Ultimate Cookout Sides Menu Ideas & Recipes
Summer is great for cookouts with friends and family. A good set of side dishes can make your cookout stand out. You can choose from a classic potato salad to a cool watermelon salad. This guide offers the best side dishes which are easy to make and full of flavor. If you’re having a big party or a small get-together, these sides will make your barbecue memorable.
These recipes show off what you can do with summer produce. They make sure your dish is bursting with fresh taste and good for you too. A potato salad takes only 40 minutes to prepare. A macaroni salad with Sriracha and dill pickles can be made in 20 minutes. Explore a world full of colorful and diverse summer sides that please everyone.
Choosing the right side dishes adds variety and balance to your cookout. Try zesty coleslaw with your smoked meats or sweet potatoes with hot honey. These recipes are crowd-pleasers and easy to make. Dive into these tasty and simple sides that will soon be favorites at your summer parties.
Classic Potato Salad for Cookout Perfection
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate creamy mayo potato salad, you’ve found it. Perfect for any outdoor event, it combines top tips from chefs Melissa Rubel Jacobson and Sawako Okochi. Let’s explore how to make this essential dish for any cookout.
Here’s what you need for Melissa Rubel Jacobson’s creamy mayo potato salad:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yukon Gold potatoes | 2 ½ lb |
| Mayonnaise | ¾ cup |
| Yellow mustard | 2 tablespoons |
| Sweet relish | 3 tablespoons |
| Dried minced onion | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Dill weed | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Hard-boiled eggs (chopped) | 3-4 |
First, boil the potatoes for 10-15 minutes until soft. Then cool them down. Mix them with mayo, mustard, relish, onion, garlic salt, dill, paprika, and pepper. For extra taste, add 2 tablespoons of dill pickle juice. The eggs make the salad creamier.
Chef Okochi’s version is a vinegar and herb potato salad for a healthy twist. It uses apple cider vinegar, dill, parsley, and olive oil. This makes it lighter and tangy.
| Nutritional Information (Per Serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 165 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g |
| Cholesterol | 59mg |
| Sodium | 349mg |
| Potassium | 522mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 198 IU |
| Vitamin C | 7mg |
| Calcium | 29mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Both salad versions show the flexibility of potato salad for cookouts. Choose mayo or vinegar-based to match your meal. Keep the salad out for no more than 2 hours. Refrigerate leftovers quickly and enjoy within 3 days.
Savory Pasta Salad Variations
Creating the perfect pasta salad for your cookout means exploring various styles. The Traditional Creamy Pasta Salad with Dill Pickles is a standout choice. It combines a creamy dressing and crunchy dill pickles. This mix wins the hearts of many at gatherings.
This salad is quick to make, taking just 20 minutes. It’s loved by hosts who are short on time. It also includes fresh veggies and herbs, similar to 85% of other pasta salads. They often contain oregano and cilantro, making the dish colorful and appealing.
Try adding new twists like the Esquites-Style Poblano Pasta Salad. This dish mixes charred corn with zucchini and poblano chile. Such fresh veggie combinations are common in 88% of cookout dishes. Around 75% of modern pasta salads bring in flavors from around the world.
Pasta salads are great because you can serve them warm or cool. This flexibility is perfect for outdoor events. Also, 80% of these salads mix textures, like crunchy and creamy, for an unforgettable eating experience.
Using different kinds of pasta is becoming more popular, seen in 65% of recipes. Ingredients like soba or cellophane noodles add a unique touch. Around 40% of these salads include special flavors like dashi or yuzu kosho, showing a trend towards diverse tastes.
Here’s a comparison of some top savory pasta salad varieties:
| Recipe Name | Main Ingredients | Total Preparation Time | Serving Temperature | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Creamy Pasta Salad with Dill Pickles | Pasta, dill pickles, creamy dressing | 20 minutes | Room temperature | Crunchy texture, fresh herbs |
| Esquites-Style Poblano Pasta Salad | Charred corn, zucchini, poblano chile | 30 minutes | Warm | Vibrant flavors, fresh vegetables |
| Mung Bean Vermicelli Salad with Spiced Coconut and Greens | Mung bean vermicelli, spiced coconut, greens | 25 minutes | Room temperature | Globally inspired, unique ingredients |
The Traditional Creamy Pasta Salad with Dill Pickles is quick to make. It’s known for its tasty mix of creamy and crunchy elements. It’s a top choice for adding excitement to any outdoor meal.
Consider trying pasta salads from different cultures. Or, use various pasta shapes and unique ingredients. These changes can make each cookout an exciting taste adventure.
Refreshing Summer Watermelon Salad
Summer is perfect for enjoying a Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad. It’s sweet and savory, perfect for any cookout. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare, and it’s rated 4.99 out of 5 from 144 votes.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Watermelon, cubed | 5 cups |
| Cucumber, diced | 1 cup |
| Red onion, sliced | ¼ cup |
| Feta cheese, crumbled | ⅓ cup |
| Avocado | 1 |
| Mint or basil leaves, torn | ⅓ cup |
The dressing is simple with three main ingredients:
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Freshly squeezed lime juice: 3 tablespoons
- Sea salt: ¼ teaspoon
Add jalapeño or serrano pepper if you like spice.
This salad goes well with all sorts of burgers, like portobello or veggie. Pair it with grilled corn or various sandwiches for a full meal.
Stored in the fridge, this salad stays fresh for about a day. Try strawberries instead of watermelon for a twist. Use extra watermelon to make margaritas, popsicles, or juice.
Chef Jacques Pépin added olives to his version. Try mint basil for a light, aromatic twist. This salad is sure to win everyone over at your next summer party.
Zesty Coleslaw Recipes
Coleslaw is a key side dish for cookouts. It mixes creamy and tangy flavors. BBQ expert Matt Horn says it’s perfect with smoked meats. It adds a fresh taste.
An easy coleslaw recipe balances mayo and apple cider vinegar well. It’s cheap, using cabbage, carrots, and Vidalia onion. It goes great with pulled pork sandwiches or hot dogs.
Freshly grated vegetables make coleslaw better than pre-packaged ones. People who tried it gave it a nearly perfect score. They loved the taste.
| Preparation Details | Data |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 min to 1 hour 5 min |
| Serves | 4 to 6 people |
| Cabbage Quantity | 6 cups of shredded green cabbage, 2 cups of shredded red cabbage |
| Carrot Quantity | 2 medium carrots, sliced into thin peels |
| Mayonnaise Quantity | Scant 3/4 cup |
| Apple Cider Vinegar Quantity | 2 tablespoons |
| Dijon Mustard Quantity | 1 tablespoon |
| Maple Syrup Quantity | 1 tablespoon |
| Celery Seeds Quantity | ¾ teaspoon |
| Sea Salt Quantity | ¼ teaspoon |
| Calories (3/4 cup serving) | 150 |
| Total Fat | 5g (1g saturated) |
| Sodium | 286mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24g (12g sugars, 2g fiber) |
| Protein | 3g |
You can make this coleslaw a day ahead to boost its taste. Serve it with grilled corn, grilled asparagus, or other salads. It makes your cookout menu complete and enjoyable.
Cookout Sides Menu for Variety
Planning a varied cookout menu is key. It should cater to different tastes and diets. Including a range of side dishes ensures everyone finds something they like. Here are top picks for adding variety to your cookout.
Start with a simple cucumber salad. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare. For extra flavor and crunch, try Carolina slaw. It uses two kinds of mustard for a unique taste.
Consider a black-eyed pea salad for a protein-rich choice. It’s a great alternative to pasta or potato salads. Add a summer pasta salad with shredded chicken for a filling option.
Vegetables like zucchini stir-fry and roasted okra are great sides. They’re easy to make and fit health trends. Zucchini can be quickly cooked with spices. Roasted okra needs just some oil and spices for taste.
Fruit salads, like watermelon salad, refresh any cookout. Letting it sit for 30 minutes boosts its flavor. Choosing seedless watermelon is also health-smart.
Corn is versatile and fits summer cookouts well. Corn salad and Mexican street corn offer local taste. Spoonbread, made with fresh corn, is ideal for big groups.
Baked beans are a savory choice. Using canned pork and beans saves time. Creamy potato salad is always a hit at summer events.
For a modern twist, mix corn chips into a salad. A chilled creamy salad with fresh corn and jalapeños is uniquely tasty for summer.
| Side Dish | Preparation Time | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Cucumber Salad | 10 minutes | Cucumber, vinegar, salt |
| Carolina Slaw | 15 minutes | Cabbage, mustard, mayo |
| Spoonbread | 30 minutes | Corn, butter, milk |
| Black-Eyed Pea Salad | 20 minutes | Black-eyed peas, peppers, onions |
| Watermelon Salad | 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes sitting) | Watermelon, feta, mint |
| Baked Beans | 20 minutes | Canned pork and beans, brown sugar |
| Chilled Creamy Salad | 15 minutes | Fresh corn, jalapeño poppers |
With these tasty and inventive sides, your next cookout is sure to please everyone.
Grilled Corn Delights
Classic Grilled Corn on the Cob is the perfect addition to any cookout. It blends well with different flavors and textures. Whether you go simple with butter or try the elote-style, it’s loved by many.
Learning to make Classic Grilled Corn can make your cookout stand out. Chef Sheldon Simeon introduced an elote-style corn. It’s known for its tasty mix of Cotija cheese, lime, and cilantro.
Here are two grilled corn recipes designed for various tastes:
| Recipe | Serving Size | Caloric Content | Fat Content | Cholesterol Levels | Sodium Content | Carbohydrate Breakdown | Protein Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter | 8 servings | 225 calories per ear | 13g total (8g saturated) | 31mg | 265mg | 27g total (9g sugars, 3g fiber) | 5g |
| Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn | 4 servings | 339 calories per ear | 26g total (9g saturated) | 39mg | 568mg | 25g total (8g sugars, 3g fiber) | 6g |
The Elote-Inspired Grilled Corn with Cotija is popular for a fancy option. It mixes traditional corn with Cotija cheese, lime, and cilantro. These recipes make cookouts more exciting by adding different tastes and textures.
Baked Beans to Satisfy Any Crowd
Baked beans are a favorite at American cookouts. They offer a mix of sweet and smoky tastes. It only takes 11 minutes to prepare them and 45 minutes to cook at 350°F. Regina Bradley, a renowned food researcher, talks about baked beans’ importance. People have loved them for more than 80 years.
| Ingredient Measurements for Sweet and Smoky Baked Beans | |
|---|---|
| 2 sliced bacon pieces (for cooking) | 1 bell pepper, diced |
| 1 small sweet onion, diced | 2 garlic cloves, minced |
| 1 tablespoon smoked paprika | 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder |
| 1/4 teaspoon salt | 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper |
| 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce |
| 2 tablespoons ketchup | 1 tablespoon dijon mustard |
| 1 tablespoon brown sugar | Optional: 2 slices of bacon for topping |
Want to make your baked beans spicier? Just add jalapeños and cayenne. To make them, preheat your oven to 400°F. They’ll need to bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes after baking. This makes their flavors even better.
For an amazing dish, try using Bush’s Grillin’ Beans. Choose either southern pit BBQ or bourbon bacon flavor. This recipe got an amazing 4.99 out of 5 rating from 3,709 votes. The amount you make is just right for family events. You’ll even have some leftovers to freeze.
Whether you like traditional sweet baked beans or a spicy version, these beans will hit the spot. They are a hit at family cookouts across generations. They’re a tasty choice for any gathering.
Light and Crunchy Summer Salads
When it’s hot in summer, we all crave light, crunchy salads. These salads are perfect with BBQ meals. They bring a fresh and vibrant feel to your table. They are full of flavor, thanks to ingredients like heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. They’re also packed with good stuff for your body.
Try a salad made with slow-cooked summer squash. It has 111 calories, 6g of fat, and 414mg of sodium for each 3/4 cup. This dish is soft and full of herbal flavors. For more crunch, try a colorful veggie salad. It has only 64 calories and 3g fat per cup. It’s great for anyone looking to eat healthy.
Grilled Brussels Sprouts are another good pick. They have 84 calories and 4g fat per skewer. They add an earthy taste to your salad. Then, there’s sweet and tangy marinated tomatoes. With 93 calories and 9g fat for two pieces, they’re a tasty addition to any plate.
Corn okra creole adds a Southern flair to your salad. It comes with 147 calories and 19mg sodium per 2/3 cup. This dish highlights the bright tastes of summer veggies. Zucchini dishes add freshness too, with calories from 73 to 178, depending on how you prepare them.
These salads are not just good for you. They offer a mix of flavors and textures. You can whip up some in just 10 minutes. Others might be packed with protein, like those with quinoa. All are great for summer parties.
Healthy Cookout Side Dishes
Planning a cookout? Make sure to add healthy sides. A Grilled Vegetable Medley and whole grain salads are great. They add flavor and health benefits. Your guests will love them without worrying about their diet.
A top pick for healthy cookouts is the Grilled Vegetable Medley. It mixes colorful veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. They’re seasoned and grilled. It looks good and is full of vitamins and minerals.
| Ingredient | Calories | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bell Peppers (1 large) | 30 | $0.75 |
| Zucchini (1 medium) | 33 | $0.60 |
| Squash (1 medium) | 36 | $0.65 |
| Red Onion (1 small) | 40 | $0.50 |
Adding whole grain salads boosts your cookout’s health. Try a quinoa salad with greens and veggies. Whole grains offer fiber and energy. They’re perfect for those watching their diet.
The Grilled Vegetable Medley and whole grain salads are simple to make. They make sure healthy sides are tasty and handy. Adding these to your menu ensures a fun and nutritious meal for everyone.
Tasty and Easy-to-Make Sides
When planning the best cookout, including a range of simple yet yummy sides can make it better for everyone. Choosing easy cookout sides makes preparation quick without losing flavor.
Adding Simple Southern Hush Puppies to your menu is a great idea. These are golden and crunchy outside but soft inside. This makes them popular at gatherings. To simplify cooking, think about using mixes from grocery stores.
Another top choice is quick cucumber salad. It mixes fresh cucumbers with tangy vinegar and a bit of sugar. This refreshing side is perfect with heavier mains. It’s super fast to make, ideal for office workers and busy parents.
Baked beans are a classic cookout choice that can be made easier with canned beans. This saves time and lets you focus on adding flavors. Enhance your beans with fresh herbs and produce for extra taste.
Also, include seasonal salads like a strawberry spinach salad or a special grilled watermelon salad. These are easy to make and full of nutrients, perfect for those watching their health. Serve with a stylish balsamic vinaigrette for an easy wow factor.
These delicious and simple-to-make sides will be a hit while you spend more time with friends and family at your cookout.
FAQ
What are some essential cookout sides to include in the menu?
Essential cookout sides feature classics like creamy potato salad and savory pasta salads. Also, zesty coleslaw, grilled corn, baked beans, and grilled veggies are great. They bring unique flavors and satisfy diverse tastes, perfect for summer.
How can I make a healthier version of a potato salad?
For a lighter potato salad, use vinegar and fresh herbs instead of mayo. Chef Sawako Okochi recommends simple vinegar for tanginess and less fat. Fresh herbs boost the dish’s flavor and health value.
What combinations make a refreshing watermelon salad?
Watermelon salad shines with feta cheese and olives, thanks to chef Jacques Pépin. Or, blend it with mint and basil for a fresh, aromatic taste. It’s ideal for summer parties.
How can I create a variety of grilled corn dishes?
Begin with classic buttered corn on the cob. Then, try elote-style with Cotija cheese, lime, and cilantro. Chef Sheldon Simeon’s mix of Hawaiian and Mexican flavors adds a delightful twist.
What are some easy coleslaw recipes for a cookout?
Easy coleslaw starts with shredded cabbage and a simple mayo, vinegar, sugar, and mustard dressing. Add dill pickles, jalapeños, or citrus zest for a zesty kick.
What are some cookout side dishes that can be made ahead?
Dishes like baked beans, coleslaw, pasta salads, and some grilled veggies can be made ahead. Preparing them early lets flavors blend and saves cookout day time.
How can I incorporate nutritious options into a traditional cookout menu?
Add healthy picks like a vibrant grilled vegetable medley or whole grain salads. They offer nutrients and balance indulgent foods, ensuring choices for everyone.
