The success of your cookout doesn’t just depend on the main course – it’s the side dishes that truly make the meal memorable. These 19 simple yet mouthwatering summer side dishes that will make your 4th of July cookout a huge success.
Amish Potato Salad
This creamy and tangy Amish potato salad, featuring mustard, sugar, and celery seed, is a classic side dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts or potlucks. No cookout is complete without potato salad!
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad
Ramen Noodle Salad
This Ramen Noodle Asian Salad features cabbage, veggies, and an Asian-inspired dressing, topped with crunchy ramen noodles. It is a great addition to any cookout menu.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad
Cherry Salad
Beat the summer heat with this classic Cherry Salad, which is a staple at potlucks and cookouts. With just 6 ingredients, it takes only 5 minutes to make, making it a great last-minute side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad
Peach Caprese Salad
Switch up the classic Caprese salad with juicy summer peaches in this refreshing, no-cook dish. This gorgeous salad is the perfect side for hot nights and outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Peach Caprese Salad
Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions
These cheesy grilled potatoes and onions are topped with barbecue sauce, cheese, and bacon. They make for a mouthwatering side dish that’s perfect for any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions
Amish Macaroni Salad
With its simple yet delicious ingredients, this creamy and sweet Amish macaroni salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish. It will be one of the first things to disappear at your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Pea Salad
This vintage pea salad, with its creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors, is the perfect make-ahead side dish for cookouts. It’s old fashioned flavor will bring back memories.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Watergate Salad
This effortless Watergate Salad requires just 5 ingredients, making it an ideal make-ahead side dish. It’s pretty green color makes it a welcome sight at summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad
Broccoli Crunch Salad
Crisp raw broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon come together in this easy broccoli crunch salad, creating a delightful side dish that’s perfect for summer picnics and outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Texas Caviar Dip
Also known as Cowboy Caviar, this classic recipe features a fresh and colorful salad with a hearty combination of black-eyed peas, beans, and vegetables in a sweet and tangy dressing. It is the perfect makeahead dip for cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar Dip
Cajun Pasta Salad
Add some excitement to your cookout with this Cajun pasta salad, featuring bell peppers, celery, onion, and a creamy remoulade-style dressing. This spicy side dish is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta Salad
Lime Jello Salad
Lime Jello Salad, a fun green dessert and an old-fashioned favorite, is the perfect addition to any holiday gathering or picnic. It’s a throwback dish that deserves a comeback.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad
Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower
In this delicious Amish Broccoli Salad, raw broccoli and cauliflower are coated with a creamy dressing and topped with cheese and bacon. It is a delicious combo of summer flavors for your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower
Potato Salad
This classic potato salad recipe, made with potatoes, eggs, and sweet gherkins. It is a simple yet delicious side dish that’s sure to be a hit at all your summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
7 Layer Salad Recipe
A staple of barbecues, potlucks, and church suppers, this traditional 7 layer salad has been a popular side dish for generations. It will be a surefire hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad Recipe
Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
This classic Italian Caprese salad features juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. It’s fresh summer flavor makes it the perfect side dish for any cookout or outdoor gathering.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Blue Cheese Coleslaw
This creamy and tangy blue cheese coleslaw puts a delightful spin on the classic recipe, making it a perfect side dish for your next cookout. The combination of flavors is sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Chickpea Salad
Loaded with fresh veggies, this simple chickpea salad is a gorgeous, vegan, and gluten-free side dish. It’s super easy to make and healthy alternative to other side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad
Orange Fluff Salad
Take yourself back in time with this vintage Orange Fluff Salad, featuring oranges, cottage cheese, Jello, and Cool Whip. This creamsicle-inspired side dish is a delightful addition to any cookout or holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Orange Fluff Salad