Summer cookouts are the perfect opportunity to enjoy delicious food with friends and family. While the grill often takes center stage, the right side dishes can elevate your cookout to a whole new level. From classic favorites to creative new twists, these summer cookout side dishes will have everyone coming back for seconds. Dive into these easy, crowd-pleasing recipes that are perfect for any outdoor gathering!
Summer cookouts are all about good food, great company and making memories under the sun. But let’s face it, the sides can make or break your barbecue spread. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a family gathering, hosting a neighborhood block party or simply enjoying a weekend picnic, having a variety of delicious, crowd-pleasing side dishes is essential.
From fresh salads to crispy fries, these best summer cookout side dishes will elevate your summer feast. And don’t forget the frozen desserts!
Broccoli Salad with Bacon: This fresh take on classic broccoli salad swaps out dried cranberries for juicy red grapes. Picture this: crisp, unblanched broccoli, shredded mozzarella cheese, seedless grapes, bacon bits and almonds, all tossed in a creamy dressing. This salad is the perfect mix of textures and flavors, making it a must-have side dish for any cookout.
Parmesan Roasted Corn on the Cob: Juicy corn on the cob is roasted to perfection before being slathered with garlic butter then rolled in grated Parmesan cheese and topped off with a sprinkle of chili powder. This simple yet flavorful side dish is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to enjoy sweet summer corn.
Greek Pasta Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette: This refreshing pasta salad combines al dente pasta with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty red wine vinaigrette. It’s a light and tangy side dish that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Potato Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing: My take on German potato salad starring tender potatoes with crispy bacon, and a rich, tangy mustard vinegar dressing. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this potato salad will be a standout star at your next barbecue.
Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Syrup: Sweet, juicy watermelon chunks are paired with tangy feta cheese, fresh mint and a drizzle of balsamic syrup. This refreshing salad is a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for hot summer days.
Mexican Street Corn Salad: I love traditional elote, and this quick-fix recipe stars all the same flavors, but in salad form. Blistered corn is tossed in a creamy dressing made with melted butter, sour cream, fresh lime juice, cumin and cilantro. Pro Tip: This recipe works great with fresh, frozen or canned corn, making it the ultimate side dish 365 days a year!
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: This hearty pasta salad features tender chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and al dente pasta, all tossed in a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Topped with Parmesan cheese and croutons, it’s a satisfying and delicious side dish everyone will love!
Cheesy Tomato Tart with Caramelized Onions: Store-bought puff pastry topped with a caramelized onion cheese spread and juicy tomatoes. This savory tart is a delicious and elegant side dish that showcases the flavors of summer.
Baked Zucchini Fries: Make the most of your summer zucchini surplus with crispy zucchini fries! These golden-brown beauties are baked (or air-fried!), so they’re a healthier alternative to classic French fries and still satisfy the craving for all things crispy and salty.
Easy Corn Fritters: These golden corn fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with fresh, frozen, or even canned corn kernels and a simple batter, they are an irresistible side dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Corn and Zucchini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette: Sweet summer corn, raw zucchini ribbons, crispy bacon and a homemade basil vinaigrette that’s warm weather-friendly. This colorful salad is light, refreshing and bursting with summer flavors.
Deviled Eggs with Bacon: Classic deviled eggs are given a savory upgrade with the addition of crispy bacon. These creamy, tangy bites are a perfect appetizer or side dish for any cookout.
Bruschetta Pasta Salad with Chicken: Turn the classic Italian appetizer into the main event by pairing juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil with noodles, diced chicken and a quick-fix garlicky balsamic vinaigrette. This is the perfect dish as the weather warms up because it can be served room temp or chilled for the ultimate meal al fresco!
Quinoa with Corn and Scallions: Nutty quinoa is combined with sweet corn and scallions, then dressed in a refreshing lemon-honey vinaigrette. This light and nutritious side dish is ideal for any summer gathering.
Hungarian Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a tangy vinegar dressing infused with fresh dill and shallots. Finished with a dollop of creamy sour cream, this cool and refreshing side dish pairs perfectly with spicy grilled meats.
Caprese Salad with Burrata: This elevated Caprese salad features creamy burrata cheese, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, all drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that showcases the best of summer produce.
Skillet Cornbread: This classic Southern cornbread is cooked in a cast-iron skillet for a crispy crust and tender interior. It’s a comforting and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any barbecue.
Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad: Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes are tossed with red onions, black olives, chickpeas and feta cheese in a light vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing and flavorful salad that’s perfect for summer.
Homemade French Fries: Enjoy crispy, golden fries made just the way you like them! Whether air-fried, baked or deep-fried, they’re a classic side dish that everyone loves. Perfect alongside burgers or as a standalone snack, they’re sure to satisfy everyone’s craving for crispy perfection.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers: These cheesy jalapeño poppers are filled with a cream cheese and bacon mixture, topped with Panko breadcrumbs and air-fried to golden brown perfection. Best of all, they cook up in just 8 minutes!
Classic Three-Bean Salad: A mix of green beans, kidney beans and chickpeas are tossed in a tangy vinaigrette with red onions and bell pepper. This classic salad is a flavorful and hearty side dish.
BLT Pasta Salad: Bacon lettuce tomato, but make it pasta! Swap the bread for your noodle of choice in this quick-fix salad loaded with crispy bacon, refreshing romaine, juicy tomatoes and crunchy croutons. The star of the show? A simple homemade red wine vinaigrette made with garlic and honey. No mayo means you can serve this salad chilled or at room temp!
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing: Fresh spinach and sweet strawberries are combined with sliced almonds, red onions and feta cheese, then tossed in a sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing. It’s a light and refreshing salad that’s perfect for summer.
Steakhouse Tomato Salad with Blue Cheese: Juicy heirloom cherry tomatoes, creamy blue cheese crumbles and plenty of chopped fresh chives dressed simply with olive oil.
Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy, this oven-baked mac and cheese is made extra special with the addition of roasted garlic. It’s a comforting and indulgent side dish that’s sure to be a hit.
Zucchini Pasta Salad: Zucchini ribbons, protein-packed chickpeas, crunchy pistachios, sun-dried tomatoes, and one seriously stellar lemony vinaigrette made with Dijon mustard, garlic and honey.
Guacamole Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs are given a twist with creamy guacamole. These bite-sized appetizers are flavorful and fun, perfect for any gathering.
Garlicky Skillet Corn with Bacon: It can be served hot, chilled or at room temp and made with any variety of fresh or frozen corn. There’s just something about the combination of sweet corn and salty bacon that’s a winning combo no matter how you dish it up.
Looking for more recipe inspiration? Check out our other roundups for easy Cold Appetizers Perfect for Any Party, Easy No-Bake Dessert Recipes and Strawberry Dessert Recipes. Get ready to discover even more delicious ways to elevate your summer gatherings!
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All the summer recipes and the winner to
Picnics are totally one of the best parts of summer! Loving this edamame hummus idea too. I used to buy an edamame hummus from TJ’s that I loved but they stopped selling it, so I have been wanting to experiment with making my own. This one looks incredible!
Thanks so much, Julia! I love that Trader Joe’s hummus :)
Looks yummy – is it best served warm rather than cold?
Hi Mary! Which recipe are you referring to? All of the pasta salads can be served warm, chilled or at room temp, as none of them are mayonnaise-based.