Labor Day is right around the corner, and it’s time to start planning the ultimate cookout spread! Impress your guests with these 17 incredible side dishes.
Broccoli Crunch Salad
This easy broccoli crunch salad, featuring crisp raw broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon, is a perfect addition to your summer picnic spread. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Amish Potato Salad
Amish Potato Salad, a creamy and tangy summer staple, is a must-have at cookouts and potlucks. With its classic combination of mustard, sugar, and celery seed, this side dish is sure to be a hit among family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad
Texas Caviar
This colorful and hearty Texas Caviar is a fresh and zesty salad that’s perfect for scooping with chips at your next cookout. The sweet and tangy combination of black-eyed peas, beans, and vegetables makes it a satisfying and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar
Pea Salad
Vintage pea salad, with its creamy, tangy, and sweet taste, is a perfect make-ahead side dish for cookouts and summer celebrations. Its familiar flavors and easy preparation make it a go-to choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Tortellini Pasta Salad
This hearty Tortellini Pasta Salad, loaded with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and pesto, is a filling and flavorful choice for picnics and cookouts. Its easy preparation and ability to be made ahead of time make it a convenient option for outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad
Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole
This attractive Zucchini and Summer Squash Casserole, featuring alternating layers of green zucchini and yellow squash, is a simple and delicious side dish for holiday gatherings and summer cookouts alike. With only 5 ingredients, it’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole
Amish Macaroni Salad
Amish macaroni salad, with its creamy and sweet flavor, is a crowd-pleasing side dish for your gatherings. Its simple yet delicious ingredients make it a perfect choice for cookouts and a reliable favorite among guests.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Watergate Salad
Watergate salad is an effortless 5-ingredient dish that’s ideal for making ahead for holiday gatherings or summer cookouts. Its creamy texture and nutty flavor will be a hit among both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad
Layered Taco Dip
This Layered Taco Dip is a flavor-packed, creamy, and savory appetizer that’s perfect for parties and outdoor gatherings. Its easy preparation and irresistible combination of Tex-Mex flavors make it a hit that will have guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Layered Taco Dip
Chickpea Salad
This simple chickpea salad, packed with fresh veggies, is a gorgeous and easy-to-make vegan side dish. It’s perfect for preparing ahead of time for summer cookouts and will appeal to a wide range of tastes.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad
Crock Pot Creamed Corn
Crock Pot Creamed Corn is a sweet, velvety, and comforting side dish that’s perfect for gatherings and summer cookouts alike. Let your slow cooker handle the work while you enjoy the creamy goodness of this classic recipe.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Creamed Corn
7 Layer Salad Recipe
This classic 7 layer salad has been a favorite at barbecues, potlucks, and church suppers for generations. Its elegant presentation and delightful combination of flavors make it a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad Recipe
Blue Cheese Coleslaw
This Blue Cheese Coleslaw puts a creamy and tangy spin on the classic recipe, making it a standout side for your next outdoor gathering. Its bold flavor and easy preparation make it a go-to choice for adding variety to your cookout menu.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
This classic Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole, featuring tender sweet potatoes cooked with brown sugar and topped with marshmallows and pecans, is a convenient and delicious side dish for summer cookouts. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the festivities.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
Cherry Salad
Beat the summer heat with a classic Cherry Salad. This 6-ingredient, 5-minute recipe is a must-have at potlucks and cookouts, and its sweet taste will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Salad
Peach Caprese Salad
This Peach Caprese Salad takes the classic recipe to new heights with the addition of juicy summer peaches, making it a refreshing and visually stunning side dish for hot weather cookouts. Its no-cook preparation and seasonal ingredients make it simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Peach Caprese Salad
Salt Potatoes
Salt Potatoes, a beloved upstate New York recipe, are a simple yet delicious side dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts and gatherings. These creamy, buttery, bite-sized potatoes are easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially when served with melted butter.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes