Summertime heralds the season of cookouts, barbecues, cold beers, and spending quality time outdoors.
But while the star of these events often revolves around the grill with its delicious hamburgers and sausages, the true unsung heroes are the side dishes that accompany our favorite barbecued meats and veggies.
We love a good barbecue and spend plenty of time musing over the best cookout side dishes to impress our guests.
If you’ve been doing the same, let us save you some time – dive into this list of our favorite side dishes that will make your next cookout the talk of the town.
It’s not a cookout without corn, but why not give your corn on the cob a zesty twist?
Grill them to perfection and slather them with a mix of melted butter, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a dash of chili powder to taste for that extra kick.
Flavor Profile: Smoky corn harmonizes with zesty butter for an earthy-tangy combo.
Our Top Tip: When grilling, turn the corn occasionally for even charring.
Pairing: Great with grilled chicken or beef skewers.
Ditch the traditional creamy coleslaw for this zesty, spicy version. A fusion of lime and cilantro give it a fresh lift, while a hint of jalapeño provides a spicy kick.
Flavor Profile: Zesty and fresh, with a perfect balance of heat and tang.
Our Top Tip: To diffuse some of the jalapeño’s heat, remove the seeds and veins before chopping.
Finally, we are bringing you an absolute summer classic.
This salad is a refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish that’s both hearty and aromatic.
Combining sun-dried tomatoes with fresh basil and a light vinaigrette, this salad is a delightful fusion of flavors perfect for any BBQ.
Flavor Profile: The tangy and rich sun-dried tomatoes balance perfectly with the aromatic freshness of basil, tied together by a zesty vinaigrette.
Our Top Tip: Use a rotini or fusilli pasta to hold onto the dressing better, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
Pairing: This pasta salad shines alongside grilled chicken or seafood skewers.
In Summary
Every BBQ is an opportunity to embark on a culinary adventure, and with these side dishes, you’re well on your way.
Plus, if you have vegan or veggies coming to your cookout, we’ve included loads of suitable side dishes that they can enjoy.
A common complaint when entertaining for vegans and veggies is that the options are boring, but that’s certainly not the case with these cookout side dishes.
Remember, while the grill is usually what everyone is looking forward to, it’s the ensemble of flavors from these accompaniments that make the meal unforgettable.
So, fire up that grill, lay out a spread of these incredible sides, and let the summer festivities begin!
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
