Here in Austin, BBQ season is a way of life. And while the grill usually gets all the glory, it’s the side dishes that can truly make or break the spread. Adding a little variety to the table can take your BBQ game to the next level—and make all your guests a whole lot happier.
Having a well-rounded lineup of BBQ side dishes at your next cookout is a total game-changer. In fact, they might even steal the show. It’s refreshing to break out of the routine and mix things up. If you’re a baked beans loyalist, why not try a vibrant, seasonal salad this time? There are numerous creative side dishes available, and each one is more crave-worthy than the last.
From charred corn salads to handheld snacks, we’ve rounded up BBQ side dishes that are sure to impress. That classic burger? It’s about to get some serious competition.
Featured image by Kristen Kilpatrick.
Keep it fresh and light with this bright, tasty fennel slaw. It couldn’t be easier to throw together and is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Chopped salads are a simple way to pack in a bit of extra protein. Chickpeas are the star of this show, acting as a hearty base for toppings of your choice. Matchstick carrots, cucumbers, and a touch of cilantro are just a few flavors to add to your bowl.
A few summers ago, at Camille’s house, we whipped up these ricotta and plum bruschetta bites, layered with creamy ricotta and sprinkled with mint. It’s hard not to love a five-ingredient, under-five-minute BBQ side dish.
Pasta salads were born for backyard BBQs, and this green goddess pasta salad is no exception. It’s isn’t just delicious—it doubles as a way to get in extra greens and all their nutrients after a day in the sun.
Halloumi is a highly underrated ingredient to add to your summer BBQ side dish rotation. When thrown together with a variety of crunchy greens and a savory dressing, this halloumi salad might just be one for the books.
For a sweet and spicy treat, this watermelon feta salad is an all-around winner when it comes to side dishes. Bonus points if you do all the chopping and dicing ahead of time, giving this salad a short assembly time.
Caprese salads of any variety are welcome at my summer BBQ. However, this salad in particular gets extra kudos for the use of avocado (a summer staple ingredient).
This triple-threat, alliterative recipe is one of the best in the BBQ side dishes game. Truly, they only take five ingredients and are a delicious way to get your greens. You’ll be tempted to finish off the whole pan even before they reach the plate.
Skewers have a way of making it to just about any and all of my outdoor summer gatherings. They’re easy to assemble and a breeze to whip up. Plus, with these as an example, they’re a simple way to stack flavor on flavor… on flavor.
When the main attraction of your meal leans more indulgent, your BBQ side dishes should include an herby, light option. This French onion dip is refreshing and tangy, making it the perfect dip for crudités, crackers… or just about anything.
When it comes to BBQ side dishes, corn on the cob is always a strong choice. This Indian-inspired take on charred corn puts a little spin on your everyday summer side.
I love a good light, simple salad served alongside my favorite BBQ dishes. This one couldn’t get easier, bringing all your favorite southern sweet potato ingredients together, minus the mayonnaise.
Pasta salad is one of the most iconic side dishes at a BBQ! Elevate the game with this healthy and flavorful dish.
We can’t get enough of the sweet and creamy flavor in this tasty sweet potato recipe. And as for the best BBQ side dishes, who doesn’t love something you can eat with one hand?
As Camille writes, these crispy potatoes are earth-shatteringly good. By preheating your pan, you’re ensuring that the potato skins get a golden-brown sear. But don’t worry, the inside will stay nice and creamy. A little variety in your roasted potatoes is the spice of life, after all.
This post was last updated on June 19, 2025, to include new insights.
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