Sure, these dishes work all year—but come summer, they practically beg for a picnic table or a backyard cookout. AND it matters not whether cooking outdoors or relying on your oven. Whether you’re loading up on Creamy Southern Coleslaw, slathering Eastern North Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce over ribs, or passing around Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings, this list has a flavor for every cookout craving. Some are grilled, some are baked, and a few—like Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad and Greek Cucumber Salad with Marinated Feta—don’t require any cooking at all. From Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs to Pickle Macaroni Salad, there’s something here for every summer plate, no matter what your setup looks like.

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad with Lemon and Tarragon

This Old-Fashioned Potato Salad with Lemon and Tarragon offers a fresh, mayo-free twist on a beloved classic. It’s zesty, crunchy, and incredibly tasty, making it an ideal side dish for any BBQ or picnic. The lemon and tarragon give it a unique, refreshing flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Potato Salad with Lemon and Tarragon

Eastern North Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce

This Eastern North Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce is the real deal! With a tangy and bold flavor from white vinegar, salt, and peppers, it’s the perfect complement to pulled pork and other BBQ favorites. Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this easy, authentic recipe.
Get the Recipe: Eastern North Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce

A Tasty and Kid-friendly Pickle Macaroni Salad

Add a tangy twist to your summer BBQ with this Pickle Relish Macaroni Salad! This kid-friendly side dish combines classic macaroni salad with the zesty crunch of pickle relish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: A Tasty and Kid-friendly Pickle Macaroni Salad

Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings are the ultimate BBQ side—sweet, golden, and perfect for dunking. Whether you’re grilling out or bringing snacks to a picnic, these travel well and disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

How to Make Buttermilk Fried Chicken

How to Make Buttermilk Fried Chicken is your go-to for picnic baskets and backyard feasts alike. Juicy inside, crunchy outside—no one’s skipping seconds.

To learn more: How to Make Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks give you all the crispy satisfaction without heating up the fryer. Ideal for prepping indoors and serving outdoors, they’re a low-effort hit for any summer get-together.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Beer Braised Beef Brisket

Beer Braised Beef Brisket makes a smoky statement at summer cookouts—even if your oven’s doing the heavy lifting. Slice it thick, pile it on soft rolls, and watch it vanish.

To learn more: Beer Braised Beef Brisket

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes bring big flavor to your BBQ spread. Whether you’re feeding a crowd from the porch or packing them for a park-side potluck, they hold their own next to anything grilled.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad

Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad is bright, bold, and made for outdoor tables. It’s a refreshing, no-cook favorite that plays nice with everything from ribs to rotisserie chicken.
Get the Recipe: Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

This Penna Dutch Potato Salad recipe is about to be your new go-to side dish. Creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor from eggs, celery, and a unique blend of sweet and savory ingredients, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Get ready for a taste of Amish tradition!
Get the Recipe: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs

Craving barbecue but the weather isn’t cooperating? These Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs bring the smoky, tangy flavors of the South right to your kitchen. With a simple spice rub and a homemade barbecue sauce, these ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs

Southern-Style Molasses Barbecue Sauce

This Southern-Style Molasses Barbecue Sauce is the perfect addition to your next cookout. Made with molasses, ketchup, and Dijon mustard, this sweet and tangy sauce is perfect for ribs, chops, burgers, and more. Make it the day before to have it ready when you need it!
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Molasses Barbecue Sauce

Creamy Southern Coleslaw

This Creamy Southern Coleslaw recipe uses a secret ingredient to seriously enhance the flavor and creaminess of this classic side dish. It’s easy to make ahead and is the perfect addition to any barbecue, grill, or holiday meal. Enjoy this taste of the South!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Southern Coleslaw

Marinade for Steak

Looking for an easy and flavorful way to elevate your next steak dinner? This marinade recipe uses a combination of pantry staples like Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and mustard to create a delicious and tangy flavor. Simply marinate your steak and grill to perfection!
Get the Recipe: Marinade for Steak

Perfectly Perfect Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks

These barbecued chicken drumsticks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next cookout. The dry spice rub, featuring smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, gives the chicken a delicious smoky flavor with a little bit of heat. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or party!
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Perfect Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks

Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe with Marinated Feta

This Greek Cucumber Salad is so easy to make, but so hard to stop eating! Marinated feta and a generous helping of herbs elevate this simple salad. It’s perfect as a side dish for BBQs or a light lunch on a warm day.
Get the Recipe: Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe with Marinated Feta

A Smoky Oven-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe

Forget the smoker—your Dutch oven already graduated summa cum laude in melt-apart pork. One easy braise later and you’ve got juicy, pile-high Oven-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwiches that outshine any barbecue, rain or shine.

Get the Recipe: A Smoky Oven-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe