I Lean On These 29 Cookout Sides For Big Family Get-Togethers

You know it’s a proper cookout when the table’s bending under the weight of 29 crowd-pleasing sides. There’s something for the picky kid, the carb loader, and the cousin who “doesn’t eat meat on weekends.” Everyone grabs a plate, then immediately goes back for one they swore they wouldn’t.

Chicken Caesar Salad

Everyone loves a salad with crunchy greens and savory toppings. Chicken Caesar Salad brings the heartiness of grilled chicken paired with garlicky flavors and creaminess. It’s just fancy enough for big meals yet simple enough for everyone to enjoy. Serve this as a lighter option for those moments when the grill lines get too long.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad

Million Dollar Dip

Million Dollar Dip lives up to its name with its creamy, cheesy mix paired with a pleasing crunch. It’s quick to throw together and vanishes almost just as fast. Perfect for spreading onto chips or crackers, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. This dip is a guaranteed highlight on any gathering table.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Dip

Green Salad

A quick bowl of something fresh is never a bad idea. Green Salad mixes crisp textures with a mix of flavors, giving everyone a refreshing break from heavier sides. It’s versatile enough to pair with anything off the grill. Toss it up, and you’ve got a guaranteed hit.
Get the Recipe: Green Salad

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

For a twist on wings without the meat, try Buffalo Cauliflower Wings. They’re lightly charred, soft inside, and covered in a bold, tangy coating. A perfect addition to finger foods for a cookout, these won’t get ignored. Even wing-lovers will keep coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Egg Salad

Smooth and creamy with a slight bite, Egg Salad is one of those sides that feels old-school but is always at home on the table. It works great on its own or as part of a sandwich spread. Easy to make ahead of time, it keeps cookout day stress-free. This classic is always comforting and crowd-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

With its vibrant color, Red Cabbage Coleslaw catches everyone’s eye right away. The crunch is as pleasing as the flavor, which balances out those heavier grilled options. It’s a fun way to mix up your slaw game. You’ll want this on your plate from the first to the last bite.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Potato Salad

No cookout feels complete without Potato Salad at the center of the table. Soft potatoes and creamy dressing make it the comforting staple everyone reaches for. There’s a reason it always ends up empty before the day is over. It’s simple, hearty, and ties your cookout together.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled Vegetables remind everyone that veggies can be just as exciting as the main event. Slightly charred and loaded with flavor, they add something fresh and satisfying to your plate. This is where smoky flavor meets simplicity. A handful of veggies makes any cookout feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes are a duo that works every time, and Cucumber Tomato Salad proves it. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for balancing the rich dishes on your plate. Quick to prep and even quicker to disappear, this fresh side steals hearts. Trust me, this one will keep you coming back for spoonfuls.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Grilled Eggplant

The soft texture and smoky flavor of Grilled Eggplant make it a standout veggie option. Cooked just right, it’s hearty enough to stand on its own or pair up with meats. This one is for both the grill masters and eggplant newbies. It feels a little different but fits perfectly into the cookout vibe.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant

Dense Bean Salad

Packed with heartiness and a mix of textures, Dense Bean Salad brings variety to the table. This is an option that sticks with you and adds some substance beyond the grill. It works as a tasty option for both plant-based eaters and everyone else. It’ll hold its own at any cookout, big or small.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Grilled Asparagus

Slightly charred and tender, Grilled Asparagus adds that earthy, simple touch everyone appreciates. It’s the kind of side that feels fancy without trying too hard. You can pair it with just about anything grilling over the fire. This green spear brightens up your plate in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Mexican Rice

Give your cookout a little variety with Mexican Rice, offering bold flavors and a touch of something different. It’s fluffy but never boring, with a mix of familiar, comforting notes. Perfect alongside anything grilled, this is a dependable go-to. If you’re looking to shake up classic sides, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Quinoa Salad

Light, nutty, and full of texture, Quinoa Salad is an ideal add-on for those seeking something healthier but no less interesting. It brings a nice balance, cutting through the heaviness of the barbecue. This is just one of those feel-good sides that still packs flavor. You’ll be glad you made room on your plate for this one.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel makes an awesome finger food for any gathering. Each bite brings that familiar creamy kick with a bit of crunch. These are perfect to snack on while waiting for the main event. Trust me, these little spirals will keep disappearing quickly!
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Strawberry Cookies

A little sweetness never hurts, and Strawberry Cookies bring that pop of flavor to finish off the meal. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with fruit flavors. These work perfectly as an addition to the dessert lineup or just a quick grab-and-go treat. A small batch of these will have everyone asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cookies

Chicken & Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, Chicken & Bacon Ranch Crack Dip is a bold, crowd-friendly blend that’s hard to stop eating. It’s the ultimate party food, perfect for dipping chips and veggies. The smoky bacon and ranch flavors hit all the right notes for a group setting. You’ll want this one front and center on the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Bacon Ranch Crack Dip

Copycat Big Mac Salad

All the flavors you remember from a favorite fast-food burger come to life with Copycat Big Mac Salad. It’s fun, familiar, and yet much lighter, making it perfect for summer parties. Layers of texture keep it interesting, bite after bite. Fans of the original will go all in for this one.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Grilled Zucchini

Simple, smoky, and always welcome, Grilled Zucchini is an easy win for cookout sides. The tender texture works with its charred, earthy notes to make a delicious pairing with almost anything. It’s straightforward, no-fuss, and completely worth adding to your menu. The grill brings out the best here.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad mixes two greats: tacos and pasta, into something exciting and tasty. The softer pasta is balanced by a crunchy blend of flavors and textures. It’s easy to scoop alongside barbecue or enjoy on its own. For any fan of bold meals, this checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Packed with tender chicken and smoky flavors, BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes are hearty and filling. The soft potatoes carry all the bold mix-ins, making every bite complete. It’s comfort food with a creative flair, perfect for big groups. These will easily compete for the most popular dish of the day.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Grilled Corn on the Cobb

Charred, buttery, and served straight off the cob, Grilled Corn on the Cobb is hard to beat at an outdoor meal. Each juicy bite carries that unmistakable flavor everyone loves during summer. It’s iconic and deserves a permanent spot on every cookout menu. Once you’re done, there’s no going back to plain corn again.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cobb

Southwest Sweet Potatoes

With their smoky flavors and hearty texture, Southwest Sweet Potatoes bring something different to the table. They offer a softer, slightly sweeter side to balance more savory dishes. Perfect for adding variety to your classic menu without much extra effort. You can’t miss with these at a cookout.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar adds a burst of texture and flavor to any plate. Loaded with fresh and chunky ingredients, it’s perfect for scooping or eating solo. Use it as a dip, topping, or stand-alone salad; it works every way. This is quick to make but stands out wherever it shows up.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Bite-sized and wrapped up with crispy layers, Smoky Bacon Pig Shots are both fun and hearty. Perfect for snacking, these little cups are packed with flavor all the way through. They work as appetizers or alongside your mains. These two-bite sides will wow your guests every time.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad balances sweet and savory in a way no other side quite can. It’s perfect for cooling off in the heat while keeping the plate interesting. It shakes up the usual salad game and keeps your guests coming back for more. When it’s warm outside, this one’s a must-have.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Classics meet new ideas with Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes, where the classic meaty mix sits perfectly on hearty, sweet potato “buns.” Bringing the sweet, savory, and messy feel everyone loves, these fit cookouts just right. A great option for anyone craving a little twist on tradition. Clean napkins will definitely be needed.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Asian Slaw

Crunchy and packed with fresh, bold flavors, Asian Slaw is a no-brainer side to brighten your spread. Its texture steals the show, and its unique flavors shake up the usual slaw game. It’s quick to prep and pairs with just about anything. This one disappears fast, so maybe make a bigger batch.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

Rotel Dip

Creamy and packed with exciting flavors, Rotel Dip turns into one of those go-to favorites every time. Perfect for scooping with chips, it’s all about pulling people in for another bite. Make this one at the start of the gathering because it disappears fast. It’s easy, fun, and a major crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip