Got the grill plans sorted but still deciding what goes on the side? These bbq side dishes give you plenty to choose from, including colorful slaws, golden cornbread and salads piled with summer fruit.
There’s even a pickle pasta salad if you want something a little different.
You can stick with the classics or mix things up. Pick a salad, add a vegetable dish and leave a little room for those loaded deviled eggs!
Read also: 20+ Easy Side Dish Ideas That Steal the Dinner Show
Side dish ideas worth saving
colorful creamy coleslaw
We’re starting off strong with this colorful bowl of coleslaw. I love the purple cabbage and orange carrot mixed through the pale green ribbons.
Everything has a creamy coating without hiding those pretty colors.
Serve yours beside a burger, or tuck a little into the bun if you like slaw on top.
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charred corn on the cob
Who doesn’t love corn on the cob at a cookout? The yellow and white kernels have dark char marks running across them, with green herbs scattered around the platter.
You really don’t need an elaborate presentation for this one.
saucy baked beans
If you’re looking for a classic to go beside your grilled food, go with baked beans. This batch is pictured in a slow cooker with plenty of reddish-brown sauce and a ladle ready for serving.
I’d pair a scoop with cornbread so there’s something to catch that extra sauce.
chunky potato salad
This potato salad may just be one of my favorites here. I love the chunky potatoes with little pieces of red onion and celery throughout.
The chopped herbs and black seasoning flecks make the top look just as inviting as the rest of the bowl.
Read also: 18+ Best Side Dishes for Ribs That Steal the Show
watermelon and white cheese
How pretty is this watermelon salad? The red cubes sit alongside white cheese, chopped herbs and a dark drizzle.
If you want to try a similar combination, choose feta and a little balsamic glaze. Keep the watermelon in chunky pieces to follow this look.
golden zucchini halves
I am obsessed with how golden these zucchini halves look. The cut sides have a crisscross pattern, browned edges and a scattering of grated topping and herbs.
Save this garlic-butter zucchini idea if your vegetable sides could use a change from the usual skewers.
creamy macaroni salad
Want a pasta salad that keeps things familiar? This one mixes elbow macaroni with pieces of ham, yellow corn and pale green chopped vegetables.
The creamy dressing coats the whole pile.
Read also: 20 One Pot Meals to Inspire Your Next Dinner
I’d serve it in a wide bowl with a large spoon rather than piling individual plates ahead of time.
golden skillet cornbread
That golden top is so inviting! The cornbread is cut into squares right in the skillet, with one piece lifted out to show the yellow crumb.
Honey and butter are pictured alongside it. You could offer both separately so everyone can finish their piece the way they like.
cucumber and tomato salad
Don’t want another creamy salad? No problem!
Try this combination of cucumber chunks, halved tomatoes and white cheese cubes. I love how the chopped herbs cling to everything.
For your own version, a lemon dressing would be a lovely place to start.
loaded vegetable skewers
If you are looking for lots of color, then this one is for you. There’s corn, zucchini, red onion, mushrooms, peppers and even Brussels sprouts threaded onto these skewers.
The little corn rounds are my favorite part. Keep them in mind when you’re choosing vegetables for your next batch.
broccoli slaw starting point
Don’t want to do all the shredding yourself? A bag of broccoli slaw is a simple starting point.
This photo shows the undressed mix, with long green shreds, purple cabbage and thin carrot strips.
You could toss yours with your favorite slaw dressing before serving. There’s no finished salad pictured here, so the dressing choice is yours.
pickle pasta salad
Calling all pickle fans, this one is worth saving! The little pasta shells are mixed with sliced pickles, orange cheese cubes and sprigs of dill in a creamy dressing.
I love the whole pickles sitting on top. They make it pretty clear what this bowl is all about.
sweet potato wedges
These sweet potato wedges look so good with their browned edges and generous dusting of seasoning. The skins are left on, with chopped herbs scattered over the orange centers.
A pale green dip sits beside them. Try an avocado dip with your own wedges if you want a similar pairing.
corn bean and avocado salad
There is so much to love in this bowl. Corn, dark beans, tomatoes and avocado are mixed with red onion, green herbs and crumbled white cheese.
If you want a colorful addition to your bbq side dishes, this is a lovely one to save. I’d put it beside grilled chicken or vegetable skewers.
grilled peach and berry salad
This may just be the prettiest salad on the list. I love the dark grill marks on the peach slices, especially next to the blackberries and blueberries.
The leafy greens are also topped with pecans and white cheese crumbles. Choose a wide platter like this one so the fruit doesn’t disappear underneath the leaves.
garlic butter mushrooms
If you love mushrooms, this garlic butter idea is for you. The whole mushrooms have golden-brown caps and sit in a glossy sauce with little garlic pieces and chopped herbs.
I’d offer these beside grilled steak, with a spoon for a little of that sauce.
bacon-topped deviled eggs
How good do these deviled eggs look? The yellow filling is piled high with bacon pieces, chopped chives and a dusting of red seasoning.
The toppings are my favorite part. Follow this presentation with rows of egg halves on a long platter.
vinegar coleslaw
Here is another coleslaw idea, but it’s a little different from the creamy bowl above. This vinegar version has pale cabbage, purple cabbage and carrot with a glossy coating rather than a thick dressing.
Save this one if you prefer a vinegar-based slaw alongside your grilled food.
little caprese stacks
How cute are these little stacks? Each tomato half holds a mozzarella ball with green sauce and a basil leaf on top.
A pick runs through the middle to hold it together.
For a similar serving idea, try pesto with a little balsamic glaze around the platter. I love how each portion stands on its own.
three-bean salad with herbs
Last but definitely not least, we have this colorful bean salad. Chickpeas, white beans and red kidney beans are mixed with celery, red onion and plenty of chopped herbs.
I love the generous pieces of celery in this one. It’s a nice option if you want a bean dish without the thick sauce.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Giulia