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When the weather warms up and the grill gets going, there’s nothing better than a spread of fresh, colorful summer side dishes to round out the meal! Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, heading to a potluck, or just trying to keep dinner interesting, having a list of go-to sides makes everything easier.
These side dishes are perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead. The best part? Summer sides tend to be simple, budget-friendly, and made with pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Plus, most of these can be made in advance, so that you won’t be scrambling at the last minute.
Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite tried-and-true recipes that work for casual potlucks and special summer occasions. Whether you’re going for something light and zesty or indulgent and comforting, this list has something for every palate. As a bonus, many of them are kid-approved and picky-eater friendly!
You’ll find these summer favorites at almost every potluck and cookout – and for good reason. These classic sides never go out of style and always bring people back for seconds!
This Classic Macaroni Salad is a timeless side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. With tender elbow macaroni, crisp veggies, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing, it has a touch of sweetness from pickle relish. This recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
My Slow Cooker Baked Beans Recipe takes your old bbq standby side dish and adds a ton of flavor and texture. They are the perfect side dish for your BBQ!
A classic coleslaw that belongs alongside your favorite picnic or bbq food. Green and red cabbage and carrots are finely shredded and tossed in a creamy sweet and tangy slaw dressing. The longer it sits, the better it gets!
Franks and Beans are perfect for a family picnic or an easy dinner. Made with smokey bacon, onions, caramelized hot dogs and baked beans.
Pasta Salads
One of my favorite potluck picks, these pasta salads are loaded with flavor. The kind of dish that tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, pasta salad is a make-ahead winner!
This Simple Pasta Salad is bursting with color and texture! Made with pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, peppers, feta, mozzarella and Italian dressing.
Italian Pasta Salad is a potluck classic ready in under 15 minutes! Made with pantry ingredients and fresh veggies, this pasta salad is a family favorite.
Summer Spaghetti Salad is a simple twist on the classic pasta salad. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this will become your new go to summer side dish!
Veggie Salads
Loaded with flavor (and fiber too!), these veggie-packed salads are anything but an afterthought. They bring freshness, crunch, and serious summer vibes to any potluck or BBQ spread.
7 Layer Salad is a classic potluck dish great for feeding a crowd. These layers of deliciousness can be made ahead of time for these easiest side dish ever!
Broccoli Salad is a cool, crisp side salad that’s perfect for summer cookouts. With a creamy, Greek yogurt and honey based dressing, crunchy sunflower seeds and juicy raisins, this salad is as delicious as it is light and healthy!
My Oma’s Creamy Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat) is full of crisp, crunchy cucumbers, tangy vinegar and spicy garlic, all coated in smooth sour cream. It’s a perfectly refreshing side dish for spring and summer.
Pea Salad is loaded with bacon and cheese wrapped in a creamy, flavorful dressing. It's a classic side dish that’s perfect for summer!
Fruit and Dessert Salads
Sweet and refreshing, these salads always go fast at any BBQ. From juicy fresh fruit to classic dessert salads, we’ve got your summer sweet tooth covered.
This refreshing fruit salad is perfect as a side dish or a healthy dessert…and it has a secret ingredient that might surprise you! Perfect for summer, this fruit salad will win your backyard barbecues and picnics.
Jello Salad is a vintage recipe that's part side dish & part dessert. This Green Jello Salad is deliciously creamy and perfect for sharing with friends!
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a vintage dessert with layers of salty pretzels, creamy whipped topping, fresh strawberries and strawberry jello.
Hae you tried any of these incredible side dishes? Let us know in the comments!
Kristin Maxwell
Kristin Maxwell is the creator and main recipe developer, writer, and photographer of Yellow Bliss Road. A self-taught cook and self-appointed foodie, she specializes in easy, flavorful and approachable recipes for any home cook.
