There is nothing quite like a summer cookout, and the right summer side dishes are what turn burgers and grilled chicken into a full-on feast. Whether you are hosting a backyard BBQ, packing for a picnic, or bringing a dish to the neighborhood potluck, these crowd-pleasing sides come together easily and travel beautifully.
We have rounded up 18 of our very best summer side dishes, from creamy coleslaw and smoky baked beans to grilled corn, zucchini ribbons, and crispy parmesan potatoes. There is something here for every grill and every gathering, so click through to any recipe that catches your eye and start building your perfect summer plate.
1. Classic Creamy Coleslaw
Cool, crunchy, and tangy-sweet, this creamy coleslaw is the side every cookout needs. Make it ahead and let it chill while the grill heats up.
2. Old-Fashioned Baked Beans
Smoky, saucy, and slow-simmered to perfection, these baked beans are pure backyard-BBQ comfort. They pair with everything from burgers to pulled pork.
3. Spicy Grilled Corn with Cotija Cheese
Charred sweet corn slathered in a creamy, spicy sauce and showered with salty cotija. This Mexican-style street corn is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
4. Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Sweet, tender corn on the cob in minutes flat, no giant pot of boiling water required. It frees up the grill for the main event.
5. Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges with Smoked Paprika
Smoky, caramelized, and just a little sweet, these grilled sweet potato wedges are a colorful change from the usual fries. They cook right alongside your mains.
6. Lemon Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Crispy edges, fluffy centers, and a bright hit of lemon and garlic. These roasted potatoes are an easy, foolproof side for any summer spread.
7. Golden Parmesan Roasted Baby Potatoes
Buttery baby potatoes roasted until golden with a crisp parmesan crust. They are irresistible straight off the tray and travel well to potlucks.
8. Grilled Zucchini and Squash Ribbons
Thin ribbons of zucchini and summer squash kissed by the grill make a light, elegant side. It is the perfect way to use up that midsummer garden glut.
9. Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini
Golden, crunchy zucchini rounds in just 15 minutes, no deep fryer and no heating up the kitchen. They disappear fast at any gathering.
10. Zucchini Fritters
Crisp on the outside and tender within, these savory zucchini fritters are a fresh, veggie-packed side. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or herby yogurt.
11. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Tender-crisp spears with smoky char and a bright pop of lemon. This quick grilled asparagus is an effortless, elegant addition to any cookout plate.
12. Grilled Broccoli with Lemon Tahini Drizzle
Smoky grilled broccoli gets a creamy, nutty lift from a lemony tahini drizzle. It is a fresh, modern side that holds its own next to the grill’s heavy hitters.
13. Grilled Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Aioli
Thick wedges of cabbage grilled until charred and sweet, finished with a garlicky aioli. This budget-friendly side is unexpectedly addictive.
14. Grilled Eggplant with Miso Glaze
Silky grilled eggplant brushed with a sweet-savory miso glaze for a deeply umami side. It brings restaurant-worthy flair to a casual backyard meal.
15. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Fresh green beans roasted with garlic and a generous shower of parmesan. They are quick, savory, and a welcome green on a plate full of grilled favorites.
16. Roasted Baby Carrots with Honey and Thyme
Sweet honey-glazed carrots with earthy thyme make a colorful, kid-friendly side. They roast hands-off while you tend to everything else.
17. Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
Layers of grilled eggplant, melty cheese, and fresh tomato make these stacks a showstopping vegetarian side. They are hearty enough to double as a main.
18. Grilled Naan with Garlic and Herbs
Pillowy naan grilled until blistered and brushed with garlic-herb butter. It is the perfect warm, soak-up-the-sauce bread for any summer cookout.
More Summer Cooking Inspiration
Hungry for more warm-weather ideas? Browse our full collection of Side Dishes, Summer Recipes, and Fourth of July & Summer BBQ favorites for even more ways to fill your cookout table.
