20 Must-Try Sides for BBQ This Summer

There’s something about a BBQ that just brings everyone together, and in our house it’s never just about what’s on the grill. I’ve learned over the years that the sides are what really make the whole meal feel complete. With three kids and a busy schedule, I like to keep things simple but still homemade, using ingredients I can grab without spending a fortune.

When I’m planning a BBQ, I try to mix in a bit of everything so there’s something for everyone at the table. I always include a few fresh, lighter options, a couple of hearty favorites, and at least one or two dishes that I know will disappear fast. It also helps to have recipes that can be made ahead, so I’m not rushing around at the last minute while everyone else is already outside enjoying themselves.

This collection is full of sides I come back to again and again because they’re easy, affordable, and always go down well. You’ll find plenty of simple salads, comforting potato dishes, and a few extras that make the whole spread feel a little more special. Scroll through and pick a few to try, and you’ll have a BBQ table that looks great and keeps everyone happy without a lot of fuss.

Fresh & Light BBQ Sides

1. Antipasto Salad

This is one of those sides I like to put out when I want something that feels a little special without making extra work for myself. It’s packed with bold, savory flavors and comes together with simple ingredients you can grab at any grocery store, which always helps keep costs down. I love how it adds a nice mix of color and texture to the table, and it pairs so easily with anything coming off the grill. It’s the kind of dish people keep going back to for just one more spoonful.

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2. Italian Chopped Salad

If you’re after something fresh that still feels filling, this one always works a treat. It’s loaded with crisp veggies, a bit of crunch, and plenty of flavor, so it doesn’t feel like an afterthought next to the grill. I like that you can prep most of it ahead of time and just toss it together when you’re ready to serve, which makes life a lot easier on busy days. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and always one of the first bowls to empty.

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3. Panzanella with Mozzarella

On warm days when you don’t feel like fussing too much, this is such a handy one to have on the table. It makes the most of simple ingredients, turning them into something really satisfying with hardly any effort. I love how it soaks up all that fresh flavor while still having a bit of texture, and it pairs beautifully with anything coming off the grill. It’s also a great way to use up bits you already have in the kitchen, which always feels like a win.

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4. Apple, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad

Sometimes it’s nice to have something a little different on the table, and this one always stands out. You get that lovely mix of crisp, creamy, and crunchy all in one bowl, which keeps every bite interesting. I like that it feels a bit special but still uses simple ingredients you can pick up easily, so it doesn’t push the budget too much. It’s a great way to balance out all the richer BBQ dishes and add a fresh, flavorful option everyone can enjoy.

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 3 apples
• 1 cup salad mix
• 10–12 small croutons
• 1 handful walnuts
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a small jar, combine the apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Secure the lid and shake well until smooth and fully mixed.

2. Dice the apples and place them in a large bowl along with the walnuts and salad mix.

3. Drizzle the dressing over the apples and greens.

4. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

5. Serve on plates and top with crumbled blue cheese, adding croutons or toasted bread slices for extra crunch.

5. Waldorf Salad

Every now and then I like to bring out something a bit more classic, and this always feels like a lovely change from the usual sides. It’s light, creamy, and has that little bit of crunch that makes it really satisfying without being heavy. I tend to make it ahead and keep it chilled, which takes one more thing off my plate when things get busy. It’s simple, affordable, and adds a nice fresh touch alongside all the grilled favorites.

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6. Chopped Grinder Salad

When I want something that feels a bit more filling but still nice and fresh, this is always a good one to add to the table. It’s got plenty of crunch and bold flavor, so it holds its own alongside anything coming off the grill. I like that it comes together quickly with simple ingredients, which makes it easy to throw together even on a busy day. It’s one of those sides that disappears fast because everyone keeps going back for another scoop.

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7. Watermelon Feta Salad

On hot days, I always like to have something really refreshing on the table, and this one does the job perfectly. It’s light, juicy, and full of bright flavor, which makes it a lovely contrast to all the richer BBQ dishes. I like that it takes just a few simple ingredients and hardly any prep, so it’s easy to throw together at the last minute. It’s one of those sides that feels a bit special but couldn’t be simpler to make.

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Slaws & Crunchy Favorites

8. Angel Hair Coleslaw

For something crisp and refreshing, this is always a nice one to add to the table. It’s got that light, delicate texture that works really well alongside heavier BBQ dishes, and it doesn’t feel weighed down at all. I like that it comes together quickly with simple ingredients and can be made ahead, which makes things so much easier on busy days. It’s the kind of side that adds a bit of crunch and freshness to every plate.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 (10 oz) bag angel hair shredded coleslaw mix
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed (if using), salt, and pepper.

2. Add the coleslaw mix and toss until everything is evenly coated.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

9. Red Cabbage Slaw

If you want to add a bit of color to your BBQ table, this one really brightens things up. It’s crisp, fresh, and has just the right amount of bite to balance out all those richer dishes. I like that it holds up well, so you can make it ahead and not worry about it going soggy. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and brings a nice bit of crunch to every plate.

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10. Collard Greens Salad

For something a little different from the usual BBQ sides, this is always a great one to include. It’s hearty enough to hold its own but still fresh, with plenty of texture in every bite. I like that it keeps well, so it’s perfect for making ahead and letting the flavors come together. It’s simple, affordable, and adds a nice change to the table without any extra fuss.

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Potato Sides Everyone Loves

11. Potato & Feta Salad

For a side that feels a bit more filling but still fresh, this one always goes down well. It’s got that lovely mix of soft and creamy with a little bit of tang, which works so nicely alongside grilled food. I like that it’s made with simple ingredients that don’t cost much, and it can be put together ahead of time without any stress. It’s one of those easy dishes that quietly becomes a favorite at the table.

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12. Sour Cream & Onion Potato Salad

If you’re after something creamy and comforting, this is always a safe bet. It’s full of familiar flavors that everyone tends to love, and it pairs so easily with anything coming off the grill. I like that it uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients and can be made ahead, which makes things a lot less hectic on the day. It’s one of those sides that disappears quickly because people keep going back for more.

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13. Potato Skins

For something a little more indulgent to add to the spread, this one always gets plenty of attention. It’s crispy, flavorful, and feels like a real treat alongside all the lighter sides. I like that you can use up potatoes you already have on hand, which helps keep things budget-friendly. It’s the kind of dish that gets picked at straight from the tray and never seems to last long.

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Pasta & Veggie Sides

14. Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad

For a side that feels light but still a bit filling, this is always a great one to have on the table. It’s full of fresh flavor with a nice, simple base that pairs easily with anything from the grill. I like that it comes together quickly and can be made ahead, which takes a bit of pressure off on busy days. It’s easy on the budget and always one people go back to for another spoonful.

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• ½ cup basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella
• ¼ cup black olives, sliced
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts, toasted (optional)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the orzo according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. In a large bowl, toss the cooled orzo with the pesto until evenly coated.

3. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, olives, and pine nuts. Toss gently to combine.

4. Stir in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Serve right away or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

15. Balsamic Grilled Vegetables

When you want something simple that still feels full of flavor, this is always a good one to add to the table. The vegetables turn nice and tender with a bit of char, and that rich, tangy flavor works so well alongside grilled meats. I like that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, which helps keep things budget-friendly and cuts down on waste. It’s easy, colorful, and adds a lovely balance to the whole spread.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
• 8 oz (about 225g) mushrooms (button or cremini), halved
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing if needed
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, such as parsley or basil)

Hearty & Comfort Sides

16. Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac & Cheese

For days when you want something a bit more filling on the side, this one always goes down a treat. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, so it holds its own next to anything on the grill. I like that it uses simple ingredients and can be made ahead, which makes things feel a lot more manageable when you’re feeding a crowd. It’s definitely one of those dishes that disappears quickly once everyone starts digging in.

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions, then drain it and set it aside for later.

2. Cook the bacon. In a large skillet or pot, cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate so it can drain.

3. Warm the chicken. Add the cooked chicken to the bacon drippings in the pan and warm it through for about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove it from the pan and set it aside with the bacon.

4. Start the sauce. Add the butter to the same pot and let it melt. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, to make a simple roux.

5. Add the milk and cream. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Keep whisking as the sauce heats and thickens, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.

6. Stir in the cheese and seasonings. Add the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Combine everything. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and most of the bacon to the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated and warmed through.

8. Finish and serve. Sprinkle the remaining bacon and the sliced green onions over the top just before serving.

17. Baked Mac & Cheese

Sometimes you just need a proper comfort side on the table, and this one never lets me down. It’s warm, creamy, and has that golden top that everyone goes straight for. I like that it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients and can be prepped ahead, which makes life a lot easier when things get busy. It’s one of those reliable dishes that always gets finished, no matter how much you make.

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18. White Chili Chicken Mac & Cheese

When you fancy something a little different but still comforting, this is a great one to add to the table. It’s creamy with a bit of extra flavor that makes it stand out from the usual sides, and it pairs really well with anything from the grill. I like that it’s filling without needing lots of expensive ingredients, which helps keep things on budget. It’s one of those dishes that feels a bit special but is still easy enough to make any time.

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19. Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake

If you’re putting together a spread that needs something hearty, this one always fits right in. It’s warm, creamy, and packed with flavor, so it really fills people up alongside all the lighter sides. I like that it uses simple, affordable ingredients and can be made ahead, which makes feeding a crowd so much easier. It’s the kind of dish that gets scooped up quickly and rarely leaves leftovers.

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20. Southwest Chicken Salad

For something with a bit more flavor and substance, this is always a great one to add to the table. It’s got a nice mix of textures and a little kick, which makes it stand out alongside the usual sides. I like that it’s filling enough to keep everyone happy but still fresh enough for a warm day. It’s easy to pull together with simple ingredients and works really well as part of a bigger BBQ spread.

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By the time everything’s on the table, it’s these sides that really pull the whole BBQ together. I like having a mix that feels easy to manage but still looks like you’ve made a bit of an effort, and this list does just that. Pick a few that suit your family and what you’ve already got in the kitchen, and you’ll have a spread that keeps everyone happy without making things complicated.