As the summer season approaches, the excitement builds for outdoor gatherings and cookouts. While grilling is a mainstay of these events, it’s often the sides that bring everything together. With so many options available, there’s no reason to settle for the same old recipes. Instead, why not use the opportunity to get creative in the kitchen? Here are 38 easy side dishes to help you shake things up and take your next cookout to the next level.
38 Easy Sides for Your Next Cookout
Grilled Vegetables
To add smoky depth to your roasted vegetables, start by giving bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and onions a light coating of oil and your desired seasonings. Then, place them on the grill over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they develop a subtle charred flavor and slightly caramelized texture.
Pasta Salad
Transforming a humble plate of pasta into a satisfying side dish is as easy as tossing cooked noodles with an assortment of sautéed vegetables, melted cheese, and a drizzle of dressing. The harmonious blend of textures and flavors creates a delightful accompaniment to any meal.
Watermelon Salad
To create a revitalizing summer salad, combine diced watermelon with crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint leaves. The sweetness of the watermelon pairs harmoniously with the tanginess of the feta, while the cooling effect of the mint adds a delightful surprise to each bite.
Roasted Corn
When it comes to creating a mouthwatering and straightforward side dish that’s sure to please a crowd, few options compare to the classic combination of grilled corn on the cob slathered in butter, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Baked Beans
Transforming humble canned baked beans into a rich, harmonious side dish is as simple as combining them with crispy bacon and sautéed onions, then allowing them to meld together in a warm oven. This unexpected fusion of flavors yields a delightfully savory and sweet accompaniment that’s sure to elevate your next meal.
Fruit Salad
Transform the flavors and textures of your favorite seasonal fruits by combining them into a vibrant and nutritious side dish. Simply cut up the fruits, whether they’re juicy berries, crunchy apples or succulent peaches, and mix them together in a bowl to create a delightful and refreshing accompaniment.
Deviled Eggs
Transform boiled eggs into a flavorful accompaniment by halving them and combining their yolks with a medley of condiments, including mustard, mayonnaise, and seasonings. The resulting mixture is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its harmonious blend of tanginess and creaminess.
Cucumber Salad
For a light and refreshing addition to your meal, try thinly slicing some cucumbers and tossing them in a tangy sweet and sour dressing. This easy-to-make side dish requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor.
Caprese Salad
Arrange sliced tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant fresh basil on a plate in a harmonious union. To elevate the flavors, add a drizzle of rich olive oil and a splash of aged balsamic vinegar, creating a timeless Italian-inspired side dish that’s sure to delight.
Grilled Pineapple
Indulge your taste buds by transforming fresh pineapple into a delectable side dish. Simply slice the fruit into wedges, then infuse its natural sweetness with a sprinkle of brown sugar. As you grill these morsels, the caramelized sugar will mingle with the juicy pineapple to create a matchless combination that’s sure to delight.
Three-Bean Salad
To create a satisfying and savory side dish, blend together canned beans, finely chopped onion, and a rich vinaigrette comprising olive oil, vinegar, and a hint of sweetness from honey.
Grilled Potatoes
For a delectable and visually appealing side dish, slice potatoes into thin strips and then grill them alongside aromatic herbs like thyme or rosemary and pungent garlic until they reach a satisfying crispiness and golden hue.
Coleslaw with Apples
Combine the textures of shredded cabbage, carrots, and thinly sliced apples by tossing them together. Add a touch of sweetness to balance out the crunch with a thoughtful dressing, creating a harmonious blend that’s both tangy and satisfying as a side dish.
Grilled Asparagus
For a vibrant and nutritious accompaniment to your meal, simply brush asparagus spears with a mixture of rich olive oil and tangy lemon juice before grilling. This effortless approach yields a deliciously balanced flavor profile that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Mexican Corn Salad
Combine the sweetness of roasted corn with the creaminess of chipotle mayo and the tanginess of crumbled cotija cheese to create a flavorful and slightly spicy accompaniment that’s sure to please.
Quinoa Salad
For a nutritious and satisfying side dish, cook quinoa and combine it with an assortment of colorful vegetables, melted cheese, and a tangy dressing. This flavorful combination not only provides a boost of protein but also offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
Sweet Potato Salad
Transform roasted sweet potatoes into a vibrant and aromatic side dish by combining them with fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, and an assortment of spices. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will elevate any meal.
Antipasto Skewers
Elevate your mealtime by combining an assortment of flavors and textures on skewers. Simply thread together juicy olives, rich cheese, savory meats, and crisp vegetables to create a delectable and effortless side dish that’s sure to please.
Potato Skins
Indulge in a rich and savory side dish by hollowing out baked potatoes and filling their interior with an irresistible blend of melted cheese, crispy bacon, and pungent scallions. The perfect combination that will elevate any meal to new heights.
