Bring These 40 Summer Side Dishes to the Barbecue, and Watch Them Vanish

You know that moment when the grill’s going, the drinks are cold, and everyone’s circling the food table like hawks? That’s when you need to bring these summer side dishes to the barbecue—because they’ll disappear faster than the burgers. We’re talking fresh, flavorful, and totally crowd-approved recipes that go way beyond the usual potato salad. Trust me, these sides might just steal the whole show.

Tall And Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits-Southern Style

Classic Southern buttermilk biscuits are tall, flaky, and buttery with a perfectly crisp golden crust, they’ll melt in your mouth.
Get the Recipe: Tall And Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits-Southern Style

Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Ranch pasta salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon. — Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

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With all the classic flavors of creamy ranch dressing, salty bacon, and cheddar cheese, this ranch pasta salad is a refreshing crowd pleaser, the perfect summer potluck food.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Skillet Brown Butter Cornbread

Southern cooking at its best with Brown Butter Cornbread baked in a skillet using fresh corn and sour cream. Make it sweet with something unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Brown Butter Cornbread

Ham Pasta Salad With Ranch Dressing

A plate of creamy pasta salad with bowtie noodles, cherry tomatoes, peas, and cubes of ham, served on a blue-green plate with a light blue cloth underneath. — Ham Pasta Salad With Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Southern Plate.

This creamy and cheesy ham pasta salad recipe is the perfect summer supper, with tender smoked ham, fresh veggies, and ranch dressing.
Get the Recipe: Ham Pasta Salad With Ranch Dressing

Grilled Corn In Husk

Two grilled corn on the cob, classic easy grilled foods, sprinkled with chopped cilantro and pepper. The corn boasts visible grill marks and a slightly charred appearance, resting on a dark surface. — Grilled Corn In Husk. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Nothing says summer like grilling and corn on the cob, so this Grilled Corn In Husk recipe is the essence of summer flavors.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn In Husk

Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

This four ingredient Creamy Italian Pasta Salad is one quick spring pasta salad recipe. An easy creamy Italian dressing is a fast Alfredo pasta.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

A bowl of cucumber salad with onions and two serving spoons — Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This tangy Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and since it has no mayo, it’s perfect for warm summer days.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar

Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

A side dish of pesto pasta next to fresh parsley. — Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This easy parsley pesto pasta salad with walnuts is a great summertime salad and incredibly simple to make for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

A clear bowl of ranch potato salad. — Bacon Ranch Potato Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Ranch potato salad loaded with bacon, cheese and a sour cream ranch dressing is just what you need for your next potluck.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Cold Lemon Orzo Salad With Shrimp

A large bowl of shrimp orzo salad. — Cold Lemon Orzo Salad With Shrimp. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This cold lemon orzo salad recipe effortlessly marries shrimp, citrus, garlic, and fragrant basil for a quick and easy summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cold Lemon Orzo Salad With Shrimp

Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

A close-up image shows a skillet filled with creamy corn. A silver spoon holds a portion of the creamed corn, revealing kernels cooked in a luscious sauce and garnished with fresh herbs. The corn looks well-seasoned and ready to serve. — Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Rich, buttery Creamed Corn gets a homemade makeover with just four simple ingredients and 10 minutes on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

Tuna Salad Recipe With Pasta (Ready In 15 Minutes!)

A close-up of a wooden spoon holding creamy bowtie pasta salad with green peas, red onion pieces, and a sprig of fresh dill. The background shows a bowl filled with more of the pasta salad. — Tuna Salad Recipe With Pasta (Ready In 15 Minutes!). Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

This creamy Tuna Salad Recipe with Pasta is tangy, crunchy, oniony, and delightful! Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad Recipe With Pasta (Ready In 15 Minutes!)

Mexican Cornbread

Loaded with cheese, jalapeños, and corn, this hearty Mexican cornbread brings bold flavor to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cornbread

Easy Caprese Orzo Salad

This Easy Caprese Orzo Salad recipe is the perfect summer lunch. Click here for all of the details and the simple recipe!
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Orzo Salad

Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat

A spoon full of baked beans with hamburger. — Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These easy baked beans with ground beef are a perfect side dish for cookouts. Smoky with a sticky sweet sauce, they’re a classic.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat

Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches

A pasta salad with peaches, corn and tomatoes in a serving bowl. — Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This refreshing summer salad is made with fresh peach slices, sweet corn, juicy grape tomatoes, pine nuts, and your favorite pasta. It’s one of my go-to cold pasta dishes to beat the heat.
Get the Recipe: Summer Pasta Salad With Fresh Peaches

Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

A platter of green bean and potato salad. — Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Full of fresh summer flavors, this cold green bean salad recipe adds in tender new potatoes for a refreshing take on a classic summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad

A bowl of creamy macaroni salad with kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green peas, and fresh cilantro garnish—just like one of grandma’s favorite spring dishes. — Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Zesty Mexican macaroni salad with a creamy, tangy dressing, fresh vegetables, and a perfect kick of spice is a twist on a classic favorite of easy pasta salad recipes.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad

Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries

A clear glass bowl of corn salad with blueberries. — Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

You’ll love this Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries with a little cumin, onions and cilantro to give this a savory twist.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries

Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad

A close-up of macaroni salad topped with sliced jalapeños, crispy bacon pieces, and chopped green onions on a green plate. The salad appears creamy with a mix of pasta, vegetables, and dressing. — Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Spicy Southern Kitchen.

Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad has all the flavor of a jalapeno popper: bacon, cream cheese, and jalapenos! Makes a spicy, creamy picnic side.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad

Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

Delicious pesto pasta salad with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes in a glass bowl. — Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Easy to make basil pesto pasta salad with bow tie pasta is a flavorful, colorful side that’s great for summer picnics or cookouts. It’s one of my favorite easy pasta salad recipes.
Get the Recipe: Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

Crushed and Roasted New Potatoes

A smashed new potato being removed form a pan. — Crushed and Roasted New Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

Smash, roast, and crisp — these buttery new potatoes deliver bold flavor and satisfying crunch for your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Crushed and Roasted New Potatoes

Easy Salmon Pasta with Cream Cheese

Close-up of creamy rotini pasta mixed with flakes of smoked salmon, garnished with chopped chives, and a gold fork twirling some pasta. — Easy Salmon Pasta with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

This Salmon Pasta with Cream Cheese is a creamy, flavorful dish that is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s simple but feels indulgent & without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta with Cream Cheese

Tex-Mex Squash Casserole

A serving of cheesy casserole topped with sour cream and chopped green onions sits on a dark plate next to a fork. The dish, ideal for Cinco de Mayo recipes, features melted cheddar cheese and visible slices of jalapeño. — Tex-Mex Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

Bring a little spice to your table with this cheesy squash casserole that puts a Tex-Mex twist on a Southern favorite.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Squash Casserole

Sweet Broccoli Apple Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with pasta salad mixed with broccoli florets, red onion slices, carrots, and celery, with a serving spoon inside the bowl. — Sweet Broccoli Apple Pasta Salad. Photo credit: On My Kids Plate.

This broccoli apple salad is the perfect recipe for a summer potluck, party or BBQ. Apple cider vinegar and creamy yogurt make a delicious dressing.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Broccoli Apple Pasta Salad

Greek Cucumber Salad With Lemon Dressing

A bowl of Greek salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese on a white surface—perfect for spring recipes. Small bowls of olives and feta are nearby. — Greek Cucumber Salad With Lemon Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Looking for a quick and flavorful salad recipe? Try our Greek Salad with refreshing cucumbers and zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Cucumber Salad With Lemon

Classic Southern Macaroni Salad

Classic Southern Macaroni Salad is a summertime comfort food, which is great if you’re craving Southern flavors this summer.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Macaroni Salad

No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

Parsley being sprinkled over warm potato salad — No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This warm Roasted Potato Salad is not only great for your next potluck or cook out, but it’s perfect for a simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

Pesto caprese pasta salad is a huge hit at parties! Serve this delicious dish as a side, salad or appetizer. Fresh and done in 20 min!
Get the Recipe: Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

A creamy cucumber salad with corn in a glass bowl with a serving spoon — Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Jazz up your salad menu with a Corn and Cucumber Salad. The mixture of veggies in a creamy yogurt, mayo and dill dressing make it a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

A close-up of a bowl filled with tortellini pasta salad, featuring cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, salami slices, black olives, red onion, and fresh herbs. A spoon is partially visible on the right side. — Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

Looking for your next picnic or potluck dish? This Italian tortellini pasta salad is hearty enough to serve on its own or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes

oven roasted potatoes in a baking dish. — Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

Golden brown and perfectly seasoned, these roasted potatoes are a must for anyone looking for easy BBQ side dish ideas.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes

Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers

A large bowl of pasta salad. — Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This irresistible antipasto pasta salad is EASY to make with a simple homemade dressing, an Italian inspired pasta that’s great for summertime.
Get the Recipe: Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers

Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

A pea salad with cheddar cheese in a serving bowl. — Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This green pea salad is a Southern favorite that comes together in one bowl. Easy to make ahead, it’s flavorful with a touch of a spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

Mexican Corn Pasta Salad With Tomatoes

A bowl of creamy pasta salad with penne, corn, diced tomatoes, green herbs, and a creamy dressing, garnished with parsley. A fork rests in the bowl on a light-colored surface. — Mexican Corn Pasta Salad With Tomatoes. Photo credit: Talking Meals.

This Creamy Mexican Corn Pasta Salad is a comforting, creamy and smoky recipe that’s bursting with flavor and texture! Make ahead and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Pasta Salad With Tomatoes

Savory Green Beans With Bacon

A bowl of Green Beans with Bacon and Onions, topped with crispy bacon pieces and caramelized onions, sits on a light cloth napkin with serving utensils. A small dish of extra bacon crumbles is nearby for added flavor. — Savory Green Beans With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Green Beans with Bacon and Onions will transform a simple side dish into a FABULOUS one. Great for when you want to jazz up your vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Savory Green Beans With Bacon

Cold Rice Noodle Salad With Chicken

Refreshing and flavorful, an Asian cold noodle salad tossed with veggies, cold noodles, and lime dressing—perfect for lunch or summer dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cold Rice Noodle Salad With Chicken

Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos

Two plates of pimento mac and cheese. — Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Pimento mac and cheese is an easy, baked pasta dish made with zesty pimentos in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with even more golden cheddar.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos

Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad

A close-up of a bowl of rotini pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, spinach, bacon bits, and chicken pieces, on a checkered tablecloth. — Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Chicken Pasta Salad with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and bold flavors. Simple to prep and perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad

Classic Southern Squash Casserole

A scoop of a squash casserole. — Classic Southern Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

This creamy squash casserole is the nostalgic bake your family didn’t know they needed at the BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Squash Casserole

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