Plan Memorial Day BBQ with these side dish ideas! From classic potato salad to refreshing coleslaw, find the perfect accompaniments for your feast.
Memorial Day is a special time when we come together to honor the brave individuals who have served our country.
It’s also a time to cherish the company of family and friends as we kick off the summer season with joyful gatherings and delicious food.
Planning a Memorial Day barbecue is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories, but it’s important not to let the preparations overwhelm you.
That’s why I adore simple yet delectable side dishes that allow me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time soaking up the sunshine with my loved ones.
From classic favorites to innovative twists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy alongside the grilled dishes. Check out some of my favorite Memorial Day BBQ side dish recipes for inspiration!
Why Simple Side Dishes Are Perfect for Memorial Day BBQs
Simple side dishes truly shine at Memorial Day BBQs!
- Easy Preparation: Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the company of your guests.
- Accommodating to All: With a variety of options, everyone can find something to enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences.
- Enhance Grilled Flavors: These dishes complement the smoky goodness of grilled meats, adding flavor and texture to every bite.
Tips for Planning Memorial Day BBQ Side Dishes
With these tips in mind, your Memorial Day BBQ will be a memorable and enjoyable gathering for all!
- Consider Your Guests: Be mindful of dietary restrictions and preferences to ensure everyone feels included.
- Prep Ahead: Get a head start by preparing dishes in advance, allowing you to relax on the day of the BBQ.
- Keep It Simple: Stick to tried-and-true recipes that are easy to execute and loved by all.
- Embrace Seasonal Ingredients: Incorporate fresh, seasonal produce for vibrant flavors that celebrate the season.
Best Memorial Day BBQ Side Dishes
Planning your Memorial Day BBQ? Don't forget the side dishes! Discover easy and delicious recipes that will enhance your outdoor celebration.
Add a tasty touch to your BBQ with our carrot and raisin salad. It's a mix of sweet carrots, juicy raisins, and tangy dressing. Simple, delicious, and perfect for any grill-out.
Elotes go great with practically any meal you cook on the grill. This fast, simple recipe will make your friends and family think you're a grilling wizard!
This copycat chicken salad chick broccoli salad is so easy to make and perfect for a summer BBQ! You can't go wrong with this simple side dish idea.
This no-fuss, mayo-free Warm Bacon Potato Salad is ready in just 30 minutes! It's made with a warm bacon dressing, fresh herbs, and tender petite Yukon Gold potatoes!
This recipe is perfect for backyard parties because it is quick and easy to prepare ahead. The unique blend of ingredients creates an irresistible dish that you can serve as a salad or dip with chips.
A change from your typical pasta salad, this Linguine Pasta Salad is loaded with veggies and made with an easy vinaigrette! This is the perfect side dish to enjoy any time of the year!
This is the only BBQ bean recipe you will ever need again. I have been bringing this amazing summer side dish to parties for years and never come home with anything but an empty pan!
Delicious as a summer side dish or appetizer, this fruit and cheese board is a must-make for summer barbecues.
This recipe offers a smoky twist on the classic au gratin potatoes, making it a rich and comforting side dish with a unique flavor.
Cottage cheese mac and cheese is creamy, packed with protein, and even the pickiest eaters will love it!
Grill up brilliant, beautiful, and boldly flavorful tofu kebabs! Even kids will eat their veggies with these rainbow kebabs. It's such a fun fix for dinner or a festive barbecue.
This devilishly delicious, easy Classic Southern Deviled Eggs Recipe makes perfectly delicious deviled eggs.
This bright and zingy caponata goes perfectly atop garlic crostini for a bruschetta appetizer that is sure to be the hit of any summer BBQ!
Pear Apple Avocado Spinach Salad with Candied Walnuts, Feta, and Balsamic Vinaigrette
A simple side dish, Corn Souffle has amazing flavor and stirs up in just minutes! It's perfect as one of your memorial day BBQ side dishes.
These succulent Southern-style collard greens, simmered to perfection with smoked ham hock, onions, a splash of lemon juice, and a hint of brown sugar, are irresistibly tender and packed with flavor. Effortlessly simple to prepare, this delightful collard greens recipe serves as the ideal comforting accompaniment to family meals and festive occasions like Memorial Day.
This watermelon, blueberry, and feta salad recipe is a fruity, summer delight! The chopped mint and honey truly elevate this salad recipe.
This roasted vegetable pasta salad is absolutely delicious and features seasonal vegetables. It's not only easy to make, but it's bursting with flavor from the homemade dressing, feeds a crowd, and keeps for days in the refrigerator.
Pesto Tortellini Salad is an easy summer dinner recipe or potluck dish that features tortellini, basil pesto, grape tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella pearls, this salad is a must-try for any pasta lover.
Three cheers for the red, white and blue with this Strawberry Pecan Salad! Just add blueberries and it will match your color scheme!
See all of my favorite kids side dishes:
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Free printable side dish planner!
Make sure to download our free printable side dish planner! This checklist gives you ideas for side dishes for your kids every day of the week!
Thanks for reading!
Hey there, I’m Morgan, the creative mind behind CelebratingWithKids.com! As a parent of two lively little ones, I’ve made it my mission to turn ordinary days into extraordinary adventures, sharing playful activities, thoughtful toy reviews, and delightful printables to help families celebrate every moment together. 🎉👨👩👧👦🎈