Side Dishes to Bring to a BBQ

Warmer weather brings more time outdoors and more get-togethers with family and friends. If you’ve got a summer BBQ on the calendar, you might be wondering what side dish to bring. Looking for some inspiration? Food Hero has you covered with easy, budget-friendly recipes. From vegetables to meats and everything in between, we’ve got the perfect side dish for any BBQ.

Vibrant Vegetables

With warmer weather and more vegetables in season, it’s a great time to try some veggie-focused side dishes!

• Kale Salad
• Succotash
• Plant Part Salad
• Lemon Dill Brussels Sprouts
• Black-Eyed Peas and Quinoa Salad

Tip: Swap in frozen or canned vegetables. They work just as well in many recipes, and are a convenient, budget-friendly option. 

Delicious Dips

Dips can be a BBQ favorite. These fresh and flavorful recipes are easy to make and pair well with raw veggies or grilled meats. You can also try them with our Baked Tortilla Chips.

• Pico de Gallo
• Salsa Roja
• Salsa Verde
• Farmers Market Salsa

Fabulous Fruits

Summer is a good time to take advantage of in-season fruit with refreshing fruit salads. For best prices, check out local farmers markets or u-pick farms.

• Watermelon Fruit Salad
• Strawberry and Cucumber Salad
• Magical Fruit Salad

Tip: For more berry recipes, check out our blog on Summer Berry Recipes.

Simple Sides

Short on time? Sometimes the best sides are recipes you can whip up quickly with just a few ingredients.

• Quinoa with Cactus
• Sautéed Corn and Onion
• Bean Salad

Hearty Helpings

Guests will love these delicious and satisfying side dishes. Don’t be surprised if they ask you for your recipe!

• Cornbread
• Skillet Mac and Cheese
• Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
• Potato Wedges
• Chili Cheese Hominy

Food Safety Tips

When preparing food for an outdoor gathering, keeping it safe is just as important as making it delicious. We have gathered some important tips, but make sure to check out our Food Hero Monthly: Keep Food Safe. For the most up-to-date information, go to FoodSafety.gov.

• Transport food in a container with a lid or foil to minimize cross contamination and keep hot dishes warm.
• Plan ahead with ice-packed coolers to keep cold items chilled or insulated bags to keep hot items warm.
• Food should not be left out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. If it is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit outside, reduce this to 1 hour.  
• When hosting events outside, make sure food is covered whenever it’s not being served.

Want to explore more side dishes for your next BBQ? Check out our Side Dishes recipe category. If you try any of these at your next BBQ, let us know how you liked them! Use the “Was this page helpful to you?” field below to send us your feedback.