I Use These 29 Sides To Keep Cookouts Easy And Laid-back

Cookouts can get busy fast, but these 29 sides keep things simple. No need to rush or worry when each dish is easy to make. The table looks full, and the mood stays light. Guests eat, chat, and relax without fuss. These small dishes bring big help every single time.

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Crunchy and colorful, this side dish brings a refreshing twist to the table. Red Cabbage Coleslaw has just the right balance of crispness and tanginess to pair with your main dishes. It’s quick to throw together and keeps things light and easy. Perfect for adding a nice crunch without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Packed with smoky flavor and hearty goodness, these are an easy choice for a relaxed meal. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes combine tender chicken and soft potatoes for a no-fuss side or main course. They’re filling enough to please everyone while still being simple to prepare. A go-to dish that hits both comfort and convenience.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

A simple combination of fresh flavors that keeps things light and flavorful. Mediterranean Orzo Salad offers a hearty yet refreshing base for any meal. It’s easy to prep and stays versatile enough to work with whatever’s on the grill. You’ll enjoy something both delicious and convenient to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Grilled Vegetables

Lightly charred and full of flavor, this side keeps things simple but delicious. Grilled Vegetables bring out natural flavors in a no frills way that pairs with just about any main dish. With minimal prep and clean up, they’re a great way to keep things easy. Your plate is better when these are part of it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Copycat Big Mac Salad

A fun and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic favorite with less hassle. Copycat Big Mac Salad keeps the main event hassle-free while packing in all the familiar bites. It’s a perfect match for an easy and low-key spread. Just a simple, flavorful dish with no extra work involved.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

BBQ Sauce

A little tangy, a little sweet, and just the right amount of smoky, it’s a must-have for any cookout. BBQ Sauce ties everything together, whether you’re serving up meats, veggies, or anything else. It’s the perfect dipping or drizzling option without much effort. Keep things flavorful and straightforward with this classic addition.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sauce

Caesar Salad

Crisp greens and a classic dressing make this an easy and timeless go-to side. Caesar Salad pairs effortlessly with just about anything and requires no complicated steps. It keeps meals balanced and refreshing without taking much time. A simple yet bold addition for every occasion.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Creamy and spiced just right, it’s a no-hassle dish that’s great as an appetizer or side. Buffalo Chicken Dip brings bold flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for a laid-back vibe. Easy to serve and even easier to enjoy, it’s always a hit. Keep things relaxed with a dish everyone can dig into.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Mango Shrimp Salad

A refreshing mix with a little sweetness and a lot of flavor to keep things interesting. Mango Shrimp Salad is light and effortless while bringing something unique to the table. It’s the kind of dish that compliments other flavors without overpowering. Easy and quick to assemble, it’s a win for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Cheesy with just a little bit of heat, it’s a perfect snackable side for any menu. Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel has all the fun of stuffed jalapeños but in a quick to make version. They’re simple to prepare and easy for everyone to grab. No-frills and packed with flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Mexican Street Corn

Smoky, creamy, and just the right amount of spice, this side is an easy win. Mexican Street Corn is packed with bold flavors that don’t take much effort to make. A simple yet perfect option that pairs perfectly with a laid-back cookout. It’s all you need when something flavorful and easy is on your mind.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Tuna Salad

Light, simple, and packed with protein, this side is perfect for keeping things easy. Tuna Salad comes together quickly and fits into nearly any spread without a hitch. It’s a no-fuss dish that always feels fresh and delicious. Perfect when time is short, but you still want something classic.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad

Hawaiian Baked Beans

A little sweet, a little smoky, and so easy to pull together for any meal. Hawaiian Baked Beans bring a unique twist to a traditional favorite with minimal effort. They’re hearty, simple, and a crowd-pleaser every time. Great for any day when you want something different, yet familiar.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Mediterranean Salad

A mix of fresh ingredients that keeps things simple but flavorful. Mediterranean Salad is quick to prepare and adds a refreshing element to balance any meal. It fits perfectly alongside your favorite mains with no overcomplication. Easy, versatile, and always a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salad

Grilled Eggplant

Tender and smoky, this side brings a rich flavor without the need for much work. Grilled Eggplant is so easy to prepare and pairs effortlessly with just about anything. It’s a fun way to try something a little different but still stick with minimal prep. A low-stress option for any mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Crunchy bites paired with a creamy, rich coating make this dish a breeze to enjoy. Fresh greens come together with a dressing that’s both smooth and delicious. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing ticks all the right boxes for a no-fuss, tasty side. Perfect when you’re keeping things simple and relaxed.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Strawberry Cookies

Soft, sweet, and packed with fruity goodness, these are a nice treat for any table. Made with care, they bring warm comfort to every bite. Strawberry Cookies are an easy option that everyone can enjoy. They’re a fun addition to any laid-back spread.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cookies

Cobb Salad

A mix of textures and flavors in a single bowl, this dish knows how to keep it fresh. There’s no overthinking needed for something so naturally effortless. Cobb Salad gives you a little bit of everything in a colorful way. It pairs well with easy-going meals.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Crispy edges and a touch of spice make this an instant crowd-pleaser. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare and share. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings pack just the right punch of flavor without any hassle. Add them to your line-up when keeping things laid back.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Tender bites of pasta meet perfectly cooked vegetables for a dish anyone can dig into. There’s a balance here that keeps things simple without being boring. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies is versatile and easy on the prep side. Pair it with a meal or enjoy all on its own.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

7 Layer Dip

Layers of creamy and crunchy goodness make this a quick favorite at any table. It’s a no-mess option that’s ready whenever you are. 7 Layer Dip keeps the vibe relaxed and hassle-free with minimal effort. Dive in with chips or veggies for a casual bite.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Crisp and refreshing, this bowl of fresh veggies keeps things light and easy. The balance between crunch and juiciness is just what laid-back meals need. Cucumber Tomato Salad is perfect for when you want something effortless on the side. It fits right into a calm dining setup.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Grilled Zucchini

Lightly charred and full of flavor, it’s as straightforward as sides get. No bells or whistles, just simple goodness in every slice. Grilled Zucchini adds a warm, smoky touch to your plate. It’s an easy way to keep things stress-free and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Creamy, bold, and full of flavor, this dip is a winner in every sense. It brings together everything you’d expect but in dip form. Mexican Street Corn Dip is great for sharing and even better for snacking at your own pace. No stress, just straightforward enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip

Quinoa Salad

Fluffy grains mixed with fresh ingredients make this a simple yet tasty side. There’s a great texture and balance that keeps it pleasing and easygoing. Quinoa Salad fits perfectly in any laid-back meal plan without making things complicated. It’s quick to prep and perfect to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Roasted to perfection with a gentle kick of flavor, they’re a hearty yet easy addition to your plate. There’s no fuss, and every bite feels just right. Southwest Sweet Potatoes bring a touch of comfort to your menu in the simplest way possible. They go with almost anything you’re whipping up.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Grilled Peppers

Charred and bursting with flavor, these couldn’t be simpler to prepare. Their smoky, slightly sweet taste pairs well with a variety of mains. Grilled Peppers make a no-stress addition to any meal lineup. A straightforward option for when you just want flavor without complication.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Juicy chunks combined with a light, creamy touch make this side refreshing and effortless. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and tasty with minimal effort required. Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad adds something unique while sticking to an easygoing vibe. You can serve it without a second thought.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Rotel Dip

Creamy and packed with a little kick, this dip is always a welcome addition to the table. It’s quick to make and disappears just as fast. Rotel Dip is perfect for chips and doesn’t require much time or planning. A simple choice for those laid-back moments.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip