Memorial Day weekend is almost here! Time to dust off the grill, get the burgers and hot dogs sizzling and plan a delicious spread of sides for your cookout. We’ve got you covered with 11 easy and flavorful recipes that are perfect for any picnic basket or barbecue.
![Hand holding grilled baby bok choy.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Hand-holding-grilled-baby-bok-choy-1024x576.jpg)
Veggie Pasta Salad
![Image shows a closeup of a Summer Pasta Salad with Mediterranean flavors.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Summer-Pasta-Salad.jpg)
Fresh summer vegetables like corn and tomato burst from this pasta salad, their sweetness balanced by tangy feta cheese and a zesty Mediterranean dressing. It’s a refreshing and flavorful side dish perfect for your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Tomato Quinoa Salad
![Image shows shows a closeup of Tomato Quinoa Salad in a small white bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Tomato-Quinoa-Salad.jpg)
Quinoa, a complete protein, combines with juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumber in this healthy and satisfying salad. A delicious way to use fresh summer produce at your cookout, it will keep you feeling full without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
![Image shows a white tray filled with chipotle grilled corn on the cob sitting on green grass.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chipotle-grilled-corn-cobs-on-a-white-tray.jpg)
Smoky chipotle butter infuses every bite of grilled corn, adding a bold, complex kick to your BBQ. The sweet corn and smoky spice create a crowd-pleasing combination that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Avocado Tomato Salad
![Image shows a wooden bowl containing avocado tomato salad shown from overhead and sitting on a picnnic table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Avocado-tomato-salad-in-a-wooden-bowl.jpg)
This isn’t your average salad. Creamy avocado adds richness, while juicy tomato brings bursts of freshness. Crisp romaine lettuce and a light, flavorful dressing complete the dish, creating a taste of summer on a plate, perfect for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
![Italian ratatouille in a glass casserole dish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Italian-ratatouille-in-a-glass-casserole-dish.jpg)
This colorful summer vegetable dish features zucchini, squash, and tomato, all cooked to tender perfection and seasoned with an Italian twist. It’s a flavorful and satisfying side dish that complements any grilled meal at your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
![Image shows a hand holding a piece of grilled baby bok choy over a bowl containing more bok choy.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Hand-holding-grilled-baby-bok-choy.jpg)
Marinated in a simple Asian sauce, grilled baby bok choy transforms into a delicious and unexpected champion on the grill. The smoky char complements the slightly sweet bok choy, making it a perfect side dish for burgers, chicken, or anything else on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
![Image shows a white casserole dish filled with homemade baked beans on wooden table with a silver spoon sticking out from it.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Pot-of-homemade-baked-beans-on-a-wooden-table.jpg)
Skip the canned beans and whip up these smoky, flavorful baked beans from scratch. Sweet with a touch of molasses and bursting with savory spices, they’re the perfect sidekick to any BBQ feast, offering a hearty and comforting side dish.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Hearts of Palm Salad
![Silver bowl with a veggie filled hearts of palm salad.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Silver-bowl-with-a-veggie-filled-hearts-of-palm-salad.jpg)
Cool and crisp hearts of palm, juicy tomatoes, and refreshing cucumbers combine in this light and refreshing salad. A welcome addition to your hot day cookout, it will keep everyone cool and satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Bacon Deviled Eggs
![Image shows bacon deviled eggs in a red tray.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bacon-deviled-eggs-in-a-red-platter.jpg)
Take your deviled eggs to the next level with this recipe. Creamy and packed with savory bacon flavor, these deviled eggs will be a guaranteed hit at your cookout. They’re a delightful and unexpected twist on a classic appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
Vegan Couscous Salad
![Image shows a closeup of an enameled cast iron pan filled with a vegan couscous salad.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Vegan-couscous-salad.jpg)
This flavorful couscous salad is bursting with a variety of fresh vegetables, offering a rainbow of textures and tastes in every bite. Robust and satisfying, it’s a great side dish for any cookout, or even a delicious main course for vegetarians.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Baked Kale Chips
![Image shows a hand holding a baked kale chip over a bowl filled with more kale chips.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Baked-Kale-Chip-Image-1.jpg)
Craving a healthy crunch without the guilt? Baked kale chips are the answer. Crispy and addictive, they’re made simply by baking kale leaves until perfectly crisp. Enjoy them on their own or alongside BBQ fare for a satisfying and nutritious snack.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips