20 Easy Cookout Sides That’ll Fool Everyone Into Thinking You’re A Pro

Cookouts are all about good vibes, great weather, and food that brings people together. But not every dish has to take hours to impress.

These simple sides deliver bold flavors and bright colors with barely any fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just hanging with friends, this list of foolproof recipes will make you look like a seasoned cookout master.

Disclaimer:
Information here is for general inspiration and education, not professional dietary or medical advice. Cooking times and results vary by equipment and ingredients; follow safe food-handling, use a thermometer, and keep perishables chilled at outdoor events.

Check labels for allergens and adjust to dietary needs. Ingredient availability and nutrition can differ by brand and region.

1. Grilled Corn With Chili Lime Butter

Fresh corn on the cob, charred just enough on the grill, becomes irresistible when slathered with zesty chili lime butter. The smoky kernels soak in the butter’s citrus kick and gentle heat, making every bite pop.

To make the butter, stir together softened butter, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, and a touch of honey. Brush over hot grilled corn and finish with crumbled cotija cheese or chopped cilantro.

2. Watermelon Feta Salad

Juicy watermelon and salty feta come together in a colorful, crowd-pleasing combo. The sweetness of the fruit balances the briny cheese and crisp cucumber slices.

Toss cubed watermelon with feta, thin-sliced cucumber, fresh mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Chill before serving for the flavors to meld and refresh.

3. Creamy Dill Potato Salad

Velvety potatoes tossed in a tangy yogurt-mayo blend with fresh dill create a lighter take on the cookout classic. The herbs add brightness while diced pickles give a subtle crunch.

Boil baby potatoes until fork-tender, then mix with Greek yogurt, mayo, mustard, dill, and chopped scallions. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

4. Caprese Pasta Salad

This pasta salad borrows flavors from the classic Caprese – ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil – but adds a hearty twist. It’s perfect warm or cold and makes a colorful addition to any table.

Cook short pasta and toss with halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, basil leaves, and balsamic vinaigrette. Add toasted pine nuts for an optional nutty crunch.

5. Honey Mustard Coleslaw

Crisp shredded cabbage and carrots meet a creamy, tangy-sweet dressing in this quick honey mustard coleslaw. In a large bowl, combine about 4 cups of shredded green cabbage, 2 cups of shredded purple cabbage, and 1 cup of grated carrots. Toss in a handful of thinly sliced green onions for a bit of bite. 

In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1½ tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. 

6. Deviled Eggs With Smoked Paprika

These little flavor bombs are creamy, rich, and topped with a smoky finish. The paprika adds color and depth without overpowering the classic egg flavor.

Hard-boil eggs, halve them, and mix the yolks with mayo, mustard, and vinegar. Pipe or spoon into the whites and dust with smoked paprika just before serving.

7. Roasted Veggie Skewers

Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms get caramelized edges and tender centers on the grill. Each skewer is a savory rainbow on a stick.

Toss chopped veggies with olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then thread onto skewers. Grill until soft with a light char, and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

8. Mango Avocado Salsa

Creamy avocado meets bright mango for a salsa that’s sweet, savory, and a little bit tangy. It’s the perfect topping for grilled meats or scooped with chips.

Dice mango and avocado, then mix with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of chili flakes. Serve chilled for a refreshing bite.

9. Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

A golden loaf filled with melted cheese and garlic butter never lasts long at a cookout. It’s crispy outside, gooey inside, and endlessly shareable.

Slice a crusty round loaf in a crosshatch pattern and stuff the spaces with shredded mozzarella and garlic butter. Wrap in foil and bake or grill until melty.

10. Balsamic Tomato Salad

Juicy tomatoes shine with a tangy-sweet balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is cool, crunchy, and ideal for hot days.

Slice grape tomatoes, then toss with red onion, radishes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Finish it off with some parsley. Let sit 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors bloom.

11. Mac And Cheese Bites

Golden on the outside and creamy inside, these bite-sized treats are crunchy, cheesy comfort in a poppable form. They vanish fast – better make extra.

Spoon chilled mac and cheese into mini muffin tins, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until crisp. Let cool slightly before removing to hold their shape.

12. Sweet And Spicy Baked Beans

Thick, saucy beans flavored with brown sugar, mustard, and a kick of chili powder bring depth to the table. They’re smoky, sticky, and just right beside grilled food.

Combine canned baked beans with ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, diced onions, and hot sauce. Bake slowly until thick and bubbling.

13. Skillet Cornbread With Jalapeño

Moist, golden cornbread with a hint of spice tastes even better when made in a cast-iron skillet. The edges get perfectly crisp while the center stays tender.

Mix cornmeal with flour, baking powder, buttermilk, eggs, chopped jalapeños, and cheddar. Pour into a hot, greased skillet and bake until puffed and golden.

14. Italian Antipasto Skewers

These skewers pack bold Italian flavor in bite-sized form. Think salami, mozzarella, olives, and cherry tomatoes – no plate needed.

Thread each skewer with cured meats, mini mozzarella balls, olives, roasted red peppers, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and a splash of vinegar before serving.

15. Tzatziki With Pita Chips

Creamy, garlicky, and cool, tzatziki is a dip that pairs with nearly everything. Its fresh cucumber flavor cuts through heavier cookout fare.

Grate cucumber and squeeze out the liquid. Mix with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil. Serve with toasted pita wedges or raw veggies.

16. Herbed Quinoa Salad With Orange

Nutty quinoa tossed with chopped veggies and fresh herbs makes a light, protein-packed side. A lemony dressing and a zesty orange tie it all together.

Cook quinoa and cool. Stir in chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, parsley, mint, scallions and sliced orange. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.

17. Grilled Peach And Burrata Plate

Charred peaches, creamy burrata, and fresh basil create a salad that’s sweet, savory, and utterly summery. It looks fancy but takes minutes.

Halve and grill peaches until soft and marked. Plate with torn burrata, a drizzle of honey, cracked pepper, and basil leaves.

18. Zesty Orzo Veggie Salad

This bright pasta salad is filled with roasted veggies and a lemony dressing. It’s colorful, tangy, and holds up well outdoors.

Cook orzo, then toss with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Mix in feta, lemon zest, and olive oil for a light finish.

19. Quick Pickled Veggies

Crunchy, tangy, and great with anything grilled, these pickles add brightness to every plate. They’re ready in under an hour.

Slice cucumbers, red onions, or carrots and pour over a hot mixture of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Chill before serving for best crunch.

20. Loaded Guacamole With Corn

Creamy avocado meets sweet grilled corn and spicy jalapeño in this amped-up guac. It’s hearty enough to eat with a spoon.

Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, cumin, and garlic. Stir in charred corn kernels, chopped red onion, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro.