• 4TH OF JULY
  • Recipes
  • Drinks
    • Cocktails
  • Easy Recipes
  • Holiday
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
    • Cinco De Mayo
    • 4th of July
    • Christmas

ZEN AND HONEY

Sweet, Sweet Food Made Simple

April 12, 2025

20 Crowd-Pleasing Summer Side Dishes for Cookout

Summer Side Dishes – Throwing a backyard party and need some easy bbq sides? These summer side dishes are sure to take your cookout to the next level!

summer side dishes

From crisp salads to flavorful grilled veggies, these summer bbq recipes are the perfect complement to any cookout. Whether you need make-ahead summer side dishes or healthy summer bbq recipes, there’s something here for every gathering. With these easy recipes, serving up delicious summer meals for BBQs and crowds has never been easier!

This post is about the best Summer Side Dishes.

20 CROWD-PLEASING SUMMER SIDE DISHES TO ELEVATE YOUR BBQ

 

DILL PICKLE PASTA SALAD

If you love a tangy crunch, this dill pickle pasta salad is the perfect summer side dish for a BBQ. The creamy dressing and briny pickles make it a refreshing option for summer side dishes for a cookout. Plus, it’s an easy make-ahead summer side dish that’s great for feeding a crowd!

dill pickle pasta salad easy

BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD

Packed with crispy bacon and a creamy ranch dressing, this pasta salad is one of the best summer side dishes for a cookout. The bold flavors make it a hit for a crowd, whether you’re at a backyard BBQ or picnic. You can even make it ahead to save time on the big day!

campfire dinner

MEXICAN STREET CORN PASTA SALAD

This Mexican street corn pasta salad brings all the flavors of elote into a creamy, zesty summer side dish for BBQs. The mix of grilled corn, cotija cheese, and a lime dressing makes it one of the most flavorful meals for a cookout. It’s also an easy make-ahead summer side dish that only gets better as it sits!

mexican side dishes

SNOW CRAB STUFFED ZUCCHINI ROLLS

For a lighter option, these snow crab stuffed zucchini rolls are a healthy summer side dish packed with fresh flavors. The delicate crab and crisp zucchini make this one of the best summer side dishes for a crowd. Plus, they’re a make-ahead summer side dish that keeps things easy for entertaining.

summer side dishes

MOZZARELLA AND PROSCIUTTO SALAD WITH TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

With creamy mozzarella, salty prosciutto, and a bright tomato vinaigrette, this salad is one of the tastiest summer side dishes for a BBQ. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet easy enough to serve as a make-ahead summer side dish. The fresh ingredients make it a perfect addition to any healthy summer meals lineup.

summer side dishes

CAJUN CORN ON THE COB

Spicy, buttery, and full of smoky flavor, this Cajun corn on the cob is a must-try summer side dish for a cookout. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right kick, making it one of the most flavorful summer side dishes for a BBQ. Whether you grill or roast it, this dish is always a crowd favorite!

summer side dishes

VEGGIE SKEWERS

These colorful veggie skewers are a healthy summer side dish that’s as fun to eat as they are to make. Grilled to perfection, they’re one of the easiest summer side dishes for a BBQ or cookout. Plus, they’re great for a crowd since everyone can pick their favorite veggies!

summer side dishes

STRAWBERRY ARUGULA SALAD

A little sweet, a little peppery, and totally refreshing, this strawberry arugula salad is one of the best healthy summer side dishes. The juicy strawberries and tangy dressing make it a great summer side dish for a BBQ or cookout. It’s also an easy make-ahead summer side dish that looks stunning on any table.

summer side dishes

WATERMELON SALSA

This watermelon salsa is the ultimate summer side dish for a cookout, bringing a fresh and juicy twist to traditional salsa. The sweet watermelon pairs perfectly with lime and jalapeño, making it one of the most refreshing summer side dishes for a BBQ. It’s also a great make-ahead summer side dish that lets the flavors meld beautifully.

summer side dishes

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

If you love crispy potatoes, this smashed potato salad is a must-try summer side dish for a BBQ. The golden, crunchy potatoes are tossed in a flavorful dressing, making them one of the best summer side dishes for a cookout. Plus, they hold up well as a make-ahead summer side dish!

