Similar to Thanksgiving, the side dishes at a BBQ can outshine the meaty main event when done well. So cross that tub of store-bought coleslaw off your shopping list, because you’re about to be the hero of your next BBQ with these 12 side dish ideas.
These tasty sides tick the box on classic BBQ flavors and offer up new twists using summer’s best produce. Sorry, burgers and dogs, you’re about to be upstaged.
Artichoke & avocado dip
What’s more welcoming than a platter of fresh crudités and an insanely delicious artichoke and avocado dip?
Made with creamy avocado, fresh artichoke and tangy feta, this dip is a healthier and fresher version of that delicious hot artichoke dip we all know and love. Your friends will devour it!
Classic potato salad
Sometimes, the classic renditions are the best, and Grandma’s potato salad is one of those recipes.
Familiar and comforting, this dish is the perfect accompaniment to your hamburger, hot dog or slab of ribs.
Simple seedy slaw
Ditch the mayo and opt for a lighter, healthier slaw that will also hold up better in the heat.
This fresh, flavor-packed recipe has a lemony vinaigrette and toasted pumpkin, sesame and poppy seeds for crunch.
Bacon-lovers’ baked beans
Skip the can and make these crowd-pleasing baked beans loaded with smoky bacon.
This easy, make-ahead side can be made in a slow cooker and is a must-have for any BBQ.
Roasted corn salad
For those of us unlucky city folk without an outdoor grill, this recipe is a game-changer.
Roasting corn kernels on a sheet pan in the oven gives you that nice char — no grill necessary! A pepita-cilantro pesto adds the perfect herby zing to this corn salad.
Cornmeal biscuits
This cornbread-biscuit hybrid is loaded with green onions and creamy havarti cheese.
Almond milk makes these lighter than the average biscuit, which also means you can eat quite a few of them. These are super-easy to throw together and bring to your next BBQ.
Panzanella salad
A salad with bread is always a good idea — those Italians know what’s up.
Use your leftover bread and colorful summer tomatoes for a bright side that people will rave about.
Broccoli-tahini pasta salad
This ain’t your mama’s pasta salad — it’s better.
Loaded with summer veggies like tomatoes, green beans and zucchini, this recipe has a lemon-tahini dressing and can be made ahead of time to let the flavors meld together.
Beer-battered onion rings
Get ready to win the BBQ with these beer-battered onion rings with buttermilk ranch dressing.
Crispy and addictive, these will disappear faster than the good cheese at the office holiday party.
Watermelon salad
What’s more summery than watermelon? A refreshing watermelon salad made with mint, pistachios and feta will add a burst of summer flavor to your next BBQ.
Mexican grilled corn
Did a BBQ without corn on the cob even happen?
Smoky chipotle seasoning and tangy cotija cheese give sometimes bland corn a spicy Mexican zing in this recipe. You won’t want to eat corn on the cob with just plain butter ever again.
Asparagus potato salad
How gorgeous is this salad? The holy trinity of herbs — mint, parsley and chives — adds a delightful freshness that will lighten up your meat-heavy BBQ plate.
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