After years of bringing the exact same side dish to every backyard barbecue, block party, and family picnic, I finally admitted what everyone else already knew – we were in a serious relationship rut. These 23 new summer flings will rekindle your cookout passion and have everyone forgetting to return your serving bowls.
Ramen Noodle Salad
Ditch boring sides and surprise your cookout guests with this crunchy Asian-inspired ramen noodle creation packed with crisp cabbage and fresh veggies. The unexpected textures and savory dressing will have everyone asking for the recipe instead of politely nibbling on the same old chips.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad
Texas Caviar
Say goodbye to tired cookout sides and hello to this vibrant Texas Caviar that brings bold flavors to your outdoor spread. The colorful mix of black-eyed peas, beans, and vegetables creates a refreshing alternative that works as both a dip and a stand-alone side.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar
Blue Cheese Coleslaw
This Blue Cheese Coleslaw breaks the cookout monotony by putting a sharp, tangy spin on a standard picnic staple. The rich cheese adds depth and character to an otherwise ordinary side, making it a conversation starter at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw
7 Layer Salad Recipe
This stunning 7 layer salad helps you move beyond boring cookout sides with its impressive vertical presentation and variety of flavors. Each colorful layer contributes both visual appeal and taste complexity that standard sides simply can’t match.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad Recipe
Layered Taco Dip
Replace the same old dips with this show-stopping layered taco creation that adds Mexican-inspired flair to your cookout spread. The stack of creamy and savory Tex-Mex flavors provides a cool, substantial alternative that works as both appetizer and side.
Get the Recipe: Layered Taco Dip
Pickle Pasta Salad
This unexpected Pickle Pasta Salad brings zippy tang to the cookout table where boring sides once sat. The bright dill flavor cuts through heavier grilled main dishes while the make-ahead convenience lets you focus on other aspects of hosting.
Get the Recipe: Pickle Pasta Salad
Salt Potatoes
These upstate New York Salt Potatoes bring something different to the cookout with their amazingly creamy interiors and distinctive salty crusts. Their simple preparation belies their impressive flavor, giving guests a memorable alternative to standard spud sides.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes
Potato Salad
This classic potato salad gets new appreciation when presented as an alternative to processed store-bought sides at your cookout. The combination of potatoes, eggs, and sweet gherkins creates a familiar but fresh-tasting companion to grilled foods.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
Amish Macaroni Salad
Break away from predictable cookout sides with this creamy Amish macaroni salad that brings a touch of sweetness to the table. Its make-ahead convenience and crowd-drawing power make it a refreshing change from the same old potato salads everyone expects.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Cherry Salad
This quick-fix Cherry Salad helps you break free from cookout side monotony with its bright flavor and speedy 5-minute preparation. The sweet, fruity profile provides a cool contrast to savory grilled meats while requiring virtually no cooking effort.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad
Broccoli Crunch Salad
This broccoli crunch salad offers a welcome break from mayo-heavy cookout sides with its variety of textures and fresh approach. The combination of raw broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon delivers both nutrition and flavor without wilting in the summer heat.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Orange Fluff Salad
This nostalgic Orange Fluff Salad brings unexpected retro charm to cookouts stuck in a side dish rut. Its creamsicle-inspired flavor and cloud-like texture create a cooling counterpoint to smoky grilled foods while sparking conversations about childhood summer memories.
Get the Recipe: Orange Fluff Salad
Pea Salad
This vintage pea salad brings nostalgic charm to cookouts while solving the problem of too many heavy sides. Its creamy, tangy dressing complements the sweet pop of fresh peas, creating a light yet satisfying alternative to the usual suspects.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Peach Caprese Skewers
These Peach Caprese Skewers bring unexpected sophistication to casual cookouts with their perfect balance of sweet fruit and savory cheese. The grab-and-go presentation solves the problem of juggling plates while mingling, making them a practical upgrade from chips and dip.
Get the Recipe: Peach Caprese Skewers
Raw Beet Salad with Apples and Carrots
Leave the expected sides behind and brighten your cookout spread with this raw beet salad featuring sweet apples and crisp carrots. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors bring a contemporary touch to outdoor dining without requiring any cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Raw Beet Salad with Apples and Carrots
Fruit Salad
Break the cookout side dish rut with this tropical fruit salad that brightens any outdoor table with vibrant colors and refreshing flavors. The combination of strawberries, papaya, and star fruit with fresh lime and mint provides a cooling counterpoint to smoky grilled foods.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad
Amish Potato Salad
This Amish Potato Salad stands out among tired cookout options with its perfect balance of creaminess and tangy punch. The addition of mustard, sugar, and celery seed creates a more complex flavor profile than standard potato sides, making it worth the small extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad
Cucumber Salad
Refresh your cookout menu with this cool cucumber salad that takes just 15 minutes to prepare but delivers big on crisp texture and tangy dill flavor. The make-ahead capability means you can prepare it the day before and focus on grilling when guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad
Chickpea Salad
This vibrant chickpea salad offers a contemporary alternative to predictable cookout sides while accommodating various dietary preferences. The protein-packed legumes and fresh vegetables create a substantial option that holds up well outdoors and complements grilled mains without competing.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad
Instant Pot Baked Beans with Bourbon Sauce
These pressure cooker baked beans help you escape boring cookout sides with rich bourbon and molasses flavors that develop in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. The no-soak method and hands-off cooking process deliver deep flavor without the usual waiting and watching.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baked Beans with Bourbon Sauce
Lime Jello Salad
This retro Lime Jello Salad brings playful color and jiggly texture to cookouts tired of the same old sides. Its light, refreshing profile balances richer grilled foods, making it an unexpected conversation piece that reminds guests of childhood summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad
Crock Pot Creamed Corn
Let your slow cooker help you break away from basic cookout sides with this velvety creamed corn that practically makes itself. The hands-off preparation frees you up for other hosting duties while delivering a richer, more flavorful alternative to plain corn on the cob.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Creamed Corn