Summer Sides for Cookouts and Picnics

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Summer cookouts and picnics deserve side dishes with big flavor and just the right mix of fresh, tangy, creamy, or crisp. From Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad to Grilled Pineapple, these recipes bring serious personality to the table. You’ll find Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad stacked with ripe summer produce, Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese that disappears fast, and Tangy Three Bean Salad that’s anything but boring. Whether you’re packing a basket or firing up the grill, these sides are ready to join the fun!

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Creamy potato salad with diced vegetables and a sprinkle of black pepper, garnished with cherry tomatoes on a decorative plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Penna Dutch Potato Salad brings Amish-style comfort with a creamy, crunchy twist—its signature hot dressing makes this nostalgic side truly unforgettable!

To learn more: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Classic Southern Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs topped with paprika and chopped chives, arranged on a decorative plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Southern Deviled Eggs are creamy, tangy, and a must at any proper gathering. Serve them chilled—and preferably in silence—because few things ignite family drama faster than someone taking the last deviled egg without making eye contact.

To learn more: Classic Southern Deviled Eggs

Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad

Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, red onions, and basil leaves arranged on a white plate.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This tomato salad recipe is inspired by Jamie Oliver’s version, so you know it’s going to be good. Bursting with fresh flavors from tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar, it’s the perfect side dish to complement any meal. Don’t forget the mozzarella cheese!
Get the Recipe: Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad

A Tasty and Kid-friendly Pickle Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Pickle Relish Macaroni Salad is a tangy and crunchy twist on a classic side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues. The kid-friendly recipe combines elbow macaroni with a flavorful mix of dill pickle relish, mayonnaise, and seasonings. It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Get the Recipe: A Tasty and Kid-friendly Pickle Macaroni Salad

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad with Lemon and Tarragon

A bowl of potato salad with sliced onions and celery, garnished with herbs. A silver spoon is in the mix, surrounded by delicate flowers on a white surface.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This old-fashioned potato salad ditches the mayo in favor of a zesty vinegar-based dressing, letting baby Yukon Golds, crisp celery, and shallots shine with bright notes of lemon and tarragon. It’s a lighter, herb-forward take that plays beautifully at cookouts, giving you bold flavor without the weight.

To learn more: Old-Fashioned Potato Salad with Lemon and Tarragon

Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese

A bowl of broccoli salad with bacon and cheese.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

This Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese is a simple and delicious side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. The crisp broccoli and cauliflower are perfectly complemented by the salty bacon, cheddar cheese, and a tangy 3-ingredient dressing. It’s quick to make and great for potlucks or a light lunch!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese

Homemade Slow Cooker Baked Beans

baked beans in a bowl with two spoons
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These homemade slow cooker baked beans are the perfect balance of sweet and saucy, making them a crowd-pleasing side dish for any occasion. Easily made vegetarian, this recipe features a variety of beans and a rich, flavorful sauce that’s sure to be a hit. Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Tangy Three Bean Salad

This classic Three Bean Salad recipe is full of tangy flavor, fiber and lots of plant protein! An easy make-ahead side dish for picnics, potlucks, and BBQs. Vegan and Gluten-Free.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Tangy Three Bean Salad is a classic dish that’s perfect for potlucks and BBQs. It’s packed with fiber and protein, and the tangy dressing brings all the flavors together. Plus, it’s vegan!
Get the Recipe: Tangy Three Bean Salad

Corn Ribs

corn ribs served with a flavorful dipping sauce on a plate.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Looking for a fun and flavorful way to enjoy corn on the cob? These oven-baked Corn Ribs are seasoned to perfection and make for a delicious appetizer or side dish. Plus, they’re gluten-free, healthy, and kid-friendly, making them a great option for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Corn Ribs

Grilled Pineapple

overhead view of a horizontally-positioned oval white platter piled with grilled pineapple slices and lime wedges.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Looking for a sweet and spicy side dish to add to your next BBQ? Try these Grilled Pineapple slices! The zingy flavor comes from a delicious combination of lime juice and chili powder.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple

Grilled Zucchini

overhead view of grilled zucchini on a white oval plate.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Looking for a quick and healthy side dish for your next cookout? This grilled zucchini recipe is marinated in olive oil, herbs, and garlic for a flavorful and simple vegetarian option. Top with parmesan cheese for an extra touch of deliciousness!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Fresh Pineapple Salsa

Pineapple salsa in a hollowed out pineapple with corn tortilla chips around it.
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

This Fresh Pineapple Salsa recipe is the perfect appetizer or side dish for your next gathering! The sweet pineapple combined with the other fresh ingredients makes a delicious topping for tacos, seafood, chicken, or pork.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Pineapple Salsa

Grilled Corn On The Cob

Grilled corn on the cobs withe butter on a plate
Photo credit: Downshiftology

This grilled corn on the cob recipe is the perfect addition to your next barbecue! Achieve juicy, charred corn with these simple tips. Top with butter, salt, and pepper for a classic flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn On The Cob

Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Closeup view of coleslaw in a white and blue bowl with a fork.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Creamy Coleslaw Recipe is a simple, quick, and delicious side dish that’s perfect for summer BBQs or a light lunch. The homemade dressing is what makes it so good! It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Creamy Confetti Corn with Bacon

Creamy Confetti Corn with Bacon | Cooking Classy
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Creamy Confetti Corn with Bacon is a fresh summer salad or BBQ side dish that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a crunchy and delicious dish that will be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The combination of fresh corn, bacon, and colorful veggies makes it a standout appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Confetti Corn with Bacon

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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