Are you looking for some delcious summer BBQ side dishes? Below are all my favorites from when grilling up a burger or slow-smoking a brisket. Comforting classics like loaded mashed potato casserole and southern baked mac and cheese are perfect for hearty bites, while grilled cornbread adds a smoky, golden touch to any meal.
Grilled veggies bring fresh, bold flavors to the table. Smoked zucchini with feta and olives adds a Mediterranean twist and grilled broccoli highlights summer’s best produce with its smoky char.
For something light and refreshing, try dill pickle pasta salad for a tangy kick or basil pesto salad packed with fresh herbs. Crunchy sides like spicy coleslaw and honey dill coleslaw pair perfectly with grilled meats.
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes
Grilled Cornbread
Recipe: Grilled Cornbread
Smoked Zucchini With Feta and Olives
Recipe: Smoky Zucchini
Grilled Broccoli
Recipe: Grilled Broccoli
Grilled Carrots
Recipe: Easy Grilled Carrots
Smoked Cauliflower
Recipe: Caulfilower
Creamy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cheddar
This creamy bacon broccoli salad is the ultimate side dish for your next summer BBQ. It is loaded with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a simple tangy dressing. With only six ingredients, it is super easy to throw together!
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Grilled Garlic Bread
There’s no need to heat up the oven to serve a tasty bread side dish with your meal. Toss a few slices of this grilled garlic bread onto the grill, and you will have an easy summer side dish with little effort.
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers
These easy grilled shrimp skewers make a lovely high-protein side or appetizer for summer grill outs!
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Basil Pesto Pasta Salad
This basil pesto pasta salad includes tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and nutritional yeast. It’s a perfect summer BBQ side!
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Cucumber Carrot Salad
This fresh cucumber carrot salad is easy to make, cool, and refreshing, so it’s perfect to serve with your favorite summer BBQ!
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Orzo Pesto Salad
This quick and easy orzo pesto salad is loaded with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. A perfect light side dish!
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Turkish Sumac Onions Recipe (Marinated Red Onion Salad)
Add some zing to your grilled meats with this 5-minute red onion salad, featuring thinly sliced red onions tossed with sumac, fresh parsley, and lemon juice for a bright, refreshing taste.
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Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
Loaded with pickles and chunks of cheddar cheese, this creamy pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser!
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Nan’s Mashed Potato Salad
Nan’s mashed potato salad is always a crowd favorite at summer BBQs. It’s creamy and full of flavor, and you can also make it ahead, so it’s perfect for summer.
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Easy Pesto Tortellini Salad
Pesto tortellini salad is a quick, easy, Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad with olives, capers, dried tomatoes, pesto, and fresh lemon.
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Easy Mexican Corn Dip (Serve Hot or Cold)
Prepare this simple Mexican corn dip for your upcoming backyard barbecue or potluck! Bursting with vibrant flavors and enhanced by Tajin seasoning, it’s delicious whether served warm or chilled.
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Smoked Potato Chips
Smoked potato chips are easy to make and customizable. It’s a simple snack full of smoky flavor, great for your next BBQ.
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Chimichurri with Cilantro – Irene Mercadal
An irresistible Argentinian sauce perfect for your grilled meats and much more.
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Classic Creamy German Pasta Salad
This classic German pasta salad is just as delicious as it is easy to make, making it a perfect dish to whip up for summer.
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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
This baked mac and cheese is the perfect cheesy side dish to a plate of delicious barbecue! It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
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Burrata Caprese Salad
Creamy and fresh, this burrata caprese salad is a delicious twist on an Italian classic.
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Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill pickle pasta salad is a creamy, simple recipe that is the perfect make-ahead meal or side. We love serving this to our families for lunch since it is easy to pack for a busy day. This versatile salad can also make a great picnic or get-together companion that everyone will love.
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Honey Dill Coleslaw
A delicious coleslaw with a touch of honey and dill for a sweet and tangy twist.
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Grilled Potatoes in Foil
If you’re already firing up the BBQ anyway, these ultra-easy grilled potatoes are a perfect side dish! They rely on a clever foil packet technique that eliminates three common, additional cooking steps, resulting in tender, fluffy potatoes with lots of yummy, golden-brown spots!
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Spicy Coleslaw
Kick that boring cole slaw to the side for this spicy number everyone will love! Make it as mild or spicy as you prefer!
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Spicy Prawn Mango Summer Salad
Spicy prawn mango summer salad with stepwise pictures: A simple, hearty 15-minute summer salad. Juicy mangoes and cooked prawns are tossed with a tangy, slightly spicy lime dressing.
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Southern Fried Squash Recipe
Summer cookouts just scream for Southern fried squash fresh from the garden!
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Greek Fried Potatoes (also in the air fryer)
These Greek fried potatoes, fried in olive oil with a sprinkle of oregano, are the perfect side dish for any meat dish.
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Quick Corn Salsa
This quick corn salsa is a delicious and easy-to-make time-saving side dish that goes great with any summer BBQ party!
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Briami or Briam (Traditional Greek Roasted Vegetable Dish)
This traditional Greek sheet-pan dish Briami is made with roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes, drizzled with olive oil. It makes a perfect summer BBQ side dish when all the veggies are in season.
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Panzanella Toscana with Fresh Mozzarella Caprese
This Tuscan-inspired Panzanella Toscana with fresh mozzarella is a bread and vegetable salad with extra tomatoes and basil. The creamy mozzarella pairs harmoniously with oil-kissed, toasted bread and macerated tomatoes.
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Zesty Italian Pasta Salad (Easy Recipe)
This vibrant Italian pasta salad is ideal for summer barbecues, potluck gatherings or to complement any main course.
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Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
Veggie skewers featuring zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers are expertly grilled until just right and finished with a zesty drizzle of balsamic vinegar. They’re brushed with a vibrant sauce from fresh garlic and herbs, enhancing their fresh, smoky flavors.
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Italian Grinder Salad (Chopped Sub Salad)
Whether you use the word grinder, sub, or sandwich, it doesn’t matter. This Italian grinder salad has crunchy romaine lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini, salami, and provolone cheese. It’s all tossed together in a creamy vinaigrette!
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Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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