You’ve already planned out yourMemorial Daymenu (hello, over-the-tophot dogbar), but why stop there? Summer is all about outdoor eating, and the barbecues, picnics andpotlucksare about to pile up on your calendar. Instead of settling for the same old potato salad, try one of these 62 cookout side dishes—like grilled watermelon skewers or mini peach tarts—that are sure to please.
62 Cookout Side Dishes for Memorial Day and Beyond
Published Apr 25, 2023
1.Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing
- Time Commitment:30 minutes
- Why We Love It:Vegetarian, make ahead, special occasion–worthy
Spread it out on a big platter and it’ll wow everyone at your next backyard bash. (Peaches are special like that.)
2.Grilled Corn with Spicy Aioli
- Time Commitment:30 minutes
- Why We Love It:Under 500 calories, <10 ingredients, vegetarian
It’s not as if corn on the cob needs improvement; we just can’t help playing with our food. The combination of smokiness from the grill and spiciness from the sauce will blow your usual butter and salt away.
3.Caprese Salad with Grilled Zucchini
- Time Commitment:25 minutes
- Why We Love It:Ready in <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, low carb, gluten free
This is what we like to call “summer on a plate.” Bonus points if you’re working with zucchini that you grew in your own backyard.
4.20-Minute Burrata Salad with Stone Fruit and Asparagus
- Time Commitment:20 minutes
- Why We Love It:Make ahead, crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, under 500 calories
It’s practically no-cook (just five minutes!), feeds a crowd and won’t wilt when you set it out in 90-degree weather.
5.Grilled Watermelon-Feta Skewers
- Time Commitment:35 minutes
- Why We Love It:<10 ingredients, low carb, gluten free, high protein
Rather than just chopping up the ingredients and tossing them with dressing, our flavorful take on this summer staple begins on the grill.
6.Mini Peach Tarts with Goat Cheese and Honey
- Time Commitment:30 minutes
- Why We Love It:Special occasion–worthy, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
These have just the right amount of sweetness and spice, plus they look really impressive even though they’re shockingly easy to make. (That’s the magic ofstore-bought puff pastry.)
7.Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad
- Time Commitment:20 minutes
- Why We Love It:Ready in <30 minutes, make ahead, kid-friendly
As much as we adore a mayo-based salad, it’s not always the best choice when the temps are pushing 90 degrees. This pasta salad is dressed with olive oil for a hot weather–ready treatment.
8.Roasted Poblano and Corn Guacamole
- Time Commitment:20 minutes
- Why We Love It:Low sugar, gluten free, vegetarian, dairy free
It’s just the right balance of sweet, spicy and zesty—and it’s filled with delicious goodies. Pass the tortilla chips, please.
9.Light and Tangy Coleslaw
- Time Commitment:30 minutes
- Why We Love It:Make ahead, no cook, crowd-pleaser
No one wants a bowl of gloppy, store-bought slaw at the end of a picnic table. Here, we lay off the mayonnaise and use a zesty vinegar base instead. The result? A lighter and more flavorful take on a classic.
10.Corn Fritter Caprese with Peaches and Tomatoes
- Time Commitment:1 hour
- Why We Love It:High protein, vegetarian, kid-friendly, special occasion–worthy
Be still ourcorn-loving hearts. The only thing you have to cook is the fritters, so it’s surprisingly simple to make.
11.Zesty Chargrilled Broccolini
- Time Commitment:10 minutes
- Why We Love It:Ready in <15 minutes, low carb, <10 ingredients
If you already have the coals fired up for burgers, why not make your whole meal on the grill?
12.Kale and Brussels Sprout Caesar Slaw
- Time Commitment:25 minutes
- Why We Love It:No cook, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
Wanna know a secret? This slaw can be completelyplant-basedif you leave off the blue cheese. The super creamy dressing is made from a base of soaked nuts and seeds.
13.BLT Pasta Salad
- Time Commitment:40 minutes
- Why We Love It:Crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, make ahead
It combines all the crunchy, savory, creamy ingredients of the classic sandwich—minus, well, the bread (because pasta is way more fun).
14.Slow Cooker Baked Beans
- Time Commitment:6 hours, 10 minutes
- Why We Love It:Slow cooker recipe, one pot, crowd-pleaser
If a backyard barbecue is thrown and there are no baked beans on the menu, did it really happen? (The answer is no.)
15.Rainbow Vegetable Skewers
- Time Commitment:55 minutes
- Why We Love It:Kid-friendly, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
With one ingredient each, these skewers will grill to perfection (unlike mixed kebabs, which always cook unevenly).
16.Chilled Cucumber Salad
- Time Commitment:1 hour, 35 minutes
- Why We Love It:No cook, low carb, keto friendly
During the dog days of summer, turn to thischillednumber. It basically makes itself in the fridge, so you won’t even break a sweat.
17.Carrot Pigs In a Blanket
- Time Commitment:50 minutes
- Why We Love It:Vegetarian, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
We serve this ever-so-slightly sophisticated version of the classic with a side of green goddess dressing for dipping—神魂颠倒.
18.“Magic” Peppers Salad with Pine Nuts and Capers
- Time Commitment:40 minutes
- Why We Love It:High protein, Mediterranean diet-friendly
The caramelized vegetables can be used in countless ways, from pasta salad to bruschetta and free-form tarts (hence the “magic”).
19.Salami, Artichoke and Ricotta Pasta Salad
- Time Commitment:20 minutes
- Why We Love It:Crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, ready in <30 minutes
Our favorite Italian flavors come together for one simple yet satisfying dish. Even better, it’s ready in less than30 minutes.
20.Minty-Fresh Zucchini Salad with Marinated Feta
- Time Commitment:15 minutes
- Why We Love It:Make ahead, no cook, under 500 calories
Zucchiniis typically reserved for cooking, not raw preparations. But one bite of this zesty marinated no-cook salad and you’ll never look back.
21.Summer Millet Salad
- Time Commitment:45 minutes
- Why We Love It:Make ahead, kid-friendly, low sugar
Not all salads need to include tender lettuce, especially if you’re serving them on a hot summer day. This grain salad will hold up to the heat—if it lasts that long.
22.Corn and Tomato Salad with Feta and Lime
- Time Commitment:20 minutes
- Why We Love It:Ready in <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
When corn is in season, make a beeline for your local farmers market and grab as many ears as you can carry (then make this 20-minute salad).
23.Pearl Couscous with Chickpeas, Eggplant and Peaches
- Time Commitment:35 minutes
- Why We Love It:Vegan, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
This seasonal side dish is great cold, warm or at room temperature, and you can make it up to one day ahead.
24.Cold Sesame Cucumber Noodles
- Time Commitment:10 minutes
- Why We Love It:No cook, ready in <15 minutes, vegetarian
The marinated tofu and tangy homemade dressing ensure this side dish is packed with flavor, without turning on the oven.
25.Green Beans with Garlicky Pistachio Vinaigrette
- Time Commitment:35 minutes
- Why We Love It:<10 ingredients, make ahead
冷格力n beans? Yep, it’s true, and it’s oh-so-refreshing. The veggie gets a quick blanch to tenderize it before being doused in an irresistible vinaigrette.
26.Melon Salad with Chili Powder, Mint, Lime and Flaky Sea Salt
- Time Commitment:5 minutes
- Why We Love It:No cook, ready in <15 minutes, <10 ingredients
Forget the boringfruit saladof your childhood. This one is spicy, herby and versatile to boot.
27.Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Sriracha and Lime
- Time Commitment:55 minutes
- Why We Love It:Crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, under 500 calories
Consider it an elevated alternative to French fries.
28.Watermelon Salad with Almonds and Dill
- Time Commitment:15 minutes
- Why We Love It:Ready in <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
Bring on the savory fruit salads! This one combines watermelon, radishes, shallots and cider vinegar for a tangy treat.
29.7 Layer Dip
- Time Commitment:30 minutes
- Why We Love It:No cook, crowd-pleaser
It’s apotluckfavorite for good reason: Namely, that it’s delicious.
30.Smoky Barbecued Corn
- Time Commitment:30 minutes
- Why We Love It:Under 500 calories, <10 ingredients
Lightly charred and slathered with Mexican street corn toppings, it’ll make you never want to eat plain boiled corn again.
31.Roasted Broccoli and Bacon Pasta Salad
- Time Commitment:1 hour
- Why We Love It:Crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, make ahead
Honestly, we’d eat this as a main courseora side dish, it’s that tasty. Must be the bacon.
32.Crudités with Romesco Sauce
- Time Commitment:45 minutes
- Why We Love It:Low carb, make ahead, crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
This easy appetizer can do double duty as a stunning centerpiece. Make an extra batch of the sauce and serve the leftovers onsandwiches, withseafoodor as a dip.
33.Sweet and Spicy Cornbread
- Time Commitment:1 hour, 20 minutes
- Why We Love It:Crowd-pleaser, one pan
If you can’t findFresnos, jalapeños will work—slice the peppers thin so you get a little bit of heat in every bite. (And don’t forget honey for drizzling.)
34.Avocado Tahini Dip
- Time Commitment:5 minutes
- Why We Love It:Ready in <15 minutes, crowd-pleaser, no cook
Toss all the ingredients in a food processer and voilà, instant snack.
35.Tomato Salad with Grilled Halloumi and Herbs
- Time Commitment:10 minutes
- Why We Love It:<10 ingredients, ready in <15 minutes
It’s like a gourmet caprese salad will halloumi instead of mozz. Grill the cheese right next to the steaks, easy peasy.
36.Vietnamese-Style Summer Rolls
- Time Commitment:55 minutes
- Why We Love It:Gluten free, vegetarian
They’re refreshing, gluten free and will make you look like a pro chef with very little effort.
37.Avocado, Radish and Walnuts with Carrot-Miso Dressing
- Time Commitment:20 minutes
- Why We Love It:No cook, ready in <30 minutes
Let’s shake up the definition of a salad, shall we? This one substitutes avocado for the usual greens, which we think is pretty smart.
38.Black Fig and Tomato Salad
- Time Commitment:10 minutes
- Why We Love It:No cook, ready in <15 minutes, <10 ingredients
When the ingredients are at their peak, a ten-minute salad is guaranteed to taste like a million bucks.
39.Sweet Corn, Tomato and Zucchini Grain Salad with Peach-Dijon Vinaigrette
- Time Commitment:15 minutes
- Why We Love It:No cook, ready in <30 minutes, special occasion–worthy
The edible flowers are an optional decorative touch, but they take this side dish from delicious to absolutely showstopping.
40.Citrus, Shrimp and Quinoa Salad with Feta
- Time Commitment:20 minutes
- Why We Love It:Make ahead, under 500 calories, ready in <30 minutes
If you’re cooking it ahead of time, it will hold in the fridge for up to two days, you genius you.
41.Cherry Tomato Galette with Garlic and Herbs
- Time Commitment:1 hour, 10 minutes
- Why We Love It:Crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, under 500 calories
Sweet, roasted cherry tomatoes and a beyond flaky crust? This is the savory galette of our summertime dreams.
42.Zoodles with Avocado and Mango Sauce
- Time Commitment:15 minutes
- Why We Love It:Ready in <30 minutes, under 500 calories, no cook, gluten free
Blitz the creamy raw coconut milk sauce in your blender and drizzle it over zucchini noodles. In 15 minutes, you’re done.
43.Peach Caprese Salad
- Time Commitment:10 minutes
- Why We Love It:No cook, special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients
As much as we lovetomatoes, there’s another seasonal produce vying for the spotlight, and it pairs just as well with mozzarella and balsamic vinegar.
44.Pesto Zoodles
- Time Commitment:25 minutes
- Why We Love It:Ready in <30 minutes, kid-friendly, low carb
Pesto makes everything taste special, including zucchini noodles. Toss on some fresh Parmesan and you’re golden.
45.Strawberry, Basil and Arugula Salad with Lots of Black Pepper
- Time Commitment:10 minutes
- Why We Love It:No cook, low carb, under 500 calories, vegetarian
You don’t need a blender or even a whisk to make the homemade dressing, which comes together as the berries marinate in vinegar and honey.
46.Grilled Cheese Crostini
- Time Commitment:45 minutes
- Why We Love It:Crowd-pleaser, under 500 calories, special occasion–worthy
It’s like fancygrilled cheesefor adults, no? We love the combination of strawberries and balsamic vinegar, but you could also use tomatoes.
