10 Best Summer Side Dishes for Backyard BBQs and Cookouts
There’s just something magical about summer—barefoot evenings in the backyard, BBQs with friends, paper plates stacked high with food, and those classic side dishes every mom just knew how to whip up. Honestly? The sides are my favorite part of any summer party. They’re the flavor-packed bites that tie everything together and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a potluck, or just grilling on a weeknight, this list of the best summer side dishes has you covered with fresh, crowd-pleasing ideas. These are tried-and-true favorites—some passed down, some discovered recently, and all guaranteed to impress your guests.
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Scroll through and find your new favorite summer side dish!
Before we dive into the recipes, if you’re looking for easy ways to level up your summer hosting game, don’t miss my 100 Top Amazon Finds for Hosting. From serving trays to outdoor lighting, it’s full of my favorite essentials!
1. Mexican Street Corn Dip
This one never fails. It’s my go-to for just about every gathering—and it’s always the first bowl to be scraped clean. This cold Mexican street corn dip can be made ahead of time—which is so helpful when hosting—and it travels like a champ. I usually serve it with tortilla chips and warm flour tortillas, but it’s just as amazing when added as a side for taco night. A total crowd-pleaser.
Hosting Tip: I love serving this in a chilled dip bowl like this one on Amazon to keep it fresh on hot days. I always have a pack of these cute disposable appetizer plates on hand for easy cleanup!
2. Pearl Couscous Salad with Tomato and Cucumber
This fresh and simple couscous salad has become a summer staple in our house. It’s quick, flexible, and can be thrown together with whatever veggies or herbs you have on hand. Light, healthy, and refreshing—this salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or even burgers. A little creativity can easily be added to this dish every time it’s made!
What I Use: I like to prep this in a large mixing bowl with a lid—makes it easy to chill and transport. The large bowl with a wooden lid from Amazon is my favorite bowl to use for this salad.
3. Nan’s Famous Potato Salad
[See the recipe here – Coming Soon!]
This isn’t just a side—it’s a family legacy. My dad learned to make it from my grandma, and now I’m passing it along to my kids. The ingredients maybe simple, but it’s the mixing method that makes this potato salad stand out. It’s creamy, comforting, and absolutely belongs at every summer get-together.
4. Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
These feel like a little summer secret. If you’ve never cooked with zucchini blossoms before, you’re in for a treat! They’re beautiful, edible flowers that can be picked fresh and gently stuffed with creamy ricotta. Then they’re fried to perfection—light, crispy, and a total showstopper. If you garden, definitely save a few blossoms to try this recipe.
5. Boursin Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
Mini sweet peppers are a summer must for me. They’re crunchy, mild, and even better when grilled and stuffed. Cream cheese is good—but Boursin cheese takes them to the next level. These disappear fast every time I make them, so trust me: double the batch!
6. Burrata with Lemon Basil Oil
This dish feels a little fancy but comes together with hardly any effort. Burrata (a soft, creamy cheese that looks like mozzarella on the outside but has a dreamy center) is topped with a homemade lemon basil oil and served with crostini. With a glass of wine and good company, this becomes the perfect fireside snack.
7. Grilled Peach Salad
Peaches + grill = magic. The natural sugars get caramelized, and that smoky sweetness works so well in a salad. This recipe pairs grilled peaches with crisp greens and a light dressing, making it a gorgeous and flavorful summer side dish.
Quick Hosting Tip: One thing I always reach for in the summer is a good set of outdoor serving platters. They’re lightweight, won’t break if the kids knock them over, and they make your spread look so much more put together. I have a few styles I rotate through depending on the vibe—casual BBQ, taco night, or even a backyard birthday!
8. Caprese Salad
This one is classic for a reason. Juicy summer tomatoes, creamy mozzarella slices, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic—it’s simple and elegant. A Caprese salad can be made in just minutes and looks beautiful on any table. It’s the kind of dish that’s been relied on for decades to round out a summer spread.
9. Greek Orzo Salad
I always say: when in doubt, go Greek! This orzo salad is bright, zesty, and loaded with Mediterranean flavors. It’s also one of those dishes that gets even better the next day—leftovers have been happily devoured for lunch more than once in our house. It’s hearty but not heavy, and everyone asks for the recipe.
10. Watermelon, Feta & Cucumber Salad
This one is summer in a bowl. Juicy watermelon chunks, crisp cucumber, and creamy feta combine to create the most refreshing sweet-and-salty combo. It’s perfect for BBQs, pool parties, or as a quick lunch on a hot day. Guests are always surprised by how well these flavors work together—and how fast it disappears.
Ready to Try Something New This Summer?
These side dishes have been made with love, shared at countless get-togethers, and enjoyed under the summer sun with family and friends. Whether you’re planning your next backyard bash or just want to spice up dinner on a Tuesday night, I hope this list inspires you to try something new—and maybe even find a new favorite.
Which one are you making first?
I hope this list gives you tons of fresh ideas for your next summer gathering! If you’re planning more fun in the backyard this season, be sure to check out my post on how to throw the ultimate outdoor movie night. It’s one of our favorite summer traditions and a perfect way to end a sunny day with friends and family.
