The Only Salads You Need for Your Next Backyard BBQ

When you’re planning a backyard BBQ, it’s easy to focus on the grill, but you know the sides are what really round out the table. A great salad brings balance to smoky, savory dishes, adding freshness, crunch, and bright flavors that keep every bite interesting. These are the kinds of recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to all season long.

In this collection, you’ll find salads that are anything but boring—think vibrant veggies, bold dressings, and satisfying textures that hold their own next to burgers, ribs, and grilled chicken. Whether you need something quick to toss together or a make-ahead option that gets better as it sits, these salads are exactly what you want on your BBQ menu.

Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad

If you love the creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers, you’re going to want to make this Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad. It takes the classic comfort of potato salad and gives it a bold twist with smoky bacon, tangy pickled jalapeños, and cheddar cheese. Get the recipe

Spicy Watermelon Salad

When summer hits and watermelon is at its peak, this Spicy Watermelon Salad is the kind of dish you want to have on repeat. It combines juicy, refreshing watermelon with a kick of heat and a burst of fresh flavor. It’s a fun twist on fruit salad that comes together in minutes and makes a bold impression on the plate. Get the recipe

BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad

This BBQ Chicken Macaroni Salad is a great twist on a classic that combines tender macaroni with a medley of vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy BBQ sauce and mayonnaise-based dressing. Get the recipe

Creamy & Spicy Chipotle Coleslaw

This Chipotle Coleslaw incorporates chipotles peppers and adobo sauce to add smoky heat to a summer side dish favorite. Kick your coleslaw up a notch with this creamy, spicy dressing. Get the recipe

Classic Macaroni Salad

This Classic Macaroni Salad combines tender macaroni with a medley of vegetables, eggs, and a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing to make the perfect side dish for your outdoor cookout or picnic. Get the recipe

Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad

This Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad is a delicious dish that truly captures the essence of summer. This salad features juicy, caramelized peaches paired with creamy burrata cheese, fresh greens, and a drizzle of homemade vinaigrette. Get the recipe

Crunchy Cucumber Pasta Salad

Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing side dish that’s a perfect accompaniment to your summer main dish. You’ll usually see this salad without the pasta, which is fine if that’s how you like it, but we think the chewy pasta adds an extra tasty element. Get the recipe

Best Broccoli Salad Recipe

This Broccoli Salad combines fresh broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits in a creamy homemade dressing.  It’s a barbecue party staple that proves to be a crowd favorite every time. There’s just something about the flavor combination that makes it an irresistible salad. Get the recipe

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.  It’s always a favorite and gets eaten up quickly. It’s no wonder, because it combines all the great Southwestern flavors in one bowl, with a creamy sauce that ties it all together. Get the recipe

Zesty Pasta Salad

This Zesty Instant Pot Pasta Salad is packed with fresh vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a breeze to make with the help of your Instant Pot. What’s great about this pasta salad is that you can customize it with any veggies according to what you like or have on hand. Get the recipe

Smashed Cucumber Salad with Chili Oil

Smashed Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and tangy dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a flavorful dressing made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil. Perfect as a light side dish or a palate-cleansing appetizer, this salad is easy to prepare and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Get the recipe

Herby Potato Salad with Pistachios

Herby Potato Salad with Pistachios is a vibrant and fresh take on the classic potato salad. This recipe combines tender potatoes, a medley of fresh herbs, and crunchy pistachios, all tossed in a tangy lemon dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a flavorful side dish for any meal. Get the recipe

Mexican Street Corn Salad

You’ll love this Mexican Street Corn Salad, packed with grilled corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a zesty lime flavor. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked just like I was! Get the recipe

Pesto Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon

Pesto Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon is a departure from your typical pasta salad and we love it! It’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a satisfying side dish for any meal. The combination of creamy pesto, smoky bacon, and tender pasta creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Get the recipe

Warm & Herby Potato Salad

Warm potato salad is a nice change from the creamy versions you usually see at picnics and barbecues. This Warm & Herby Potato Salad is tossed in a simple vinegar and mustard dressing that soaks into the potatoes while they’re hot. Get the recipe