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Tasty Summer BBQ Sides to Brighten Your Plate

Published: Jun 2, 2024 Β· Modified: Jul 11, 2024 by Morgan Β· This post may contain affiliate links Β·

Ready to take your BBQ to the next level? Explore these delicious summer BBQ sides that will impress your guests and complement your outdoor dining experience!

Summer BBQs are a big part of the season – think grilled burgers, hot dogs, and veggies shared with friends and family.

But hey, while we're all excited about firing up the grill, let's not forget about those yummy side dishes!

If you're looking to make your summer BBQs extra special, this post offers some amazing BBQ side dishes.

From classic favorites like potato salad to creative twists on coleslaw, there's a world of tasty options to explore.

28 summer BBQ sides

Why You'll Love These Summer BBQ Sides

These BBQ sides are essential for a perfect summer gathering for a few reasons:

  • Refreshing: Filled with fresh, seasonal veggies, fruits, and herbs, these sides add a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the grilled meat.
  • Versatile: Whether you prefer classics like potato salad, tangy coleslaw, or grilled veggies, there's a side dish to suit everyone's taste.
  • Easy-to-make: Simple recipes and little prep time mean you can spend more time enjoying the party and less time in the kitchen.
Best summer BBQ sides

Tips to Make Your Summer BBQ Sides Even Better

Here are some tips to help you take your BBQ sides to the next level:

  • Use fresh, seasonal ingredients: Choosing the best-quality produce will make your dishes taste even better.
  • Mix up the flavors and textures: Combine crunchy, creamy, tangy, and sweet elements to create a delicious meal.
  • Plan ahead and prep early: Many BBQ sides can be made ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy the party without stress.
Best summer BBQ side dishes

Best Summer BBQ Sides

Planning a BBQ? Don't forget about the sides! Discover a range of simple yet delicious summer BBQ sides that will complete your outdoor feast and leave your guests wanting more.

Photo Credit: jawnsicooked.com

Creamy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cheddar

The ultimate side dish for your next BBQ, this Creamy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cheddar is loaded with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, all tossed ο»Ώin a simple tangy dressing. With only 6 ingredients, this salad is super easy to throw together!

Photo Credit: theflavoursofkitchen.com

Lemon Dill Potato Salad( No Mayo)

Herby and lemony Dill Potato salad is a perfect summer side dish for BBQ. It is light and refreshing, made with tangy olive oil and lemon dressing.

Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers

Grilled Veggie Skewers featuring slices of zucchini, chunks of red onion, and colorful bell peppers are cooked until perfectly charred. They are then generously drizzled with zesty balsamic vinegar and coated with a vibrant sauce made from freshΒ garlic and herbs.

Photo Credit: practicallyhomemade.com

Caprese Toast Recipe

Add this fun and delicious Caprese Toast to your summer BBQ dinner. The simple flavors complement any meal.

Photo Credit: farmhouseharvest.net

Bacon Baked Beans Recipe

These BBQ bacon baked beans are super fast and easy to make… And they’re the best side dish for summer BBQ! Loaded with flavor and bacon, these beans are the ultimate BBQ side dish.

Photo Credit: erhardtseat.com

Grilled Peach Salad with Blueberries

This Grilled Peach Salad is the perfect summer BBQ side dish. Packed with grilled peaches, blueberries, goat cheese, and almonds, plus homemade blueberry dressing for a bright and fresh combination.

Photo Credit: bensabaconlovers.com

Best Deviled Eggs with Bacon

These Ultimate Deviled Eggs with Bacon feature perfectly cooked eggs stuffed with a creamy filling, topped with savory bacon. They’re the perfect BBQ side dish, and they always disappear fast!

Photo Credit: www.mysequinedlife.com

Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad

A marinated cucumber, tomato, and onion salad is a great prep-ahead side dish for warm-weather get-togethers. Simple tips help you achieve a bold, tangy flavor with the right texture.

Photo Credit: www.theroastedroot.net

Corn Salsa Recipe

Use this Corn Salsa recipe on tacos, salads, or any type of animal protein for a delicious condiment. The sweet, savory, fresh flavors of this simple salsa recipe take any meal to the next level.

Photo Credit: suebeehomemaker.com

Creamy Potato Salad

Norma Jean’s Potato Salad with Miracle Whip really is the BEST ever! It combines russet potatoes and egg whites with a creamy dressing made from egg yolks, Miracle Whip, and more. So good, and it reminds ο»Ώme of summers in Iowa!me of summers in Iowa!

