10 Barbecue Side Dishes So Good, They Outshine the Grill 🍴

There’s something magical about a summer barbecue—the sizzle of the grill, the buzz of laughter, and the smell of smoky goodness floating through the air. But let’s be honest… it’s the side dishes that secretly steal the spotlight. The juicy grilled corn, refreshing cucumber salads, and creamy classics are what guests go back for seconds (and thirds).

This blog is your go-to guide for side dishes that wow. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, beach picnic, or campground cookout, these recipes bring flavor and fun to every bite. From crisp veggie dishes to bold flavor twists, you’ll find easy ideas to impress without stress.

Let’s dive in and explore the tastiest barbecue sides that make every outdoor feast unforgettable.

Barbecue Side Dishes

Ready to serve up something unforgettable alongside those sizzling skewers and burgers? These side dishes are the real MVPs of summer barbecues. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to wow your crowd—whether you’re cooking at home, road-tripping in your camper, or grilling beachside under the stars.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter

Ingredients

• Fresh corn on the cob (1 per person)
• 2 tbsp softened butter per ear
• 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp chopped chives
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: grated parmesan, chili flakes, lime wedges

Instructions

1. Peel back corn husks without removing them, remove silk, then fold husks back over. Soak in water for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high.
3. Grill corn (in husks) for 15–20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes with corn holders.
4. Meanwhile, mix butter with herbs, salt, and pepper.
5. Once grilled, pull back husks, slather with herb butter, and sprinkle with optional toppings.

Pro Tip: Pack your herb butter in a reusable airtight container like the Stasher silicone bags to keep flavors fresh and eco-friendly.

2. Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta & Mint

Ingredients

• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Toss cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, season with salt and pepper.
3. Add feta and mint just before serving for max freshness.
4. Chill for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Serving Idea: This salad looks gorgeous in a clear serving bowl—perfect for a sunny BBQ spread.

3. Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, sliced thin
• 3/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place sliced cucumber in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 20 minutes to draw out excess water.
2. In a bowl, mix sour cream, vinegar/lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat cucumbers dry with a paper towel and combine with dressing and onion.
4. Chill before serving for best texture and taste.

Bonus Tip: Bring this to your next BBQ in a lidded glass bowl so it stays cold and travel-ready.

4. Zesty Pasta Salad with Summer Veggies

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rotini pasta (or bowtie)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup feta or mozzarella pearls
• 1/4 cup black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing
• Fresh basil to garnish

Instructions

1. Cook pasta, rinse under cold water, and drain well.
2. Toss with chopped veggies and cheese in a large bowl.
3. Drizzle with dressing and mix until coated.
4. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Time-Saving Tip: Use a compact pasta pot with a built-in strainer if you’re prepping outdoors or camping.

5. Simple Watermelon Feta Salad

Ingredients

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 2 tbsp chopped mint
• Optional: drizzle of balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Combine watermelon cubes and crumbled feta in a serving bowl.
2. Sprinkle with fresh mint.
3. Chill until ready to serve.
4. Right before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze if using.

Flavor Tip: This salad is sweet, salty, and fresh—perfect for balancing spicy BBQ flavors.

6. Tangy Coleslaw (No Mayo Option)

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cabbage (mix of green and red)
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, honey, and olive oil.
2. Toss cabbage and carrot with the dressing in a large bowl.
3. Let sit for 15–30 minutes before serving.

Make-Ahead Magic: This keeps well in a cooler bag with ice packs—great for road trips or beach BBQs.

7. Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites Style)

Ingredients

• 4 ears grilled corn (or 3 cups corn kernels)
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Grill corn until charred, then slice kernels off the cob.
2. In a bowl, mix mayo, sour cream, lime juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Fold in corn, cheese, and cilantro.
4. Chill for 10–15 minutes and serve in a small enamel camp bowl for a street-food vibe.

Flavor Boost: Add a few dashes of Tajin seasoning for extra zing.

8. Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges with Garlic Yogurt Dip

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dip: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt + 1 garlic clove (minced) + lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven or grill to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss wedges with oil and seasoning.
3. Roast or grill for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Mix dip ingredients and serve on the side.

Serve in: A divided bamboo tray to keep dips and wedges neat and easy to grab.

9. Peach Caprese Salad with Basil & Balsamic

Ingredients

• 2 ripe peaches, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Salt and cracked pepper

Instructions

1. Layer peaches, tomatoes, and mozzarella in a shallow serving dish.
2. Add basil, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Serve immediately or chill slightly.

Travel-Friendly Idea: Stack all ingredients in a leak-proof bento box for mess-free outdoor prep.

10. Creamy Macaroni Salad with Pickles & Peas

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/3 cup diced pickles
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp pickle juice (optional but yummy!)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Mix mayo, mustard, and pickle juice in a small bowl.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, peas, pickles, and onion.
3. Stir in dressing until well coated.
4. Chill for 1 hour before serving for best flavor.

Fun Twist: Serve in individual mason jars for cute and portable portions—great for glamping, picnics, or kids’ plates.

Next up: let’s explore the BBQ Sides Essentials—tools and items that make outdoor side prep easier, tastier, and way more fun. Keep scrolling to upgrade your summer spread.

BBQ Sides Essentials

Creating next-level barbecue side dishes isn’t just about the recipes—it’s about the experience. Whether you’re grilling at home, road-tripping with a camper, or setting up on a beach picnic table, having the right tools makes prep easier and cleanup faster.

Here are the essentials every outdoor foodie should have in their BBQ kit:

1. Cutting Board Set with Knife

Prepping cucumbers, herbs, or fruit salad on the go? A cutting board set with a compact chef’s knife saves you from juggling slippery surfaces. Look for boards with non-slip grips and a carrying case to keep everything clean and travel-ready.

2. Leak-Proof Mixing Bowls with Lids

Toss that pasta salad, store that creamy coleslaw, or marinate your grilled corn butter—all in the same bowl. Nesting mixing bowls with snap-on lids make it easy to prep ahead and transport sides safely without spills.

3. Collapsible Strainer for Quick Pasta & Veggie Rinse

Whether you’re rinsing off garden cucumbers or draining pasta at a campsite, a collapsible silicone strainer is space-saving and lightweight. Bonus: it works great in small campervan sinks.

4. Insulated Cooler Bag for Side Dish Storage

Keep salads crisp and dips cold—even in blazing sun—with a high-quality insulated cooler bag. Choose one with multiple compartments so you can separate chilled items from your dry gear or drinks.

5. Serving Tongs, Wooden Spoons & Reusable Plates

Skip the flimsy disposables. Invest in sturdy bamboo utensils and reusable dinnerware sets that look beautiful, last longer, and reduce waste. These also add charm to any picnic or BBQ table setup.

6. Bento-Style Containers for Pre-Portioned Sides

Hosting a big group or prepping for a picnic hike? Use bento containers to portion out watermelon salad, corn, or peach caprese ahead of time. It keeps servings tidy and fun to grab—especially for kids or road trip meals.

7. Outdoor Picnic Tablecloth & Spill-Proof Serving Tray

A colorful picnic tablecloth with weights makes even a campsite table feel festive. Pair it with a large, non-slip tray to carry multiple side dishes or drinks in one easy trip.

8. Compact Charcoal Grill or Portable Gas Stove

If you’re grilling corn or sautéing sweet potatoes fresh on-site, a portable BBQ setup is a must. Choose one that’s easy to clean and packs light—perfect for outdoor adventurers.

9. Herb Keeper or Zip-Top Bags for Fresh Flavor on the Go

Keep your mint, dill, or basil fresh with a herb keeper jar or stash chopped herbs in reusable zip-top silicone bags. It’s a simple upgrade that keeps your side dishes flavorful and vibrant.

Now that you’ve got the gear and the recipes, you’re ready to shine at your next BBQ—whether it’s by the beach, deep in the woods, or under your own backyard string lights.

Make Your BBQ Side Dishes the Star 🎉

Side dishes have a secret power. They turn good meals into great ones, spark conversation, and bring everyone back for more. Whether you’re scooping coleslaw under the stars, stacking pasta salad into bento boxes, or serving corn with a smoky twist—these sides add joy to every gathering.

Want more summer flavor and outdoor inspo?

Check out these next:

• Premade Camping Meals That Save Time & Taste Amazing 🚐
• Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes You’ll Crave Every Morning 🥔
• Off Grid Living Ideas That Will Inspire Your Next Move 🏕️

Pin this post now so you’ll always have fresh BBQ ideas at your fingertips 🍉🔥