100 Best BBQ Sides You'll Want to Make All Summer Long
Pasta salad, cowboy caviar, coleslaw, and more!
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Believe it or not, barbecue season is officially here! That means it's time to break out Ree Drummond's trusty BBQ recipes like sweet-and-smoky ribs, spicy whiskey barbecue sliders, and Ladd's famous grilled tenderloin. But while you're busy drooling over these mouth-watering mains, don't overlook the backbone of every great cookout: the BBQ sides! "You can never have too many sides at a summer cookout," says Ree. With our list, you can make that your summer motto, too!
A plate brimming with brisket or pork demands classic Southern accompaniments like okra, biscuits, and creamy Southern potato salad. Fortunately, this lineup is the answer, featuring smoky grilled veggies, creamy slaws, and comforting pasta salads. With these delicious summer side dishes, you'll find tried-and-true favorites inspired by classic barbecue joints, like cornbread, baked beans, and mac and cheese. Not to mention refreshing seasonal recipes, like watermelon salad, carrot ribbon salad, and chipotle corn salsa.
Looking to get creative with your BBQ sides? Try Ree's twist on potato salad with green goddess dressing—the green herbs give it a burst of freshness! Or you can kick up your corn on the cob by adding a spicy bacon butter. There are also some great zucchini recipes in the mix, plus other ways to use summer vegetables. Pick and choose a few BBQ sides to serve at your next outdoor gathering—and they might just steal the show.
Southern Fried Okra
Grilled okra is delicious, but nothing compares to the crispy, golden goodness of classic Southern fried okra. This comforting side takes just 20 minutes to fry up and pairs perfectly with any barbecue spread.
Get the Southern Fried Okra recipe.
Melting Potatoes
Imagine golden slices of Yukon gold potatoes tossed in butter and fresh oregano, roasted until crispy perfection. These irresistible potatoes are finished off with a flavorful blend of chicken broth, garlic, and lemon juice, then gently braised to soak in all the goodness.
Get the Melting Potatoes recipe.
Carrot Gratin
This creamy carrot and potato gratin is a deliciously vibrant spin on the classic side dish. Tender veggies are layered with rich cream sauce and nutty gruyère, then topped with a crispy blend of parmesan and breadcrumbs.
Get Ree's Carrot Gratin recipe.
Asparagus Salad
If you're already hooked on roasted asparagus, this bright and crunchy salad will be your new favorite. Packed with crispy bacon, parmesan, walnuts, and fresh herbs, it's as delicious alongside burgers as it is for a weekday lunch!
Get the Asparagus Salad recipe.
Carrot Ribbon Salad
Bright and refreshing, this carrot ribbon salad is perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Thin ribbons of carrot are tossed with a creamy lemon-tahini dressing, crunchy pistachios, fresh mint, and parsley for a colorful, tasty dish.
Get Ree's Carrot Ribbon Salad recipe.
Easy Summer Vegetable Tarts
When you're after something fancy-feeling but fuss-free, these summer veggie tarts are just right. Made with store-bought puff pastry, creamy pesto-ricotta, and layers of zucchini, squash, and cherry tomatoes, they're simple, seasonal, and oh-so-pretty on your table!
Get the Easy Summer Vegetable Tarts recipe.
Cowboy Butter
This is more like a side for the sides—but it's one you don't want to miss! Add Ree's famous cowboy butter to steak, potatoes, veggies, and just about anything else for a delicious burst of flavor.
Get Ree's Cowboy Butter recipe.
Corn Muffins
These freshly baked corn muffins are the ideal pairing for sticky ribs or brisket. Soft, fluffy, and served warm, they're even better when slathered with sweet and salty honey butter.
Get the Corn Muffins recipe.
Shrimp Pasta Salad
Bring a touch of seafood to your next barbecue with this satisfying shrimp pasta salad. Loaded with crunchy veggies, perfectly cooked pasta, a creamy dressing, and plenty of juicy shrimp, it's a crowd-pleaser every time.
Get the Shrimp Pasta Salad recipe.
Grilled Mushrooms
These savory grilled mushroom skewers are a healthy and smoky addition to your BBQ lineup. Cremini mushrooms and fresh green onions are brushed with soy-garlic butter and grilled until tender and flavorful.
Get the Grilled Mushrooms recipe.
Mango Salad
This colorful, sweet-tangy mango salad will brighten up any outdoor gathering. Fresh mango, crisp jicama, red pepper, and onion combine for a refreshing bite, enhanced by a sprinkle of zesty chili-lime seasoning.
Get the Mango Salad recipe.
Ramen Noodle Salad
This ramen noodle salad combines mandarin oranges, green onions, and crushed ramen noodles in a tangy dressing. It's a crowd-pleasing side that adds delightful texture and taste to your spread!
Get the Ramen Noodle Salad recipe.
Cornbread Salad
Cornbread gets an upgrade in this layered BBQ side dish featuring pinto beans, corn, bacon, tomatoes, and cheese. Topped generously with smoky dressing and fresh green onions, it's guaranteed to be a hit!
Get the Cornbread Salad recipe.
Cowboy Caviar
Guests don't even have to know a thing about horses to enjoy this fresh and colorful "caviar." It's halfway between a salad and a salsa—filled with lots of fresh veggies, like tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and jalapeño, as well as black-eyed peas and black beans.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Yes, you could make chicken Caesar salad or pasta salad, but why do that when you could combine both delicious dishes in one heaping bowl? It's so light and tasty, thanks to crisp romaine lettuce, juicy chicken, crunchy croutons, shaved parmesan, creamy dressing, and, of course, pasta.
Get the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe.
Ranch Slaw
You can't have a cookout with a heaping dish of creamy coleslaw! This version of the classic recipe takes the simple side to another level with homemade ranch dressing and lots of cruciferous veggies and carrots. Yum!
Get Ree's Ranch Slaw recipe.
Esquites
This spicy summer side is corn off the cob like you've never experienced! Also known as Mexican street corn salad, it's an easy-to-make-and-eat recipe that stars charred corn and poblano peppers in a bright, garlicky dressing.
Get the Esquites recipe.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
All those hearty BBQ meats on your plate call for a refreshing touch of fresh veggies to harmonize the flavors. Crafting these skewers is a breeze, and with a zesty balsamic marinade, they're unexpectedly indulgent, too!
Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe.
Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This simple pasta salad tastes as cute and colorful as it looks! It's filled with bits of tender ham, cheddar, and peas coated in a delightfully creamy dressing in each spoonful.
Get the Bow Tie Pasta Salad recipe.
Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs
If you're anything like Ree, a platter of deviled eggs is a must-have for any potluck! These dill pickle-flavored ones are tangy, bright, and perfect for your next summer BBQ.
Get Ree's Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs recipe.
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