19 Irresistible Sides That Pair Perfectly With Your Grilled Favorites

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A perfect barbecue goes beyond just the main course! These 19 irresistible sides will take your next cookout from backyard basic to finger-lickin’ fantastic.

Closeup of a spoonful of Amish macaroni salad.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Broccoli Crunch Salad

A close shot of a fork full of broccoli salad.
Broccoli Crunch Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Broccoli Crunch Salad is a crisp side that pairs splendidly with your grilled favorites. Raw broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon come together for a dish that’s sure to please for any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

Honey Jalapeno Cornbread

Honey Jalapeno Cornbread on a plate.
Honey Jalapeno Cornbread. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Honey Jalapeno Cornbread offers a delightful balance of sweetness and gentle heat, making it a perfect accompaniment to any grilled meal. This light cornbread is made with simple ingredients for a standout taste.
Get the Recipe: Honey Jalapeno Cornbread

Pea Salad

Pea salad in a blue bowl.
Pea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pea Salad is a classic side that complements your grilled dishes with its creamy, tangy, and sweet profile. It’s a timeless make-ahead salad ideal for any occasion from cookouts to holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts in the air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn Brussels sprouts into a side that rivals any grilled masterpiece with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. They emerge as crispy, tantalizing bites with a delightful sweet and tangy finish that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Crock Pot Creamed Corn

Crock Pot Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let the slow cooker create a velvety side of creamed corn, a perfect companion to your barbecue spread. This sweet and creamy dish is a hands-off delight, ideal for complementing a variety of grilled mains.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Creamed Corn

Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions

Grilled potatoes topped with cheese and bacon in a foil pan.
Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions are a mouthwatering side that seamlessly matches with grilled foods. Smothered in barbecue sauce, cheese, and bacon, these potatoes are a hit at any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions

Amish Macaroni Salad

Closeup of a spoonful of Amish macaroni salad.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish Macaroni Salad serves as an excellent creamy and sweet accompaniment to your barbecue favorites. Its simple yet delightful combination of ingredients makes it a popular choice for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Blue Cheese Coleslaw

Top view of a bowl of coleslaw with blue cheese on top.
Blue Cheese Coleslaw. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Blue Cheese Coleslaw introduces a creamy, tangy edge to the traditional coleslaw, making it a refreshing side for grilled dishes. Its bold flavor is both delicious and a welcome change from the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw

Salt Potatoes

Salt Potatoes drizzled with melted butter.
Salt Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Salt Potatoes, with their creamy, buttery texture, are a simple yet delicious side that pairs beautifully with grilled items. These bite-sized delights are especially irresistible when served with melted butter.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritter getting dipped into sauce.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters are a lighter side dish that complements the heartiness of grilled meats. Grated zucchini and simple ingredients come together in the air fryer for a comfort food experience without the heaviness.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Chickpea Salad

Healthy chickpea salad in a blue bowl.
Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chickpea Salad is a vibrant, vegan side dish loaded with fresh vegetables. It’s a gorgeous and straightforward addition to any summer table, especially alongside your grilled specialties.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad

Texas Caviar Dip

Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.
Texas Caviar Dip. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Texas Caviar Dip is a colorful and fresh salad that’s a hearty mix of beans and vegetables. This sweet and tangy dip is a robust side that stands up next to your grilled mains.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar Dip

Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

Plate of air fryer tomatoes topped with basil.
Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes sweeten and intensify in flavor, making them a delightful complement to any grilled dish. These tomatoes burst with a concentrated taste that enhances any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Air fried sweet potato wedges on parchment.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges are a perfect match for grilled meats, with their crispy edges and creamy interior. These thick-cut wedges are a delicious side, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Potato Salad

Potato and egg salad in a blue striped bowl.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This classic Potato Salad is a staple side dish for cookouts, featuring potatoes, eggs, and sweet gherkins. It’s a beloved companion to grilled dishes, sure to be a favorite at your outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Ramen Noodle Salad

Three white bowls filled with ramen noodles and vegetables.
Ramen Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Ramen Noodle Salad is a crunchy, Asian-inspired side that’s a fantastic addition to any cookout. Cabbage, veggies, and crunchy noodles are tossed in a flavorful dressing, making it a great partner for your grilled entrees.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Noodle Salad

Instant Pot Baked Beans with Bourbon Sauce

Instant Pot Baked Beans with Bourbon Sauce. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Instant Pot Baked Beans are a breeze to prepare, with no soaking required. Infused with bourbon and molasses, they offer a rich, smoky side that’s an excellent addition to your grilling menu.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baked Beans with Bourbon Sauce

Baked Potato

air fryer baked potato with butter
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

An Air Fryer Baked Potato comes out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, in half the time it would take in the oven. It’s an ideal side to complement the flavors of a grilled feast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potato

Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese topped with basil.
Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is a fresh, simple side that beautifully accompanies grilled dishes. The classic combination of juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella is a light and flavorful addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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