22 Easy BBQ Side Dishes For Summer

Summer is all about barbecuing outside and enjoying the warm weather. The main dish is usually not a problem, but when I tend to get stumped when thinking of good BBQ side dishes to serve. This list are all of my favorite go-to summer sides that go with just about any protein and are easy to whip up, yet super tasty.

»Don’t forget the dessert! Check out these Patriotic Desserts for the 4th of July.

We’re outside almost every day in the summer cooking up something great for dinner, sharing an outdoor meal with friends and family, and just loving that we can cook on the grill once again.

If you’re looking for a great side dish to serve with your grilled steak or chicken tonight, this list will give you all the ideas you need.

If you have an Instant Pot, you can use it to make great BBQ dishes in half the time.

Easy Summer BBQ Side Dishes

Instant Pot Baked Beans

These sweet yet savory baked beans are the perfect side dish any time of year, not just at your cookout or BBQ.

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Easy Smoked Vegetables

These easy smoked vegetables are slow cooked on the smoker for about 45 minutes, until delicious smoky aroma and flavor is imparted.

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Creamy & Spicy Chipotle Coleslaw

This creamy & spicy Chipotle Coleslaw will add some heat to your favorite summer side dish.

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Bacon, Jalapeño, and Corn Salad

This easy-to-make bacon, jalapeño and corn salad is a great side dish, but it can also be served as a party appetizer or dip.

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Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese

This creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese is incredibly easy to make and turns out so creamy and cheesy.

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Classic Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

A classic Mexican street food, this corn on the cob is charred on the grill, then slathered in mayo, and topped with tangy Cotija cheese, chili powder and cilantro. 

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Corn & Black Bean Pasta Salad

This Corn & Black Bean Pasta Salad combines fusilli pasta with corn, black beans, bell pepper and cilantro for a Southwestern flair.

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Broccoli Salad

This salad is packed with fresh broccoli, bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds and cheese. It's a huge hit at barbecues and parties.

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Easy Instant Pot Potato Salad

This easy Instant Pot Potato Salad is the fastest, easiest way to make potato salad for your garden party or barbecue. It’s loaded with tender potatoes, eggs, and crunchy bits in a creamy dressing.

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Watermelon, Arugula & Feta Salad

Serve this Watermelon, Arugula & Feta Salad at your next outdoor barbecue to keep things light and refreshing, in a low-carb way that everyone will love.

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Easy Keto Greek Salad Recipe

This Keto Greek Salad is made with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, with a tangy olive oil-based dressing. It’s a light and refreshing salad that you can serve any time.

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BBQ Grilled Cauliflower Skewers

Make something different for dinner with these fun Grilled Cauliflower Skewers that can be served as an appetizer or vegetarian main dish.

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Easy Keto Grilled Radishes With Garlic & Dill Butter

These Grilled Radishes are the new hot thing this grilling season and a great side dish for your cookout. Toss aside the potatoes and get these little gems on the grill. You’re going to love them!

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Tortellini Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables & Goat Cheese

This tortellini pasta salad combines favorite summertime flavors including grilled vegetables, goat cheese, lemon and basil.

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BBQ Sweet Potatoes

These BBQ Sweet Potatoes are made with sweet potato rounds that are grilled with BBQ sauce. An easy healthy vegetarian recipe for grilling!

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Best Ever Rainbow Pasta Salad

Best ever rainbow pasta salad, loved by kids and adults alike! Filled with veggies and quick and easy to make it’s perfect for your next bbq.

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Spicy Lime Coleslaw

Spicy Lime Coleslaw is a delicious, easy side dish and everyone who likes lime will love this spicy coleslaw.

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Avocado Pasta Salad

This Avocado Pasta Salad is one that’ll be different from all the others on the BBQ table. It’s a creamy, bright, packed full of spinach and the perfect side dish for any meal.

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Italian Tomato Salad (insalata di pomodori)

This simple Italian tomato salad is a family favorite and a healthy side dish to pair with your favorite protein. Ready in just 10 minutes this fresh salad is a staple at any Italian gatherings

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Summer Grilled Corn Salad w/ Cilantro Lime Dressing

Fire up the grill, because you won’t want to miss this flavorful summertime favorite. This Grilled Corn Salad is colorful, refreshing and satisfying.

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Smoked Asparagus On A Pellet Grill

Smoked asparagus spears are a great vegetable to have as a side dish. A smoker takes this humble vegetable from boring to delicious!

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Looking for a great dessert to complete your meal? You might like this fresh fruit pizza, it’s always a hit.

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Angela Morris

Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.