19 Side Dishes to Go with Whatever's on the Grill

Fresh, hearty, easy-to-share side dishes take the guesswork out of planning your next barbecue. You’ll find plenty of options for balancing grilled meats with lighter salads, satisfying starches, and comforting favorites. These sides make it easier to create a varied table without adding unnecessary fuss.

Kale Crunch Salad, Chick-Fil-A Style

Kale salad with shaved parmesan, slivered almonds, and serving utensils on a white plate. — Kale Crunch Salad. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Crisp greens and a tangy Dijon dressing make this salad a refreshing match for anything coming off the grill. Kale Crunch Salad brings plenty of texture to your plate and works especially well alongside smoky barbecue favorites.
Get the Recipe: Kale Crunch Salad, Chick-Fil-A Style

Arizona Chopped Salad with Fresh, Crunchy Flavor

A salad bowl with rows of grated cheese, dried cranberries, corn, smoked salmon, couscous, tomatoes, and seeds. — Arizona Chopped Salad with Fresh. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

A colorful mix of crisp vegetables and contrasting textures makes this salad anything but boring. Arizona Chopped Salad is a lively side for grilled meats, burgers, or a relaxed backyard dinner.
Get the Recipe: Arizona Chopped Salad with Fresh, Crunchy Flavor

Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes, Crispy and Tender

Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Thin slices let these potatoes turn wonderfully crisp around the edges while staying soft and tender in the middle. Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes add a savory, cheesy touch to grilled steak, chicken, or burgers.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes, Crispy and Tender

Brown Sugar and Honey Grilled Pineapple

Juicy pineapple takes on a beautifully caramelized finish when it hits the grill, with brown sugar and honey adding extra sweetness. Grilled pineapple makes a bright barbecue side and can easily double as a warm summer dessert.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar and Honey Grilled Pineapple

The Ultimate 6 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy baked macaroni and cheese in a white dish with a wooden spoon and a blue striped towel nearby. — 6 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Six kinds of cheese make this macaroni and cheese especially rich, creamy, and comforting. The Ultimate 6 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese is a hearty side that pairs beautifully with ribs, burgers, grilled chicken, and other barbecue favorites.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate 6 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

Zucchini Noodle Salad for Sunny Cookouts

Zucchini Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Fresh vegetables and tender zucchini noodles create a colorful salad that feels right at home on a summer table. Zucchini Noodle Salad is light enough for warm days while still bringing plenty of satisfying texture alongside grilled foods.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad for Sunny Cookouts

Quick Thai Cucumber Salad with a Bright Kick

Thai Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Posh Plate.

Cool cucumber gets plenty of personality from bold Thai-inspired flavors and crunchy toppings. Thai Cucumber Salad comes together quickly and offers a refreshing contrast to smoky meats and hearty grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Quick Thai Cucumber Salad with a Bright Kick

Parmesan Truffle Fries with Crispy Edges

A bowl of golden, crispy French fries on a marble surface. — Parmesan Truffle Fries. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, these fries get an elegant boost from Parmesan and fragrant truffle flavor. Parmesan Truffle Fries are a fun upgrade for burgers, grilled sandwiches, or any casual backyard meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Truffle Fries with Crispy Edges

Classic Rotini Pasta Salad for Picnics

Rotini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Cozy Fork.

Colorful rotini makes a cheerful base for a simple pasta salad that is easy to serve and share. Classic Rotini Pasta Salad fits right into cookouts, picnics, and potlucks, especially when you need a make-ahead side.
Get the Recipe: Classic Rotini Pasta Salad for Picnics

Mexican Wild Rice with Warm Spices

wild rice topped with tomatoes — Mexican Wild Rice. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

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Nutty wild rice and warm seasonings give this side a satisfying combination of chew and hearty flavor. Mexican Wild Rice brings something different to the barbecue table and pairs nicely with grilled chicken, steak, or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Wild Rice with Warm Spices

Smoked Baked Potatoes with a Light Smoky Finish

Smoked Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

Slow smoking transforms ordinary potatoes into tender, flavorful sides with a subtle wood-fired character. Smoked Baked Potatoes are especially good with grilled meats and can be dressed up with your favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Baked Potatoes with a Light Smoky Finish

Savory Coconut Jasmine Rice with Garlic and Ginger

Fragrant jasmine rice takes on a wonderfully rich character from coconut, garlic, and ginger. Savory Coconut Jasmine Rice makes an easy companion for grilled chicken, seafood, vegetables, or other boldly seasoned dishes.
Get the Recipe: Savory Coconut Jasmine Rice with Garlic and Ginger

Creamy Coleslaw Dressing for Barbecue Favorites

Creamy Coleslaw Dressing. Photo credit: My Rad Kitchen.

Creamy and tangy with a pleasant bite, this dressing gives crunchy slaw a refreshing finish. Coleslaw Dressing is a classic choice for balancing smoky barbecue, pulled pork, grilled meats, and sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coleslaw Dressing for Barbecue Favorites

Easy Cuban-Style Black Beans in Under 30 Minutes

Cuban-Style Black Beans. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Tender black beans are transformed into a flavorful side with plenty of savory character in less than half an hour. Easy Cuban-Style Black Beans are a practical addition to a cookout spread and pair especially well with grilled meats and rice.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cuban-Style Black Beans in Under 30 Minutes

Southwest Pasta Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Beans, vegetables, chicken, and cheese give this chilled pasta salad plenty of substance and color. Southwest Pasta Salad is a smart choice for hot-weather gatherings when you want a filling side without turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Pasta Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Roasted Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Brussels sprouts develop caramelized edges as the maple and balsamic flavors create a sweet and tangy finish. Roasted Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts make a flavorful partner for grilled steak, chicken, pork, or sausages.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Cheesy Corn Casserole for Backyard Gatherings

Cheesy Corn Casserole. Photo credit: The Cozy Fork.

Sweet corn and a creamy, cheesy texture turn this casserole into the kind of comforting side everyone wants to scoop onto their plate. Cheesy Corn Casserole is a natural fit for cookouts, family dinners, and potluck-style spreads.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Corn Casserole for Backyard Gatherings

Cilantro Lime Brown Rice, Chipotle-Inspired

Cilantro Lime Brown Rice. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

Bright cilantro and lime bring fresh flavor to hearty brown rice in this easy stovetop side. Cilantro Lime Brown Rice adds a lively Tex-Mex touch to grilled chicken, steak, tacos, or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Brown Rice, Chipotle-Inspired

Southern Cornbread Baked in a Cast-Iron Skillet

Southern Cornbread. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Moist in the center with a beautifully crisp, golden edge, this skillet cornbread is made for soaking up flavorful barbecue juices. Southern Cornbread is a comforting side for ribs, pulled pork, grilled chicken, or a big backyard feast.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Baked in a Cast-Iron Skillet