When it comes to grilled meals, the sides matter more than you think. The wrong one can throw everything off, but the right one brings it all together. These 29 easy sides will make and not break your grilled meals. They’re quick to prep, packed with flavor, and go with just about anything you have cooking. Keep a few of these handy the next time you fire up the grill.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Bok choy doesn’t get nearly enough love, but it’s one of the easiest and tastiest veggies to throw on the grill. A quick soak in a simple Asian-style marinade helps the leaves char just right while the stems stay crisp, making it a perfect side for smoky mains. Whether you’re serving grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or even skewers, this bold and tender bok choy holds its own on any cookout plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad
Shake up your grill-out spread with a salad that actually steals the spotlight. This goat cheese and dried cherry salad is a perfect side for grilled meats and veggies because it balances smoky flavors with creamy, tangy, and sweet bites. It comes together fast, but don’t be surprised when folks skip the burgers and go back for seconds of this instead—so you might want to print a few extra copies of the recipe!
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
This colorful baked ratatouille isn’t just pretty—it’s a perfect match for grilled mains. With tender layers of zucchini, yellow squash, and juicy tomatoes, this veggie dish brings a bright, fresh flavor that pairs great with smoky chicken, steak, or even grilled sausages. Set it out alongside your barbecue favorites, and you’ve got a side that’s as tasty as it is impressive.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Cucumber Salad
Cool off the cookout with this crisp cucumber salad that’s made for sunny days and smoky grills. It’s loaded with fresh cucumbers, chopped herbs, and a simple, tangy dressing that brings everything to life without being too heavy. Serve it next to grilled chicken, burgers, or veggie skewers and let the fresh flavors steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Give grilled dishes a fresh and crunchy sidekick with this shaved Brussels sprouts salad that might just surprise you. Instead of roasting with bacon, these sprouts are thinly sliced and tossed with bright, bold flavors that bring out their natural crunch. It’s a lighter option that balances out rich grilled meats like steak, ribs, or sausages, and adds a burst of texture to every plate.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Give your grilled meal the comfort it deserves with a side of this baked mac and cheese loaded with tomatoes and crispy bacon. The juicy tomatoes add a burst of flavor, while the bacon brings a smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with anything hot off the grill. It’s rich, creamy, and bold enough to stand up to grilled steaks, burgers, or even barbecued chicken—no boring side dish here.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Skip the can and try making these homemade baked beans that come out rich, sweet, and smoky every time. They’re surprisingly simple to put together and taste way better than anything you’d find at the store. Serve them as a warm and hearty side for grilled ribs, burgers, or hot dogs—they bring the kind of flavor that makes every bite of your barbecue even better.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Vegan Couscous Salad
Couscous might not get the attention it deserves, but it’s a fantastic way to add a variety of flavors and textures to your meal. This version is packed with colorful vegetables that bring freshness and heartiness, making it filling enough to stand on its own as a main dish. When paired with grilled meats or veggies, it complements smoky, charred flavors perfectly and adds a satisfying bite to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Baked Kale Chips
Add a fresh twist to your grilled meal with the healthy and crispy delight of baked kale chips as a perfect side. These vibrant kale leaves are carefully seasoned and baked until they turn golden and crunchy, offering a guilt-free snack that complements smoky flavors beautifully. Pairing these chips with grilled meats or veggies gives your meal a satisfying crunch and a boost of nutrition without any extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a great side for grilled dishes, crispy on the outside and tender inside. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with smoky flavors, adding a tasty contrast to your meal. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and flavor without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
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
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Bring cheesy scalloped potatoes to your next grill night for a comforting side everyone will love. Thinly sliced potatoes bake in a rich, creamy white sauce that melts into every bite. The generous cheese adds a gooey finish, making this dish a perfect partner for any grilled favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
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
Spanish Rice
Add Spanish rice to your grilled meal for a flavorful side that brings a taste of Mexico to your plate. It cooks quickly with simple ingredients, making it an easy choice when you want something tasty without extra fuss. This homemade version beats most restaurant rice and pairs perfectly with grilled meats and veggies.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice
Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Dig into Smoked Brie Potato Gratin for a side that’s creamy, smoky, and full of comforting flavor. Thinly sliced potatoes baked with rich brie cheese make this dish feel special without a lot of effort. It’s a perfect match for grilled meats and adds a warm, cheesy touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This recipe takes Brussels sprouts from boring to crave-worthy. Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky layer of flavor, while the high roasting temperature caramelizes the sprouts for a sweet and slightly nutty taste. It’s a simple side dish that complements any protein and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Brighten up your grilled dinner with a fresh salad of tomatoes, cucumber, and quinoa that’s both nutritious and full of flavor. This easy, make-ahead dish is a smart way to use garden-fresh produce while keeping things light and satisfying. The mix of crisp veggies and hearty quinoa makes it a perfect, refreshing side for any grilled main.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Try this simple potato and spinach side for a fresh take on a classic favorite. The tender potatoes blend perfectly with the flavorful spinach, adding a boost of veggies that makes the dish both tasty and wholesome. It’s a versatile side that complements any grilled meal and is sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes deliver creamy, smooth comfort quickly and easily. These well-seasoned potatoes come together fast, making them a smart side when time is tight. They pair perfectly with grilled meats and veggies, adding rich flavor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes