Start your summer events right with a menu that enhances your BBQ. You’ll find everything from beloved potato salads to fresh watermelon salads here. They’re perfect for every taste and diet. These sides will make your BBQs memorable by being both tasty and beautiful.

You can choose from many sides like colorful Mango Salad or creamy Ranch Slaw. Corn Muffins go well with savory meats. Seafood lovers will enjoy Shrimp Pasta Salad, with its mix of crunchy veggies and tender shrimp. Don’t miss the Cornbread Salad, a mix of cornbread, beans, and more that shines at any event.

Cowboy Caviar is a filling choice with beans, veggies, and a kick of jalapeño. Looking for something different? Try Esquites, a Mexican salad with charred corn, or enjoy Grilled Veggie Skewers. For flavors that pop, go for Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs or crispy Hushpuppies.

Classic Potato Salad for Cookouts

Classic Potato Salad is a must-have at summer cookouts. It combines creamy texture and comforting taste perfectly. Hot potatoes mixed with vinegar soak up the flavors, creating a delicious side dish. It goes great with grilled foods.

Making this Classic Potato Salad is simple. It blends Red Bliss or Yukon Gold potatoes with fresh ingredients. This brings the taste of summer to each bite.

Item Calories Price
Classic Potato Salad (¾ cup) 220 $2.50
Dill Pickle Spear (per serving) 4 $0.15
Chopped Celery (per serving) 6 $0.20
Mayonnaise (1 tbsp) 90 $0.10
Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp) 15 $0.05
Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tbsp) 3 $0.05
Scallions (1 stalk) 5 $0.30
Hard-boiled eggs (1 egg) 68 $0.25
Red Bliss Potatoes (1 lb) 357 $1.50
Parsley (2 tbsp) 2 $0.10
Salt (1 tsp) 0 $0.05
Black Pepper (1 tsp) 6 $0.05
Sweet Pickle Relish (1 tbsp) 20 $0.12
Lemon Juice (1 tbsp) 4 $0.08
Sugar (1 tsp) 16 $0.02

Start by boiling 2 pounds of potatoes until they’re soft, about 10 minutes. After boiling, let them cool for 15 minutes. While cooling, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Add celery, scallions, and herbs. Combine with the potatoes and eggs.

This potato salad is a classic that you can make ahead and chill. It’s not only tasty but also nutritious, with 220 calories per ¾ cup serving. Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s perfect with your favorite barbecue dishes.

Refreshing Watermelon Salad

A Refreshing Watermelon Salad screams summer. It’s inspired by a recipe from Jacques Pépin. The salad combines juicy watermelon, fresh mint, and a savory mix of olives and feta cheese. It’s perfect as a cookout side dish for many guests. Prepping is quick, taking only 15 minutes. It also offers a delightful balance of flavors that are perfect for a hot day.

Watermelon helps keep you hydrated and is full of antioxidants and nutrients. Adding Persian cucumbers, which are 4 to 6 inches long, boosts the salad with vitamins A and K and fiber. They’re chosen for their thin, seedless nature. A tangy lime dressing made with lime, extra-virgin olive oil, and sea salt brings all the flavors together. You can also add jalapeño for a spicy kick. If you prefer, goat cheese can replace feta cheese.

Item Name Calories Price
Watermelon, 5 cups 225 $3.00
English Cucumber, 1 heaping cup 16 $1.00
Red Onion, 1/4 cup thinly sliced 16 $0.30
Feta Cheese, 1/3 cup crumbled 100 $1.50
Avocado, 1 cubed 240 $1.50
Fresh Mint or Basil, 1/3 cup torn 2 $0.50
Jalapeño or Serrano Pepper, 1/2 (optional) 8 $0.20
Extra-virgin Olive Oil, 2 tablespoons (dressing) 239 $0.50
Fresh Lime Juice, 3 tablespoons (dressing) 11 $0.75
Sea Salt, 1/4 teaspoon (dressing) 0 $0.05
Garlic, 1/2 clove minced (dressing) 2 $0.10

This watermelon salad is a hit at summer cookouts. It’s fruity and light, perfect with grilled dishes. It works well for barbecues, picnics, or large gatherings. The recipe has a high rating of 4.99 out of 5 from 144 votes. This shows its broad appeal among food lovers.

Item Name Keto-Friendly Gluten-Free Allergens (e.g., Nuts, Dairy)
Watermelon Yes Yes None
English Cucumber Yes Yes None
Red Onion Yes Yes None
Feta Cheese No Yes Dairy
Avocado Yes Yes None
Fresh Mint or Basil Yes Yes None
Jalapeño or Serrano Pepper Yes Yes None
Extra-virgin Olive Oil Yes Yes None
Fresh Lime Juice Yes Yes None
Sea Salt Yes Yes None
Garlic Yes Yes None

About 35% of Americans pick fruit salads as a favorite summer side dish. Nearly 70% view watermelon as essential for picnics. Try this refreshing recipe at your next gathering and see why it’s so popular.

Perfect Corn on the Cob

Nothing beats having corn on the cob at barbecues and picnics. It’s a favorite side dish, especially with burgers. In this article, we share two tasty ways to make it: classic grilled corn and Elote, or Mexican Street Corn.

Grilled Corn Recipe

Grilled corn is a must-have at southern gatherings. To make this delicious side, just follow our simple recipe:

  • Preparation: Soak the corn in cold water for 10 minutes. This keeps the husks from burning on the grill.
  • Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes.
  • Method: Cook on medium-high heat (450°F to 475°F), turning it every 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Serving Size: 4 to 8 ears of corn.
  • Seasoning: Apply olive oil and butter, then sprinkle with salt for taste.
  • Garnish: Enhance the flavor with compound butter, like cilantro lime or garlic.
  • Nutrition per serving: 128 calories, 5.9g total fat, 19.1g carbohydrates, 3.3g protein, 248.4mg sodium.

Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Elote adds exciting flavors to your menu. It combines spice and creaminess, making it a perfect side dish.

  • Ingredients: 32 ounces of frozen whole-kernel corn, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 1/2 teaspoons ancho chile powder, 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, and optional 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  • Serving Size: Enough for 8 people, with 1/2 cup servings.
  • Method:
    • Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add the corn and cook it until it’s slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Mix in sugar and keep cooking for 3 more minutes.
    • Take it off the heat and mix in mayonnaise, ancho chile powder, and cilantro.
    • Finish with Cotija cheese and a bit of cayenne pepper, if you like.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Nutrition per serving: 128 calories, 5.9g total fat, 19.1g carbohydrates, 3.3g protein, 248.4mg sodium.
Item Name Calories Price
Grilled Corn with Olive Oil 128 $3.99
Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn 140 $4.50
Garlic Butter Grilled Corn 145 $4.75
Cotija Cheese Elote 150 $5.00
Spicy Ancho Chile Elote 155 $5.25
Item Name Keto-Friendly Gluten-Free Allergens (e.g., Nuts, Dairy)
Grilled Corn with Olive Oil Yes Yes None
Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn Yes Yes None
Garlic Butter Grilled Corn Yes Yes None
Cotija Cheese Elote Yes Yes Dairy
Spicy Ancho Chile Elote Yes Yes None

Delicious Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is loved by many, making it a top pick at barbecue events. We’ll look at a Classic Macaroni Salad and a spicy Sriracha Macaroni Salad. Each has unique tastes for everyone at your party.

Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

The Classic Macaroni Salad is a favorite. It matches any barbecue meal. It has al dente pasta, creamy dressing, pickles, hard-boiled eggs, and mayonnaise. It’s a mix of flavors and textures that everyone loves.

Item Name Calories Price
Classic Macaroni Salad 250 $4.99
Hard-boiled Eggs (6) 420 $2.99
Pickles (1 cup) 20 $1.50
Mayonnaise (1 cup) 1440 $3.49
Dijon Mustard (2 tbsp) 30 $1.00

Sriracha Macaroni Salad

If you like a little spice, try the Sriracha Macaroni Salad. It’s made with crunchy dill pickles and a tangy Sriracha dressing. This salad brings a bold, fiery taste that’s perfect for any barbecue.

Item Name Calories Price
Sriracha Macaroni Salad 270 $5.49
Dill Pickles (1 cup) 22 $1.60
Sriracha Sauce (1/4 cup) 75 $1.50
Chopped Eggs (2) 140 $2.00
Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup) 25 $3.00

Succulent BBQ Baked Beans

BBQ Baked Beans are a must for any Southern cookout. They come in traditional and sweet and spicy versions. These beans are the essence of comfort food with deep flavors. They’re the perfect match for cookout sides with hot dogs.

Traditional Baked Beans Recipe

The traditional baked beans give a rich, smoky taste to BBQs. You need little prep time for this recipe. It’s great for when you need a quick meal.

Item Name Item Calories Price
Ground Beef 1/2 lb 200 kcal $4.99
Ground Maple Pork Sausage 1/2 lb 250 kcal $3.99
Canned Baked Beans 2 (28 oz each) 560 kcal $5.00
BBQ Sauce 1 cup 100 kcal $2.50
Brown Sugar 1/2 cup 200 kcal $1.00
Apple Cider Vinegar 1/4 cup 10 kcal $1.25
Yellow Mustard 1 tbsp 3 kcal $0.50
Worcestershire Sauce 1 tbsp 5 kcal $0.50
Seasoning and Spices Various 12 kcal $0.75

Bake beans at 350°F for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This makes them just right. Keep leftovers in the fridge for four days or freeze up to three months.

Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans

The sweet and spicy version brings new flavors with a kick. This mix is a hit, especially with hot dogs. It adds a juicy, sweet, and tangy taste to BBQs.

Item Name Keto-Friendly Gluten-Free Allergens (e.g., Nuts, Dairy)
Ground Beef Yes Yes None
Ground Maple Pork Sausage No Yes None
Canned Baked Beans No No None
BBQ Sauce No Depends on Brand None
Brown Sugar No Yes None
Apple Cider Vinegar Yes Yes None
Yellow Mustard Yes Yes None
Worcestershire Sauce No No Depends on Brand
Seasoning and Spices Yes Yes Depends on Blend

This version has the same base but with extra spices for more flavor. It features everything from sweet chili to sriracha. These additions make it a memorable part of Southern cookouts.

Stylish Shrimp Pasta Salad

The Stylish Shrimp Pasta Salad is a hit at cookouts. It combines buttery shrimp, crisp veggies, and pasta in a creamy sauce. This mix isn’t just tasty; it also has a pleasing texture. Including shrimp pasta salad in your menu will definitely upgrade your cookout.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories 363.2 kcal
Carbohydrates 26.8 g
Protein 16.7 g
Fat 21.2 g
Saturated Fat 3.2 g
Cholesterol 120.5 mg
Sodium 498.9 mg
Fiber 2.6 g
Sugar 2.4 g

This shrimp pasta salad is a top pick for easy cookout sides. Each serving packs good protein and fiber. Start with 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, then boil the shrimp for 2-3 minutes.

Quickly cool the shrimp in an ice bath for 10 minutes. For the dressing, mix ranch and Italian dressings with lemon juice, white vinegar, and fresh dill. Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to combine the flavors. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

This shrimp pasta salad brings a touch of luxury to easy cookout sides. Your guests will be both impressed and delighted.

Southern Cookout Side Dishes

Get the taste of the South with Succotash, Grilled Okra, and Hushpuppies. They’re perfect for big gatherings. With their rich flavors, they highlight the South’s culinary diversity.

Succotash

Succotash brings together summer veggies like corn, tomatoes, and lima beans. This colorful mix is not only pretty but healthy too. It’s great for feeding a lot of people and takes just 20 minutes to prepare.

Grilled Okra

Enjoy the smoky flavor of Grilled Okra at your cookout. It’s easy to make and adds a crispy touch to your meal. In less than 10 minutes, Okra turns into a must-have side dish.

Hushpuppies

Hushpuppies are little cornbread bites that are golden and crispy. They are great with seafood or BBQ dishes. You can easily mix and fry them, making them a simple yet beloved side dish.

Item Name Total Time Servings Calories Fat Sodium Carbohydrates Protein
Succotash 20 min 8 servings 112 calories per 3/4 cup 4g 78mg 16g (5g sugars, 4g fiber) 3g
Grilled Okra 10 min 6 servings 78 calories per 3/4 cup 5g 32mg 7g (1g sugars, 3g fiber) 2g
Hushpuppies 30 min 10 servings 142 calories per piece 7g 285mg 18g (3g sugars, 1g fiber) 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are these dishes suitable for vegetarians?

A: Yes, both Succotash and Grilled Okra are good for vegetarians. You can make Hushpuppies vegetarian-friendly by not using animal fat.

Q2: How can I add more flavor to these dishes?

A: Fresh herbs, spices, and good ingredients boost flavor. For example, smoked paprika can make Grilled Okra taste better. Heirloom tomatoes improve Succotash’s flavor.

Q3: Can these dishes be prepared in advance?

A: You can make Succotash and Hushpuppies ahead of time. However, it’s best to grill Okra right before serving.

Q4: What are some complementary dishes to serve with these?

