Take your cookout game to the next level. These 17 recipes that are so incredibly tasty, you might just forget about the main course altogether!
![Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/amish-macaroni-salad-1260846-edited.jpg)
Pea Salad
![Pea salad in a blue bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pea-salad-14.jpg)
Vintage pea salad is a creamy, tangy, and sweet addition that’s perfect for your next cookout. It’s a make-ahead side that fits seamlessly into any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions
![Grilled potatoes topped with cheese and bacon in a foil pan.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/grilled-potatoes.jpg)
These cheesy grilled potatoes and onions are a fantastic side for your cookout. Topped with barbecue sauce, cheese, and bacon, they offer a flavorful complement to any grilled main dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions
Blue Cheese Coleslaw
![Top view of a bowl of coleslaw with blue cheese on top.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/blue-cheese-coleslaw-1040121.jpg)
This easy blue cheese coleslaw adds a creamy and tangy twist to the classic recipe, making it an amazing side for your next cookout. It’s a different take that’s sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole
![Zucchini and summer squash alternated in a dish topped with breadcrumbs.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/zuchinni-casserole-fb.jpg)
This Zucchini and Squash Casserole is a simple 5-ingredient recipe that’s perfect for your next cookout. The alternating green zucchini and yellow squash make it visually appealing and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole
Cowboy Caviar
![Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/texas-caviar-10-2-1024x682-1.jpg)
Cowboy Caviar, also known as Texas Caviar, is a fresh and colorful salad perfect for a cookout. The hearty combination of black-eyed peas, beans, and vegetables makes it a sweet and tangy side dish everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar
7 Layer Salad Recipe
![Seven layer salad in a bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/seven-layer-salad.jpg)
This traditional 7 layer salad has been a barbecue staple for generations. Its elegant layers make it a hit at any gathering, from potlucks to church suppers, and it’s a perfect side for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad Recipe
Baked Beans with Bourbon Sauce
![Instant pot baked beans in a bowl topped with bacon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/baked-beans-1050367.jpg)
These Instant Pot baked beans, made with bourbon and molasses, have a deep and intense flavor that’s perfect for your next cookout. They’re easy to make with no soaking required.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans with Bourbon Sauce
Amish Macaroni Salad
![Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/amish-macaroni-salad-1260846-edited.jpg)
Amish macaroni salad is a creamy and sweet side dish that’s perfect for gatherings. Its simple ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser at any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Zucchini Fritters
![Zucchini fritter getting dipped into sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/zucchini-fritters-4.jpg)
These zucchini fritters are easy to make in an air fryer, making them a great side for your next cookout. Just grate some zucchini, mix with simple ingredients, and air fry for a light, crunchy treat.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters
Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
![Caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese topped with basil.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/caprese-salad-1250760.jpg)
This Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for a cookout. The juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella make it a refreshing and flavorful side.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry Salad
![Cherry fluff salad in blue bowls with whipped cream.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cherry-salad-9.jpg)
Beat the summer heat with a classic Cherry Salad, also known as Pink Fluff. It’s a staple at potlucks and cookouts, requiring only 6 ingredients and 5 minutes to make.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad
Honey Jalapeno Cornbread
![Honey Jalapeno Cornbread on a plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/jalapeno-cornbread-8436-edited.jpg)
Honey jalapeno cornbread is a light and flavorful side with a bit of sweet heat, perfect for your next cookout. This traditional homemade cornbread uses simple ingredients for exceptional taste.
Get the Recipe: Honey Jalapeno Cornbread
Lime Jello Salad
![Piece of lime jello salad topped with whipped cream and a cherry.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/lime-jello-salad-1250702.jpg)
Lime Jello Salad is an old-fashioned favorite that’s perfect for any cookout. Its fun green color and sweet flavor make it a great addition to potluck or picnic spreads.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad
Ramen Noodle Salad
![Three white bowls filled with ramen noodles and vegetables.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ramen-salad-3-1200x800-1.jpg)
Ramen Noodle Asian Salad, made with cabbage and other veggies, is a great side for cookouts. The Asian-inspired dressing and crunchy ramen noodles add a unique touch to your barbecue menu.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad
Salt Potatoes
![Salt Potatoes drizzled with melted butter.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/salt-potatoes.jpg)
Salt Potatoes are a staple in upstate New York and make a great side for your cookout. These creamy, buttery, bite-sized potatoes are simple to make and especially delicious with melted butter.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes
Chickpea Salad
![Healthy chickpea salad in a blue bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/chickpea-salad-1.jpg)
This simple chickpea salad is loaded with fresh veggies, making it a perfect make-ahead side for summer gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and adds a vibrant touch to your cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad
Cajun Pasta Salad
![Cajun pasta salad of noodles with celery and bell pepper.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cajun-pasta-salad-1150126.jpg)
Spice up your cookout with this Cajun pasta salad. Combining pasta with bell peppers, celery, and onion, and topped with a creamy remoulade-style dressing, it adds a spicy kick to your side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta Salad
Broccoli Crunch Salad
![A close shot of a fork full of broccoli salad.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/broccoli-salad-17-1200x800-1-edited.jpg)
This easy broccoli crunch salad is perfect for summer picnics and cookouts. Crisp raw broccoli is combined with dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon for a tasty and crunchy side.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Amish Potato Salad
![Creamy potato salad with eggs and mayonnaise.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/potatoes-1260132.jpg)
Amish potato salad is a creamy and tangy side dish that’s a staple at summer cookouts. Mustard, sugar, and celery seed give it a classic taste, making it perfect for potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad