15 Memorial Day BBQ Side Dishes No One Ever Thinks to Make

Memorial Day BBQs tend to stick to the same familiar sides, but this is your chance to mix things up a bit. This collection of 15 Memorial Day BBQ side dishes brings in unexpected recipes that add fresh flavor and a little creativity to your table. When you want to serve something that stands out without making things complicated, you’ll find plenty of ideas here worth trying.

Frito Cowboy Cabbage Slaw

Frito Cowboy Cabbage Slaw is the kind of side dish that shows up once and suddenly becomes part of the regular rotation. It’s crunchy, a little tangy, a little creamy, and packed with bold flavor thanks to seasoned beef, crisp cabbage, and a handful of Fritos for that salty crunch. Get the recipe

Quick & Easy Cowboy Caviar

Quick & Easy Cowboy Caviar is one of those recipes you can throw together in minutes but still feel good serving anywhere. It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with a mix of beans, veggies, and a bright, tangy dressing that ties it all together. Get the recipe

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is one of those sides that grabs your attention right away. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with that unmistakable pickle flavor in every bite. If you’re someone who always reaches for an extra pickle on the plate, this is going to be hard to resist. Get the recipe

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad takes everything you love about a classic Caesar and turns it into a hearty, satisfying meal. You’ve got tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp romaine, and crunchy croutons all tossed in a creamy, garlicky dressing. Get the recipe

Green Bean, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad

Our Green Bean, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm weather dining. Packed with crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, and protein-rich chickpeas, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Get the recipe

Hearty Kale Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette

Hearty Kale Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette is a satisfying dish that blends wholesome greens with bold, smoky flavors. The tender, massaged kale pairs perfectly with the warm bacon vinaigrette, creating a salad that’s rich, savory, and packed with nutrients. Get the recipe

BBQ Cauliflower Wings

If you’re looking for a delicious twist on a classic snack that will impress both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, then BBQ Cauliflower Wings are your next must-try dish. This mouthwatering alternative to BBQ Chicken Wings offers all the smoky, savory goodness of traditional wings without the meat, making them perfect for a variety of occasions and dietary preferences. Get the recipe

Corn Lollipops with Cowboy Butter

Corn Lollipops with Cowboy Butter are the kind of appetizer that makes your whole party more fun. You slice the cob into thick rounds, grill them until they’re golden and slightly charred, and stick a skewer in each one. Then comes the best part: a generous brush of cowboy butter, that warm, garlicky, herby sauce, that’s just a little spicy. Get the recipe

Smoked Brisket & Cheese Dip

This Smoked Brisket & Cheese Dip is what happens when leftover BBQ meets game-day snack goals. It’s bold, melty, and built to feed a hungry crowd. Toss everything into a skillet, let it bubble in the oven, and you’re minutes away from something seriously scoopable. Get the recipe

Spicy Firecracker Shrimp

This Firecracker Shrimp is spicy, crispy, and tossed in a sticky chili garlic sauce that packs serious flavor. Each bite delivers a crunch on the outside and juicy shrimp on the inside, making it impossible to stop at just one. It’s quick to make and perfect as a bold appetizer on your game day or holiday snack table. Get the recipe

Cobb Salad Skewers

Cobb Salad Skewers take everything you love about the classic salad—crispy bacon, juicy turkey, creamy avocado, and hard-boiled eggs—and put it on a stick for the perfect party-friendly appetizer or light meal. Get the recipe

The Best Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

The Best Cheesy Ranch Potatoes recipe transforms simple yellow potatoes into a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. The combination of buttery potatoes, zesty ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese creates a comforting and satisfying experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get the recipe

Garlic & Herb Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Garlic and herb brie pull-apart bread is the kind of appetizer that disappears fast. A crusty round bread bowl is sliced into bite-sized pieces, stuffed with melty brie, and brushed with garlic herb butter, then baked until everything is warm, gooey, and ready to pull apart. Get the recipe

Olive Garden Salad

If you’re craving that classic Olive Garden Salad but don’t want to leave the house, this easy homemade version has you covered. It comes together in minutes with simple ingredients and a zesty dressing that hits all the right notes. Serve it up as a starter or make it a meal on its own. Get the recipe

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas

This delightful Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas recipe combines creamy ricotta cheese with zesty lemon juice and bright green peas, creating a vibrant sauce that beautifully coats this gorgeous pasta. Get the recipe