A: They go well with BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, or pulled pork. They also match with Southern favorites like collard greens or mac and cheese.

Q5: Are there any gluten-free options among these?

A: Succotash and Grilled Okra are naturally free of gluten. Use gluten-free cornmeal for gluten-free Hushpuppies.

Flavorful Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar is a favorite at cookouts. It mixes the freshness of a salad with salsa’s fullness. This dish has black-eyed peas, black beans, sweet corn, and colorful veggies. It’s both pretty and good for you, perfect for any party.

This cowboy caviar takes only 20 minutes to make. It’s great if you need something tasty and quick. The recipe uses canned black beans and black-eyed peas. This mix brings great flavor and texture to your table.

It’s also good for you. One serving has 214 calories and provides protein, carbs, and fat. Plus, it’s low in sodium but high in fiber. This makes it a smart choice among other dishes.

Item Name Item Calories Price
Black Beans 15 oz can 110 $1
Black-Eyed Peas 15 oz can 98 $1
Frozen Corn Kernels 1 ½ cups 110 $1.5
Red Bell Pepper ½ cup diced 26 $0.7
Orange Bell Pepper ½ cup diced 26 $0.7
Olive Oil ⅓ cup 629 $1.5
Fresh Lime Juice 2 tbsp 8 $0.5
Red Wine Vinegar 2 tbsp 6 $0.4
Red Onion ⅓ cup diced 22 $0.3
Vitamin A 585 IU 0 0
Vitamin C 22.9mg 0 0
Calcium 29mg 0 0
Iron 2.1mg 0 0

With 13 different ingredients, cowboy caviar is full of flavor. The dressing, with olive oil, lime juice, and red wine vinegar, adds a zesty kick. It brightens your meal and pleases everyone with its fresh and filling taste.

This dish is perfect for any event, from laid-back barbecues to fancy dinners. It’s loved by many, with a near-perfect rating from over 1,100 reviews. Its healthy ingredients make cowboy caviar a standout choice. Enjoy it with tortilla chips for an extra yummy crunch.

This recipe is both easy and packed with great flavors. Make your next cookout memorable with it.

Creamy Ranch Slaw

Change how you think about slaw with this *Creamy Ranch Slaw.* It mixes veggies and carrots with homemade ranch dressing. This side dish adds a creamy, cooling touch to your smoked meats at summer BBQs. It makes your meals more flavorful.

This slaw recipe combines crisp cabbage, fresh carrots, and rich ranch dressing. It’s perfect for *summer cookouts.* It’s easy to make – just mix veggies, make the dressing, and combine them. Your guests will love it and ask for more.

Item Name Calories Price
Creamy Ranch Slaw 150 $3.50
Classic Potato Salad 240 $4.00
Watermelon Salad 80 $3.00
Grilled Corn on the Cob 140 $2.75
Elote (Mexican Street Corn) 215 $3.25
Macaroni Salad 300 $4.50
Sriracha Macaroni Salad 320 $4.75
BBQ Baked Beans 180 $3.25
Southern Succotash 150 $3.60
Grilled Okra 120 $2.95
Hushpuppies 200 $3.40
Shrimp Pasta Salad 220 $4.30
Flavorful Cowboy Caviar 160 $3.90
Mediterranean Pasta Salad 250 $4.00
Avocado Salad 200 $3.85

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Looking for Mediterranean side dishes that bring a touch of Europe? Try the Mediterranean Pasta Salad. It’s a mix of colorful ingredients and bold flavors. It’s perfect for a healthy meal at your next cookout.

The blend of smoked mozzarella, tangy giardiniera, and bold romesco sauce offers a taste adventure. Follow this recipe to make a fantastic dish:

Item Name Calories Carbohydrates Protein Total Fat
12 ounces of Pasta 271 kcal 28 g 6 g 15 g
1 cup Grape Tomatoes 22 kcal 5 g 1 g 0 g
1 cup Cucumbers 16 kcal 4 g 1 g 0 g
¼ cup Red Onion 11 kcal 3 g 0 g 0 g
1 cup Baby Spinach 7 kcal 1 g 1 g 0 g
½ cup Green Olives 62 kcal 6 g 0 g 5 g
½ cup Black Olives 70 kcal 6 g 0 g 7 g
½ cup Feta Cheese 50 kcal 1 g 4 g 4 g
½ to ¾ cup Greek Salad Dressing 88 kcal 2 g 0 g 9 g

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad can be adapted for any diet. Choose gluten-free pasta or keto-friendly ingredients if needed. Check out the dietary info below:

Item Name Keto-Friendly Gluten-Free Allergens
Pasta No Yes, if gluten-free pasta used May contain gluten
Grape Tomatoes Yes Yes None
Cucumbers Yes Yes None
Red Onion Yes Yes None
Baby Spinach Yes Yes None
Green Olives Yes Yes None
Black Olives Yes Yes None
Feta Cheese Yes Yes Dairy
Greek Salad Dressing Yes Yes None

Adding Mediterranean side dishes to your cookout offers a tasty change. They’re healthy cookout sides your guests will love. Prepare and marinate up to three days ahead for even more flavor.

Serving Mediterranean Pasta Salad at your next event will show your creativity. Everyone will enjoy your health-conscious, delicious dish.

Amazing Avocado Salad

Experience the lush creaminess of ripe avocados blended with crisp fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. They’re all brought to life with a zesty salsa verde dressing. It’s ideal for anyone looking to enjoy their meal without guilt. You can whip it up for 4 to 6 people in just about 15 minutes. This makes it a top pick for your next outdoor meal.

Getting the Amazing Avocado Salad ready takes just about 15 minutes from start to finish. This shows how quickly you can make something delicious without spending hours cooking. The dressing combines fresh lime juice and avocado oil for a burst of flavor but stays healthy. Honey adds a natural sweetness that makes this salad stand out.

This salad requires 2 firm-ripe avocados, which are full of nutrients. Add in ½ English cucumber, ¾ cup cherry tomatoes, and a little jalapeño pepper for some heat. Don’t forget the ⅓ cup diced red onion. You might also sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top if you like. Here’s a quick look at what nutrients you get from each serving.

Nutrition Element Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Calories 214
Calories from Fat 162
Total Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 3g 19%
Sodium 17mg 1%
Potassium 661mg 19%
Total Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Dietary Fiber 6g 25%
Total Sugars 5g 6%
Protein 3g 6%
Vitamin A 1663 IU 33%
Vitamin C 27mg 33%
Calcium 37mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%

Looking for healthy options for your cookout? The Amazing Avocado Salad is your go-to. Its quick preparation and lively ingredients make it an ideal dish. It’s perfect for any outdoor dining occasion.

Conclusion

Getting your cookout menu ready for BBQs and picnics is exciting. You have top side dishes to wow your guests. Think about the cozy macaroni salad or the juicy watermelon salad. Each one adds a special flavor that goes well with your grilled meals.

A savory BBQ baked beans dish or a fancy shrimp pasta salad waits to be part of your feast. You’re set to offer a memorable eating joy.

Adding options like crispy corn on the cob and creamy ranch slaw makes everyone happy. It suits different tastes and needs. We’ve also got nutritional info and allergen details for easy choices. And with prices in mind, amazing taste comes without a big cost. Cookout’s menu shows this well.

Your cookout shines not just with grilled dishes but with fantastic sides. Our guide gives you everything to throw a top-notch, tasty cookout. Savor the food, enjoy your friends, and know your menu is a hit.

FAQ

What are some of the best cookout side dishes to complement grilled mains?

A: Classic Potato Salad, Refreshing Watermelon Salad, and Grilled Corn are top picks. Cowboy Caviar and BBQ Baked Beans add great flavors and textures. They all match well with grilled meats.

Are there easy cookout sides recipes for beginners?

Definitely! Beginners love making Classic Potato Salad, Grilled Corn, and Cowboy Caviar. These recipes are simple to follow. They require basic ingredients, making cooking fun and easy.

What are some cookout sides for a crowd?

For big gatherings, Refreshing Watermelon Salad, Grilled Okra, and BBQ Baked Beans are perfect. They can be made in large quantities easily. This means everyone can enjoy these tasty sides.

Are there any cookout side dishes suitable for hot dogs?

A: BBQ Baked Beans (in Traditional and Sweet and Spicy types) and Creamy Ranch Slaw are great with hot dogs. They offer a nice mix of sweet, savory, and creamy tastes.

How can I make healthier cookout sides?

For healthier sides, try Amazing Avocado Salad and Mediterranean Pasta Salad. These use fresh veggies and healthier dressings. They’re both nutritious and tasty.

What are some southern cookout side dishes?

Southern favorites include Hushpuppies, Grilled Okra, and Succotash. They bring authentic Southern flavors. Perfect for adding a regional touch to your menu.

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