Cookouts aren’t just about the grill. The sides have a way of turning casual gatherings into unforgettable meals, and these 17 recipes prove it. From dishes that keep the conversation going to ones that disappear before you grab seconds, they know how to hold their own. If sides could talk, they’d be bragging about how essential they are and honestly, they’re not wrong.
Chicken Caesar Salad
You know that easy go-to dish that’s always a hit? Chicken Caesar Salad is one that fits the bill, with its balance of greens and protein, packing every bite. It’s simple yet always manages to bring people back for seconds, making it an MVP at any cookout. Pair it with any main, and you’ve got a guaranteed crowd-pleaser on your hands.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots
If you’re looking for something with a little more flair, try Smoky Bacon Pig Shots, which deliver bold flavors in bite-sized portions. These little creations ensure each piece is packed with a savory kick. They’re easy to grab and disappear quickly from the table. Perfect for keeping folks happy between grilling up the mains.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots
Mango Shrimp Salad
Craving something light yet satisfying on the side? Mango Shrimp Salad brings a fresh twist to any cookout with a mix of refreshing and hearty bites. It’s an ideal way to mix things up with a seafood option that feels just right. Great whether you serve it alongside grilled dishes or let it steal the show on its own.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad
Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes
Think hearty but with a creative twist, and you’ll land on Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes. They bring a fun way to enjoy the classics, with a side that’s not too common but hits the right notes. Offering both comfort and a slight switch-up, they fit perfectly into any lineup. Trust me, people will be talking about it long after the cookout ends.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes
Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip
Need a side with dip-worthy flavor? Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip is that creamy option destined to have people parked by the appetizer table. It’s the kind of thing people just keep coming back for, no matter how much is left on their plate. Put it out for sharing, and wait for the compliments to roll in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Bacon Ranch Crack Dip
Grilled Asparagus
Sometimes, keeping it straightforward is the best approach, like with Grilled Asparagus, which brings just the right balance of smoky and fresh. It’s a quick serve that rounds out heavier dishes, whether meat or sides. The natural flavor shines through without much going on. It’s simple, delicious, and it gets the job done.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Mediterranean Salad
Want to add something with a bit of variety? Mediterranean Salad shakes up the table with its mix of fresh and hearty elements. It’s always a welcome break from the usual sides without being too over the top. Even those who aren’t big on salads tend to give this one a try and usually go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salad
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Cookouts need something versatile, and Grilled Chicken Kabobs check all the right boxes. Juicy and easy to handle, they’re perfect for mixing with other dishes. Plus, people love that they’re fun to eat and customizable at the grill. A sure-win to keep both picky and adventurous eaters happy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Remember to include Spinach Artichoke Dip when you want a creamy, shareable option. It holds its spot as a side, filling in the gaps while people wait for the main dishes. This one pairs well with nearly any type of bread or chip. Creamy bites like this tend to get repeat visits during any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip
Egg Salad
Sometimes you just need something easy, and Egg Salad keeps it simple without feeling boring. It’s familiar, reliable, and pairs well with pretty much anything else on the table. Whether you toss it on bread or serve it in a bowl, it always gets some attention. Great for filling in the gaps at your cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad
Grilled Peppers
If you want something colorful, Grilled Peppers add a bright touch to the mix and go well with almost everything. They’re quick to cook and offer bold flavors without stealing the spotlight. Serve them on their own or mix them with other veggies to stretch your options. Either way, you can never go wrong tossing them on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers
Cowboy Caviar
Need a no-fuss option to please both kids and adults? Cowboy Caviar brings a hearty mix of textures that makes it a favorite at any cookout. It holds up well on the table for hours, which is a huge plus for long gatherings. Just put it in a big bowl, and watch how fast people finish it off.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar
Grilled Corn on the Cobb
When your cookout feels incomplete, Grilled Corn on the Cobb is the answer everyone expects and wants. Served with simple additions or as-is, it becomes a go-to side that fits into any lineup. Its smoky flavor adds a nice contrast to the other dishes you serve. Let’s be honest: no one skips it when it’s done right.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cobb
Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad
This is for the guests looking for something unexpected but still familiar. For something refreshing, Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad is a creative choice that keeps things interesting. It’s light, contrasts well with heavier dishes, and brings a nice variety to the table. It’s the kind of dish that gets people asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad
Mexican Rice
When you need a hearty side that complements grilled dishes, Mexican Rice is a great addition to the table. Its flavors work well with almost anything, making it versatile for mixed plates. Easy to prepare yet always appreciated, it’s a side that rarely goes untouched. Make extra, because people usually go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Cookouts always seem more complete with a dish like Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies that feels both familiar and fresh. It’s a side you can make ahead of time and know it’ll disappear fast. The mix of textures brings a little extra variety to the lineup, balancing out the heavier options. A reliable option that never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Hawaiian Baked Beans
For a sweet-meets-hearty vibe, Hawaiian Baked Beans are hard to beat and fit effortlessly on any buffet table. They go well with grilled mains while offering something a little different from your standard sides. Guests love the twist they bring while still feeling like a classic choice. A side like this lets you try something new while keeping it familiar.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans
