. I have to give a shout out to your Baked Beans. They have become a must have item.

  5. Olivia says:

    Mostly everything that I love about summertime is the food! These classics are the best for barbecues and any holiday. You will not be disappointed.

  6. Joy says:

    I am so excited for all the summer bbq’s! We love all your side dish recipes. We use your asparagus, corn, & zucchini recipes all the time!