Long weekends and sunny afternoons basically beg for grilled goodness, chilled drinks, and a laid-back vibe. If you’re trying to plan the perfect BBQ without being stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun, make-ahead recipes are the move. From juicy mains to easy sides and desserts, getting a jump on prep means more time to kick back and enjoy. Trust—your future self (and your hungry guests) will thank you.
Easy Overnight 7 Layer Salad – It’s a Classic
With its gorgeous rows of colors and bright flavors, this classic Southern seven-layer salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for bbq parties. Served in a clear glass bowl that showcases all the beautiful colors.
Get the Recipe: Classic 7 Layer Salad
Spicy Peach Coleslaw Without Mayonnaise
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Spicy Peach Coleslaw without Mayonnaise is a classic summer salad with peach dressing that delivers a fresh variation you’re going to love.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Peach Coleslaw Without Mayonnaise
Bourbon Bbq Pulled Chicken
Before you fire up the grill, you may want to entertain your guests with this classic appetizer, it makes for the best sliders! You can make this ahead of your bbq.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Bbq Pulled Chicken
Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers
This irresistible antipasto pasta salad is EASY to make with a simple homemade dressing, an Italian inspired pasta that’s great to make ahead for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers
Sweet Corn Casserole
With its golden crust and creamy center, this corn casserole is a comforting side dish for any summer table. Prepare it in advance and serve it as a cold casserole recipe or warm from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn Casserole
Corn And Peach Salsa
Fresh peaches, tomatoes and corn are combined for a fresh and healthy salsa. Corn and Peach Salsa is a perfect summer appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Corn And Peach Salsa
Green Bean Casserole with Mushroom Cream Sauce
Fresh green beans and homemade mushroom sauce take this holiday classic to the next level. A great choice for summer casseroles that offer both freshness and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Mushroom Cream Sauce
Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar
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
Zucchini Pasta Salad With Balsamic Vinegar
Pull out the spiralizer and make a refreshing Zucchini Salad with Balsamic Vinegar with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and zoodles.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pasta Salad With Balsamic Vinegar
Southern Squash Casserole
With tender squash, a cheesy filling, and crispy topping, this is a true Southern comfort dish. It’s a standout among cold casserole recipes perfect for backyard gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Southern Squash Casserole
Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk
Looking for a mouthwatering red cabbage coleslaw recipe? Try our quick and easy Southern dish that is perfect for busy cooks. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk
10-Minute Cream Cheese, Cocktail Sauce & Shrimp Dip
This 10-minute appetizer recipe layers cold cream cheese, jarred cocktail sauce,and pre-cooked shrimp. Top with grated cheddar cheese, and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Cream Cheese, Cocktail Sauce & Shrimp Dip
Corn And Cucumber Salad With Greek Yogurt
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
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
Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat
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
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
Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad
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
Tomato Salad With Peaches
Fresh Peach and Tomato Salad can’t be beat when summer produce is at its best. Try combining fresh peaches with juicy tomatoes, then sprinkle with salty feta for a light and refreshing summer salad
Get the Recipe: Tomato Salad With Peaches
Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto
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
Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries
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
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