Top 20 Summer Side Dishes For BBQ Chicken

Summer is the time for outdoor barbecues and picnics, and what’s a barbecue without some delicious side dishes?

If you’re hosting a backyard cookout or attending a potluck, having a variety of summer side dishes on hand will make your event a hit.

From classic potato salad to grilled corn on the cob, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to summer side dishes.

As someone who loves hosting barbecues, I’ve put together a list of the top 15 summer side dishes that are sure to impress your guests.

These dishes are easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing. If you’re a fan of pasta salad, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables, there’s something on this list for everyone.

Classic BBQ Side Dishes

As we all know, no summer BBQ is complete without some classic side dishes to complement the main course.

Here are my top three classic BBQ side dishes that are sure to be a hit at your next BBQ party.

1- Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a classic summer BBQ side dish that is loved by many. It’s easy to prepare, delicious and adds a pop of color to your plate.

To prepare, simply grill the corn on a hot grill until it’s slightly charred, then add some butter, salt, and pepper. You can also add some chili powder or lime juice for an extra kick.

grilled corn on peach oval plate with wooden board and sides on a white surface — Source

2- Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that pairs perfectly with any BBQ meat. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for parties.

To prepare, shred some cabbage and carrots, then mix with mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt. You can also add some chopped apples or raisins for a sweeter taste.

a prepared coleslaw recipe in a bowl — Source

3- Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic for a reason. They’re creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-delicious.

To make them, simply boil some potatoes until they’re tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re good to go.

For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the mix.

close up of garlic mashed potatoes in a bowl. — Source

4- Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic BBQ side dish that is loved by many.

They’re sweet, and savory, and pair perfectly with any BBQ meat. To prepare, simply mix together some canned beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and molasses.

You can also add some bacon or sausage for an extra flavor boost.

baked beans recipe best old fashioned traditional brown sugar maple sweet smoky from scratch — Source

Refreshing Salads for Summer BBQ

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy some light and refreshing salads that are perfect for any BBQ or cookout.

Here are a few of my favorite summer salads that are sure to impress your guests.

5- Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a classic summer side dish that is always a hit at any BBQ. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking.

I like to use tri-color rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese.

For the dressing, I mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s a simple and delicious salad that everyone will love.

Best Pasta Salad in a serving dish — Source

6- Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon Feta Salad is a refreshing and light salad that is perfect for summer. It’s a combination of sweet and salty flavors that work together perfectly.

To make this salad, I mix cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint — Source

7- Greek Salad

Greek Salad is a classic summer salad that is always a hit. It’s a combination of fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese that is tossed in a lemon and olive oil dressing.

To make this salad, I mix chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell pepper, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.

Then, I drizzle the salad with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. It’s a simple and delicious salad that is perfect for any summer BBQ.

close up of a Greek salad on a blue serving platter. — Source

8- Healthy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This Healthy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is one of the best sides for steaks that I have ever tried.

I am going to tell you the perfect recipe for this Healthy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad that is super delicious and filled with veggies.

All you need is a handful of ingredients and some minutes to make this meal for an amazing side dish for a steak dinner.

This nutritious salad is our family favorite which is made by tossing chickpeas with fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta, parsley, and bright lemon vinaigrette.

9- Three Pickle Potato Salad

Three Pickle Potato Salad is a tangy and refreshing twist on the classic potato salad.

It is a combination of three types of pickles: dill pickles, sweet pickles, and bread-and-butter pickles. Boiled potatoes are mixed with chopped hard-boiled eggs, crisp celery, and onions.

The unique dressing, made from mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle juice, adds a creamy texture that perfectly complements the potatoes.

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10- Crispy Prosciutto, Strawberry, And Burrata Salad

This salad makes for a stunning presentation with its colorful ingredients. It’s the ideal light and refreshing dish for summer BBQs, whether served as a starter or a main course.

Salad is made by combining sweet strawberries, salty crispy prosciutto, and creamy burrata cheese.

The prosciutto is baked until crisp, then broken into bite-sized pieces to add a satisfying crunch to the salad.

Fresh strawberries provide sweetness that pairs perfectly with the burrata cheese.

A simple balsamic vinaigrette dresses the salad, allowing the flavors of the high-quality ingredients to shine.

Crunchy marcona almonds add another layer of texture, while fresh basil or mint leaves provide a fragrant finish.

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Creative Vegetable Sides For Chicken Wings

As a vegetarian, I’m always on the lookout for creative and delicious vegetable sides to serve at barbecues.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes that are sure to impress your guests.

11- Southern Fried Corn

Southern Fried Corn is a delicious side dish that perfectly complements BBQ chicken during summer gatherings.

Made with fresh corn kernels shaved off the cob, this dish is cooked in a skillet with bacon drippings and butter, creating a rich and savory flavor.

The addition of a little sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, while the starchy corn milk adds a creamy texture.

This dish is not only simple to prepare but also highlights the freshness of summer corn, making it a favorite at barbecues and cookouts.

Serve it warm alongside BBQ chicken.

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12- Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus is a classic summer side dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

To prepare, simply toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill over medium heat until tender and lightly charred.

Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a simple yet flavorful dish.

Grilled Asparagus Recipe | foodiecrush.com #asparagus #grilled #grilling #healthy #recipes — Source

Zucchini skewers are a fun and colorful way to serve up this versatile summer squash. To make, slice zucchini into rounds and thread them onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper.

Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then grill until tender and lightly charred.

14- Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a hearty and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

To make, slice the tops off of bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.

Stuff with a mixture of cooked rice, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, then bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Top with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro for a colorful and flavorful dish.

grilled stuffed peppers in a grill basket — Source

Starchy Complements

As much as I love grilled meats, I know that they can be quite heavy on their own. That’s why I always make sure to have some starchy sides to balance out the meal.

Here are my top three picks for starchy complements:

15- Roasted Tomato Macaroni And Cheese

Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese is a gourmet twist on the classic comfort dish, combining creamy cheese sauce with sweet, caramelized roasted tomatoes.

To prepare, fresh plum tomatoes are sliced and roasted with olive oil, garlic, and thyme until they become tender and flavorful.

Meanwhile, elbow macaroni is cooked and combined with a rich cheese sauce made from sharp white cheddar and Fontina cheese, creating a creamy base.

The roasted tomatoes are then folded into the pasta and cheese mixture, adding a burst of flavor.

Topped with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish, the dish is baked until bubbly and golden.

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16- Southern Cornbread Salad

Southern Cornbread Salad combines crumbled cornbread with fresh vegetables, beans, cheese, and a creamy ranch dressing.

This salad is perfect for summer potlucks and barbecues, offering a refreshing yet filling option for guests.

The base of the salad consists of homemade or store-bought cornbread, which adds a slightly sweet and buttery flavor.

It’s mixed with ingredients like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and cooked bacon, providing a savory crunch.

Pinto or kidney beans add protein and texture, while shredded cheddar cheese enhances the richness of the dish.

The salad is dressed with a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix, creating a creamy coating that ties all the flavors together.

For best results, it’s recommended to let the salad chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

This colorful and flavorful salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering!

17- Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic side dish that never goes out of style. It’s easy to make and pairs well with almost any grilled meat.

To make garlic bread, I start with a fresh baguette and slice it in half lengthwise.

Then, I spread a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and parsley over the bread and bake it in the oven until it’s golden brown. The result is a crispy, garlicky, buttery bread that’s impossible to resist.

18- Potato Salad

Potato salad is another classic side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues.

There are many different variations of potato salad, but my favorite is a simple, creamy version that’s made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and chopped celery and onion.

I like to add a bit of dill and paprika for extra flavor.

This potato salad is always a hit with my guests and it’s a great way to use up any leftover potatoes.

Bowl of freshly made potato salad — Source

19- Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic for a reason. They’re creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-delicious.

To make them, simply boil some potatoes until they’re tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re good to go.

For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the mix.

20- Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are another rich and creamy side dish that goes well with steak. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a creamy sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

baked scalloped potatoes in dish with herbs — Source

21- BACON CHEDDAR HASSELBACK POTATOES

For the hasselback potatoes recipe, slice the potatoes thinly but not all the way through, creating pockets that hold melted cheese and flavorful toppings.

After baking until golden and tender, the potatoes are stuffed with crispy bacon bits and gooey cheddar, then finished with a drizzle of sour cream or crème fraîche and a sprinkle of chives for added freshness.

Perfect for barbecues, game days, or family dinners,

I’m off to find out the different types of grill foods, their seasons, and how to conduct outdoor cooking properly. I’ll also show you some of my grill-worthy cooking tools & accessories!