47.Mango Guacamole
- Time Commitment:10 minutes
- Why We Love It:No cook, ready in <15 minutes, <10 ingredients
We knowmangosounds like an unusual ingredient to use inguacamole. But it adds a burst of tangy sweetness that melds delightfully with creamy avocados.
48.Rainbow Heirloom Bruschetta
- Time Commitment:15 minutes
- Why We Love It:No cook, ready in <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
It’s quick, easy and on the table in 15 minutes, but so much more chic than onion dip.
49.Vegetarian Sushi Cups
- Time Commitment:1 hour
- Why We Love It:Kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
Normally we’d say sushi and hot weather do not mix, but when the former is fish-free, we say go for it.
50.Spicy Corn Carbonara
- Time Commitment:45 minutes
- Why We Love It:Crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
It’s luscious and creamy but not heavy, which is ideal on a summer evening.
51.Bruschette with Mixed Heritage Tomatoes and Burrata
- Time Commitment:15 minutes
- Why We Love It:<10 ingredients, ready in <30 minutes, special occasion–worthy
Toast, but make it pinkies-out. Your guests will be drooling at the first mention of burrata.
52.Zucchini Ricotta Galette
- Time Commitment:50 minutes
- Why We Love It:Under 500 calories, low carb, crowd-pleaser
Cut it into thin slivers to serve it as a side dish or appetizer.
53.Grilled Caprese Skewers with Halloumi and Sourdough
- Time Commitment:1 hour, 30 minutes
- Why We Love It:Under 500 calories, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
Homer Simpson says you don’t win friends with salad, but we might disagree, thanks to this salad-on-a-stick number.
54.Easy Zucchini Chips
- Time Commitment:2 hours
- Why We Love It:Crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, low carb
Nothing against a bag of store-bought potato chips, but these crispy bites are a little more special. It is a party, after all.
55.Zoodles with Summer Vegetables
- Time Commitment:30 minutes
- Why We Love It:<10 ingredients, under 500 calories, gluten free, dairy free
You just took a trip to the farmers market and have enough zucchini, cherry tomatoes and corn to feed you for a week. We know exactly what to do with it.
56.Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Strawberries
- Time Commitment:21 minutes
- Why We Love It:Ready in <30 minutes
The combination ofstrawberriesand a savory-spicy salad might sound unusual, but it totally works. The lightly sweet miso dressing ties it all together.
57.Caesar Pasta Salad
- Time Commitment:20 minutes
- Why We Love It:Make ahead, under 500 calories, crowd-pleaser
Crisp, cool lettuce and creamypasta salad: It’s the best of both worlds in one dish. Plus, you can make it up to two days in advance.
58.Ranch Potato Salad
- Time Commitment:30 minutes
- Why We Love It:<30 minutes, <500 calories, make ahead
Maybe your guests can’t agree on hot dogs vs. hamburgers, but they can all get together on ranch dressing. This crowd-pleasing salad tastes like the bottled stuff, but fresher.
59.Caprese Pasta Salad
- Time Commitment:30 minutes
- Why We Love It:crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes, vegetarian, <10 ingredients
See ya never, sad, gloppy mayo. This pasta salad is perfectly content sitting out at the picnic table.
60.German Potato Salad
- Time Commitment:45 minutes
- Why We Love It:crowd-pleaser, <500 calories, dairy free, gluten free
If a creamy side dish isn’t your jam, try this tangy, bacon-y version. It’s delicious whether you serve it warm or at room temp.
61.Tomato-Peach Caprese Skewers
- Time Commitment:15 minutes
- Why We Love It:<15 minutes, <500 calories, no cook
Everything tastes betteron a stick,包括dingsalad. And when you’re looking for creative ways to use the pounds offresh peachesyou splurged on at the farmers market, why not throw them in the mix?
62.Grilled Melon With Tahini, Chili Oil and Sesame Seeds
- Time Commitment:10 minutes
- Why We Love It:<15 minutes, <10 ingredients, gluten free
Pair this refreshingly sweet-savory cookout side with grilled fish and a tomato salad for the ultimate summertime effect.
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