A cookout isn’t complete without an array of side dishes. Spoil your family and friends by adding any of these tasty cookout side dish ideas to your plate. It doesn’t matter which one you choose — each one is better than the next!
TASTY SUMMER COOKOUT SIDE DISH IDEAS
Let’s be real — the best parts about cookouts are always the side dishes. Loading your plate with salads, potatoes, and corn is always the right move. They’re all so tasty, that it’s hard to pick which one gets a spot on your plate first.
You can’t go wrong by choosing any of these side dish cookout recipes. Each dish is the perfect companion to that hamburger, barbeque chicken, or hot dog. Don’t be surprised if you go back for seconds and even thirds of each side dish!
TASTY COOKOUT SIDE DISH IDEAS TO ADD TO YOUR PLATE
1. POTATO SALAD
If you had a cookout without potato salad, did you really have a cookout? Potato salad is a staple at any cookout at this recipe shows why.
2. BBQ BAKED BEANS
Forget pouring baked beans out of a can and calling it a day. Go with these baked beans instead at your cookout and bring the smoky and sweet flavors right to your plate.
3. BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD
Anything that includes bacon and ranch is guaranteed to be delicious. Don’t believe me? Try this bacon ranch pasta salad and see for yourself.
4. MICROWAVE CORN ON THE COB
If you love summer corn, you know how annoying it is to remove the husk without making a major mess. Luckily, this recipe uses a trick in the microwave that expedites the whole process and takes away the mess.
5. CORN, AVOCADO, AND CILANTRO SALAD
Love summer corn? How about fresh tomatoes? Avocado too? Then you are basically going to fall in love with this summer salad. The bright flavors in this summer salad come together to form an irresistible bite.
6. CLASSIC COLESLAW
Coleslaw always has a spot on the table when it comes to a cookout. The crisp salad is great on its own or on top of a burger. Plus, it only takes about 10 minutes to come together fully.
7. BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALSA
Ditch the regular salsa for your next cookout and replace it with this black bean and corn salsa. The fresh salsa is teaming with bright and zesty flavors. So much so that you won’t even miss the original.
8. SOUTHERN MUSTARD GREENS
Add a bit of soul food into your cookout with these tasty mustard greens. The slowly braised greens are packed with creole seasoning, quickly bringing a party right into your mouth.
9. MACARONI SALAD
Macaroni salad is always a fan favorite when it comes to a cookout. The creamy salad is always a solid addition to any plate.
10. SAUTEED BRUSSEL SPROUTS
Save a little room on your plate for something green during your cookout with these sauteed brussel sprouts. The sprouts are a lesson in texture as each one is crispy, charred, and super tender.
11. AIR FRYER FRENCH FRIES
Save some room on your grill for the main dishes and take out your air fryer to make these French fries at your next cookout. The light and crisp fries will be the perfect side to any main dish.
COOKOUT SIDE DISH IDEAS FOR THE FAMILY
12. MEXICAN STREET CORN SALAD (ESQUITES)
If you are new to esquites, get ready to fall in love. The Mexican street corn salad will quickly become a staple at your cookouts — it is that good. The salad is sweet, creamy, and a little spicy, making for the perfect bite.
13. PEA SALAD
Short on time and looking for a quick recipe for your next cookout? Go with this simple pea salad. The frozen peas make this recipe a breeze to make when you are in a rush.
14. OVEN BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES
Sometimes keeping things simple at a cookout is the best idea. Case in point: these oven-baked sweet potato fries. They are roasted with a sprinkle of oil and spices and cooked at super high heat to make super crispy edges.
15. DILL PICKLE PASTA SALAD
Don’t be turned off by dill pickles in your pasta salad. The unusual addition adds a crisp texture. It is truly the addition you never knew you needed.
16. CRISPY FRIED ONION RINGS
You can’t go wrong when it comes to crispy fried onion rings. Add them to your burger, chop them up and place them in your salad, or just eat them plain.
17. WALDORF SALAD
Break up all of the savory side dishes by adding this Waldorf salad to the menu. The sweet fruit will be a welcome addition to your plate.
18. SWEET & SPICY PEACH & BURRATA CAPRESE
If you love eating peach after peach in the summer, get ready to fall in love with this salad. The summer salad takes fresh peaches and adds them to burrata, basil, and walnuts for the ultimate riff on a classic Caprese salad.
19. HOMEMADE CORNBREAD
Need one more side dish to add to your cookout? Go with this simple cornbread. It only takes 30 minutes to make, and it is perfect for sopping up all those drippings on your plate.
21. SESAME NOODLES
Break up all of the mayo-based salads at your cookout by adding these sesame noodles to your cookout menu. The nutty peanut flavor will make your tastebuds sing.
22. BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP
Good luck trying to eat just one helping of this buffalo chicken dip. The creamy and super cheesy dip will easily be a favorite on everyone’s plate. So much so that you might as well double the recipe from the start.
