Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookout side dishes are the perfect complement to any summer barbecue. From fresh salads to creamy classics and bold, smoky flavors, each dish brings vibrant taste, texture, and seasonal flair to your outdoor gatherings. They’re easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for pairing with grilled meats or veggie mains.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
corn on the cobpotatoesmayonnavinegarDijon mustardfresh dillred onioncelerybell pepperscherry tomatoescucumberspastaelbow macaroniolive oillemon juicegarlicherbs (parsley, basil, cilantro)crumbled feta or shredded cheddarblack beansavocado
directions
Classic Potato Salad
Boil peeled and cubed potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
Mix mayonnaise, a splash of vinegar, Dijon mustard, chopped red onion, celery, and dill in a large bowl.
Fold in the potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Chill before serving.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Peel back husks without removing them and remove the silk.
Brush corn with melted butter, sprinkle with salt, then pull husks back over the corn.
Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred.
Summer Pasta Salad
Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water.
Combine chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion in a bowl.
Toss with pasta, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and feta. Chill before serving.
Black Bean and Avocado Salad
Rinse and drain black beans. Dice avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
Combine all in a bowl with lime juice and olive oil. Gently mix and season with salt and pepper.
Creamy Macaroni Salad
Cook elbow macaroni, rinse and cool.
Stir together mayonnaise, a little mustard, vinegar, and sugar.
Mix with chopped bell peppers, celery, and onions. Add macaroni and mix well. Chill before serving.
Servings and timing
These recipes collectively serve about 12-15 guests.Preparation time: 20-30 minutes per dishChilling time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (for cold dishes)Grilling time (for corn): 10-15 minutesTotal time: varies per dish, average 45-60 minutes
Variations
Add crumbled bacon to the potato salad for a smoky crunch.
Use grilled vegetables in the pasta salad for more charred flavor.
Swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in creamy salads for a lighter option.
Try fresh mango or pineapple in the black bean salad for a sweet kick.
Top grilled corn with cotija cheese and chili powder for a Mexican street corn twist.
storage/reheating
Store cold salads in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Do not freeze creamy salads as the texture will break down.Grilled corn can be refrigerated and reheated briefly on a grill or microwave.
FAQs
Can I make these sides ahead of time?
Yes, most can be made the day before and stored chilled.
Are these dishes vegetarian?
Yes, all are vegetarian. Some are also vegan or can be made vegan with small swaps.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta for the salads that require it.
How do I keep salads cold at a cookout?
Use a cooler with ice packs or place serving bowls over ice trays.
What herbs work best for summer flavor?
Parsley, basil, dill, and cilantro add the freshest taste.
Do I have to chill the pasta salad?
Yes, it helps the flavors meld and keeps it refreshing.
What’s a dairy-free alternative to cheese in the pasta salad?
Try olives or roasted nuts for added flavor and texture.
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?
Yes, but grilling fresh corn gives the best taste.
Is it safe to leave these dishes out in the sun?
No. Keep cold dishes chilled and don’t leave out for more than 2 hours.
What protein can I add to make them a full meal?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work well as add-ins.
Conclusion
These cookout side dishes for summer are flavorful, refreshing, and easy to prepare—making them essential for any barbecue or picnic spread. Whether you’re craving creamy classics or fresh veggie-forward fare, there’s a side dish here to satisfy every guest. Serve them alongside your grilled favorites and enjoy the sunshine with great food and company.
Print
Cookout Side Dishes for Summer
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8-10
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A collection of vibrant and delicious cookout side dishes perfect for summer gatherings, from fresh salads to savory grilled veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen and thawed)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, corn, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Chill before serving.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and cool. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, celery, and red bell pepper. Combine with the macaroni and mix well. Chill for 1 hour before serving.
- In a serving bowl, combine watermelon, feta cheese, and mint. Drizzle with lime juice and gently toss. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, in-season produce for the best flavor.
- You can make the pasta salad a day ahead for convenience.
- Add grilled vegetables or beans to enhance variety and nutrition.
- Watermelon salad is best served fresh to avoid excess wateriness.