Let’s be honest, a great BBQ is just as much about the side dishes as it is about what’s on the grill.
You need those perfect sides to pile onto your plate—the creamy, the crunchy, and the TOTALLY refreshing.
They’re what turn a simple cookout into a real summer feast.
But it can be easy to get stuck making the same old things every time.
If you’re ready to shake things up this year, I’ve got you covered.
Here are some of the BEST summer side dishes that will make your next BBQ a huge hit.
1. Curried Tofu Salad
This Curried Tofu Salad is a quick and easy dish bursting with creamy, tangy flavor.
It’s perfect on its own, with crackers, or piled high on a sandwich for a fantastic curried tofu sandwich or vegan egg salad experience.
2. Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
This Goat Cheese Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for your next BBQ or potluck.
It’s a creamy, delicious fancy pasta salad filled with fresh vegetables.
Guests will love this flavorful and inviting dish.
3. Cilantro Lime Rice
This Cilantro Lime Rice is incredibly quick to prepare and loaded with fresh, bright flavor.
It makes an easy and delicious side for all your favorite Mexican meals.
4. Garlic Butter Pasta
This Garlic Butter Pasta features tender spaghetti coated in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Finished with fresh parmesan and parsley, it’s a simple, delicious buttered pasta perfect for any meal.
5. Coconut Rice Recipe
This Coconut Rice Recipe perfectly blends creamy coconut milk with a hint of fresh lime.
Enjoy a delightful, sticky rice side dish inspired by delicious Thai flavors.
6. Crunchy Broccoli Slaw
This Crunchy Broccoli Slaw is a wonderfully quick and easy side.
It’s a tasty broccoli salad made simple with bagged slaw and a few extra touches.
Perfect for adding a fresh, crunchy element to any meal.
7. Carrot quinoa fritters with cashew aioli
Carrot quinoa fritters with cashew aioli make the perfect veggie side dish or a satisfying full meal. These vegetarian and dairy-free fritters are packed with delicious flavor from basil and scallions. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy your vegetables.
8. Instant Pot Mexican Rice
Instant Pot Mexican Rice makes a perfect companion for any Mexican-inspired dish.
This flavorful Spanish rice is incredibly easy to prepare in your Instant Pot.
It’s a delicious, fluffy side that will quickly become a family favorite.
9. Avocado Cabbage Slaw
This Avocado Cabbage Slaw is a cool and refreshing side dish, featuring crunchy cabbage in a creamy, zesty avocado sauce. It makes a delicious compliment to many main dishes and is a fantastic keto avocado slaw option for any gathering.
10. Mediterranean Vegetables
Mediterranean Vegetables are bursting with flavor, making them a delicious addition to any meal.
These versatile Mediterranean style vegetables make an excellent side dish or a perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken, meat, or fish.
Plus, they are naturally Paleo, Whole30, and Gluten-free.
11. Amish Broccoli Salad
Amish Broccoli Salad is a delightful mix of crisp bite-size broccoli and cauliflower florets, tossed with savory bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing.
This simple broccoli cauliflower salad is quick to make and perfect for barbecues, cookouts, or potlucks.
12. Easy Creamy Apple Coleslaw Recipe
Here’s the Easy Creamy Apple Coleslaw, a wonderfully refreshing side dish that comes together effortlessly.
You’ll love the combination of crisp apples and crunchy cabbage, all tossed in a simple, creamy dressing.
13. Panera Fuji Apple Salad
Enjoy the fresh taste of this copycat Panera Fuji Apple Salad right in your own kitchen.
This vibrant salad is wonderfully crisp, crunchy, and packed with protein for a delicious meal.
14. Roasted Broccoli and Carrots
Roasted Broccoli and Carrots are the most delicious and versatile veggie side dish you can make.
Elevated by a bright lemon shallot vinaigrette, this easy recipe is perfect for any meal.
15. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are incredibly crispy and garlicky, making them a fantastic addition to any meal. This easy air fryer brussels sprouts recipe is ready in just minutes, sure to become your new favorite side dish.
16. Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini Fritters are a delightful way to enjoy your vegetables.
This simple recipe makes it easy to add delicious green veggie goodness to any meal.
17. Sweet Potato Fritters with Quinoa & Black Beans
Sweet Potato Fritters with Quinoa & Black Beans offer a delicious and healthy vegetarian meal or snack. These crispy fritters are perfect as an appetizer, a satisfying side, or even a light main dish.
18. Pico de Gallo Recipe
This Pico de Gallo Recipe is a fresh and vibrant salsa.
It’s perfect for topping your favorite tacos and burritos.
You’ll also love it as a bright and zesty dip with tortilla chips.
19. Pesto Potato Salad
Pesto Potato Salad is a fresh and zesty side dish.
It features hearty potatoes coated in a vibrant pesto dressing.
This Pesto Potato Salad is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or any meal.
20. Southwest Black Bean Pasta Salad
The Southwest Black Bean Pasta Salad is your new go-to for any backyard BBQ. This flavorful vegan pasta salad makes enough to feed a crowd. Don’t worry if there are leftovers, it just gets better and becomes a perfect easy lunch.