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The main dishes usually take center stage when hosting a cookout, but great side dishes are just as important. Choosing easy, tasty side dishes helps balance the meal and ensures everyone has something to enjoy.
Whether your guests prefer fresh salads, savory potatoes, or something sweet and refreshing, these recipes are simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for serving a crowd.
The dishes below are easy to prepare ahead, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the party.
1. Chips and Fresh Salsa
Pair store-bought tortilla chips with homemade salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice.
Quick to prepare, this classic snack is budget-friendly, flavorful, and popular among guests as a tasty appetizer or side.
Get the Chips and Fresh Salsa recipe.
2. Fresh Pasta Salad
Cook pasta until tender, then mix with crunchy vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives. Toss everything in a flavorful Italian dressing and chill. This tasty salad is easy to make in advance and a refreshing complement to grilled meats.
Get the Fresh Pasta Salad recipe.
3. Classic Potato Salad
Combine boiled potatoes with mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onions, and diced hard-boiled eggs. This creamy and comforting dish is a traditional cookout favourite, loved for its familiar flavor and how well it pairs with grilled burgers or hot dogs.
Get the Classic Potato Salad recipe.
4. Baked Beans
Enhance canned baked beans by adding brown sugar, ketchup, onions, and bacon or ham. Slowly simmer them until flavors blend into a rich, hearty side dish. It’s both budget-friendly and satisfying, pairing perfectly with grilled or barbecued foods.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Place fresh corn cobs directly on the grill until lightly charred, then brush generously with butter and sprinkle with salt. The grilling process brings out corn’s natural sweetness, creating a smoky and juicy side dish everyone enjoys.
Get the Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe.
6. Veggie Kabobs
Thread colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions onto skewers. Brush lightly with olive oil, season with herbs, and grill until tender and flavorful. They’re quick to prepare and add vibrant color to your cookout menu.
7. Coleslaw
Toss shredded cabbage and carrots with a creamy dressing made from mayo, vinegar, sugar, and a dash of celery seed. This crunchy, slightly tangy side dish complements heavier grilled dishes and sandwiches, offering a refreshing bite between rich flavors.
8. Fruit Skewers
Use wooden skewers to thread bite-sized pieces of fruit, like pineapple chunks, grapes, melon, and strawberries. These colorful fruit skewers are refreshing, healthy, and easy for guests to grab and enjoy, especially on warm days.
9. Garlic Bread
Slice baguettes and spread them generously with butter mixed with garlic and herbs. Wrap in foil and warm on the grill or in the oven until golden and crispy. This simple and comforting bread pairs well with grilled meats or fresh salads.
10. Fruit Salad
Chop a mix of seasonal fruits like watermelon, pineapple, berries, and grapes, then toss gently together. A juicy, refreshing side dish, fruit salad helps balance savory foods and adds a sweet, healthy option for guests.
11. Veggie Platter with Dip
Arrange raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper slices attractively on a platter. Offer a creamy ranch or hummus dip alongside for a quick, healthy snack that guests can nibble throughout the cookout.
Get the Veggie Platter with Dip recipe.
12. Cucumber Tomato Salad
Combine sliced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion in a bowl. Drizzle with Italian dressing or a simple vinaigrette. It’s a crisp, flavorful salad that can be quickly prepared and easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Get the Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe.
13. Deviled Eggs
Hard-boil eggs, slice them in half, and fill the whites with a creamy mix of yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and paprika. These bite-sized, protein-rich treats are always popular at cookouts and can be made in advance.
14. Watermelon Salad
Cube fresh watermelon and toss gently with crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint or basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or lime juice. The sweet-salty combination is refreshing, unique, and an excellent way to beat the heat.
Get the Watermelon Salad recipe.
15. Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
Slice sweet potatoes into wedges, toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs, and roast until crisp outside and tender inside. This flavorful side dish is both hearty and slightly sweet, pairing beautifully with grilled meats.
Get the Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges recipe.
16. Pasta Salad with Veggies
Cook and cool pasta, then mix it with diced veggies such as bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and olives. Coat generously with Italian dressing or vinaigrette. It’s easy to prepare ahead and tastes even better when chilled overnight.
Get the Pasta Salad with Veggies recipe.
17. Tomato and Mozzarella Skewers
Alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on skewers, then drizzle with balsamic glaze or vinaigrette. This bite-sized appetizer is tasty, visually appealing, and adds elegance to your cookout spread.
