Our Favorite Summer BBQ Side Dishes
One of our favorite parts of summer is gathering with family and friends for backyard BBQs, neighborhood cookouts, family reunions, and evenings spent outside around the grill. Whether we’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, we always find ourselves reaching for the same tried-and-true recipes.
If you’re looking for summer BBQ side dishes, these are some of our favorites. They’re fresh, flavorful, easy to make ahead, and perfect for feeding a crowd. And if you want a couple more to round out the table, our Spicy Cucumber Salad and this easy fruit dip are always a hit at our cookouts.
Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy Caviar is one of those recipes that disappears every time we make it. It’s loaded with beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing that makes it just as good served with tortilla chips as it is alongside grilled chicken or burgers.
Southwest Pasta Salad
This Southwest Pasta Salad is always a crowd favorite. It’s packed with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and just the right amount of heartiness, making it a perfect side dish for everything from burgers to pulled pork sandwiches.
Teriyaki Spinach Pasta Salad
This has been a favorite for years. The homemade teriyaki dressing gives it a sweet and savory flavor that’s a little different from your typical pasta salad, and the fresh spinach keeps it light enough for warm summer days.
Harvest Apple Salad
Even though it has “harvest” in the name, we make this salad all year long. Crisp apples, candied nuts, cheese, and a delicious homemade dressing come together for a fresh side that pairs beautifully with almost anything coming off the grill.
Greek Pasta Salad
If you’re looking for something bright and refreshing, Greek Pasta Salad is always a great choice. Loaded with crisp vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and a flavorful homemade dressing, it’s a side dish that complements almost any summer meal.
Enjoy!
Whether you’re headed to a neighborhood cookout, a family reunion, a summer potluck, or simply grilling dinner in your own backyard, these summer BBQ side dishes are recipes we come back to year after year. They’re easy to prepare, easy to transport, and always a hit around the table.
If you have a favorite summer side dish your family makes every year, we’d love to hear about it. We’re always looking for another recipe to add to our summer table!
And do not forget something sweet to finish the spread. Our easy lemon cake mix cookies are the perfect bright, summery ending to any cookout.
XO -The Threads Between
