23 BBQ Sides That Deserve the Spotlight

Burgers and ribs usually get all the love at a BBQ, but let’s be honest—the sides are where the real magic happens. Think creamy, crunchy, tangy, cheesy, fresh-from-the-garden goodness that makes the whole meal shine.

These 23 BBQ side dishes aren’t just fillers. They’re scene-stealers. From classic potato salad and baked beans to grilled veggies and unexpected twists, these recipes bring big flavor to the backyard table.

So whether you’re feeding a crowd or just showing up hungry, these sides are ready to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

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This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is made with sour cream and mayo and is crisp, light, refreshing, and can be made and served in only 30 minutes. It’s a perfect family dinner side dish when you need to quickly get dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Cucumber Salad

This refreshing Cucumber Salad is made with crisp cucumbers and a tangy dressing. It’s a perfect side dish for summer meals or a light and healthy snack.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad

Chickpea and Avocado Salad

A bowl of chickpea salad with cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Scattered tomatoes and a spoon are visible around the bowl. — Chickpea and Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Chickpea and Avocado Salad is a perfect side dish or light lunch option for those hot summer days. It’s delicious, refreshing, and packed with nutrients.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea and Avocado Salad

Cremy Cucumber Salad

This creamy and refreshing Cucumber Salad combines crisp cucumbers, fragrant fresh dill, and tangy sour cream for the ultimate light side dish. A hint of sharpness from red onions and a perfectly balanced dressing tie it all together. It’s effortless to prepare and ideal for summer picnics, backyard dinners, or satisfying those last-minute cravings.
Get the Recipe: Cremy Cucumber Salad

Cucumber Ranch Pasta Salad

Cold pasta salad with creamy ranch dressing, crisp cucumbers, red onion, and fresh herbs—served chilled as a quick and easy side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Ranch Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Enjoy crispy and delicious brussel sprouts in only 10 minutes with this air fryer recipe! Needing only six ingredients, this side dish is sure to grace your weeknight menu over and over again. These brussel sprouts are nutrient-rich, high in fiber, and are gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Amish Broccoli Salad

A bowl of broccoli cauliflower salad with shredded cheese and bacon, placed on a checkered cloth. — Amish Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Amish Broccoli Salad recipe is a classic dish that is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or any other gatherings. It’s also a great side dish for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Amish Broccoli Salad

Air Fryer Broccolini

Air fried broccolini on a plate with lemons in the background. — Air Fryer Broccolini. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Broccolini is a quick, delicious, nutritious side dish that makes a perfect side for just about any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccolini

Blackstone Corn on the Cob

4 corn on the cob topped with butter and parlesy that were cooked on the Blackstone griddle. — Blackstone Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Blackstone Corn on the Cob is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish. Cook sweet and juicy corn on your Blackstone griddle in no time. Perfect for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Corn on the Cob

Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob

Ignite your taste buds with this chipotle grilled corn recipe. Sweet and smoky, each tender ear of corn is infused with a chipotle-compound butter, and grilled to perfection for a mouthwatering side dish bursting with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob

4 Bean Salad

A bowl of bean and onion salad with a wooden spoon. — 4 Bean Salad. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This low-carb, gluten-free Four-Bean Salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that’s both easy to prepare and visually appealing. It combines a variety of beans with the crunch of celery and onions, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a quick yet healthy addition to any meal. This salad offers a perfect balance of heartiness and freshness, making it a great option for gatherings or regular family dinners.
Get the Recipe: 4 Bean Salad

Blackstone Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Blackstone Brussel Spouts with bacon in a white bowl with a fork. — Blackstone Brussel Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Make delicious Brussel sprouts with bacon on your Blackstone Griddle. This is a delicious side dish that the whole family will love!
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

Blackstone Asparagus on white plate. — Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle is insanely easy to do! Crunchy delicious grilled asparagus is a healthy side dish. Minimal ingredients of garlic, salt, pepper and oil, this dish is done in no time at all!
Get the Recipe: Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

This air fryer bacon wrapped asparagus is a quick and easy side dish or appetizer. Crispy bacon cooks to perfection in the air fryer wrapped around bundles of tender roasted seasoned asparagus.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Butter Bean Salad

This Butter Bean Salad is full of beans, crunchy fresh vegetables, and a tangy oil and vinegar dressing. It’s a great summer side dish.
Get the Recipe: Butter Bean Salad

Authentic Mexican Cabbage Slaw Recipe

A bowl of Mexican cabbage slaw with shredded cabbage and colorful veggies. — Authentic Mexican Cabbage Slaw Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Authentic Mexican Cabbage Slaw Recipe is a fresh and zesty slaw made with cabbage, lime juice, and spices. It’s a great side dish for tacos, grilled meats, or as a stand-alone salad.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Mexican Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Air Fryer Corn Elote

Low angle shot of 3 ears of corn elote on corn husks. — Air Fryer Corn Elote. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Corn Elote is a favorite summertime snack or side dish. It’s fresh and addictively flavorful. Sweet corn on the cob with cayenne, mayo, and salty cotija cheese. This Mexican street corn is crazy easy to make in the air fryer in just 15 minutes. It’s one of my most requested air fryer recipes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Elote

Cucumber Melon Salad

This combination of cool cucumbers and sweet melon makes for a refreshing side dish or snack. A light honey dressing adds just the right touch of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Melon Salad

Classic American Potato Salad

This classic American potato salad is the perfect side dish for summer BBQs! Made with boiled eggs, this creamy recipe can be made ahead and tastes even more delicious the next day!
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad

Corn in a Cup

This easy and delicious corn in a cup blends sweet corn with creamy mayonnaise, cheese, and Tajin for a 15 minute snack or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Corn in a Cup

Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower

Get your greens crispy and flavorful with just broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cooked in the air fryer. This quick 15-minute side dish is perfect for busy nights or meal prepping lunches that won’t make you miss takeout. If you’ve only steamed your veggies before, this method will change your veggie game forever.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower

Amish Macaroni Salad

Amish macaroni salad is the perfect creamy & sweet side dish for your gatherings! With its simple yet delicious ingredients this salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad

A bowl of cucumber salad with red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs, served with a spoon. — Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad is a tangy blend of crunchy bell peppers, crisp cucumbers, and tangy onion, all coated in a zesty vinaigrette dressing. It is the perfect side dish for any meal and can also be enjoyed as a refreshing snack on a hot summer day.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad