Backyard cookouts and potlucks need sides that can sit beside grilled mains without making the table feel too heavy. These 23 summer sides bring avocado salad, Cajun corn, zucchini, chickpeas, cucumber salad, halloumi, pasta salad, corn salsa, bean salad, chowder, grilled vegetables, ratatouille, Greek salad, skillet corn, eggplant, broccoli salad, baked potatoes, and antipasto into one spread. Some are chilled and ready to carry, while others bring warm vegetables, creamy corn, or grilled produce to the plate. The list gives readers plenty of sides for burgers, ribs, chicken, steak, seafood, and meatless plates.
Avocado Salad
Ready in 15 minutes, Avocado Salad serves 4 with avocados, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, lemon, honey, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. The vegetables are gently tossed before the lemon-herb dressing coats everything. It fits backyard cookouts because no cooking is needed, and the avocado gives the bowl enough body besides grilled food. Serve it with chicken, salmon, shrimp, tacos, burgers, or steak.
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Cajun Corn on the Cob
Ready in 30 minutes, Cajun Corn on the Cob serves 4 with corn, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, salt, pepper, feta or cotija, and cilantro. The recipe gives oven, boiling, and grilling options, with the grilled version cooking in the husk until tender and lightly charred. It fits summer cookouts because corn can sit beside nearly any barbecue plate. Serve with chicken, ribs, burgers, steak, or seafood.
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Baked Zucchini
Ready in 30 minutes, Baked Zucchini serves 4 with zucchini, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs. The zucchini sticks roast in one layer until the edges turn lightly crisp, then lemon and herbs finish the tray. It fits summer sides because zucchini cooks quickly and does not need a heavy sauce. Serve it with grilled chicken, burgers, fish, steak, pork, or sausages.
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Chickpea Salad
Ready in 15 minutes, Chickpea Salad serves 6 with chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, red bell pepper, mint, cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, dried apricots, sliced almonds, salt, and pepper. The chickpeas and vegetables get tossed with the spiced dressing before the bowl rests briefly. It fits potlucks because it holds up well without getting watery. Serve it with grilled chicken, salmon, kebabs, burgers, or flatbread.
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Asian Cucumber Salad Jar
Made in 2 hours and 10 minutes with chill time, Asian Cucumber Salad Jar serves 2 with small cucumbers, red onion, salt, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. The cucumbers are sliced thin and packed in a jar with the dressing before chilling. It fits hot-weather meals because the side stays cold and crisp. Serve with grilled chicken, rice bowls, noodles, salmon, tofu, or burgers.
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Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad
Ready in 10 minutes, Beetroot and Grilled Halloumi Salad serves 2 as a main or 4 as a side with beetroot, rocket, watercress, baby spinach, cucumber, red onion, halloumi, olive oil, chickpeas, pine nuts, and sunflower seeds. The halloumi cooks briefly before joining the greens and beetroot. It fits potluck plates because the cheese and chickpeas add more weight than a plain salad. Serve with chicken, lamb, bread, or grilled vegetables.
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Zucchini Casserole
Baked in 1 hour and 5 minutes, Zucchini Casserole serves 6 with zucchini, onion, eggs, Cheddar, mozzarella, vegetarian Parmesan, Italian seasoning, panko breadcrumbs, butter, salt, and pepper. The sliced zucchini sits with salt first to release moisture before baking with the cheese mixture and topping. It fits summer cookouts when zucchini needs a warmer, sturdier side. Serve with grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, burgers, or salmon.
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Italian Pasta with Salami
Made in 1 hour and 25 minutes with chill time, Italian Pasta with Salami serves 8 with tri-color rotini, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, Colby cheese, salami, salad supreme seasoning, and Italian dressing. The pasta cooks first, then chills with the vegetables, cheese, meat, and dressing. It fits potlucks because one large bowl can feed several people without reheating. Serve with burgers, grilled chicken, ribs, sandwiches, or picnic trays.
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Chili Lime Corn on the Cob
Ready in 25 minutes, Chili Lime Corn on the Cob serves 4 with corn, butter, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper. The corn cooks until tender before the chili-lime butter coats each ear. It fits backyard cookouts because the flavor stays bright while still working with smoky mains. Serve it with grilled chicken, hot dogs, steak, tacos, burgers, or seafood.
Get the Recipe: Chili Lime Corn on the Cob
Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Ready in 40 minutes, Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies serves 4 with zucchini, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, garlic, dried basil, lemon, cavatappi, and parsley. The vegetables are broiled until charred before getting tossed with pasta and vinaigrette. It fits cookouts because it works slightly chilled or at room temperature. Serve with chicken, steak, shrimp, burgers, sandwiches, or grilled sausage.
