That pale, forgotten bowl at the edge of the picnic table doesn’t have to be your destiny! These 17 sides are anything but boring, and will make everyone enjoy your cookout sides.
Amish Macaroni Salad
Break free from potato salad monotony with this creamy, sweet Amish macaroni salad that brings a different texture to your cookout spread. The combination of pasta, eggs, and crisp vegetables creates a substantial side that holds up well outdoors and gives guests a refreshing alternative to the usual potato-based options.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Pea Salad
This vintage pea salad proves potato isn’t the only star that can shine at your cookout table. Bright green peas pop with color and sweetness against a creamy, tangy dressing, creating a lighter option that stands confidently beside heartier sides.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower
Ditch the predictable potato salad for this vibrant Amish Broccoli Salad that brings both nutrition and flavor to your cookout spread. The raw broccoli and cauliflower maintain their crunch even after being dressed, providing a satisfying texture that potatoes simply can’t match.
Get the Recipe: Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower
Watergate Salad
Leave basic potato salad behind and travel back in time with this nostalgic 5-ingredient Watergate salad that requires zero cooking. The fluffy, pistachio-infused mixture brings a playful color and texture to your spread that will have guests reminiscing while reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad
Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
When potato salad starts feeling predictable, this classic Italian Caprese salad brings effortless elegance to your outdoor dining. The juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil create a color-popping side that feels both sophisticated and accessible alongside your grilled mains.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad
This bright lemon basil orzo pasta salad proves that potato isn’t the only starch that deserves a spot at your cookout. The tiny rice-shaped pasta absorbs the citrusy dressing while maintaining its texture, creating a light yet substantial alternative that won’t weigh down your plate.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad
Cajun Pasta Salad
Kick boring potato salad to the curb with this bold Cajun pasta salad that brings Louisiana heat to your outdoor spread. Bell peppers, celery, and onion provide the holy trinity of flavor while the creamy remoulade-style dressing packs a punch that no ordinary mayo-based side could match.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta Salad
Raw Beet Salad with Apples and Carrots
This vibrant raw beet salad makes standard potato salad look downright dull with its jewel-toned vegetables and crisp texture. The natural sweetness of beets, apples, and carrots creates a refreshing vegan option that brings much-needed brightness to heavy cookout fare.
Get the Recipe: Raw Beet Salad with Apples and Carrots
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Upgrade your side dish game with this hearty tortellini pasta salad that puts potato versions to shame. Cheese-filled pasta paired with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and pesto creates a substantial option that could easily serve as a main dish for those seeking more than just accompaniments.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad
Slow Cooker Hashbrowns
These slow cooker cheesy hashbrowns reimagine potatoes in a form far more exciting than traditional potato salad. The hands-off preparation frees up your attention for other dishes while the creamy, cheesy result provides the comfort food satisfaction everyone craves at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Hashbrowns
Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
This crock pot sweet potato casserole proves that potatoes can shine in forms beyond the typical cold mayo-dressed salad. The set-it-and-forget-it cooking method gives you freedom to enjoy your gathering while the brown sugar, marshmallows and pecans create a sweet-savory contrast that standard potato salad can’t achieve.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
Instant Pot Baked Beans with Bourbon Sauce
These Instant Pot baked beans deliver deep flavor without the hours of cooking traditional recipes require. The bourbon and molasses infusion creates a sophisticated profile that makes potato salad seem like an afterthought on your cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baked Beans with Bourbon Sauce
Crock Pot Creamed Corn
This velvety crock pot creamed corn brings sweet comfort to your table without the predictability of potato salad. The slow cooker does all the work while you focus on other dishes, resulting in a crowd-pleasing side that provides the perfect creamy counterpoint to grilled mains.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Creamed Corn
Fruit Salad
This tropical fruit salad brings vibrant color and refreshing flavors that make standard potato salad pale in comparison. The combination of strawberries, papaya and star fruit creates a palate-cleansing side that balances heavier barbecue fare while adding visual appeal to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad
Pickle Pasta Salad
This pickle pasta salad brings the tang factor that makes potato salad fans do a double-take. The bold dill pickle flavor permeates every bite of pasta, creating a conversation-starting side that proves potatoes aren’t the only starch worthy of the salad treatment at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pickle Pasta Salad
Peach Caprese Skewers
These peach caprese skewers reinvent the traditional side dish concept with their grab-and-go format that potato salad can’t match. The combination of sweet peaches with fresh mozzarella creates an elegant yet easy alternative that guests can enjoy while mingling, without needing to balance a plate.
Get the Recipe: Peach Caprese Skewers
Spicy Cucumber Salad
Try this 15-minute spicy cucumber salad featuring the bold heat of chili crisp! Crisp, refreshing cucumbers meet savory-spicy dressing for an addictive summer side that’s a welcome break from traditional cookout favorites. Perfect alongside grilled meats or as a light, flavorful addition to any meal!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad