You can take your BBQ from good to great with little effort and the right sides. These 11 go-to options perfectly complement your main dish to make your cookouts that much better. They’re so good at bringing the heat that you’ll have everyone talking about them long after the day’s over. They’re simple to make and hard to forget, which makes them a must for your next BBQ and the one after that.
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
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
Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Grilling isn’t just for meat and veggies, because fruit gets even sweeter and more flavorful over the flames. These kebabs bring together juicy pieces that taste great on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a drizzle of homemade brown sugar caramel sauce, and you’ve got something simple that feels extra special.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Brown Sugar Caramel
Baked Bread on the Grill
Grilling bread adds a smoky flavor and crisp texture that makes any slice more exciting. It’s a simple trick that works great for cookouts or as a fast side. On days when the oven feels like too much, the grill gets the job done with less heat and more flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baked Bread on the Grill
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Add some bold flavor to your plate with this colorful Kung Pao chicken salad side dish. It’s full of crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy sauce that brings a little heat without going over the top. This salad adds just the right kick to balance out milder mains.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Turn up the flavor with this smoky chipotle grilled corn that brings a kick to every bite. Each ear is brushed with chipotle butter, then grilled until tender and full of rich, smoky taste. It’s a bold and satisfying side that pairs well with almost anything off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled Steak & Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
Juicy steak, creamy goat cheese, sweet grilled strawberries, and greens are all dressed in a flavorful strawberry vinaigrette for the most delicious summery salad. Leave out the steak for a lighter side salad, or keep it in – your choice!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak & Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
Carne Asada Fries
Carne asada fries bring smoky grilled steak, melty cheese, and fresh toppings together in one messy, satisfying pile. It’s the kind of dish you want to dig into with a fork and plenty of napkins. Fire up the grill and turn your next cookout into something way more fun.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Fries
Grilled Potato Wedges
These grilled potato wedges are coated with olive oil and a few spices to keep things simple and full of flavor. Each one has crispy edges and a soft, fluffy center that makes them hard to stop eating. They bring all the comfort of steak fries with that smoky grilled taste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Potato Wedges
Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Fire up the grill and toss on this easy Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash for a side dish that brings big flavor. The veggies get those perfect grill marks, and the feta and lemon add a bright, tangy punch that makes each bite pop. It’s quick to make, full of fresh flavor, and always a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Grilled Peach & Corn Salad with Honey Lime Chicken
This delicious salad is packed with goodness like grilled peaches, sweet corn, spring mix lettuce, and herbs, then topped with grilled chicken and tossed with a honey lime dressing. Leave out the chicken for a lighter side salad, or keep it in – your choice!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach & Corn Salad with Honey Lime Chicken
Grilled Vegetables
These vegetables are tossed in a quick marinade and grilled until they’ve got crispy edges and tender insides. The flavor stays clean and fresh, with just the right amount of char. It’s a side that’s easy to throw together and actually gets eaten.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables