When it comes to hosting a successful BBQ party or gathering, having an array of mouthwatering side dishes is crucial. While the main grilled items are undoubtedly delicious, it’s the accompanying sides that truly elevate the meal and leave your guests feeling satisfied and full.
In this regard, we’ve curated a list of 21 delectable side dishes that are sure to impress your guests and complement your BBQ favorites perfectly.
Watermelon and Jicama Salad With Jalapeño, Scallion, Cilantro, and Lime Juice
Start your barbecue sides off on the right foot with a light and revitalizing summer salad. Combine diced watermelon, jicama for its satisfying crunch, sliced jalapeño peppers for an added kick, scallions for their pungent flavor, and cilantro for its herbaceous notes in a large bowl. Don’t forget to add a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt to bring out the vibrant flavors and textures, making it an ideal accompaniment to any summer gathering.
Charred Green Bean and Pea Salad
A modern take on the traditional three-bean salad, this charred salad combines the crunch and sweetness of green beans, wax beans, and sugar snap peas. Its room temperature serving style makes it an ideal candidate for advance preparation – simply let it sit while you attend to other BBQ tasks, allowing the flavors to harmoniously meld together.
Try Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs
When it comes to BBQ gatherings, offering something new and exciting is key to impressing your fellow pickle enthusiasts. That’s where these dill pickle deviled eggs come in – a creative twist on the classic recipe that’s sure to delight. By incorporating bold dill pickle flavors, these eggs take on a tangy, bright personality that adds a welcome surprise to the traditional deviled egg experience.
Perfect for any social occasion, they’re destined to become a crowd-pleaser among those who crave a burst of tanginess in their snacks.
BLT Pasta Salad – Perfect Side for a BBQ, Picnic and Potluck!
While we eagerly await the peak-season summer tomatoes, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut waiting for their arrival. However, there’s no reason why you can’t indulge in the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich in other ways! Enter this scrumptious BLT Pasta Salad, which cleverly reimagines the iconic combination as a cool and refreshing pasta dish. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and backyard barbecues. For those not familiar with the beloved BLT, let’s take a step back.
The name ‘BLT’ is short for bacon, lettuce, and tomato – a harmonious trio of crispy bacon, crisp lettuce, and succulent sliced tomatoes sandwiched between two slices of bread and smothered in mayonnaise. It’s a quintessential summer sandwich that celebrates the beauty of simplicity and flavor. And with this pasta salad version, you can enjoy those same flavors in a new and exciting way.
Baked Beans in Tangy, Sweet, and Savory Sauce!
If you’re a canned baked bean aficionado, it’s time to level up your bean game. This homemade version is a revelation – not only do they taste incredible, but the leftovers are simply divine. The recipe’s ease of preparation stems from using canned beans as a starting point. However, what truly takes this dish to new heights is the addition of crispy bacon and a rich, homemade BBQ sauce.
As these ingredients meld together during the slow-cooking process, they give birth to a sweet, smoky, and tantalizingly complex flavor profile that will leave you hooked. Baked beans are an undeniably hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for any social gathering or family meal. By slow-cooking the beans to tender perfection, then immersing them in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce, we’ve crafted a recipe that’s equal parts comforting and exciting.
While some recipes may opt for salt pork for added richness, our take on baked beans relies on the unmistakable allure of crispy bacon, complemented by finely diced onion and bell pepper for added depth and character. Meanwhile, our homemade BBQ sauce injects each bite with an unparalleled level of flavor, setting these baked beans apart from any store-bought variety.
Cucumber Salad for Summer Picnic
Cucumber salad is a timeless favorite for spring and summer gatherings, boasting a refreshing combination of freshness, adaptability, and heat resistance. While traditional recipes focus on thinly sliced rounds tossed with salt, sugar, and vinegar, there are numerous ways to elevate this classic dish beyond the basics. When choosing cucumbers, Persian varieties stand out for their sweet flavor and smaller size, which adds an undeniable crunch to the salad.
However, if these aren’t available, English cucumbers make a suitable substitute, offering a similar taste and texture that ensures a delicious outcome. To take it up a notch, consider cutting the cucumbers into thicker rounds, approximately 3/4 inch each. This thickness yields a more substantial side dish and helps the cucumbers retain their texture longer, preventing them from becoming too limp if left out for a while.
With these tips, you can craft a cucumber salad that truly impresses at your next barbecue or picnic.
Homemade Cornbread with Brown Sugar
Here at Delish, we’re on a quest to craft the ultimate slice of cornbread that strikes the perfect balance of texture and flavor. For us, the ideal cornbread is thick and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness and never a hint of dryness. We believe this humble side dish should be easy to whip up and pair well with heartier meals like chili or smoky beans. In fact, our recipe is designed to deliver a reliably delicious outcome every time you make it.
One way to elevate your cornbread experience is by serving it with a drizzle of honey butter – but the possibilities are truly endless! It pairs beautifully with classic beef chili, collard greens, and can even be crumbled as a tender topping for casseroles. If honey isn’t your thing, simply enjoy it with butter and jam. When you’re ready to enjoy your cornbread again, we recommend storing it in an airtight container where it will keep fresh for up to 3 days or freezing it for up to 2 months.
To reheat, simply wrap it in foil and bake at 350° oven or reheat slices in a buttered skillet for a crunchy exterior. We’d love to hear how your cornbread turns out! Share your feedback, any tweaks you made to the recipe, or your favorite ways to enjoy it below.
Bow Tie Pasta Salad for Potluck
Pasta salad is a classic summer delight, cherished at gatherings for its revitalizing essence and effortless portability. This bow tie pasta salad recipe elevates the experience with an inspired fusion of savory ham and cheese, crunchy bell peppers, zesty green onions, and vibrant peas. The unique shape of the bow tie pasta, or farfalle, adds a playful touch, allowing it to beautifully hold onto the creamy dressing.
Preparing this dish is a cinch – it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days. Moreover, its flavor profile only improves with time, allowing the ingredients to harmonize effortlessly when made ahead of time. If you’re having difficulty locating bow tie pasta, simply look for ‘farfalle’ on the packaging, which not only makes it visually appealing but also functional in its ability to catch and retain the dressing.
A valuable tip for incorporating frozen peas is to add them directly to the boiling pasta water for a quick minute, rapidly thawing them while reviving their natural color and sweetness. This technique adds a burst of freshness to your salad that’s sure to leave everyone at the gathering thoroughly pleased.
Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe with Crunchy Vegetables
The quintessential macaroni salad boasts a harmonious balance of rich dressing, crisp vegetables, and al dente noodles, making it a mouthwatering accompaniment to any outdoor gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue or a classic picnic, this beloved side dish is sure to please the masses.
Classic Southern Quinoa Salad Recipe For Two
A Southern-inspired quinoa salad that’s not only a nutritional powerhouse but also a delight to the palate. This recipe is perfect for creating a quick and easy meal or serving as a satisfying side dish, thanks to its refreshing blend of flavors and textures.
Creamy No Mayo Coleslaw – Best BBQ Side!
Indulge in the rich flavors of traditional coleslaw, but with a refreshing twist: a creamy, mayo-free delight that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings. This lighter take on a classic complements your favorite BBQ dishes beautifully.
Vegan and Gluten-free Mexican Chopped Salad with Avocado Dressing
This delightful Mexican chopped salad boasts not only a vibrant appearance but also impressive credentials as both vegan and gluten-free. The crowning glory is its creamy avocado sauce dressing, which harmonizes perfectly with the medley of fresh vegetables. These plant-based powerhouses bring fiber and protein to the table, making this salad an exemplary choice for a satisfying lunch or a thoughtful accompaniment to Mexican-inspired meals.
Easy Homemade Mediterranean Classic Potato Salad
A Mediterranean-inspired potato salad stands out for its innovative combination of Kalamata olives and feta cheese, all perfectly blended with a tangy and creamy lemon dressing. This revitalizing take on classic potato salad is an ideal accompaniment to any backyard barbecue, bringing a much-needed burst of flavor and freshness to the gathering.
Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad with Zucchini – Best Barbecue Side Dish!
This delectable summer salad proudly showcases the season’s finest produce: juicy summer corn, vibrant zucchini, and flavorful black beans. As a vibrant representation of summer’s abundance, this dish is a perfect addition to any vegetarian barbecue. Its freshness and vibrancy make it an ideal choice for hot summer days.
Kohlrabi Slaw with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures in this Kohlrabi Slaw, elevated by a zesty cilantro lime dressing. The perfect harmony of crunch and refreshment makes it an ideal accompaniment for any outdoor gathering or a satisfying standalone meal option, bursting with nutritious goodness and vibrant taste.
Tangy Black Bean Corn Salad
Summer just got a whole lot sweeter with the arrival of this mouthwatering black bean corn salad. The sweet essence of fresh corn melds seamlessly with the robust flavor of black beans, while creamy avocado adds a silky texture to the mix. This Southwestern-inspired side dish is more than just a tasty treat – it’s also incredibly portable, making it an ideal choice for cookouts, picnics, and any outdoor gathering where friends and family come together to savor the warmth of the season.
Quick and Easy to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
With minimal ingredients and a few simple steps, air fryer potato wedges can be effortlessly whipped up into a tasty snack or accompaniment to any meal. Just combine two russet potatoes with your preferred blend of seasonings and a splash of oil, and you’ll have a delightful treat that’s both crispy on the outside and fluffy within.
Homemade Broccoli Slaw Dressing for Cookout
Elevate your cookout experience with this easy-to-make homemade broccoli slaw dressing! Not only does it pair perfectly with pulled pork and barbecue sandwiches, but its crunchy texture and tangy flavor also provide a delightful contrast to rich, savory main courses. Whether you’re in the mood for a light and refreshing side dish or looking to add some excitement to your grilled meats, this versatile condiment is sure to be a hit.
Vegan Pasta Salad with Summer Vegetables
In just under 20 minutes, you can create this vibrant Vegan Pasta Salad that’s packed with wholesome goodness. The real magic happens when you combine the fresh ingredients with a rich and creamy dressing, transforming this dish into a beloved favorite among any gathering.
Classic Coleslaw Recipe – Classic BBQ Side Dish!
Coleslaw is an integral component of any successful barbecue. Its creamy texture and satisfying crunch provide a delightful contrast to the bold flavors of grilled meats. A well-crafted coleslaw can elevate the overall BBQ experience, offering a refreshing respite from the richness of smoky flavors.
Baked Potatoes on The Grill for Barbecue
When it comes to achieving perfectly cooked baked potatoes, grilling is a game-changer. The result is a tender interior and a crispy exterior that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the ease of preparation makes them a crowd-pleaser – just load up with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, chives, or even bacon for a flavorful combination. And don’t forget, these versatile spuds cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, making them an excellent addition to any outdoor gathering.
Why not also consider other grilled delights like mac and cheese, corn on the cob, or vinaigrette? The possibilities are endless! Try incorporating some of these ideas into your next BBQ party for a memorable experience.
Instructions
Looking for some delicious side dishes to complement your next BBQ? You’re in luck! From classic American comfort foods to innovative twists, I’ve got you covered. Click on the link below each photo to get the full recipe and instructions, then share your own creations with me on Pinterest!