25+ Cookout Side Dishes for a Summer Barbecue

By Sam MerrittPublished May 15, 2026

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25+ cookout side dishes to bring to your next backyard barbecue or potluck! My list includes classic warm weather salads and side dishes, plus cookout sides that require zero cooking.

Collage of cookout side dishes including jalapeno cornbread, pasta salad, deviled eggs, BLT dip, and cucumber salad.

The Best Cookout Sides

Summer is just around the corner, which means cookout and backyard barbecue season is nearly here! My collection of cookout side dishes includes unique and crowd-pleasing options to pair with your grilled protein of choice, whether that be hot dogs, burgers, chicken, pork, or seafood. We’ve got veggies, breads, salads, dips–pretty much all the cookout sides you’d expect at a summer gathering!

Of all the cookout side dishes in this list, my deviled eggs have to be the most popular. Simple, easy, and a crowd-favorite, these are usually the first to go at any get-together. My recipe has a special ingredient (a pat of butter!) that makes the filling extra special. I like to dress mine up with a garnish of crumbled bacon and pickle, but a classic dusting of paprika works just as well!

Let’s get to the rest of the list ☀️

1. Deviled Eggs

It’s impossible to eat just one! My recipe includes a special ingredient in the filling that makes them extra irresistible.

4.96 from 1463 votes

Million Dollar Deviled Eggs

Less than an hour to make! My version is a party staple that's elevated with a touch of butter in the filling.

DEVILED EGGS RECIPE

2. Coleslaw

A classic cookout side dish that pairs well with smash burgers, pulled pork, and so much more!

large bowl of homemade coleslaw full of shredded green and purple cabbage, carrots, and creamy dressing co

4.99 from 54 votes

Easy Coleslaw Recipe

Freshly shredded veggies and a homemade dressing make this coleslaw recipe one of the very best!

COLESLAW RECIPE

3. Broccoli Salad

One of my top recipes and one my personal favorite cookout sides! Over 900 5-star reviews prove this one is a fan favorite as well.

4.99 from 941 votes

Broccoli Salad

This isn't your average broccoli salad! It's made with bacon, sunflower seeds, cheese, cranberries, and a simple homemade dressing.

BROCCOLI SALAD RECIPE

4. Buttermilk Cornbread

Cornbread goes great with just about anything, but especially barbecue (like my crockpot pulled chicken!). I also have jalapeno cornbread , if a little bit of heat is more your thing.

stacked squares of buttermilk cornbread topped with honey and butter

4.96 from 87 votes

Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe

Moist and sweet, this buttermilk cornbread tastes incredible but is actually quite simple to whip up.

BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD RECIPE

5. BLT Dip

My go-to summer dip, this one is great served with crackers or kettle chips.

5 from 13 votes

BLT Dip

Made with a cream cheese base and layers of lettuce, tomato, bacon, and cheese, this dip has all the flavors of the classic sandwich.

BLT DIP RECIPE

6. Potato Salad

We can’t talk about cookout side dishes without mentioning potato salad! It pairs well with any protein and is such a crowd-pleaser.

4.96 from 21 votes

Potato Salad

I add flavor enhancers to my recipe for the BEST potato salad you'll ever try! This recipe is perfect for making in advance.

POTATO SALAD RECIPE

7. Macaroni Salad

My #1 summer salad recipe! This macaroni salad has 1500+ 5-star reviews.

4.97 from 1429 votes

Macaroni Salad

The internet's favorite macaroni salad! It's crunchy, creamy, and a huge hit at parties.

MACARONI SALAD RECIPE

8. Baked Mac and Cheese

My bacon mac and cheese is a fun twist on this tasty cookout side dish. Or keep things super simple with my easy mac and cheese!

Close-up of creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese in dish with serving spoon and crispy panko.

4.97 from 152 votes

(The Best!) Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy, gooey mac and cheese with a buttery panko topping. This is comfort food at its finest!

BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

9. Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad is one of the quickest and easiest cookout side dishes. No cooking required!

5 from 4 votes

Cucumber Salad

Only 10 minutes to prep! This recipe is perfect for using up an abundance of garden cucumbers.

CUCUMBER SALAD RECIPE

10. Pasta Salad

Lots of texture and color happening here! This salad is another crowd favorite among cookout sides and is made with my homemade Italian dressing recipe.

Bowl of pasta salad made with tri-color rotini, veggies, and feta cheese.

5 from 3 votes

(The Best) Pasta Salad Recipe

Fresh, crunchy veggies, perfectly cooked pasta, and a zippy homemade dressing! This is a must-have at summer cookouts.

THE BEST PASTA SALAD

11. Corn Muffins

Perfect with barbecue! These are lightly sweetened and lighter and fluffier than classic cornbread.

Pile of corn muffins in white muffin wrappers.

5 from 5 votes

Corn Muffins (Perfectly sweet!)

Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet corn muffins make an excellent pairing for chili, barbecue, and so much more!

CORN MUFFINS RECIPE

12. Fruit Salad

Use your favorite fruits (or whatever is in your fridge) and make a fruit salad!

5 from 3 votes

Fruit Salad

Just 5 minutes to prep! My simple, 2-ingredient homemade dressing makes this version tastes absolutely incredible.

FRUIT SALAD

13. Fried Apples

One of my favorite cookout sides with BBQ chicken or pork! My baked apples are another tasty option.

5 from 8 votes

Fried Apples

Sweet, spiced apples in a buttery sauce. Serve them with breakfast, dessert, or as a side with dinner!

FRIED APPLES RECIPE

14. Mexican Street Corn Salad

If you like this recipe, also try my Mexican street corn pasta salad–it’s very similar.

5 from 2 votes

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Everything you love about street corn, but none of the mess! This is a unique side dish for summer cookouts or taco nights.

MEXICAN STREET CORN SALAD

15. Biscuits

Don’t forget the honey butter! I also have cornbread biscuits, if you want to try something a bit different.

4.96 from 5109 votes

Homemade Biscuits

Buttery, flaky, and sky high, these are the BEST homemade biscuits you'll ever try! You won't believe how easy they are.

HOMEMADE BISCUITS RECIPE

16. Caprese Salad

Like unique cookout sides? Caprese salad will stand out in a crowd.

5 from 6 votes

Caprese Salad

Caprese salad tastes like summer! It's made with all the classic caprese components, but in an easy-to-eat salad.

CAPRESE SALAD RECIPE

17. Shrimp Pasta Salad

Fans of my macaroni salad will love this shrimp version. It’s a fun twist on the classic!

4.97 from 110 votes

Shrimp Pasta Salad

Veggies, salad shrimp, and macaroni come together in this light and creamy shrimp salad recipe.

SHRIMP PASTA SALAD

18. Chips & Salsa

Grab a bag of tortilla chips and whip up this SUPER easy blender salsa! This is probably the easiest of all my cookout sides.

5 from 22 votes

Homemade Salsa

You won't believe how easy this salsa is! It can be made with fresh or canned tomatoes and takes just minutes to make in a blender or food processor.

HOMEMADE SALSA RECIPE

19. Corn Salad

Fresh and fiber-filled corn salad will be a welcome addition to your summer cookout or barbecue.

5 from 16 votes

Corn Salad

Made with classic summer veggies, this corn salad is the ultimate cookout side dish! It tastes best made an hour in advance.

CORN SALAD

20. Black Beans

Need a vegan cookout side dish? My black beans will do the trick!

Bowl of cuban-style black beans topped with lime and cilantro.

5 from 2 votes

Cuban-Style Black Bean Recipe

Transform canned black beans into a flavorful side dish! Just 10 minutes to prep and they pair well with so many dishes.

CUBAN-STYLE BLACK BEANS

21. Pineapple Salsa

This is such a refreshing side! Pair it with chips or spoon it over grilled chicken or fish (similar to my maple glazed salmon!).

5 from 3 votes

Pineapple Salsa

The perfect balance of sweet and heat, this tropical pineapple salsa is a must-have for summer parties.

PINEAPPLE SALSA RECIPE

22. Creamed Corn

Creamed corn is the perfect pairing for barbecue ribs or chicken. It’s an excellent way to use up summer corn (or make my summer corn chowder!).

No ratings yet

Creamed Corn

Crisp, sweet corn in a creamy sauce. It's so easy to make and can be spruced up with your favorite add-ins.

CREAMED CORN RECIPE

23. Bruschetta

If you have some ripe garden tomatoes lying around, put them to good use with this simple bruschetta (and check out my tomato basil soup while you’re at it too!)!

5 from 12 votes

Bruschetta

Crusty bread topped with juicy marinated tomatoes–so satisfying! Bruschetta makes a lovely summer appetizer or side dish.

BRUSCHETTA RECIPE

24. Drop Biscuits

If you prefer savory biscuits, try my garlic cheese drop biscuits (just add some Old Bay for copycat cheddar bay biscuits!).

Homemade drop biscuits stacked in a pile

4.95 from 58 votes

Easy Drop Biscuits

Ready in just 20 minutes! Drop biscuits are so easy to make and can be customized with cheese, scallions, and more.

DROP BISCUITS RECIPE

25. Texas Caviar

This can be served as a dip with chips, or as a fresh and crunchy side dish.

5 from 10 votes

Texas Caviar

Finely diced veggies in a zesty homemade dressing. This can be served as a dip or side dish and is a party favorite either way!

TEXAS CAVIAR RECIPE

26. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

All the flavors of your favorite buffalo chicken dip, but in a simple summer salad.

5 from 7 votes

Buffalo Chicken Style Pasta Salad

Only 15 minutes to prep! This is a fun take on the classic–perfect for game day or a summer barbecue.

BUFFALO CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

27. Ramen Noodle Salad

Crunchy and unique, ramen noodle salad is a crowd favorite among cookout sides.

4.93 from 28 votes

Ramen Noodle Salad

Full of texture, this salad is an easy and unique option for potlucks. It takes jut 10 minutes to prep!

RAMEN NOODLE SALAD

28. Avocado Salsa

Similar to guacamole, this salsa is tasty with your favorite tortilla chips.

5 from 4 votes

Avocado Salsa

Avocado salsa would be an excellent pairing with grilled steaks, shrimp, or chicken. It's very simple and bursting with flavor!

AVOCADO SALSA

Frequently Asked Questions

What sides go with hamburgers and hotdogs?

Cool, creamy salads, fresh fruit, and grilled summer vegetables make excellent cookout sides with hamburgers and hotdogs. French fries or potato wedges are also great choices!

What do bring to a cookout when you can’t cook?

I have lots of cookout sides that require absolutely zero cooking! These include: cucumber salad, corn salad (use frozen corn), avocado salad, coleslaw, fruit salad, pineapple salsa, salsa, and Texas caviar.

What side dishes go well with barbecue?

Classic barbecue side dishes include cornbread, mac and cheese, baked beans (let me know if you want a recipe!), coleslaw, creamed corn, and pickles (like my refrigerator pickles).

Square slice of jalapeno cornbread on a red checked tablecloth.

What are your favorite cookout side dishes? Leave me a comment below if I missed yours so I can add it to my list!

Also, be sure to check out my collection of lemonade recipes, as they’d all be welcome additions to your summer cookouts: homemade lemonade, watermelon lemonade, raspberry lemonade, blueberry lemonade, and strawberry lemonade.

Enjoy!

If you try any of these recipes, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook 💜