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!

A collage image showing the best sides for a BBQ.

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

A serving bowl filled with easy Baked Potato Salad, ready to serve.

Fruit Sparklers

Fruit Sparklers made with a piece of watermelon cut like a star, and some blueberries.

Burrata Salad

A bowl of Burrata Salad, ready to enjoy.

Macaroni Salad

A glass bowl filled with Classic Macaroni Salad, ready to serve.

Baked Beans

A pan filled with homemade Baked Beans, ready to enjoy.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad in a large serving bowl, ready to serve.

Corn Salad

A fresh corn salad in a wooden bowl with bell pepper, red onion, and avocado.

Italian Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with fresh Italian Pasta Salad.

Baked Mac and Cheese

A square dish of Baked Mac and Cheese with golden breadcrumbs on top and a scoop taken out of the pan to show the cheesy pasta.

Instant Pot Corn on Cob

A few corn on the cobs stacked on a yellow plate and drizzled with butter and parsley after being cooked in the Instant Pot.

Watermelon Salad

A Watermelon Salad made with fresh watermelon, blueberries, basil, and feta cheese.

Tortellini Pasta Salad

A Tortellini Pasta Salad with tomatoes, corn, black beans, and avocado in a wooden bowl.

Jalapeño Cornbread

A plate with Jalapeño Cornbread with a square of butter and a drizzle of honey on top.

Creamy Pesto Tortellini

A wooden bowl filled with Pesto Tortellini salad, ready to serve.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

An easy cucumber and tomato salad with fresh vegetables in a glass bowl.

Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad in a large wooden bowl with pieces of bacon, craisins, and a delicious dressing.

Tuna Pasta Salad

A classic Tuna Pasta Salad in a wooden bowl.

Street Corn Dip

A bowl of easy Street Corn Dip surrounded by chips, ready to serve.

Bulgur Salad

A large white serving bowl filled with an easy Bulgur Salad recipe.

Buttermilk Cornbread

Squares of Buttermilk Cornbread stacked on a white plate.

Burrata Appetizer

Easy burrata appetizer recipe on a serving board.

Bacon Wrapped Dates

A platter full of crispy Bacon Wrapped Dates, ready to eat.

7-Layer Bean Dip

An easy 7-layer bean dip, ready to serve.

Cowboy Caviar

A white serving bowl filled with Cowboy Caviar with chips and lime scattered around it.

Caprese Salad

A plate of easy Caprese Salad with fresh mozzarella cheese and basil leaves.

Lentil Salad

A large bowl filled with Lentil Salad and some fresh chopped vegetables.

Ensalada Rusa

A wooden bowl filled with an easy Ensalada Rusa pasta salad.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled Eggs halves sprinkled with paprika.

Borracho Beans

A bowl full of Borracho Beans, warm and ready to eat.

Cauliflower Salad

A bowl of cauliflower salad with crispy bacon bits in a large bowl.

Three Bean Salad

Three Bean Salad, ready to enjoy.

Ambrosia Salad

Easy Ambrosia Salad in a large serving bowl, ready to enjoy.

Thai Quinoa Salad

A big bowl of Thai Quinoa Salad, ready to serve.

Cucumber Salad

Easy cucumber and onion salad in a bowl.

Recipe

Cowboy Caviar in a white serving bowl with chips, sliced limes, and a spoon around it.
Prep 10 minutes
Total 10 minutes
Save Recipe

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

Did You Make This Recipe?

Tag @TastesBetterFromScratch on Instagram with #TastesBetterFromScratch!

I originally shared this post June 2016. Updated June 2023.

This post contains affiliate links.

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About The Author

Lauren Allen

Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.

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Comments

  1. 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

  2. I’m sorry, but anything with avocado does NOT belong at a party, especially a bbq where it has time to brown faster outside.

    1. 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.

    2. Maybe where your from, in San Diego it’s a staple. Just sprits a little citrus on top and it’s good to go.