Easy Cookout Side Dishes Everyone Will Love

The summer is upon us, which means that cookout season has officially begun. No matter if you’re planning a family reunion or a large backyard BBQ, there is always one question that comes up. What side dishes should I make?

Over the years, I’ve been to hundreds and hundreds of cookouts. You can be sure that I will tell you the truth. Side dishes are as important as main courses. Sometimes, they are even more important. The amazing potato salad and refreshing corn salad will be remembered long after the burgers have been eaten.

You don’t have to be a chef to prepare delicious sides for a cookout. All you need are the right recipes, and a bit of planning. This guide will help you do just that.

Here are some of the easiest and most budget-friendly side dishes to serve at a cookout. They will be sure to impress your guests.

Learn more:Mexican Recipes: Easy Tex-Mex & Authentic Dishes for Cooking

What Side Dishes Can Make or Break Your Cookout

What made it special? What made it so special? I’d bet that it wasn’t only grilled meat. The whole spread was amazing. It was the colorful salads and creamy dips as well as the fresh fruit and the little bites.

Three important things can be said about good side dishes. They feed more people with less money. The cost of a large bowl of pasta is a fraction of the price of extra burgers. They also accommodate a variety of dietary requirements. Not everyone is a meat eater, so having excellent vegetarian options helps everyone to feel included. Third, they provide color, texture and flavor variety to the meal.

Let’s now get to the recipes and ideas.

Classic Side Dishes Everybody Loves

Since generations, these are the tried and true recipes that Americans have used at cookouts. It’s no wonder they are on every picnic table in the United States.

The Perfect Potato Salad

The potato salad is the most popular side dish for cookouts. No debate. The right potatoes are the foundation of a great potato salad. Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice because they keep their shape and taste after boiling.

Your potatoes should be boiled until they are just barely tender. Let the potatoes cool before you add your dressing. Mayo, mustard and celery are the classic ingredients for the dressing. Add a bit of pickle juice to give it a tangy taste. Season with plenty of salt and pepper.

What is the secret that most people don’t know? Prepare it the night prior. The flavors of the potato salad blend together better when they are kept in the fridge overnight. It also means that you have one less thing to think about when it comes to cookouts.

Creamy Coleslaw

Coleslaw should be a part of any cookout. Balance is the key to a great coleslaw. It should be creamy, tangy and sweet.

Mix the shredded carrots and cabbage with a dressing that is made of mayo, apple vinegar, sugar, celery seeds, and salt. As you go, taste and adjust. Some people prefer it sweeter, while others like it tangier.

Salt your cabbage and allow it to sit for 30 mins. Then squeeze out any excess water. This will keep your coleslaw creamy and prevent it from becoming watery.

Classic Baked Beans

Baked beans have a hearty flavor and are a delicious way to warm up. You can either make them from scratch, or use canned navy beans, then add bacon, onions, brown sugar and other ingredients like ketchup and mustard.

You can cook baked beans in the slow cooker. You can set it up the night before and have delicious baked beans ready for your party by lunchtime. These are also great for traveling and they stay warm for several hours.

Enjoy a light and refreshing summer salad

These salads will brighten up your summer and are perfect for the hot weather. These salads are a great way to balance the heavier foods that you grill and make them feel fresh.

Simple Corn Salad

Fresh corn salad is one of the most underrated side dishes for cookouts. Use frozen corn that has been thawed or cut fresh corn from the cob. Combine it with chopped red onion, cherry tomato, fresh cilantro and lime juice.

You can make it even more delicious by adding some crumbled cotija or feta cheese on top. It takes only ten minutes to make and you don’t have to cook anything if the corn is frozen.

Watermelon Feta Salad

This combination may sound unusual, but I can assure you that it is delicious. This combination of cubed watermelon, crumbled cheese, mint, honey and lime juice is amazing.

Watermelon is sweet and salty, creating a delicious contrast. This recipe is always requested. This is one of the most beautiful dishes on the table. The bright red and white colors make it look stunning.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

The simplest of things can be the best. This refreshing side dish is made in less than 10 minutes. It includes sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh red wine vinegar, olive oil and fresh dill.

The vegetables in this salad absorb the dressing, so it gets even better over time. It’s best to make it ahead of time.

Broccoli salad with bacon

This dish is a potluck favorite for a good reason. Raw broccoli florets are combined with bacon crumbles and sunflower seeds. They’re then tossed together in a sweet and tangy creamy dressing.

Every bite is different because of the crunchiness from the broccoli seeds and raw broccoli, the saltiness of the bacon and sweetness from cranberries. This salad is able to withstand warm weather without wilting.

You can save time by preparing your sides in advance.

The recipes below are designed to be prepared up to two days ahead. The secret to a stress-free cookout is this simple trick. Everything is ready for your guests when they arrive.

