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!
Pea Salad
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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