Juicy burgers and hot dogs may get top billing, but this spread of BBQ side dishes will surely steal the show. Each one of these salads, dips, or slaws is made with fresh summer produce or is grilled to perfection. From easy side dishes that’ll appeal to the adults to some kid-friendly sides that will make even the pickiest eaters happy, we’ve gathered our favorites that pair perfectly with any protein you like.
Looking for an easy pasta salad? Try out the fresh and flavorful zucchini orzo salad that makes the most of this star summer crop. How about a fresh veggie dish? Our Smashed Sesame Cucumber Salad is tasty! And for the beauty-factory? The Melon Mosaic recipe can’t be missed. Now all that’s left is to plan a decadent dessert.
While prepping your protein, why not toss your veggies on the grill, too? Served with cool, creamy yogurt and toasted pistachios, it’s a lovely, light side dish
This light (no-cook!) take on a game day favorite is the perfect addition to any summer menu.
This easy vegetarian side, flavored with lemon zest and dill, gets an extra hit of protein from the salty Greek cheese (haloumi!).
Sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh ginger add zing to cool smashed cucumbers.
The lemony, herby chutney and cooling Greek yogurt make this winter starch summer-ready.
While it makes for an epic dip (be sure to serve with plenty of chips), this bean, tomato, corn, and avocado salad is also a great BBQ side.
Turn your summer dinner into a Tex-Mex night with the addition of this fresh salsa, full of cilantro and spicy jalapeño.
Get the recipe for Easy Red Salsa »
Give grilled corn the star treatment with Mexican-inspired toppings like cotija cheese.
Flavorful capers give this go-to Mediterranean dish a serious boost of flavor, while a pinch of confectioners’ sugar balances the tartness for the perfect zesty bite.
Raw zucchini (a.k.a. summer’s finest veggie) gets “cooked” when added to the hot pasta. Bonus: it’s a cinch to make ahead of time and easy to double for a crowd.
No more boring boiled beans with this flavor-packed, high-fiber grilled vegetarian side dish.
Charring corn for this creamy side adds a summer twist to your go-to rich comfort food.
There’s something super satisfying about simple grilled veggies. Make ’em even better by pairing them with this sweet and tangy shallot-thyme vinaigrette.
Coleslaw doesn’t have to be synonymous with creamy. We added fresh pineapple to crunchy radicchio and the results were deliciously tropical.
Pop sweet onions on the grill until they’re caramelized, then toss them in a food processor for an addictive dip.
Move over, mayo: This delicious potato salad gets its flavor from creamy Greek yogurt and tangy Dijon mustard.
Just when you thought guacamole couldn’t get any better, we went ahead and grilled avocados. You’re welcome.
This summer melon medley is almost too pretty to eat. (We said .)
Two ingredients and 20 minutes later, you have a crowd-pleasing side that looks way fancier than it actually is.
Use yesterday’s stale bread as a delicious way to soak up all those delicious summer tomato juices.
This summer side dish has it all: smoky grilled eggplant, spicy fresno chiles, and a cooling yogurt drizzle.
Think outside the ramen bowl: Turn those delicious noodles into a flavor-packed side salad.
Classic caprese plus sweet summer corn and fresh juicy peaches equals just about the best salad ever.
Dress up broccolini with a sweet and spicy mix of honey mustard and red pepper flakes.
Shake up your pasta salad routine this summer by marinating summer squash to let their flavors shine.
Pile slices of juicy watermelon high with sweet cream and berries for a refreshing summer treat.
Say goodbye to fries: The most delicious way to eat potatoes this summer is to smash them.
Bring a pop of summer produce to ordinary slaw with the addition of crunchy sweet corn.
Slather ears of corn with spicy cilantro pesto, then grill them for an irresistible summer side.
Up the ante on boring old potato salad by subbing in tangy crème fraîche in place of mayo.
