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.

homemade potato salad
Potato Salad
This is literally the best potato salad recipe, ever. Packed full of flavor, you're going to love how simple this summer side dish recipe is.
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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.

BBQ Baked Beans
Make this quick and easy BBQ baked beans recipe for your next party! These smoky, sweet beans are a side dish that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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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.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Bacon ranch pasta salad is the type of dish that will disappear at a potluck or backyard barbecue!
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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.

How to Microwave Corn on the Cob (Quick u0026amp; Easy!)
Microwave your corn on the cob in the husk. It takes just a few minutes. Makes it much easier to remove the husk. And results in perfectly cooked corn with no mess!
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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.

Corn, Avocado, and Cilantro Salad
This Corn, Avocado and Cilantro Salad is perfect for a simple side dish that can be mixed up either ahead of time or right at dinner time.
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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.

Classic Coleslaw
Fresh, crisp, classic coleslaw salad is a must-have recipe for a summer barbecue or picnic, or as an easy make-ahead lunch. Make it in less than 10 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com
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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.

Overhead shot of Black Bean and Corn Salsa in bowl with tortilla chips
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Corn and Black Bean Salsa takes your typical salsa-and-chips appetizer to the next level. Instead of a sad, watery tomato-based salsa, this recipe is made with black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables, all tossed together with zesty lime juice. Perfect for picnics, backyard barbecues, or even school lunches!
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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.

Southern Mustard Greens
Southern Mustard Greens slowly braised in smoked turkey, bacon, and chicken broth with a kick of heat from my homemade Creole seasoning makes a spectacular side dish. Serve them with homemade biscuits, cornbread, potatoes, or hot sauce, and you’ll have one soulful Southern meal on a cold winter even…
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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.

Macaroni Salad
If you’re looking for a dish to make for a cookout, potluck, picnic, or summer get-together, you can’t go wrong with classic macaroni salad with creamy mayo dressing. 
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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.

Sauteed Brussel Sprouts
Sauteed Brussel Sprouts – lightly charred and crisp on the outside and deliciously meaty on the inside flavored with garlic, butter, red wine
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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.

air fryer french fries with ketchup
Easy Air Fryer French Fries
These easy air fryer French fries are the best way to put your air fryer to use! You only need potatoes, olive oil, and salt for amazing fries at home!
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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.

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites) – Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Sweet, creamy, cheesy and a little bit spicy, this Mexican street corn salad is the perfect side addition to any dinner, picnic or summertime cookout.
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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.

Pea Salad
Simple Pea Salad is a delicious southern side dish that is filled with frozen peas, bacon, chopped red onions, and cheddar cheese.
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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.

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
These oven baked sweet potato fries are so addictive! Wedges of sweet potatoes, tossed with oil, sprinkled with spices, and baked at high heat until browned and crispy at the edges.
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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.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad gives traditional pasta salad an upgrade by adding crunchy pickles, fresh dill, and tangy pickle juice! 
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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.

Crispy Fried Onion Rings
We use this onion rings recipe as a burger topper to add an extra element to already fantastic burgers. These onion rings are also perfect for giving your salads a little crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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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.

Waldorf Salad
Waldorf salad is a traditional favorite made with sweet fruits like apples, grapes, and raisins. Add chopped grilled chicken for a light meal.
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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.

Sweet u0026amp; Spicy Peach u0026amp; Burrata Caprese Is A Summer Symphony
A peach of my heart.
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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.

Homemade Cornbread
Try this easy homemade cornbread recipe made using cornmeal, sugar, flour, butter, milk, and eggs for a southern-style side dish ready in 30 minutes or less! It's easy, inexpensive, and perfect for holiday meals.
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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.

Spicy, Salty Sesame Noodles Will Satisfy Your Nutty Cravings
Go nuts!
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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.

buffalo chicken dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is the perfect easy appetizer to enjoy in the crockpot or oven! Filled with chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch, and cheese for the ultimate Buffalo Chicken Dip to enjoy anytime!
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MORE SUMMER COOKOUT SIDE DISH RECIPES

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

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