Pasta Salad that Travels Well

It’s filling, versatile, and can feed a lot of people without costing a fortune. Toss penne or rotini pasta with Italian dressing when it is still warm, after rinsing it off with cold water.

Add pepperoncini, bell peppers diced, cherry tomatoes and black olives. Add more dressing and fresh herbs. This can be made the day before, and then refrigerated. Just before serving, add a little more dressing because the pasta will absorb it as it sits.

Deviled Eggs

The deviled eggs are the most popular item at any cookout. Let your eggs cool, then peel and cut them in half. Mix the yolks, mayo, mustard and a bit of pickle juice with salt and pepper.

Top with paprika. These can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the fridge. Transport them in an egg carrier designed for deviled eggs to prevent them from sliding.

Seven Layer Dip

This classic party dip will always be a hit. Add refried bean, sour cream mixed with taco spice, guacamole and shredded cheese to a clear dish.

Serve with tortilla chips. Serve with tortilla chips. As an appetizer, one large dish of the seven-layer dip can serve 20 people.

Quick and Easy Side Dishes for Last-Minute Planning

Sometimes you have to act fast. These side dishes can be made in 30 minutes or less.

Grilled Corn On The Cob

This is the easiest thing you can do. After soaking the corn for 30 minutes in water, grill it for 15 to 20 minutes in its husks, rotating occasionally. The husks will steam the corn while the outer layer gets a bit charred.

Serve with butter and salt. Add your favorite toppings. Set up a corn topping station, with different options, such as classic butter, Mexican style street corn with mayo and Cotija or herb butter. Customizing corn is a favorite of many.

Caprese salad

Slice tomatoes and mozzarella. Alternately arrange them on a platter with fresh basil. Sprinkle with balsamic glaze and good olive oil. Season with black pepper and salt.

That’s it. It only takes five ingredients and five minutes to make this dish. Use different colored heirloom tomato varieties for a more stunning presentation.

Chips and Guacamole

It only takes 10 minutes to make fresh homemade guacamole, and it tastes better than anything you can buy in the store. Mix ripe avocados, lime juice, onion diced, jalapeño and fresh cilantro. All you need is a few ingredients.

It is important to use avocados that have reached the perfect ripeness. When you press on them, they should slightly give. Avocados that are not ripe enough will be hard and tasteless. To keep your guacamole green and fresh, make it right before serving.

Healthy Sides to Serve at a Cookout for Health-Conscious Visitors

Every cookout is attended by guests who pay attention to what they eat. These sides are healthy and delicious, but they don’t feel like it.

Grilled Vegetables Platter

Slice yellow squash, red onions, bell peppers and asparagus. Add olive oil, garlic and salt and pepper. Grill until the meat is tender and has beautiful charmarks.

Place on a large platter and drizzle balsamic glaze. It looks beautiful, tastes amazing, and is also completely healthy. This is so delicious that even people who don’t watch their diet will enjoy it.

Quinoa Salad With Fresh Vegetables

Cook the quinoa, then let it cool. Add cucumber, cherry tomato, red onion and fresh herbs. Also add olive oil and lemon juice. Add chickpeas to boost protein, and feta cheese for creaminess.

This salad can be served as a main course for vegetarians, but also works well as a side dish for the rest of your guests.

Plan a stress-free cookout with these tips

Here are some of the most important things I’ve learned from years of hosting and attending cookouts.

Plan your quantities. Plan for a cookout with twenty people by planning three or four substantial side dishes and a few lighter options. Each recipe will serve 8 to 10 people. You’ll have enough for the cookout and a few extras.

Consider the temperature range. Mix cold and room temperature sides with at least one warm. This will make the spread more satisfying and complete.

Label foods according to dietary restrictions. Label dishes with small cards indicating whether they are vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free. This thoughtful gesture will be appreciated by your guests who have special dietary requirements.

Place your table far from the grill. Heat ruins cold salads quickly. Use ice trays to keep dishes cold.

For every dish, don’t forget to serve utensils. It’s easy for us to forget this. To prevent contamination and make it easier for guests to serve themselves, each dish should have its own tongs or spoon.

The Bottom Line

It’s more than good meat on the grill that makes a great cookout. You want to create a spread that will make everyone feel happy, comfortable, and welcome. The side dishes that you select will set the mood for the event.

Start with a few classics you know will be a hit. For color and freshness, add a few salads. Include at least one dish that can be prepared in advance to reduce stress the day of your event. Don’t be afraid of trying something new, like the watermelon and feta salad. It might become your signature dish.

Love is the most important thing to put into any side dish for a cookout. Food that is prepared with care can be tasted by the people. Enjoy the cooking process, take your time and taste as you cook.