Don’t just settle for the same old sides for your Memorial Day Cookout. Impress your family and friends with these 11 delicious recipes that are perfect for any barbecue or picnic. From cool and refreshing salads to smoky and flavorful grilled veggies, these sides are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser alongside burgers, hot dogs, and anything else you’re grilling up.
Vegan Couscous Salad
This couscous salad isn’t shy on flavor. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, each bite offers a burst of color, texture, and taste. Robust and filling, it’s a great side dish for any cookout, or even a satisfying main course for vegetarians.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Tender zucchini, squash, and tomatoes bathed in an Italian herb blend create a colorful and flavorful side dish for your cookout. This dish is sure to complement any grilled meal.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Sweet Potato Fries
Craving crispy fries without the guilt? Sweet potato fries are your answer. Baked until golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside, they satisfy your cravings for a healthier side dish perfect for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Veggie Pasta Salad
Summer bursts from this pasta salad with its fresh vegetables like corn and tomato. The sweetness is balanced by sharp feta cheese and a zesty Mediterranean dressing, making it a refreshing and flavorful side dish for your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Smoky chipotle butter transforms grilled corn into a bold and flavorful side dish for your BBQ. The smoky spice complements the sweetness of the corn, creating a crowd-pleasing combination.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
A simple Asian marinade unlocks the potential of baby bok choy, turning it into a smoky and unexpected champion on the grill. The char complements the baby bok choy’s subtle sweetness, making it a perfect side dish for any grilled item.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Baked Kale Chips
Need a healthy crunch? Baked kale chips are the answer. Simply bake kale leaves until crispy for a satisfying and nutritious snack you can enjoy on its own or alongside BBQ fare.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Tiny, protein-packed quinoa joins forces with juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumber in this refreshing summer salad. A healthy and satisfying choice for your cookout, it keeps you feeling full without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Bacon Deviled Eggs
Take your deviled eggs to the next level with this recipe. Packed with savory bacon flavor and a creamy filling, these deviled eggs will be a hit at your cookout, offering a delightful twist on a classic appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Skip the canned option and whip up these smoky and flavorful baked beans from scratch. Sweetened with a touch of molasses and bursting with savory spices, they’re the perfect sidekick to any BBQ feast, offering a hearty and comforting side dish.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Hearts of Palm Salad
Cool and crisp hearts of palm, juicy tomatoes, and refreshing cucumbers combine in this light and refreshing salad. A welcome addition to your hot day cookout, it will keep everyone cool and satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad