The summer season is just around the corner, and that means the cookout season is here! Grilling meats, seafood, and vegetables is the staple of cookouts, but you can’t forget about the sides.
A good side dish can round out your meal and take it to the next level. Plus, sides are the perfect opportunity to show off your creativity in the kitchen!
So, if you’re tired of the same old potato salad and coleslaw, here are 38 easy side dishes to jazz up your next cookout.
38 Easy Sides for Your Next Cookout
1. Grilled Vegetables
Lightly brush vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and onions with oil and seasonings. Grill them on medium heat for a few minutes on each side until they are lightly charred.
2. Pasta Salad
Cook some pasta and toss it with your favorite veggies, cheese, and dressing for a delicious and filling side dish.
3. Watermelon Salad
Simply mix cubed watermelon, feta cheese, and mint for a refreshing and sweet salad.
4. Roasted Corn
For an easy and crowd-pleasing side dish, grill some corn on the cob with butter, salt, and pepper.
5. Baked Beans
Combine canned baked beans with bacon and onions and bake them in the oven for a savory and sweet side dish.
6. Fruit Salad
Cut up your favorite seasonal fruits and mix them together in a bowl for a healthy and colorful side dish.
7. Deviled Eggs
Boil some eggs, cut them in half, and mix the yolks with mustard, mayonnaise, and spices for a tangy and creamy side dish.
8. Cucumber Salad
Slice some cucumbers and coat them with a sweet and sour dressing for a fresh and simple side dish.
9. Caprese Salad
Layer sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil on a plate and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a classic Italian side dish.
10. Grilled Pineapple
Cut some fresh pineapple into wedges and grill them with a sprinkling of brown sugar for a sweet and juicy side dish.
11. Three-Bean Salad
Combine canned beans, diced onion, and a dressing of olive oil, vinegar, and honey for a filling and flavorful side dish.
12. Grilled Potatoes
Slice some potatoes thinly and grill them with herbs and garlic for a crispy and golden side dish.
13. Coleslaw with Apples
Toss shredded cabbage and carrots with thinly sliced apples and a sweet dressing for a crunchy and tangy side dish.
14. Grilled Asparagus
Grill some asparagus with olive oil and lemon juice for a bright and healthy side dish.
15. Mexican Corn Salad
Toss together roasted corn, cotija cheese, and chipotle mayo for a spicy and cheesy side dish.
16. Quinoa Salad
Cook quinoa and mix it with your favorite veggies, cheese, and dressing for a light and protein-packed side dish.
17. Sweet Potato Salad
Roast some sweet potatoes and mix them with cilantro, lime juice, and spices for a flavorful and colorful side dish.
18. Antipasto Skewers
Thread some olives, cheese, meat, and vegetables onto skewers for a tasty and easy side dish.
19. Potato Skins
Scoop out the insides of baked potatoes and stuff them with cheese, bacon, and scallions for a decadent side dish.
20. Tomato Bruschetta
Top grilled bread with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic vinegar for a fresh and Italian-inspired side dish.
21. Grilled Caesar Salad
Brush romaine lettuce with olive oil and grill for a smoky and flavorful twist on a classic Caesar salad.
22. Broccoli Salad
Toss broccoli florets with bacon, raisins, and a sweet dressing for a crunchy and sweet side dish.
23. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Marinate portobello mushrooms in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and olive oil, then grill them until tender.
24. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Toss Brussels sprouts with minced garlic, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese, then roast until crispy and delicious.
25. Mango Salsa
Dice ripe mangoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro, then mix them with lime juice for a sweet and spicy salsa.
26. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Wrap asparagus spears with bacon slices and grill them until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
27. Tabbouleh
Combine bulgur wheat with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, mint, and a lemon olive oil dressing for a fresh and herbaceous salad.
28. Grilled Avocado Halves
Cut avocados in half, remove the pit, and grill them briefly until they have grill marks, then drizzle with a balsamic reduction.
29. Honey Mustard Coleslaw
Mix shredded cabbage and carrots with a honey mustard dressing for a sweet and tangy coleslaw.
30. Cilantro-Lime Rice
Cook white rice with fresh cilantro and lime juice for a zesty and aromatic side dish.
31. Spinach and Strawberry Salad
Toss fresh spinach leaves with sliced strawberries, red onion, feta cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
32. Jalapeño Poppers
Cut jalapeño peppers in half, remove the seeds, and stuff them with cream cheese and cheddar, then grill until the cheese is bubbly.
33. Garlic Butter Grilled Corn
Grill corn on the cob and brush with garlic butter for a flavorful and savory twist on classic corn on the cob.
34. Greek Salad
Combine diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and Greek dressing for a refreshing salad.
35. Mushroom Risotto
Cook Arborio rice with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and chicken or vegetable broth for a creamy and rich side dish.
36. Hummus and Pita Bread
Serve store-bought or homemade hummus with warm pita bread for a simple and tasty side.
37. Sesame Ginger Slaw
Mix shredded cabbage and carrots with a sesame ginger dressing for a crunchy and Asian-inspired coleslaw.
38. Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Coat zucchini sticks with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then bake them until they are golden and crispy.
Final Thoughts,
There you have it, 38 easy side dishes to make for your next cookout! From classic salads to Mediterranean-inspired skewers, there’s a little something for everyone.
With these simple recipes, you can elevate your cookout game and impress your friends and family. So, fire up the grill and get ready for a delicious feast!
