17 Summer Side Dishes That’ll Make You the Talk of the BBQ

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17 Summer Side Dishes That’ll Make You the Talk of the BBQ

At BBQ’s it’s the side dishes that truly elevate the meal and leave a lasting impression on your guests. Step up your game with one of these 17 show stopping side dishes!

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Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Watergate Salad

Pistachio salad topped with nuts and cherries.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This effortless Watergate Salad requires just 5 ingredients, making it an ideal make-ahead side dish. It’s pretty green color makes it a welcome sight at summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Texas Caviar Dip

Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.
Texas Caviar Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Also known as Cowboy Caviar, this classic recipe features a fresh and colorful salad with a hearty combination of black-eyed peas, beans, and vegetables in a sweet and tangy dressing. It is the perfect makeahead dip for cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar Dip

Broccoli Crunch Salad

A close shot of a fork full of broccoli salad.
Broccoli Crunch Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crisp raw broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon come together in this easy broccoli crunch salad, creating a delightful side dish that’s perfect for summer picnics and outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

Ramen Noodle Salad

Three white bowls filled with ramen noodles and vegetables.
Ramen Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Ramen Noodle Asian Salad features cabbage, veggies, and an Asian-inspired dressing, topped with crunchy ramen noodles. It is a great addition to any cookout menu.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad

Peach Caprese Salad

A plate of fresh salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, peach slices, red onion, and basil leaves, garnished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Peach Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Switch up the classic Caprese salad with juicy summer peaches in this refreshing, no-cook dish. This gorgeous salad is the perfect side for hot nights and outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Peach Caprese Salad

Cajun Pasta Salad

Cajun pasta salad of noodles with celery and bell pepper.
Cajun Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Add some excitement to your cookout with this Cajun pasta salad, featuring bell peppers, celery, onion, and a creamy remoulade-style dressing. This spicy side dish is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With its simple yet delicious ingredients, this creamy and sweet Amish macaroni salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish. It will be one of the first things to disappear at your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Chickpea Salad

Healthy chickpea salad in a blue bowl.
Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Loaded with fresh veggies, this simple chickpea salad is a gorgeous, vegan, and gluten-free side dish. It’s super easy to make and healthy alternative to other side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad

Pea Salad

Pea salad in a blue bowl.
Pea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This vintage pea salad, with its creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors, is the perfect make-ahead side dish for cookouts. It’s old fashioned flavor will bring back memories.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower

Amish broccoli salad with broccoli, cauliflower, cheese and bacon.
Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

In this delicious Amish Broccoli Salad, raw broccoli and cauliflower are coated with a creamy dressing and topped with cheese and bacon. It is a delicious combo of summer flavors for your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Amish Broccoli Salad with Cauliflower

Cherry Salad

Cherry fluff salad in blue bowls with whipped cream.
Cherry Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Beat the summer heat with this classic Cherry Salad, which is a staple at potlucks and cookouts. With just 6 ingredients, it takes only 5 minutes to make, making it a great last-minute side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad

Amish Potato Salad

Creamy potato salad with eggs and mayonnaise.
Amish Potato Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This creamy and tangy Amish potato salad, featuring mustard, sugar, and celery seed, is a classic side dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts or potlucks. No cookout is complete without potato salad!
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad

7 Layer Salad Recipe

Seven layer salad in a bowl.
7 Layer Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A staple of barbecues, potlucks, and church suppers, this traditional 7 layer salad has been a popular side dish for generations. It will be a surefire hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad Recipe

Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese topped with basil.
Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This classic Italian Caprese salad features juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. It’s fresh summer flavor makes it the perfect side dish for any cookout or outdoor gathering.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Orange Fluff Salad

Orange fluff salad in a bowl.
Orange Fluff Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Take yourself back in time with this vintage Orange Fluff Salad, featuring oranges, cottage cheese, Jello, and Cool Whip. This creamsicle-inspired side dish is a delightful addition to any cookout or holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Orange Fluff Salad

Blue Cheese Coleslaw

Top view of a bowl of coleslaw with blue cheese on top.
Blue Cheese Coleslaw. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This creamy and tangy blue cheese coleslaw puts a delightful spin on the classic recipe, making it a perfect side dish for your next cookout. The combination of flavors is sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw

Lime Jello Salad

Piece of lime jello salad topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Lime Jello Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Lime Jello Salad, a fun green dessert and an old-fashioned favorite, is the perfect addition to any holiday gathering or picnic. It’s a throwback dish that deserves a comeback.
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad

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