21 Easy Memorial Day Sides for the Backyard Cookout

The best part of any backyard cookout is always loading up your plate with a massive mountain of sides before you even look at the main course. This collection is a total goldmine for summer entertaining, packed with heavy hitters like gooey mac and cheese and those smoky baked beans that everyone ends up asking for the recipe for.

Every single one of these dishes is designed to be super easy to prep ahead, so we can actually enjoy the sunshine instead of getting stuck in the kitchen. Grab a plate and start scrolling through these crowd-pleasers to find the ultimate companion for your grill.

Crunchy Kale Crunch Salad Copycat Recipe

Crisp kale and cabbage tossed in a tangy mustard dressing make this such a fresh side dish for warm-weather meals. The hearty greens hold up beautifully, so they're perfect to make ahead before a cookout. Every bite has a nice balance of crunch and bright flavor that keeps things feeling light. A big bowl of this always looks so colorful and inviting on the table.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Kale Crunch Salad

Southern Cornbread Recipe Without Buttermilk

Golden cornbread baked in a hot cast-iron skillet comes out with crispy edges and a soft, tender center every time. Simple pantry ingredients keep it easy enough for weeknight dinners and backyard gatherings alike. Warm slices taste especially good alongside barbecue and baked beans. Honestly, nothing feels more comforting at a cookout than homemade cornbread fresh from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Recipe

Arizona Chopped Salad Copycat Recipe

Crunchy veggies, bold flavors, and lots of texture make this salad way more exciting than the average side dish. Every forkful has something different going on, which keeps everyone coming back for another bite. It feels hearty enough to stand beside burgers and grilled meats without being too heavy. Even people who usually skip salads end up loving this one.
Get the Recipe: Arizona Chopped Salad

Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy cheese sauce wrapped around tender pasta makes this one of those sides everyone piles onto their plate first. Using the slow cooker keeps things easy and frees up space in the kitchen during busy cookout prep. Every bite feels rich, comforting, and extra cheesy in the best way. It’s the kind of dish both kids and adults always go back for seconds of.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Spinach Caprese Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella come together in such a bright and flavorful summer salad. The basil balsamic dressing adds just enough tangy sweetness to pull everything together beautifully. Since it only takes a few minutes to make, it’s perfect for busy hosting days. Bringing this out to the table instantly makes the whole meal feel fresh and colorful.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Caprese Salad

Mexican Cabbage Slaw with Zesty Dressing

Crisp cabbage tossed in a bright lime dressing gives this side dish such a refreshing crunch. The fresh flavors pair perfectly with grilled meats, tacos, and smoky barbecue favorites. It’s colorful, easy to make ahead, and holds up well for outdoor gatherings. Every cookout spread feels a little more complete with a bowl of this on the table.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cabbage Slaw

Lemon Orzo Salad with Asparagus

Tender orzo pasta mixed with fresh asparagus and bright lemon flavor creates such an easy summer side dish. It feels light and refreshing while still being satisfying enough for backyard meals. The citrus keeps everything tasting fresh without feeling heavy in warm weather. A chilled bowl of this fits perfectly alongside grilled chicken, burgers, and barbecue plates.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Orzo Salad with Asparagus Recipe

Blueberry Strawberry Summer Salad

Fresh berries tossed in a sweet citrus dressing make this such a cheerful addition to any cookout table. The bright red and blue colors feel especially fun for summer holidays and backyard parties. Every bite tastes juicy, refreshing, and just sweet enough without feeling like dessert. It’s one of those dishes people keep sneaking spoonfuls of straight from the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Strawberry Salad Recipe

Fresh Lentil Tabbouleh Salad

Fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and hearty lentils come together in a side dish that feels both refreshing and filling. The mix of textures keeps every bite interesting while still tasting light enough for warm weather meals. It’s packed with bright flavor and works beautifully alongside grilled foods. Bringing this to a gathering always feels like a nice change from heavier sides.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Lentil Tabbouleh Salad

Easy Creamy Classic Deviled Eggs

Creamy filling with just the right amount of tangy flavor makes these little bites impossible to resist at parties. They’re simple enough for casual cookouts but still feel classic and nostalgic on a holiday table. Smooth egg filling and soft whites create that perfect familiar texture everyone loves. Somehow the platter is always empty before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Classic Deviled Eggs

Blue Cheese Potato Salad with Bacon

Creamy potatoes mixed with tangy blue cheese and crispy bacon create such a bold twist on classic potato salad. The smoky and savory flavors make it especially good next to burgers and grilled barbecue favorites. Every spoonful has rich texture with just enough crunch from the bacon. People always end up asking what makes this potato salad taste so good.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Potato Salad

Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad with Raisins

Crisp shredded carrots and sweet raisins come together in a refreshing side dish that feels wonderfully nostalgic. The simple dressing keeps everything light while still adding plenty of flavor. It’s quick to prepare and adds such a bright pop of color to the table. Chilled servings of this taste especially good during warm weather cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad

Grilled Corn Ribs with Spicy Sauce

Smoky grilled corn sliced into rib-style strips makes such a fun and flavorful cookout side. The crispy edges and tender kernels pair perfectly with the sweet and spicy dipping sauce. They’re easy to grab and snack on while hanging out outside with friends and family. Honestly, these disappear almost as quickly as they hit the platter.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Ribs with Spicy Sauce Recipe

Quick Grilled Potato Wedges

Smoky potato wedges with crispy edges and fluffy centers make the perfect summer side dish. Grilling adds so much flavor without needing much effort, which is always nice during cookout season. They feel like a fun alternative to regular fries while still being hearty and satisfying. Serve them hot off the grill and everyone crowds around the tray.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Potato Wedges

Fresh Fruit Salad with Lime Dressing

Juicy fresh fruit tossed in a sweet lime dressing makes this side dish feel extra refreshing on hot days. The bright citrus flavor brings everything together without overpowering the fruit itself. It works beautifully for brunches, barbecues, and casual backyard meals. A chilled bowl of this always adds such a fresh colorful touch to the table.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad with Lime Dressing

Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Slow-cooked beans in a smoky sweet sauce make this one of those cookout staples everyone expects to see. Ground beef adds extra heartiness that turns the dish into something especially filling and satisfying. Rich flavor and tender beans pair perfectly with burgers, ribs, and grilled chicken. A big scoop of this always tastes like summer gatherings and backyard parties.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef Recipe

Zesty Pasta Salad for Barbecues

Tender pasta tossed in bold zesty dressing creates such an easy side dish for warm weather gatherings. The fresh flavors hold up beautifully for meal prep, potlucks, and outdoor cookouts. Every bite tastes bright, savory, and refreshing without being too heavy. It’s one of those dependable dishes that works with just about everything on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Pasta Salad

Summer Squash Casserole with Biscuits

Tender squash baked under fluffy golden biscuits turns simple vegetables into pure comfort food. The creamy filling and buttery topping make it feel hearty enough for family dinners and holiday cookouts alike. Even picky eaters tend to go back for seconds once they try it. Warm servings of this casserole fit perfectly beside barbecue favorites.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Biscuits

Elote in a Cup Mexican Street Corn

Creamy corn mixed with lime, cheese, and spices brings so much bold flavor to the table. Every spoonful tastes smoky, tangy, and just a little spicy in the best way. Serving it in cups makes it especially fun and easy for backyard gatherings. People always end up scraping the bottom of the cup for the last bite.
Get the Recipe: Elote in a Cup Recipe

Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries

Sweet blueberries and smoky grilled corn make such a fresh and colorful combination for summer meals. The tangy dressing ties everything together while keeping the salad light and refreshing. Bright colors make it stand out beautifully on any holiday spread or cookout table. It’s the kind of side dish that feels both unexpected and completely perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries Recipe

Creamy Cucumber Slaw Recipe

Crisp shredded cucumbers mixed into a creamy dressing create such a cool and refreshing side for barbecue season. The light texture pairs especially well with smoky grilled meats and tacos. Since it comes together quickly, it’s perfect for last-minute cookout prep. A chilled bowl of this tastes so good on a hot summer afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Slaw Recipe