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27 Delicious Memorial Day BBQ Side Dishes to Wow Your Guests

Published: Mar 28, 2024 by Morgan Β· This post may contain affiliate links Β·

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!

27 memorial day bbq side dishes

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

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.

Photo Credit: savaskitchen.com

Carrot and Raisin Salad

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.

Photo Credit: www.learningtosmoke.com

Elotes Recipe – Nacho Libre Corn

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!

Photo Credit: modernharvest.ca

Smoked Green Beans With Garlic + Parmesan

Smoked green beans with garlic and parmesan are a favorite grilled side dish for Memorial Day! Easily add your own twist to these grilled green beans by adding chopped mushrooms, bacon,Β ham, nuts, or other favorite toppings.
Photo Credit: www.twopinkpeonies.com

Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe (Video)

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.

Photo Credit: jawnsicooked.com

Best Warm Bacon Potato Salad (no mayo!)

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!

Photo Credit: celebrationsathomeblog.com

Amazing Doritos Corn Salad (Or Dip)

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.

Photo Credit: lynnswayoflife.com

Cold Linguine Pasta Salad

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!

Photo Credit: grilling24x7.com

Smoked Baked Beans with Sausage

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!

Photo Credit: twohealthykitchens.com

Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan, Lemon and Garlic

This simple Grilled Asparagus recipe is easy and super flavorful! The perfectly crisp-tender spears cook on foil, right along with a speedy lemon-garlic β€œmarinade” sauce for a grilled side dish that pairs perfectly with whatever main course you'reΒ grilling!

Photo Credit: twokidsandacoupon.com

Red White Blue Cheese and Fruit Charcuterie Board

Delicious as a summer side dish or appetizer, this fruit and cheese board is a must-make for summer barbecues.

Photo Credit: www.orwhateveryoudo.com

Smoked Au Gratin Potatoes

This recipe offers a smoky twist on the classic au gratin potatoes, making it a rich and comforting side dish with a unique flavor.

Photo Credit: www.hellospoonful.com

Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

Cottage cheese mac and cheese is creamy, packed with protein, and even the pickiest eaters will love it!

Photo Credit: www.worldofvegan.com

Tofu Kebabs

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.

Photo Credit: www.gritsandpinecones.com

Easy Classic Southern Deviled Eggs Recipe (Delicious)

This devilishly delicious, easy Classic Southern Deviled Eggs Recipe makes perfectly delicious deviled eggs.

Photo Credit: nofrillskitchen.com

Bruschetta Caponata Recipe: Delicious Sicilian Appetiser

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!

Photo Credit: www.theroastedroot.net

Pear Apple Avocado Spinach Salad with Candied Walnuts, Feta, and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Pear Apple Avocado Spinach Salad with Candied Walnuts, Feta, and Dried Cranberries is a delicious fall salad! A cinnamon maple balsamicΒ vinaigrette ties all of the ingredients together in a beautiful display of fall flavors!

Photo Credit: www.biscuitsandburlap.com

Easy Corn Souffle Casserole Recipe

A simple side dish,Β Corn SouffleΒ has amazing flavor and stirs up in just minutes!Β It's perfect as one of your memorial day BBQ side dishes.

Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

Southern Collard Greens Recipe

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 delightfulΒ collard greens recipe serves as the ideal comforting accompaniment to family meals and festive occasions like Memorial Day.

Photo Credit: www.acedarspoon.com

Tomato Cucumber Feta Quinoa Salad

Tomato Cucumber Feta Quinoa Salad offers the crunch of cucumbers, fresh tomatoes, and creamy feta mixed with healthy, filling quinoa and topped with a light lemony dressing. This healthy salad recipe is a great addition to your Memorial Day BBQ.picnics.

Photo Credit: cassidyscraveablecreations.com

Keto Coleslaw {Paleo & Gluten-Free}

Even if you don't think you like coleslaw, this sugar-free low-carb coleslaw recipe might just change your mind! It's slightly sweet with a crunchy slaw that's full of flavor!!!Β It's an easy side dish that goes great with BBQ and is perfect for a covered dish or potluck!

Photo Credit: thishealthytable.com

Watermelon, Blueberry, and Feta Salad

This watermelon, blueberry, and feta salad recipe is a fruity, summer delight! The chopped mint and honey truly elevate this salad recipe.

Photo Credit: runlifteatrepeat.com

Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad

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.

Photo Credit: flavormosaic.com

Pesto Tortellini Salad

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.

Photo Credit: www.currytrail.in

Marinated Tomatoes

Marinated tomatoes are an effortless side dish that pairs with almost everything! We love it with anything that comes out of the BBQ grill. Tomato packs a punch of flavors by marinating it in oliveΒ oil, vinegar, and herbs!

Photo Credit: www.livinglou.com

Bocconcini Salad

Celebrate the flavors of summer with this bocconcini salad recipe. This is a fun twist on the classic Caprese salad, featuring cherry tomatoes, basil, and bocconcini. Drizzled with balsamic ο»Ώglaze and olive oil, itglaze and olive oil, this salad is so easy to make and absolutely delicious!

Photo Credit: nibbleanddine.com

Watermelon Goat Cheese Salad

This sweet, savory, and tangy watermelon goat cheese salad is the ultimate refreshing side dish! Fresh chunks of watermelon are layered together with chunks of goat cheese, chopped nuts, redΒ onion, and mint, which are all drizzled with a zesty lime dressing.

Photo Credit: quichemygrits.com

Strawberry Pecan Salad

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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  • The best side dishes to serve with chicken nuggets for kids
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  • The best side dishes to serve with cheeseburgers for kids
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  • The best side dishes to serve with hot dogs for kids
  • The best side dishes to serve with fish sticks for kids
  • The best side dishes to serve with chicken wings for kids
  • The best side dishes to serve with chicken burgers for kids
  • The best side dishes to serve with pasta for kids
  • The best side dishes to serve with spaghetti for kids
  • The best breakfast side dishes for kids

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!

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Morgan

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. πŸŽ‰πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦πŸŽˆ

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