Photo Credit: bbqingwiththenolands.com

Mustard Grilled Onions

Mustard Grilled Onions are the perfect side to steak, burgers, hot dogs, and more!

Photo Credit: confessionsofafitfoodie.com

Black Beans and Quinoa Salad

This bright and summery quinoa salad is bursting with delicious veggies and flavor from fresh ingredients, like cucumbers, grape tomatoes, mangoes, bell peppers, red onions, and a homemade dressing.

Photo Credit: www.ihearteating.com

Easy Fruit Salad Recipe

This simple fruit salad is tossed in a sweet citrus dressing for a delicious summer side dish.

Photo Credit: www.learningtosmoke.com

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan

Roasted Brussels Sprouts are the best way to eat this vegetable. But add bacon and garlic to them, and you've got a side dish worth diving into!

Photo Credit: immigrantstable.com

Mediterranean white bean salad with feta

This simple mediterranean white bean salad is a combination of cannellini beans, feta cheese, bell peppers and fresh parsley in a simple lemony vinaigrette.

Photo Credit: divinelifestyle.com

Corn on the Cob Instant Pot

Corn on the Cob in the Instant Pot is so easy to make and it's delicious. Add spices for extra flavoring.

Photo Credit: www.therusticfoodie.com

Summer Pesto Pasta Salad (Gluten Free)

This Summer Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect BBQ side dish! It's made with pasta that's tossed in a creamy pesto dressing, fresh tomatoes, toasted walnuts, and Parmesan cheese.

Photo Credit: thedevilwearssalad.com

Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions

This Charred Corn Avocado Salad with Roasted Red Onions combines all the fresh flavors of summer in a salad bowl. Sweet, smoky, charred corn mixed with avocado, cherry tomatoes, roasted red onions, and a lemon Dijon dressing makes it a perfect side ο»Ώsalad for any barbecue or potluck gathering.salad for any barbecue or potluck gathering.

Photo Credit: thehealthfulideas.com

Watermelon Feta Salad

This Watermelon Salad is the perfect refreshing summer salad! Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a side dish for your BBQ party, you'll love this salad!

Photo Credit: thefeatherednester.com

Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing

This refreshing kale salad with tahini dressing is the perfect addition to any summer BBQ spread. The combination of hearty kale, crunchy almonds, sweet dried cranberries, and savoryΒ tahini dressing creates a delicious and nutritious side dish.

Photo Credit: whereismyspoon.co

BBQ Rice (Spicy Rice)

Spicy BBQ rice with vegetables is a healthy rice side dish for your next barbecue or a BBQ-flavored rice main meal.

Photo Credit: dashfordinner.com

Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Salad

Berry cheesecake salad is a refreshing dessert salad packed with fresh berries. It’s the perfect addition to your summer BBQ sides!

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: quichemygrits.com

Smoked Potatoes

If you're throwing wings on the pellet grill, why not add these Smoked Potatoes on with them? They make the perfect barbecue side!

Photo Credit: champagne-tastes.com

Summer Corn + Tomato Salad

This fresh and easy tomato corn salad is a perfect summer side dish! Simply toss together roasted corn, tomatoes, avocado, herbs, and an easy vinaigrette.

Photo Credit: glutenfreehomestead.com

Zucchini and Corn SautΓ© with Bacon

Indulge in a burst of summer flavors with this zucchini and corn sautΓ©, kissed with crispy bacon. This vibrant side dish adds a savory twist to any BBQ spread, elevating yourΒ outdoor feast to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Photo Credit: thefastrecipe.com

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe

Indulge in our comforting creamy pesto gnocchi, requiring just five ingredients and less than 10 minutes to prepare. What more could you ask for when it comes to quick and delicious cooking?

Photo Credit: eatingarounditaly.com

Italian Fennel and Orange Salad

This Sicilian fennel and orange salad is the perfect combination of a sweet and juicy orange and a crunchy bite of fennel. Add a splash of fruity olive oil, salt and pepper – and the salad is done!

See all of my favorite kids side dishes:

  • The best side dishes to serve with pizza for kids
  • Healthy sides for pizza
  • The best side dishes to serve with mac and cheese for kids
  • The best side dishes to serve with chicken nuggets for kids
  • What to serve with chicken nuggets for adults
  • The best side dishes to serve with cheeseburgers for kids
  • The best side dishes to serve with pulled pork for kids
  • The best side dishes to serve with tacos for kids
  • 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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