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Let’s be real—the main course at a backyard BBQ is cute and all, but the sides? They’re the real stars of the picnic table. Nobody’s lining up for just a plain burger when there’s smoky corn, creamy salads, and dips that taste like summer in a bowl waiting to be scooped.
BBQ sides are where flavor, comfort, and a little bit of chaos come together—half tradition, half “secret recipe” someone swears they invented. Basically, if your sides aren’t stealing the spotlight, you’re doing BBQ season wrong.
so here are my fav Backyard BBQ Side Dishes That Disappear First Every Time.
1. Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
Who said pasta salads have to be boring? This one’s a total crowd-pleaser with cheesy tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing that ties it all together. Think of it as the pasta salad’s fun, slightly bougie cousin.
2. Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
Not your grandma’s potato salad, babe. These crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside smashed potatoes are tossed in an herby, tangy dressing that hits every flavor note. Basically, they’ll disappear before the burgers are even off the grill.
3. Broccoli Bacon Salad
Okay, hear me out: broccoli, but make it crave-worthy. This salad sneaks in greens with crunchy bacon and a creamy dressing that balances health and indulgence in one bowl. The best part? Even the kids will be into it.
4. Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of sticky—these kabobs scream summer. Juicy pineapple and marinated chicken team up with colorful veggies for the ultimate skewer situation. They’re basically BBQ sunshine on a stick.
5. Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad
Veggie lovers, this one’s for you. Grilled zucchini, peppers, and broccoli cozy up with tender orzo and a punchy vinaigrette. It’s light, fresh, and makes you feel fancy without even trying.
6. Mexican Street Corn
Charred corn slathered in creamy, tangy sauce with a sprinkle of cotija and spice? Don’t even think twice—this side steals the spotlight every single time. Honestly, it’s not BBQ without elote.
7. Asian Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Bright, bold, and ready in minutes, this broccoli stir fry packs ginger-garlic magic and a glossy glaze that keeps you coming back for more. It’s the perfect “something green” without being, y’know, boring broccoli.
8. Three Bean Salad
It’s giving retro potluck glow-up. Crunchy, colorful, and coated in a zingy dressing, this salad is fresh, filling, and low-key addictive. Plus, it lasts in the fridge, making it the ultimate make-ahead side.
9. Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Five minutes, four ingredients, and all the summer vibes. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil with balsamic drizzle—it’s the side that looks fancy but takes zero effort.
10. Mexican Street Corn Guacamole
Creamy avocado meets smoky grilled corn, zesty lime, and crumbles of cotija cheese in this flavor-packed dip. Warning: double the batch, ‘cause one bowl never lasts long.
11. Mediterranean Salad with Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes meet briny olives, feta, and fresh dill for a side dish that’s hearty but still refreshing. Basically, it’s like your favorite Greek salad got a crunchy, golden upgrade.
12. Pounded Thai Corn Salad Recipe (Som Tum Khao Pod)
This isn’t your average corn salad—it’s bold, tangy, and packed with sweet-sour-spicy flavors that wake up your taste buds. Inspired by Thai street food, it’s a total flavor bomb that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
13. White Bean, Cucumber & Sesame Salad
This isn’t your basic bean salad—it’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with bold flavors thanks to sesame oil, sumac, and lemon. It’s light enough for summer but still hearty enough to hold its own on the picnic table.
14. Lemon Basil Rice
Sometimes the simplest sides win the whole spread. Fluffy rice, fresh basil, and a bright pop of lemon? It’s zesty, fragrant, and fancy without even trying. Pair it with anything off the grill and thank me later.
15. Lemony Arugula Pasta Salad
This pasta salad doesn’t play small—it’s loaded with arugula, olives, artichokes, roasted peppers, and beans, then topped with crunchy pine nuts. It’s tangy, bold, and perfect for anyone who wants a little “oomph” on their plate.
16. Buttered Corn
A summer classic, but with a creamy little twist. Scraping the cob gives you that magical “corn essence” that makes this dish buttery-rich without drowning it in cream. Simple, sweet, and low-key addictive.
17. Kimchi Cucumber Salad
Flavorful, crunchy, and fresh, this Kimchi Cucumber Salad recipe is a perfect addition to rice bowls, a spicy side to your Asian themed meal, or a wonderful vegan salad. It’s easy to make and loaded with flavor!
18. Luau Salad Made Easy (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)
Think mango, avocado, crisp veggies, and a salty-sweet wonton crunch that tastes like vacation. This is the ultimate backyard salad flex for summer.
19. Coleslaw
It’s not a BBQ unless there’s slaw, period. Creamy, tangy, and crunchy all at once, this version nails that balance of sweet and zippy. Serve it with pulled pork or pile it on burgers—it always delivers.
20. Simply Seasoned Spinach Salad with Sesame & Peanut
Spinach has never tasted this good. Tossed in a nutty sesame-peanut dressing, this salad is fresh, savory, and full of umami flavor. Basically, it’s the side dish that surprises everyone.
21. Tangy Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Bold, bright, and a little sassy—this red cabbage slaw packs crunch and tang that takes any plate from “meh” to “oh wow.” It’s vibrant enough to be the star of the spread, not just a sidekick.
22. Thai Pasta Salad
Packed with fresh veggies and tossed in a zesty dressing, this pasta salad is colorful, crunchy, and full of flavor. It’s easy, refreshing, and screams summer in every bite.
23. Red, White, and Blue Cheese Potato Salad with Bacon
Patriotic and delicious, this potato salad mixes creamy blue cheese, crispy bacon, and a rainbow of red, white, and purple potatoes. It’s festive, hearty, and guaranteed to steal the show at any cookout.
24. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Mac & cheese, but make it weeknight easy. Creamy, dreamy, and finished with a buttery cracker topping, this Instant Pot version is pure comfort food with zero fuss. Don’t expect leftovers.
25. Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
Fresh, juicy, and oh-so refreshing—this salad is summer in a bowl. Creamy yogurt dressing hugs crisp cucumbers and ripe tomatoes, making it the perfect cool-down side when the grill’s going strong.
26. Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
This isn’t just a salad, it’s the salad. Straight out of Beverly Hills vibes, with chickpeas, salami, mozzarella, and a tangy parm dressing. Fancy enough to impress, easy enough to throw together in minutes.
27. Carrot, Chickpea and Avocado Salad
Crunchy carrots, creamy avo, and protein-packed chickpeas walk into a BBQ… and basically steal the spotlight. It’s colorful, fresh, and gives major “healthy but fun” energy.
28. How to Grill Broccoli
Broccoli on the grill? Yep, and once you try it, you’ll never go back. Charred, smoky, and perfectly tender, this side proves that veggies can be just as crave-worthy as the burgers.
29. The Best Smoked Shells N Cheese
Mac and cheese, but leveled up with a smoky flavor that makes it taste like straight BBQ heaven. It’s creamy, gooey, and basically impossible to stop eating.
30. Mexican Coleslaw
Think regular slaw, but with a fiesta twist. Fresh cilantro, lime, jalapeño, and taco-seasoned crunch bring bold flavor to this BBQ classic. Spoiler: it pairs so well with tacos or grilled chicken.
31. Caprese Pasta Salad
All the vibes of a Caprese salad, but with pasta to make it even more filling (and fun). Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella pearls get tossed in a light dressing for the ultimate picnic plate.
32. Easy Corn Black Bean and Feta Dip
This dip is a triple threat: sweet, savory, and tangy all at once. Corn, black beans, and feta team up for a scoopable side that disappears fast—so, yeah, make a double batch.
33. Easy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe
Creamy, sweet, and a little tangy—this classic Hawaiian mac salad is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s a no-brainer side for BBQs, especially if you want something that tastes like sunshine.
35. Carrot Raisin Salad
Sweet, crunchy, and nostalgic in the best way—this carrot raisin salad is a total throwback, but with a fresh twist. It’s simple, refreshing, and always hits the spot on hot summer days.
36. Pistachio Fluff
Pistachio pudding, whipped cream, and fruit make this creamy “fluff” a retro side that still slays at every cookout. One scoop will not be enough.
37. Lemon Dill Potato Salad
This version swaps heavy mayo for a bright lemon-dill dressing that keeps things light, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s the classy cousin of the BBQ staple.
38. Orange Fluff
Tangy, creamy, and fluffy as a cloud—this orange creamsicle-vibing salad tastes like pure summer nostalgia. It’s light enough for a side, sweet enough for dessert, and loved by literally everyone.
