Hey there Reader

When summer rolls around, grilling is my absolute favorite way to make most of our meals. But let's be honest—the main event is only as good as the sides you serve with it!

I’ve been hosting backyard BBQs and family get-togethers for years, and I’ve learned that the secret to a memorable cookout isn't just the perfectly charred burgers or pulled pork. It’s the vibrant, flavor-packed side dishes that have everyone going back for seconds.

In my kitchen, I love taking classic cookout staples and giving them a fresh, unexpected twist. Whether it’s a creamy red potato salad passed down from a friend's family, a bright and zesty cumin lime coleslaw, or foil-pack potatoes that cook right on the grill so you don't have to heat up the house.

These recipes are my tried-and-true favorites. They are incredibly easy to prep, big on flavor, and guaranteed to steal the show at your next summer gathering. Here are the cookout side dishes I make on repeat that everyone absolutely loves and you can make some of these as your main dish during the week too!

I hope you enjoy them!

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Italian Pasta Salad The techniques when making this Italian pasta salad are what really make it shine. This Italian pasta salad is my favorite pasta salad and my go-to summer recipe to bring to almost any gathering I attend and everyone always loves it. Make This

Grilled Potatoes In Foil These summer grilled potatoes in foil are one of our favorite ways to make potatoes and it only takes a few simple ingredients. Make This

Cumin And Lime Coleslaw If you are looking for an easy coleslaw recipe that is a keeper and is a different type of coleslaw recipe than what you are used to, this is it! So good. Make This

The Best Potato Salad This red-skinned potato salad is my go-to summertime BBQ side dish when it is just the family eating or for entertaining. It's a favorite to bring to picnics and potlucks. Make This

Greek Cucumber And Tomato Salad Greek cucumber salad is a fresh salad made up of tomatoes, feta, cucumbers, and dill with some olive oil to round it out. This Greek salad can be served as a side dish with meat or eaten on its own. Make This

Ricotta And Tomato Salad This light and refreshing summer salad features juicy tomatoes, creamy ricotta cheese, pistachio nuts and sunflower seeds and is perfect for a quick and delicious meal on a hot day. Make This

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Plus try out a few of my favorite recipes of the week too.

➡️ Pina Colada Fluff Salad​

➡️ The Best Broccoli Salad​

➡️ Bell Pepper Salad​

➡️ Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad​

If these recipes are not for you, we have more easy recipes on our site .

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Best,

Melissa