summer side dishes

CHARRED ZUCCHINI SALAD

Smoky, slightly crispy, and full of fresh herbs, this charred zucchini salad is a great healthy summer side dish. It’s an easy make-ahead summer side dish that works beautifully for BBQs or casual gatherings. The simple ingredients let the fresh flavors shine, making it a standout for summer side dishes for a crowd.

summer side dishes

CHIMICHURRI OVEN ROASTED VEGETABLES

These oven-roasted veggies are tossed in a zesty chimichurri sauce, making them a bold and delicious summer side dish for a cookout. They’re a perfect addition to any healthy spread. Best of all, they’re one of those easy make-ahead summer side dishes that get better over time!

summer side dishes

CLASSIC BROCCOLI SALAD

This classic broccoli salad is a crunchy, creamy, and slightly sweet summer side dish for BBQs. It’s always a hit at gatherings, making it one of the best summer side dishes for a crowd. Since it’s a great make-ahead summer side dish, you can prep it early and enjoy the party stress-free!

summer side dishes

GREEK PASTA SALAD

Loaded with olives, feta, and a zesty dressing, this Greek pasta salad is a refreshing summer side dish for a cookout. The Mediterranean flavors make it one of the best summer side dishes for a BBQ. Plus, it’s an easy make-ahead summer side dish that holds up beautifully.

summer side dishes

CREAMY CHICKPEA SALAD

This creamy chickpea salad is a high-protein and healthy summer side dish that’s perfect for warm weather. It’s an easy make-ahead summer side dish that’s great for BBQs, potlucks, or even meal prep. The creamy dressing and crunchy veggies make it a satisfying addition to any summer table.

bbq sides

ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD

A mix of fresh veggies, meats, and cheese, this Italian chopped salad is a hearty summer side dish for a BBQ. It’s packed with bold flavors, making it one of the best summer meals for a cookout. Since it’s an easy make-ahead summer side dish, you can prepare it early and let the flavors develop!

summer cookout

CREAMY CUCUMBER AND TOMATO SALAD

This cool and creamy cucumber and tomato salad is the perfect summer side dish for a cookout. The crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes are tossed in a flavorful dressing, making it one of the most refreshing summer side dishes for BBQs. It’s also a great make-ahead summer side dish that stays fresh and delicious.

bbq sides

BURRATA CAPRESE SALAD

With creamy burrata, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil, this Caprese salad is an elegant summer side dish for a BBQ. It’s light yet flavorful, making it one of the best healthy summer side dishes. Since it’s a make-ahead summer side dish, you can prepare it early and let the flavors shine.

bbq sides

MEXICAN COLESLAW

This zesty Mexican coleslaw is a crunchy, vibrant summer side dish for a cookout. The lime dressing and fresh veggies make it one of the best summer side dishes for a BBQ. It’s also a perfect make-ahead summer side dish that only gets better as it marinates.

bbq sides

TOMATO ZUCCHINI PIE

This savory tomato zucchini pie is a delicious summer side dish for a BBQ. The flaky crust and cheesy filling make it one of the best summer meals for a crowd. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead summer side dish that’s just as tasty at room temperature!

bbq sides

LOVED THE SELECTION OF THE BEST BBQ SIDES? PIN IT FOR LATER!

summer side dishes recipes

summer cookout side dishes

By: Rebeka · In: Appetizers, Dinner Recipes, Easy Recipes, Uncategorized · Tagged: bbq side dishes, bbq sides, cookout side dishes, summer cookout, summer salad, summer salad recipes, summer side dishes, summer sides

Get the Latest

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hello

Hi, and welcome! My name is Rebeka, and here I share the ultimate dessert recipes, appetizers, easy recipes, drinks, holiday recipes, desserts & sweet treats - for you to enjoy! Creating recipes is my love language, and I hope you'll find something here.

Reader Favorites

summer finger foods appetizers

20 Easy Summer Finger Foods For Kicking Off Parties

easy christmas cocktails recipes

23 Easy Christmas Cocktails for Uplifting Holiday Cheers

peanut butter & jelly cups recipe

Peanut Butter And Jelly Cups

Search

On the Blog

  • Privacy Policy

Search

Copyright © 2025 ZEN AND HONEY · Theme by 17th Avenue