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Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Ready in 22 minutes, Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa serves 6 with white corn, kosher salt, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, roasted poblano, lemon juice, and lime juice. Fresh corn can be grilled until lightly charred before the kernels are mixed with the peppers, onion, cilantro, and citrus. It fits potluck tables because guests can scoop it with chips or spoon it over mains. Serve with tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, or grilled chicken.
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Dense Bean Salad
Ready in 15 minutes, Dense Bean Salad serves 8 with chickpeas, pinto beans, red onion, red bell pepper, yellow pepper, English cucumber, Kalamata olives, feta, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, Dijon, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. The beans and vegetables are mixed before the lemon dressing coats the bowl. It fits summer potlucks because it can be made ahead and served cold. Serve with pita, wraps, grilled chicken, or vegetables.
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Corn Chowder
Ready in 40 minutes, Corn Chowder serves 4 with butter, red onion, garlic, red bell pepper, celery, carrot, potatoes, vegetable broth, frozen corn, heavy cream, salt, pepper, celery leaves, and black pepper. The vegetables soften first, then the potatoes simmer in broth before the corn and cream finish the pot. It fits the side list when corn needs a warm bowl instead of another cob. Serve with grilled chicken, biscuits, salad, or sandwiches.
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Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Ready in 25 minutes, Grilled Veggie Kabobs serve 4 with zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The vegetables are cut, coated, threaded onto skewers, and grilled until tender with light char. It fits backyard cookouts because each skewer already portions the vegetables. Serve with burgers, grilled chicken, steak, fish, rice, or flatbread.
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Vegan Ratatouille
Ready in 1 hour, Vegan Ratatouille serves 4 with olive oil, garlic, eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper, red onion, green onion, tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, rosemary, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. The vegetables brown first, then simmer low with tomatoes, herbs, and broth. It fits summer sides because it uses warm-weather produce in one dish. Serve with grilled bread, chicken, fish, rice, or meatless mains.
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Greek Salad
Ready in 15 minutes, Greek Salad serves 6 with cucumber, grape tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, green olives, feta, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The vegetables and feta get tossed with a quick vinaigrette right before serving. It fits summer cookouts because the salad stays crisp beside richer mains. Serve it with grilled chicken, steak, salmon, kebabs, burgers, or pita.
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Charred Grilled Vegetables
Ready in 25 minutes, Charred Grilled Vegetables serve 4 with zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, red onion, mushrooms, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The vegetables are cut, coated, and grilled until tender with charred edges. It fits the cookout title because the grill can handle the side while the mains cook nearby. Serve with steak, chicken, burgers, fish, pasta, or grain bowls.
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Green Goddess Salad
Ready in 10 minutes, Green Goddess Salad serves 8 with green cabbage, Persian cucumbers, green onions, tortilla chips, baby spinach, basil, garlic, red onion, lemon juice, olive oil, cashews, Parmesan, rice vinegar, and salt. The vegetables are chopped small, while the dressing blends smoothly before coating the bowl. It fits potlucks because it can be scooped with chips or served as a salad. Serve with grilled mains, wraps, sandwiches, or pita chips.
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Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Ready in 15 minutes, Honey Butter Skillet Corn serves 6 with frozen corn, butter, honey, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and optional parsley or green onions. The corn cooks in butter before honey and cream cheese melt into a creamy coating. It fits backyard meals when corn needs a quick skillet side instead of grilling. Serve with ribs, burgers, chicken, pork chops, hot dogs, or barbecue plates.
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Grilled Eggplant
Ready in 20 minutes, Grilled Eggplant serves 4 with eggplant, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. The eggplant slices are brushed with the seasoned oil mixture, then grilled until soft with clear grill marks. It fits cookout sides because the vegetable cooks fast and works with several mains. Serve with grilled chicken, lamb, fish, burgers, rice, pasta, or a yogurt sauce.
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Broccoli Salad
Ready in 15 minutes plus chill time, Broccoli Salad serves 6 with broccoli, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, bacon, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. The dressing gets whisked first before the broccoli mixture is tossed and chilled for at least an hour. It fits potlucks because the crunch holds up well. Serve with grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, sandwiches, pork, or other salads.
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Baked Potato
Baked in 1 hour and 5 minutes, a Baked Potato serves 4 with large potatoes, olive oil, salt, and toppings such as butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, or beans. The potatoes bake until the skins turn crisp and the centers soften. It fits a cookout table because each person can build their own side. Serve with grilled steak, ribs, chicken, burgers, chili, or a topping bar.
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Antipasto Salad
Ready in 15 minutes, Antipasto Salad serves 6 with romaine, arugula, salami, prosciutto, marinated artichokes, olives, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, bocconcini, parsley, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. The greens get tossed with dressing before the meats, cheese, and vegetables go on top. It fits potlucks because the bowl brings several snack-board flavors into salad form. Serve with grilled chicken, steak, burgers, pasta, or bread.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad