I Bet You Haven’t Tried These 29 Cookout Side Dishes Yet

ByMandy

Cookout plans usually revolve around the same five ideas until someone brings something worth talking about. These 29 sides surprised people who thought they’d seen it all and didn’t think twice about skipping the classics. There was a lot of pointing, some quiet plate-trading, and absolutely no leftovers.

A Caesar salad topped with grilled chicken pieces, croutons, and grated cheese on a bed of romaine lettuce. Dressing is served on the side.
Chicken Caesar Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Adding a fresh crunch to the cookout lineup never disappoints. Honeycrisp Salad combines crisp bites with just enough sweetness to balance out heavier grilled dishes. It’s a refreshing side that pairs perfectly with almost anything on the table. Everyone grabs a scoop, no matter what’s already on their plate.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Grilled Pineapple

Close-up of grilled pineapple rings topped with coarse salt and drizzled with syrup.
Grilled Pineapple. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Sweet grilled sides always bring something fun to the table. Grilled Pineapple turns simple slices into a smoky and juicy side dish everyone loves. It’s light enough to snack on between bites of barbecue. This one disappears fast because it’s so easy to grab and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining pasta with grilled touches gives a new twist to classic sides. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies blends smoky pieces with soft noodles that make every bite feel balanced. It’s great for feeding crowds and keeps well for second helpings later. Plates are never full for long when this is served.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Conch Fritters

A plate of golden-brown fritters garnished with chopped herbs, served with a dipping sauce and a wedge of lemon.
Conch Fritters. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Bite-sized fried options always go quickly at cookouts. Conch Fritters are crispy outside with soft, savory centers perfect for snacking or sharing. They work as appetizers or alongside other grilled options. Everybody rushes to grab a piece before they’re gone.
Get the Recipe: Conch Fritters

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Close-up of three spiral pastry rolls on a black plate, filled with herbs and cheese. Green garnish and a jalapeño pepper are in the background.
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Wraps with a spicy kick add something different to the mix. Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels pack heat into a roll that’s simple to grab and snack on. They’re easy to make ahead and share during busy gatherings. People always ask for the recipe after trying these.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels

Beet Salad

A close-up of a salad featuring chopped beets, cucumber, feta cheese, walnuts, and fresh herbs on a white plate.
Beet Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Veggie-focused sides don’t have to feel complicated or plain. Beet Salad brings bold textures with a hint of sweetness making it rank higher at the cookout table. It pairs well with grilled meats while holding its own as a lighter dish. A good side to keep options varied for everyone at the event.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Three baked sweet potatoes topped with minced meat, melted cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions on a white plate.
Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Turning a cookout favorite into a side makes it feel fresh. Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes switch out the usual bread for a softer, slightly sweet base that pairs well with smoky flavors. It’s a creative option that works for the main table or smaller gatherings. Everyone ends up grabbing seconds without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

7 Layer Dip

A clear glass bowl with 7 Layer Dip featuring beans, white cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, lettuce, and black olives.
7 Layer Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Stacked dips are always a crowd-pleaser at outdoor gatherings. 7 Layer Dip combines creamy, crunchy, and savory bites all in one scoop. It’s easy to dig into with chips or layer onto a plate alongside grilled food. The serving dish is empty before the party’s even over.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

A baked potato topped with shredded barbecue chicken, sour cream, and chopped herbs on a white plate.
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Turning potatoes into a loaded side dish keeps things interesting. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes add smoky chicken filling into soft, pillowy centers perfect for pairing with grilled dishes. They make a heavier alternative to regular sides but still complement the main meal.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Tzatziki

A bowl of creamy tzatziki sauce garnished with chopped dill and a swirl of olive oil. Fresh dill and garlic are nearby.
Tzatziki. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cool dips are perfect for balancing out grilled flavors. Tzatziki brings smooth bites with a tang that pairs wonderfully with skewers or veggies. It works great as a dipping sauce or a side on its own with bread. Everyone scoops up more than they think they’ll need.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus spears served on a plate with two charred lemon halves.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Smoky vegetables bring balance to heavier BBQ spreads. Grilled Asparagus adds tender bites with just enough char to make it work alongside anything grilled. It looks elegant but is easy enough to pass around during casual meals. These always surprise people who weren’t expecting to enjoy them.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Million Dollar Dip

Close-up of a creamy dish topped with shredded cheese, chopped nuts, bacon bits, and sliced green onions.
Million Dollar Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Creamy dips like this are hard to ignore at group tables. Million Dollar Dip combines smooth textures with crispy, savory bits mixed in. It’s perfect for spreading on crackers or bread while chatting at the table. The bowl is always scraped clean by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Close-up of baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings coated in orange sauce, scattered on a cooling rack, with a glass jar of sauce beside them. Garnished with chopped herbs.
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Adding meatless options to the grill keeps things fun and fresh. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings bring a spicy kick to soften bites, making them great for everyone to try. They fit in nicely alongside traditional cookout foods without feeling out of place. People always grab a piece out of curiosity and then go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet meets heat with this refreshing side. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad offers cool crunch mixed with just enough spice to stand out on any plate. It’s simple to pile onto plates or eat on its own. Bowls never seem to have anything left when this dish is served.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Mexican Street Corn

Close-up of Mexican Street Corn on the cob topped with creamy sauce, crumbled cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Classic grilled corn upgrades easily with extra layers. Mexican Street Corn is smoky and creamy with enough bold flavor to shine among cookout sides. It’s messy to eat but worth every single bite. People always crowd around the table to grab their own cob.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Dense Bean Salad

A spoonful of chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and feta cheese being served from a bowl.
Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Hearty salads balance lighter sides and grilled dishes. Dense Bean Salad brings everything together with just enough texture to feel filling but still fresh. It’s a great option for those looking for a healthier addition at the table. Plates always end up full of this, no matter what else is on offer.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Close-up of a baked spinach and artichoke dip in a dark dish, showing a golden brown, bubbly cheese topping with a portion scooped out, revealing the creamy interior.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dips like this tend to steal the show at any cookout. Spinach Artichoke Dip blends creamy bites with just enough texture to keep it interesting. It pairs easily with chips, veggies, or even spread across bread. People end up standing near the bowl until it’s empty.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Quinoa Salad

Close-up of a quinoa salad with chickpeas, chopped cucumber, parsley, red onion, and a light dressing, with a spoon partially visible.
Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Adding grains to the table gives variety to cookout spreads. Quinoa Salad is light and nutty, making it the perfect partner to richer grilled foods. It piles onto plates easily while still standing out among other side dishes. This is usually gone before anyone asks for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Quick handheld sides like this are crowd favorites. Pinwheel Sandwiches roll soft fillings into bite-sized portions perfect for snacking. They’re easy to carry and share during big gatherings or smaller family setups. People always end up grabbing more than one.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy.
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bacon-wrapped sides always grab attention at the grill. Smoky Bacon Pig Shots combine smoky bites with savory fillings stacked into perfect small portions. These make a fun finger food alongside bigger main dishes. Trays are cleared before anyone realizes how much they’ve had.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Grilled Vegetables

A platter of grilled vegetables including zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus, bell peppers, and red onions, garnished with chopped herbs.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smoky, tender vegetables balance out heavier cookout foods. Grilled Vegetables work as crowd-pleasers, pairing easily with anything from skewers to burgers. They add a vibrant touch to the plate without being too heavy. These end up being everyone’s way to sneak in extra bites of greens.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Classic sides like this always have their place on cookout tables. Potato Salad is creamy, filling, and fits beside everything from grilled chicken to ribs. It’s a simple crowd-friendly option that people come back to multiple times. No cookout feels complete without this dish.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Spicy Greek Feta Dip

Spicy Greek feta dip in a bowl with pita bread by the side.
Spicy Greek Feta Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spreads with a twist become easy conversation starters at gatherings. Spicy Greek Feta Dip combines creamy textures with a sharp kick perfect for pairing with chips or bread. It’s quick to make but feels impressive when served. Everyone finds themselves dipping repeatedly without realizing it.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Greek Feta Dip

BBQ Sauce

Homemade BBQ sauce in a jar with two spoons by the side.
BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A good cookout always needs something saucy to tie it together. BBQ Sauce adds smoky, bold flavors that can transform any side or protein into a showstopper. It’s easy to drizzle on meats or even mix into other sides for variety. Guests always ask where it came from or how you made it.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sauce

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon.
Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Fresh, simple salads like this add a lighter touch to the table. Cucumber Tomato Salad mixes crunchy veggies in a way that complements heavier, grilled mains. It’s quick to pile on plates and feels refreshing with every bite. Even kids enjoy grabbing a spoonful or two.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Hawaiian Baked Beans

A plate of Hawaiian baked beans garnished with a pineapple slice and chopped herbs.
Hawaiian Baked Beans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet takes on classic beans always stand out. Hawaiian Baked Beans mix smoky flavors with a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with almost anything grilled. It’s an easy addition to plates while still being unique. Everyone ends up grabbing another scoop.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fruit-filled sides offer something refreshing during meals. Waldorf Salad balances crunch and creaminess in a way that works alongside BBQ plates. It’s light enough to be a standout but still filling enough to hold its own. Everyone finds room for a portion no matter how much they’re eating.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Rotel Dip

A skillet filled with creamy cheese dip topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños, surrounded by triangular tortilla chips.
Rotel Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cheesy dips like this work for cookouts of any size. Rotel Dip turns smooth layers into the perfect pairing for chips or crackers throughout the day. It’s the kind of side everyone dips into repeatedly without realizing how much they’ve had. The bowl is always empty way before the party ends.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip

Chicken Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad topped with grilled chicken pieces, croutons, and grated cheese on a bed of romaine lettuce. Dressing is served on the side.
Chicken Caesar Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Adding chicken to a classic makes it feel heartier. Chicken Caesar Salad combines fresh greens with smoky pieces into a shareable side perfect for cookouts. It’s simple enough for casual meals but works just as well for fancier setups. Everyone finds a way to add this to their plate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad

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