The pool and the beach are great, but if we’re being honest, the best part of the summer is going to barbecues every weekend. Grilled marinated chicken, spicy shrimp, juicy steaks, saucy ribs, crispy-edged burgers — these are the things we’re dreaming about when we’re trapped inside all winter. But a good barbecue doesn’t stop with the entrees. The experience is only complete if you can also load your plate with a variety of scrumptious sides.
Store-bought macaroni salad and potato salad just won’t cut it. For the primo bbq experience, homemade sides are a must, and who knows more about homemade summer side dishes than Ina Garten, Hamptons queen? For best results, pair one vegetable-starring side with a carb option, like Garten’s watermelon arugula salad and her sour cream corn bread.
The Barefoot Contessa has options for creamy and rich dishes, like her lobster potato salad, and light, vibrant recipes including tomato gazpacho. Take a look at Ina Garten’s best barbecue side dishes below, and get ready to fire up the grill.
Confetti Corn
Bright, colorful, and fresh, this confetti corn recipe from Ina Garten is surprisingly easy. Add a few diced jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro, and you’ve got a corn salsa that’s also delicious.
Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.
Pan-Fried Onion Dip
Grab a bag of your favorite potato chips to bring to the barbecue, and get major brownie points for making some of Ina Garten’s pan-fried onion dip to go along with them, too.
Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.
Tomato and Avocado Salad
Sometimes simple is best, especially when it comes to ripe summer tomatoes. They shine in this salad recipe from Ina Garten, along with cool and creamy avocado. Pair the salad with grilled chicken or saucy ribs — either way, this refreshing salad should definitely be on the menu.
Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.
Sour Cream Corn Bread
This moist, rich sour cream corn bread is perfect for mopping up barbecue sauce.
Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.
Watermelon & Arugula Salad
This beginner-friendly recipe seems fancy, but it’s easy to make. Peppery arugula, sweet summer watermelon, and salty parmesan create a harmonious blend of flavors in this summer salad.
Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.
Lobster & Potato Salad
Everyone loves lobster, and everyone loves potatoes. So you know Ina Garten’s lobster and potato salad is going to steal the show from the rest of the fare at your next barbecue.
Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.
Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
They may seem old-fashioned or boring, but deviled eggs steal the show at every party we’ve ever been to. But how can you liven them up as a summer barbecue side dish? Add smoked salmon and chives, of course!
Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.
Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil
Summertime is the only time that you should even try to make a caprese salad, because this side dish is all about the tomatoes. Choose the ripest, freshest tomatoes you can, and this tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad will be the star of the ‘cue.
Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.
Zucchini & Goat Cheese Tart
In search of a simple but elegant vegetarian main dish for your barbecue that can also double as an appetizer or side dish? Then try Ina Garten’s zucchini and goat cheese tart, which can be served hot, warm or at room temperature.
Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.
Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad
Taking notes from Persian shirazi salad and Greek salad, this Middle Eastern vegetable salad from Ina Garten is loaded with ingredients like tomatoes, cucumber, and scallions, has plenty of protein thanks to chickpeas and feta, and is packed with fresh herbs, including mint and basil. It’s a bright counterpart to even the smokiest, sauciest barbecue, and it’s delicious with lighter fare like grilled chicken and shrimp, too.
Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.
Gazpacho
What do you bring to a barbecue on one of those days when it’s so hot your legs stick to your patio chair? An ice-cold pitcher of tomato gazpacho, made with fresh summer veggies. Keep it with a coarsley chopped texture like Garten, or puree until smooth and sip out of cups to stay cool like they do in Spain.
Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.
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