These 19 incredible side dishes will wow your cookout guests! Here are fresh and flavorful recipes will take your summer gatherings to the next level.
![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, with its creamy, tangy, and sweet taste, is a perfect make-ahead side dish for cookouts and summer celebrations. Its familiar flavors and easy preparation make it a go-to choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
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 attractive Zucchini and Summer Squash Casserole, featuring alternating layers of green zucchini and yellow squash, is a simple and delicious side dish for holiday gatherings and summer cookouts alike. With only 5 ingredients, it’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole
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)
This Asian-inspired Ramen Noodle Salad, packed with cabbage and veggies, is a crunchy and flavorful addition to any cookout spread. The combination of crisp vegetables and savory dressing makes it a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad
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, packed with fresh veggies, is a gorgeous and easy-to-make vegan side dish. It’s perfect for preparing ahead of time for summer cookouts and will appeal to a wide range of tastes.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad
Crock Pot Creamed Corn
![](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/creamed-corn-12-2.jpg)
Crock Pot Creamed Corn is a sweet, velvety, and comforting side dish that’s perfect for gatherings and summer cookouts alike. Let your slow cooker handle the work while you enjoy the creamy goodness of this classic recipe.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Creamed Corn
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, featuring crisp raw broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon, is a perfect addition to your summer picnic spread. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch 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 next cookout with Cajun pasta salad, featuring bell peppers, celery, onion, and a creamy remoulade-style dressing for a side dish with a kick. The bold Cajun flavors will add excitement to your outdoor feast and leave your guests wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta Salad
Texas Caviar
![Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/texas-caviar-10-2-1024x682-1.jpg)
This colorful and hearty Texas Caviar is a fresh and zesty salad that’s perfect for scooping with chips at your next cookout. The sweet and tangy combination of black-eyed peas, beans, and vegetables makes it a satisfying and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar
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, with its creamy and sweet flavor, is a crowd-pleasing side dish for your gatherings. Its simple yet delicious ingredients make it a perfect choice for cookouts and a reliable favorite among guests.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni 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 & Onions, topped with barbecue sauce, cheese, and bacon, are a flavorful and satisfying side dish for your next cookout. The combination of tender potatoes, savory onions, and melted cheese makes them irresistible to guests.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions
Layered Taco Dip
![A layered dip arranged to look like the American flag, made with blue tortilla chips, cheese stars, shredded cheese, and diced tomatoes. Two American flag-themed napkins are placed nearby.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/layered-taco-dip-2.jpg)
This Layered Taco Dip is a flavor-packed, creamy, and savory appetizer that’s perfect for parties and outdoor gatherings. Its easy preparation and irresistible combination of Tex-Mex flavors make it a hit that will have guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Layered Taco Dip
7 Layer Salad Recipe
![Seven layer salad in a bowl.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/seven-layer-salad.jpg)
This classic 7 layer salad has been a favorite at barbecues, potlucks, and church suppers for generations. Its elegant presentation and delightful combination of flavors make it a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad Recipe
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 Blue Cheese Coleslaw puts a creamy and tangy spin on the classic recipe, making it a standout side for your next outdoor gathering. Its bold flavor and easy preparation make it a go-to choice for adding variety to your cookout menu.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Instant Pot 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, infused with the deep and smoky flavors of bourbon and molasses, are a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for your next cookout. The no-soak preparation and intense flavor make them a time-saving choice.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baked Beans with Bourbon Sauce
Peach Caprese Salad
![A platter of salad featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, sliced peaches, basil leaves, and chopped red onions, garnished with black pepper.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/peach-caprese-5.jpg)
This Peach Caprese Salad takes the classic recipe to new heights with the addition of juicy summer peaches, making it a refreshing and visually stunning side dish for hot weather cookouts. Its no-cook preparation and seasonal ingredients make it simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Peach Caprese Salad
Salt Potatoes
![Salt Potatoes drizzled with melted butter.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/salt-potatoes.jpg)
Salt Potatoes, a beloved upstate New York recipe, are a simple yet delicious side dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts and gatherings. These creamy, buttery, bite-sized potatoes are easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially when served with melted butter.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes
Tortellini Pasta Salad
![A bowl of tortellini pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, red onions, and a pesto dressing. A spoon is placed on the side of the dish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pesto-tortellini-salad-5.jpg)
This hearty Tortellini Pasta Salad, loaded with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and pesto, is a filling and flavorful choice for picnics and cookouts. Its easy preparation and ability to be made ahead of time make it a convenient option for outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad