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!
Watergate Salad
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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