Meats are on the grill, and now it’s time to figure out what to put on the table with them. These 23 side dishes are easy, quick, and made with ingredients you probably already have. Nothing complicated, nothing fussy. Just solid, tasty sides that work with whatever you’re grilling. It could be a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, but these are the kind of recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Veggie Pasta Salad
Savor the taste of summer with this mayo-free pasta salad. This refreshing and light salad combines al dente pasta with fresh veggies like corn and tomatoes, plus tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a satisfying side dish.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Spinach Caprese Salad
Dig into this fresh and colorful salad that brings together all the best parts of a classic caprese with a spinach twist. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and thin slices of salty prosciutto come together to make every bite rich with flavor and just the right amount of texture. It’s the kind of side dish that feels light but still holds its own next to anything hot off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Caprese Salad
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. But sometimes, the classic mac and cheese can be a bit too bland. That’s where this grown-up baked mac and cheese with tomato and bacon comes in. This recipe takes the classic dish to the next level by adding some tomatoes and crispy bacon.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Vegan Couscous Salad
Couscous is so often forgotten, but it is a great way to incorporate so many flavors. This version has tons of veggies mixed in and is robust enough to be a main course or fits perfectly alongside anything you pull off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Give your grilled meal a boost with this Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa that’s full of flavor and easy to love. The tender quinoa soaks up the richness of the Parmesan while the spinach adds a fresh bite that goes well with anything from grilled chicken to veggies. It’s a hearty, meat-free side dish that tastes great and leaves you feeling full without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
This Italian-inspired baked ratatouille is a colorful and flavorful vegetable dish that is perfect for a summer meal. Made with yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Garlic Sesame Kale
This garlic sesame kale is a healthy and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any meal. Made with fresh kale, garlic, and sesame oil, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, and it pairs beautifully with any grilled meat.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Sesame Kale
Avocado Tomato Salad
Don’t let the grill steal all the attention—this avocado tomato salad deserves a spot right next to the main dish. It’s packed with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, crisp romaine, and other fresh veggies, all tossed in a bright dressing you whip up fast in the blender. This salad brings cool, bold flavor that pairs perfectly with anything hot off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Enjoy a nutritious and flavorful combination of tomatoes, cucumber, and quinoa in this wholesome salad — a great way to use up fresh produce from your garden and enjoy a satisfying summer meal. Experience the harmony of this tasty salad you can make ahead.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Mashed Potatoes
Bring on the grill and don’t forget this creamy classic that’s made even easier with the Instant Pot. These mashed potatoes come out smooth and fluffy every time, with rich flavor from butter, cream, and just the right amount of seasoning. It’s the kind of comfort food that tastes even better next to something smoky and charred off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Spanish Rice
Spanish rice (or Mexican rice) is a tasty side that goes great with grilled meats or veggies. It’s full of tomato flavor with just the right mix of spices to keep things exciting. This easy dish comes together fast and usually tastes better than what you’d get at a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Bring some bright flavor to your plate with this easy Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad. Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes mix with tangy red onion, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon for a cool bite that balances out anything smoky from the grill. This quick salad is light, refreshing, and just the thing to round out grilled meats, veggies, or anything in between.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Give your grill-night greens a fun twist with this fresh shaved Brussels sprouts salad. Instead of roasting them like usual, this dish slices the sprouts thin and tosses them with bright, crunchy mix-ins for a crisp and flavorful bite. It’s a smart and tasty side that adds a cool contrast to all those smoky grilled favorites.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Dinner Roll Knots
Start your meal off right with these fluffy, buttery dinner roll knots. They add a comforting, warm touch to any meal, making them the perfect pairing with grilled meats and vegetables. Whether you’re serving them alongside stews, soups, or a weekend cookout, these soft knots will be the highlight of your table.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Looking for a fun twist on regular potatoes? This side dish adds spinach, giving you a burst of veggies while still keeping that classic flavor everyone loves. It’s the perfect complement to any grilled meal, offering a fresh and satisfying addition to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Kick off your grilling experience with a harvest quinoa salad that’s bursting with flavor! This vibrant dish combines the earthiness of quinoa, the sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the tang of feta cheese, and the chewy bite of dried cranberries. It’s a perfect match for grilled meats, offering a balance of textures and flavors that will make your meal memorable and complete.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Get ready to add some excitement to your next meal with this chipotle grilled corn recipe. The sweetness of the corn perfectly balances with the smoky heat of the chipotle-infused butter, creating a side dish full of vibrant flavors. Grilled to perfection, this corn will have everyone coming back for more, making it the ideal complement to your grilled favorites.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Bok choy is such a fun vegetable, but it is definitely underused. It’s absolutely delicious when you toss it on the grill for just a few minutes after mixing it with an easy Asian marinade. It pairs well with anything from burgers to chicken and more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Craving something extra cheesy to go with that grilled meal? These scalloped potatoes are packed with creamy goodness and plenty of cheese, making them the perfect side dish. With thinly sliced potatoes and a rich white sauce, they’re sure to be a hit at any cookout or family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad
Skip the usual side dish and try something bold with this goat cheese and dried cherry salad. The rich creaminess of the goat cheese blends perfectly with the sweet-tart cherries, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. This salad takes no time at all to make, and it will definitely steal the spotlight at your next grilled dinner.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This Brussels sprout recipe takes the humble vegetable to a whole new level. The crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch, and the high heat roasting caramelizes the sprouts, giving them a sweet and nutty flavor. It’s a simple yet irresistible side dish that pairs perfectly with any grilled main course.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Baked Kale Chips
Craving something crispy and healthy? Baked kale chips are the perfect side dish to pair with any grilled meal. Simply season fresh kale leaves and bake them to crispy perfection, creating a crunchy snack that’s both delicious and guilt-free.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Hearts of Palm Salad
This light and refreshing hearts of palm salad is the perfect summer side dish. Made with fresh hearts of palm, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing, this salad is sure to please everyone at your table.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad