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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    21 Smart Side Dishes for Summer BBQs (That Aren’t Potato Salad)

    Published: Jun 18, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Potato salad always gets the invite, but sometimes I want something a little more exciting on the table. These side dishes for BBQs that are not potato salad bring fresh flavors, crunch, and a little creativity to the party. They’re the kind of sides people actually ask the recipe for—so don’t be surprised if they steal the spotlight from the grill.

    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

    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.

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    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

    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

    Wild Rice with Roasted Grapes

    wild rice with roasted grapes in a white bowl.
    Wild Rice with Roasted Grapes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This unexpected combo of nutty wild rice and sweet roasted grapes creates a show-stopping dish that’s packed with flavor and texture.
    Get the Recipe: Wild Rice with Roasted Grapes

    Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad

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

    This bright and herbaceous pasta salad is one of the best unique cookout recipes for hot summer days.
    Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto 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

    Mexican Cornbread

    Southern cornbread stacked on a platter.
    Mexican Cornbread. Photo credit: Butter & Baggage.

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

    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

    Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

    A bowl of creamy coleslaw with shredded purple cabbage, carrots, and herbs sits on a gray cloth napkin next to vintage silver utensils—perfect as one of your favorite dinner side dishes.
    Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    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

    Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

    Creamy macaroni salad with a wooden spoon.
    Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    A Southern-style macaroni salad made with a creamy mayo, sour cream and dijon mustard dressing. Mix with cheddar cheese to finish, and served chilled.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

    Skillet Brown Butter Cornbread

    Skillet Brown Butter Cornbread. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    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

    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

    Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and a Honey Yogurt Dressing

    A bowl of broccoli salad on a serving tray.
    Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and a Honey Yogurt Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Bagagge.

    A light and fresh broccoli salad coated in a honey yogurt dressing is just what you need for a backyard cook-out or to add to a holiday table. Make it a day ahead and add the dressing an hour before serving.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and a Honey Yogurt Dressing

    Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

    Baked macaroni and cheese in a round baking dish on a napkin with spoons.
    Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Poole’s Diner is a classic with a creamy base and crusty cheese on top. Comfort food at its BEST.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

    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

    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

    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.

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

    Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat

    A skillet of baked beans with ground beef with a serving spoon.
    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

    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

    Easy Fresh Green Beans And Mushrooms

    Easy Fresh Green Beans And Mushrooms. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Learn how to prepare fresh green beans and mushrooms that are crisp, not soggy, with these easy-to-follow steps and tips.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Fresh Green Beans And Mushrooms

    Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

    A close-up of a creamy pasta salad with black beans, corn, chopped onion, and fresh cilantro on a white plate, served with a spoon—perfect for adding to your list of Cinco de Mayo recipes.
    Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is fresh vegetables and pasta tossed in a Mexican chili lime sauce and served chilled. Delish!
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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    Cookout Side Dishes

    • Southern style Ranch potato salad in a glass bowl next to green onions.
      Loaded Ranch Potato Salad with Bacon
    • A scoop of summer squash casserole.
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    • A wooden spoon with a serving of macaroni salad.
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