Tomato Bruschetta
Elevate your mealtime with the simplicity of grilled bread topped with a vibrant medley of flavors. The combination of tender diced tomatoes, pungent garlic, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a harmonious blend that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed hills of Italy. This effortless yet satisfying side dish is sure to delight both you and your dinner companions.
Grilled Caesar Salad
Transform the humble romaine lettuce into a culinary masterpiece by brushing it with a generous amount of olive oil and then grilling it to perfection. The resulting smoky flavor adds a depth and complexity to the classic Caesar salad, elevating it from a simple side dish to a show-stopping main event.
Broccoli Salad
Indulge your senses with the harmonious fusion of textures and flavors as you combine crispy bacon, plump raisins, and tender broccoli florets in a sweet and tangy dressing. This unexpected trio creates a delightful contrast that will leave you craving more.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Transforming the earthy flavor of portobello mushrooms requires a thoughtful approach. Begin by creating a marinade consisting of a tangy blend of balsamic vinegar, pungent garlic, and rich olive oil. Allow the mixture to work its magic on the mushrooms, tenderizing them until they’re perfectly grilled.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
To bring out the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts, toss them with a mixture of minced garlic, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Then, transfer the mixture to a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
Mango Salsa
To craft a tangy and tantalizing salsa, combine the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes with the pungency of diced red onion, the subtle kick of jalapeño peppers, and the freshness of cilantro. As you mix these ingredients together, don’t forget to add a squeeze of lime juice to bring out the optimal balance of flavors.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
To elevate the humble asparagus, try wrapping individual spears with strips of savory bacon. As you place the bundle on the grill, allow the sweet caramelization of the pork to mingle with the natural sweetness of the asparagus. The crispy, smoky texture of the bacon will provide a delightful contrast to the tender, slightly charred stems.
Tabbouleh
Transform the essence of summer into a refreshing salad by blending bulgur wheat with a vibrant medley of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and mint. The crowning glory is a zesty lemon olive oil dressing that brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
Grilled Avocado Halves
To elevate the humble avocado, start by halving it lengthwise and carefully removing the pit. Next, place the avocado halves on a preheated grill or grill pan and cook for just a few minutes on each side, or until they develop attractive sear marks. Once cooked, remove the avocados from the heat and drizzle with a rich balsamic reduction, allowing the sweet and tangy flavors to meld together.
Honey Mustard Coleslaw
To create a unique and flavorful coleslaw, combine shredded cabbage and carrots with a honey mustard dressing, achieving a harmonious balance between sweet and tangy notes.
Cilantro-Lime Rice
Transform your ordinary white rice into an extraordinary side dish by cooking it with the vibrant flavors of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of tangy lime juice. The resulting combination is not only a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more.
Spinach and Strawberry Salad
Combine the crispness of fresh spinach leaves with the sweetness of sliced strawberries, the pungency of thinly cut red onion, and the tanginess of crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the mixture with a rich balsamic vinaigrette to bring all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
Jalapeño Poppers
To elevate the humble jalapeño pepper, start by splitting it in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds to create a hollow cavity. Next, fill each pepper half with a generous amount of softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar. The key is to balance the spiciness of the peppers with the richness of the cheese, so don’t be shy! Once the peppers are filled, place them on a preheated grill and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, filling the air with an irresistible aroma.
Garlic Butter Grilled Corn
Elevate your traditional grilled corn on the cob experience by taking it to the next level with a rich and aromatic garlic butter glaze.
Greek Salad
To craft a revitalizing salad, combine the vibrant flavors of diced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, sweet red onion, briny Kalamata olives, crumbly feta cheese, and tangy Greek dressing in perfect harmony.
Mushroom Risotto
When seeking to craft a decadent and flavorful side dish, consider cooking Arborio rice with an array of aromatic ingredients. Start by sautéing sliced mushrooms and onions in a pan until they’re tender and lightly caramelized. Then, add in chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. As the liquid is absorbed, the rice will cook and take on a creamy, rich quality, perfect for serving alongside your favorite main courses.
Hummus and Pita Bread
Pairing the rich flavor of hummus with the warmth of fresh pita bread creates a satisfying and effortless accompaniment to any meal. Whether opting for store-bought or whipping up your own homemade batch, this classic combination is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Sesame Ginger Slaw
Transform the humble slaw game by combining shredded cabbage and carrots with a zesty sesame ginger dressing, yielding a refreshing and distinctly Asian-inspired twist that’s sure to delight.
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Transform zucchini sticks by coating them with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then bake until they’re golden and crispy. When it comes to cooking outdoors, having a variety of tasty side dishes can make all the difference. With 38 easy-to-make options ranging from timeless salads to flavorful skewers, you’ll have something for every palate. By incorporating these simple recipes into your cookout repertoire, you’ll effortlessly elevate your outdoor culinary experience and leave your guests in awe.