A list of 30+ side dish recipes that are perfect for bringing to a BBQ with friends and family. I think you will find a little something for everyone!
I feel like once Memorial Day comes we can officially embrace all things summer, including all things outdoor, BBQ and party! Bring on the millions of pasta salads, fruit salads, green salads and of course the baked beans and potato salad, too. Here is a compilation of some amazing, fun, and delicious summer BBQ side dishes.
Baked Potato Salad
Fruit Sparklers
Burrata Salad
Macaroni Salad
Baked Beans
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Corn Salad
Italian Pasta Salad
Baked Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Corn on Cob
Watermelon Salad
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Jalapeño Cornbread
Creamy Pesto Tortellini
Tomato Cucumber Salad
Broccoli Salad
Tuna Pasta Salad
Street Corn Dip
Bulgur Salad
Buttermilk Cornbread
Burrata Appetizer
Bacon Wrapped Dates
7-Layer Bean Dip
Cowboy Caviar
Caprese Salad
Lentil Salad
Ensalada Rusa
Deviled Eggs
Borracho Beans
Cauliflower Salad
Three Bean Salad
Ambrosia Salad
Thai Quinoa Salad
Cucumber Salad
Recipe
Best Sides to Bring to a BBQ
This simple Cowboy Salsa recipe is the perfect Side for a BBQ this summer! It's fresh, healthy, takes 10 minutes to make, and is a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can black beans , drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans , (or 2 cans if you want more bean), drained and rinsed
- 15 ounce can corn , drained
- 6-8 Roma tomatoes , diced
- 1/2 large sweet onion , diced
- 2 avocados , peeled, seeded and diced
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro , finely chopped
- juice of 3 limes
- sea salt , to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine beans, corn, tomatoes, and onion.
- Fold in avocados and cilantro.
- Squeeze lime juice into the bowl and add a pinch of sea salt.
- Stir to combine. Add more sea salt, to taste.
Notes
Make Ahead Instructions: ingredients and store them separately (leaving the avocado unpeeled). Then, when you are ready to serve the cowboy caviar, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and add the fresh avocado. Store leftover cowboy caviar in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Variations:
- Cheese: Try adding your favorite crumbly cheese (like feta or gorgonzola).
- Beans: Whatever beans you have on hand can be substituted.
- Veggies: Throw in some diced celery, or shredded carrot.
- Flavor Twist: For a different flavor, try adding Italian dressing.
Nutrition
Calories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 268mgPotassium: 354mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 358IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
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I originally shared this post June 2016. Updated June 2023.
Watermelon salad grilled C. O. B. and the cucumber avo salad w/cookies and chips go great with ribs links and burgers. I’m in Texas but from So Cal so I understand the avo thing on both ends
I’m sorry, but anything with avocado does NOT belong at a party, especially a bbq where it has time to brown faster outside.
U must always add lime to your avocado. It keeps from browning longer. Onion also helps. Avocado for a BBQ is a great idea. You just gotta know how to add it. And when you store it, press clear wrap onto it. Also prevents from browning.
Maybe where your from, in San Diego it’s a staple. Just sprits a little citrus on top and it’s good to go.
Leave the avocado seeds in your guacamole to keep it from browning
Don’t be afraid of brown avocado, it’s still delicious!
“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all” – Thumper from Bambi
Lots of lime or lemon and you can avocado your bbg just fine. 🙂
The watermelon and blueberries looks really good to me
I must say that fruit sparkles and watermelon fruit salad look very adorable.