There’s just something magical about grilled food, isn’t there?
The smoky aroma, those perfect char marks, and that first juicy bite that makes you go “Mmm, yep, that’s the good stuff.”
I’ve always had a soft spot for anything cooked over an open flame—probably because some of my favorite memories involve standing around the grill with friends and family, swapping stories while flipping burgers and skewers like a pro (or at least pretending to).
Whether it’s a laid-back Sunday BBQ or a midweek dinner experiment, grilling is my happy place.
It’s where bold flavors, good vibes, and a whole lot of deliciousness come together. So grab your tongs, fire up that grill, and let’s get cookin’—because when I’m at the grill, you know something tasty’s on the way!
And hey, what’s a great grilled meal without the sides? I’m talkin’ fresh, side salads, vibrant veggie-packed dishes, and all those BBQ favorites that round out the plate and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Because let’s be real—sometimes the sides totally steal the show!
Table of Contents
Summer Barbecue food
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Grilled honey mustard chicken tenders are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky—juicy little strips of heaven that always steal the spotlight at any backyard BBQ.
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Grilled chicken kabobs are an easy and tasty option for any BBQ—just chicken, veggies, and a hot grill come together for a simple meal everyone loves.
Grilled Blackened Fish Sandwich
Grilled blackened fish sandwiches are a flavorful BBQ option with a bit of a kick—perfect for anyone who wants something lighter but still packed with bold, smoky seasoning.
Grilled Chicken Wraps
Grilled chicken wraps are a quick and easy BBQ favorite—great for feeding a crowd or keeping things light without skimping on flavor.
Veggie Kabobs
Veggie kabobs are a colorful and tasty addition to any BBQ—packed with fresh, grilled vegetables that are perfect on their own or as a side to your favorite grilled meats.
Garlic Grilled Shrimp
Garlic grilled shrimp are not only full of flavor but also super easy to make—just toss the shrimp in a garlic marinade and throw them on the grill for a quick, tasty bite that’s ready in no time.
Grilled Teriyaki Salmon
Grilled teriyaki salmon is a simple yet delicious BBQ option—just marinate the salmon in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, then grill it to perfection for a tender, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and always a hit.
Elote
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a flavorful and easy-to-make BBQ side—grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, spicy mayo and topped with cheese and chili powder for a perfect combination of smoky, tangy, and sweet.
Grilled Romaine Salad
Grilled romaine salad is a quick and simple way to elevate your BBQ—just toss romaine hearts on the grill for a smoky touch, then top with your favorite dressing and toppings for a fresh, flavorful side that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled pork chops are an easy and flavorful BBQ classic—just season them with your favorite spices, throw them on the grill, and enjoy juicy, tender chops with a perfect smoky char every time.
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Grilled Tzatziki Chicken
Grilled tzatziki chicken is a deliciously easy BBQ option—marinate the chicken in a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce, then grill it to perfection for a flavorful, refreshing dish that’s light and satisfying.
Grilled Skirt Steak With Chimichurri
Grilled skirt steak with chimichurri is a simple yet bold BBQ choice—grill the steak to your preferred doneness, then top it with a zesty chimichurri sauce for a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors.
Grilled Corn Salad
Grilled corn salad is an easy, vibrant BBQ side—charred corn kernels mixed with fresh veggies and a tangy dressing, creating a flavorful, light dish that pairs perfectly with any grilled main.
Easy Grilled Pesto Chicken
Easy grilled pesto chicken is a quick and flavorful BBQ favorite—just coat the chicken in pesto, throw it on the grill, and enjoy a juicy, herb-infused dish that’s ready in no time.
Grilled Ribeye Steak Sandwich
Grilled ribeye steak sandwiches are a hearty, flavorful BBQ favorite—succulent, perfectly grilled ribeye steak stacked between soft, toasted bread for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and always a crowd-please
Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini is a simple and flavorful side dish featuring tender slices of zucchini lightly seasoned and cooked to perfection on the grill, offering a deliciously smoky and caramelized flavor that’s perfect for summer cookouts and barbecues.
Grilled Salmon
The super fresh tomato and cucumber salad is a light and refreshing dish featuring juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant herbs, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing, offering a burst of flavor and a cool crunch that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Grilled Scallops
Baked sweet potato wedges are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional fries, featuring tender sweet potatoes seasoned with herbs and spices, roasted to perfection in the oven until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a flavorful and satisfying side dish for any meal.
Grilled chicken Greek Salad
The Greek pasta salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring al dente pasta tossed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs, all dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, offering a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Grilled Chipotle Burgers
Air fryer vegetables are a quick and easy side dish featuring a colorful assortment of veggies, tossed with olive oil and seasonings, then air-fried until crispy and caramelized, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried vegetables with the same delicious flavor and crunch.
Chicken Pineapple Kabobs
Sauteed mushrooms are a simple and flavorful side dish featuring tender mushrooms cooked in butter or olive oil with garlic and herbs, offering a savory and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with any meal.
Grilled Asparagus With Parmesan And Lemon
Grilled asparagus with parmesan and lemon offers a burst of flavor with tender spears, tangy cheese, and zesty citrus, perfect for any meal.
Grilled Cheeseburger
Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a crispy and flavorful side dish, featuring tender sprouts tossed in olive oil and seasonings, then air-fried until golden brown and delicious, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried Brussels sprouts with the same irresistible crunch and taste.
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Easy creamed corn is a comforting and creamy side dish featuring sweet corn kernels cooked in a rich and velvety sauce made with butter, cream, and a hint of seasoning, offering a simple and delicious addition to any meal.
Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
Bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are a savory and indulgent side dish, featuring tender Brussels sprouts wrapped in crispy bacon and roasted to perfection, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Grilled Carne Asada Tacos
Southern coleslaw is a classic and tangy side dish featuring shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy dressing made with mayo, vinegar, sugar, and mustard, offering a refreshing and flavorful accompaniment to any Southern-inspired meal.
Grilled Miso Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
Broccoli and cauliflower salad is a crisp and refreshing side dish featuring crunchy broccoli and cauliflower florets tossed with a creamy dressing, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and tangy red onions, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures that’s perfect for a side.
BBQ Grilled Pork Chops
Quinoa Greek salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish featuring fluffy quinoa mixed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, offering a delicious and satisfying twist on the classic Greek salad.
Tortellini Salad
Tortellini salad is a delightful and flavorful dish featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini pasta tossed with crisp vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and savory toppings like olives and cheese, offering a delicious and satisfying meal or side dish that’s perfect for all gatherings.
Classic Three Bean Salad
Classic three bean salad is a tangy and flavorful dish featuring a mix of kidney beans, green beans, and wax beans tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing, offering a refreshing and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for gatherings.
Proscuitto Wrapped Asparagus With Raspberry Sauce
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with raspberry sauce offers a delightful blend of salty and sweet flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Savory Cucumber Sandwiches
Savory cucumber sandwiches are light and flavorful, ideal for any occasion.
Fresh Green Beans
Fresh green beans are a crisp and nutritious side dish, offering a vibrant and flavorful addition to any meal.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Loaded baked potato salad is a hearty and flavorful side dish featuring tender potatoes tossed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, and fresh chives, offering all the delicious flavors of a loaded baked potato in salad form.
Fresh Cucumber Salad
Fresh cucumber salad is a light and refreshing dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed with tangy vinegar, fragrant dill, and a hint of sweetness, offering a cool and crisp side dish that’s perfect for gatherings.
Mexican Street Corn
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a flavorful and iconic dish featuring grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime juice, offering a deliciously savory and tangy flavor experience that’s a favorite street food in Mexico and beyond.
Mint Summer Salad
Mint summer salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish featuring crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fragrant mint leaves, all tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing, offering a cool and invigorating flavor combination that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Avocado Black Bean Salad
Avocado black bean salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish featuring creamy avocado, protein-rich black beans, sweet corn kernels, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lime dressing, offering a delicious and satisfying combination of flavors and textures that’s perfect for gatherings.
Cracked Corn Salad
Cracked corn salad is a delightful and hearty dish featuring tender cracked corn kernels tossed with colorful bell peppers, red onions, fresh herbs, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing, offering a flavorful and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues and potlucks.
Kale Cranberry Salad
Kale cranberry salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish featuring hearty kale leaves tossed with tart cranberries, crunchy almonds, all dressed in a light vinaigrette dressing, offering a delicious combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors that’s perfect for any meal.
Wrapping Up The Best Side Dishes For BBQs and Picnics
No Memorial Day gathering is complete without a spread of delicious side dishes to complement the main course.
Whether you go for classic favorites like potato salad and baked beans or mix it up with fresh, vibrant options, the right sides bring everyone together around the table.
With these recipes, you’ll have plenty of inspiration to make your cookout memorable. So fire up the grill, fill your plate, and enjoy good food with great company as we celebrate the holiday and the start of summer!