3 Easy Side Dishes for Barbecues

Summer sunshine calls for outdoor meals, laughing with friends, and that irresistible smoky smell from the grill. Food brings people together, but let’s be honest—main dishes shouldn’t do all the heavy lifting at a barbecue. I love a good feast, but sometimes the real magic shows up on the side. That’s where easy, tasty side dishes for barbecues come in.

Quick to make, easy to tweak for all kinds of dietary restrictions, and guaranteed to upgrade any get-together, these three foolproof recipes will save you from a bland potluck. So if you’re staring down a calendar full of BBQs or just craving something fresh to share, you’re in the right place.

Classic Potato Salad: A Creamy Barbecue Favorite

Potato salad is the rockstar of summer sides. It never steals the show, but boy, would the barbecue buffet feel empty without it. Creamy, tangy, loaded with herbs—this one is a fail-safe recipe for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. Add extra pickles for crunch, sprinkle bacon if you’re feeling bold, or keep it classic for the purists. It packs up great, chills like a champ, and tastes even better on day two. If you want to nail the perfect version every time, check out the Classic Potato Salad Recipe I always come back to.

Fresh Pasta Salad: Colorful and Crowd-Pleasing

Pasta salad is the chameleon of barbecue side dishes. Bright veggies, salty cheese, and bright herbs come together in a happy, colorful jumble. You can toss in whatever looks good at the market (or let’s be honest, whatever is hanging out in your fridge). Make it vegan, gluten-free, or load it up with feta—there’s no wrong turn with pasta salad. The best part? It gets better as it sits, taking the stress out of last-minute prep. For my favorite twist, check out this Delicious Pasta Salad Recipe that always disappears first at the party.

Watermelon & Feta Salad: Sweet, Salty, and Refreshing

Nothing says summer like biting into a juicy wedge of watermelon. But pair it with feta and fresh mint? Now you’ve got a side dish that cuts through the richness of barbecue like a breeze on a hot day. I love this one for its pop of color and that addictive combo of sweet and salty. It’s light enough to keep you coming back for seconds (or thirds) and plays nice with all the classics. If healthy and flavorful is your thing, my go-to is the Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe that never fails to impress.

Tips for Making Easy Side Dishes for Barbecues

• Make ahead: Save your sanity. Most sides (especially potato and pasta salads) improve after a night in the fridge.
• Transport smart: Pack salads in leak-proof containers, use a cooler for anything with mayo or cheese, and always bring serving utensils.
• Accommodate everyone: Sub gluten-free pasta, offer dairy-free swap-ins (my favorite mayo from Chosen Foods is dairy-free, gluten-free, and tastes great), or keep a vegan version handy. It doesn’t take much to make sure everyone gets a bite.
• Lean on favorites: There’s no shame in having a few go-to side dishes for barbecues. People love the comfort of familiar recipes (and so does my grocery list).

Savor Every Bite

Barbecues aren’t just about the grill—side dishes bring color, crunch, and a little extra joy to every plate. I hope these three easy side dishes for barbecues inspire your next gathering. Mix and match, add your favorite twists, or serve them all for a spread that steals the show. Whatever you choose, pass the fork and save me a seat by the potato salad.