The grill always steals the spotlight. But the sides are what people actually remember.
A great BBQ side does the heavy lifting. It cools down a spicy plate, soaks up the sauce, and gives everyone something to go back for seconds on. And the best part? Most of these come together with simple summer ingredients and barely any effort.
From smoky grilled corn ribs to cool watermelon salads, creamy potato salad to tangy slaw, this roundup has a side for every cookout.
Whether you’re feeding a backyard crowd on the 4th of July or just throwing burgers on the grill for a Sunday dinner, you’ll find something here worth making.
So fire up the grill. These 30 sides are ready to steal the show.
Popular BBQ Side Dishes
Smashed Cucumber Salad from The Woks of Life
Watermelon Feta Salad from The Mediterranean Dish
Southern Hush Puppies from House of Nash Eats
Grilled Corn Ribs from Vindulge
Southern Succotash from The Gracious Wife
Fried Green Tomatoes from Butter Be Ready
Pimento Cheese from Southern Bite
Southern Collard Greens from Sweet Tea + Thyme
Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad from Inspired Taste
Mexican Street Corn Salad from Isabel Eats
Classic Three Bean Salad from Just a Taste
Caprese Skewers from Love and Lemons
Vinegar Coleslaw from Downshiftology
Loaded Baked Potato Salad from The Endless Meal
Southern Cornbread Salad from The Cooking Bride
Smoked Mac and Cheese from Hey Grill Hey
Black Bean & Corn Salad from Once Upon a Chef
Best Quinoa Salad from Cookie and Kate
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread from A Cozy Kitchen
Buttermilk Biscuits from Girl Versus Dough
Marinated Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad from My Sequined Life
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad from Taste and Tell
Squash Casserole from The Buttered Home
Grilled Baby Potatoes from Beyond The Chicken Coop
Watermelon Cucumber Mint Salad from A Communal Table
Cowboy Calico Beans from Culinary Hill
Seven Layer Salad from NeighborFood
Grilled Asparagus from FoodieCrush
Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad from FeelGoodFoodie
Antipasto Skewers from Baker by Nature