Sizzlin’ sides for Dad’s Day: 33 cookout sides Dad will love!

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Dad has already picked out his favorite main dish for Father’s Day, but what will you serve on the side? From bright salads to grilled delights, this collection of 35 mouthwatering cookout sides has something for the whole family!

An elote bowl surrounded by cilantro, a halved lime, a white linen, and a glass of beer.
Elote Bowl. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Marinated Tomatoes

Marinated tomatoes in a yellow pie dish.
Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Get ready to taste the summer vibes and make Dad smile with these marinated heirloom tomatoes that are bursting with flavor! Picture garden-fresh tomatoes soaking up a bold and vibrant marinade of olive oil, vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Pesto orzo salad on two black plates.
Orzo Pesto Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Prepare for a flavor fiesta with this pesto orzo salad recipe that will make your taste buds do a happy dance! It’s a celebration of bold and delicious ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Think basil pesto sauce, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh, peppery arugula, creating a salad that’s bright, fresh, and oh-so-flavorful!
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Garden Fresh Salsa

Garden fresh salsa in a white bowl with a tortilla chip.
Garden Fresh Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Get ready to salsa your way to flavor town with this mouthwatering fresh garden salsa recipe! It’s a dip that’s perfect for your chip-dipping pleasure or as a zesty topping for your favorite Mexican dish. Tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and lime juice join forces to create a salsa that will have Dad grinning from ear to ear!
Get the Recipe: Garden Fresh Salsa

Pineapple Habanero Salsa

Pineapple habanero salsa in a black bowl with a tortilla chip.
Pineapple Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Hold on tight, dads, because this pineapple habanero salsa recipe is about to spice up your life! With roasted tomatoes, onion, habanero peppers, and pineapple, it’s a condiment that’s wonderfully sweet and hot. Dip your chips, top your meals, or mix it into a Mexican dish for a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more!
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Habanero Salsa

Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa

Mango habanero salsa in a black bowl with a tortilla chip.
Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in the ultimate sweet and spicy combo with this juicy, roasted mango habanero salsa recipe! Roasted tomatoes and onion, fresh mango, fiery habanero peppers, zesty lime juice, and cilantro come together in perfect harmony. This salsa is not just delicious on tacos and chips; it’s a game-changer for all your favorite dishes!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Mango Habanero Salsa

Serrano Salsa with Lime

Serrano Salsa in a white bowl garnished with cilantro and a tortilla chip.
Serrano Salsa with Lime. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Prepare to unleash the flavor fiesta with this authentic spicy serrano salsa recipe! Roasted serrano peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, and lime join forces to create a tangy and delicious condiment Dad will love!
Get the Recipe: Serrano Salsa with Lime

Arugula Caprese Salad

Arugula caprese salad on a white plate.
Arugula Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Step into summer paradise with this caprese salad featuring fresh arugula that will make your taste buds sing! It’s the perfect summer salad that’s packed with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction. Get ready to fall head over heels in love with this refreshing salad!
Get the Recipe: Arugula Caprese Salad

Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Beet cucumber salad with feta and dill on a pink plate.
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Dad will love the deliciousness of this beet and cucumber salad with feta and dill! It’s a flavor-packed adventure with sweet, savory, earthy, tangy, and salty notes. Imagine crunchy cucumbers, tender cooked beets, and a fresh lemon vinaigrette coming together to create a beet salad that will satisfy all your cravings!
Get the Recipe: Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

A salad of mixed greens, basil, halved cherry tomatoes, and burrata on a white plate.
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in a fresh and creamy delight with this Burrata Salad featuring a luscious Balsamic Glaze! This summer salad is a symphony of flavors, combining spring mix, fresh basil leaves, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, rich olive oil, and a sweet, tangy balsamic reduction.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Mango Pico de Gallo

Mango pico de gallo in a white bowl.
Mango Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Prepare your taste buds for a tropical escape with this easy mango pico de gallo! It’s a salsa that strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, savory goodness, and a spicy kick. Get ready to savor every bite of this fresh and vibrant delight!
Get the Recipe: Mango Pico de Gallo

Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Pineapple pico de gallo in a white bowl.
Pineapple Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Get ready to take Dad on a tropical escape with this easy pineapple pico de gallo! It’s a salsa that strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, savory goodness, and a spicy kick. Get ready to savor every bite of this fresh and vibrant delight!
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Pico de Gallo

Warm Potato Salad with Bacon

Warm german potato salad in a white dish beside a bunch of dill.
Warm German Potato Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Next you’re off to Germany with this delicious warm potato salad with bacon and fresh herbs. Imagine warm potatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich, bright dressing with sautéed onions, fresh herbs, and tangy vinegar. It’s a side dish that will have you and Dad doing a happy Oktoberfest dance!
Get the Recipe: Warm Potato Salad with Bacon

Greek Green Salad

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish.
Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

How about a trip to Greece with this Prasini Salad? It’s a Mediterranean masterpiece! Crispy romaine hearts, creamy feta cheese, fresh scallions and dill, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette create a side salad that’s bursting with flavors from the Mediterranean. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal!
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Elote Bowl

An elote bowl surrounded by cilantro, a halved lime, a white linen, and a glass of beer.
Elote Bowl. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Does Dad love elote? Get ready for all the flavor with none of the mess with this elote bowl, also known as esquites! It’s the charred Mexican street corn you adore, coated in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and spices, but served in a convenient bowl. Get ready to savor every delicious bite!
Get the Recipe: Elote Bowl

Side Salad

Side salad on a white plate with a copper fork.
Side Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This delicious side salad is refreshing and versatile – a perfect side for anything Dad throws on the grill!
Get the Recipe: Side Salad

Mixed Pickles

Mixed pickles in a glass jar.
Mixed Pickles. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Turn any vegetable into tangy, bright, and slightly sweet pickles in just a few minutes with these quick mixed pickles! Grab whatever veggies you have on hand and transform them into a delightful pickled treat that will add a burst of flavor to your meals!
Get the Recipe: Mixed Pickles

Cilantro Lime Crema

Cilantro lime crema in a dish surrounded by limes, cilantro, and garlic.
Cilantro Lime Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Add a zesty twist to your Father’s Day cookout with this tangy cilantro lime crema! It’s a creamy and fresh condiment that pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, grilled meats, salads, and even quesadillas. Get ready to drizzle it on everything for an extra burst of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Crema

Pickled Onions

Spicy pickled onions in a glass jar.
Spicy Pickled Onions. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Spice up Dad’s cookout with these crisp and flavorful spicy pickled onions! They add a tangy, slightly sweet, and bright kick to a wide variety of meals. Get ready to take your culinary creations to the next level!
Get the Recipe: Pickled Onions

Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Marinated Brussels sprouts on a white plate with a silver fork.
Marinated Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Discover the savory and earthy goodness of Marinated Brussels Sprouts! Coated in a delicious shallot, rosemary, and honey vinaigrette, they offer a unique combination of flavors that’s perfect as an appetizer, a potluck dish, an easy side for dinner, or even as a salad on its own. Get ready to enjoy this delightful Brussels sprouts experience!
Get the Recipe: Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Quick Pickled Shallots

Quick pickled shallots in a glass jar.
Quick Pickled Shallots. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Tickle your family’s taste buds with these quick pickled shallots! They’re tangy, bright, and bursting with flavor. These shallots make a fantastic condiment for cheese plates and charcuterie boards, adding a delicious twist to your snacking experience!
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Shallots

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs on a black platter.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Slathered in flavor and with a smoky kiss from the grill, these corn ribs are good eats! Easy to make and quick on the grill, add some flavor to your feast!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon-Fried Corn in a black serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fire up the griddle or grab a skillet and make this bacon-infused side! Ready in just a handful of minutes, if you love bacon and flavor, then this is the side dish for you!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Creamy Dill Potato Salad

A white ceramic bowl filled with chopped potatoes in a creamy sauce topped with green herbs.
Creamy Dill Potato Salad. Photo Credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This Creamy Dill Potato Salad is packed with flavor and makes the perfect BBQ side dish, picnic fare, or potluck take-a-long
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Potato Salad

Caesar Salad With Bacon and Ranch

A white plate with two wedges of lettuce with bacon and dressing.
Bacon Ceasar Wedge Salad. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Make this knife and fork classic Wedge Caesar Salad with Bacon that looks super fancy but is so easy to make with just 5 ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad With Bacon and Ranch

Grilled Corn On The Cob

A pan filled with ears of grilled corn.
Grilled Corn. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Are you grilling this weekend? Throw some fresh picked conr on the cob in the husks on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn On The Cob

Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Top view of a jar of bread and butter pickles.
Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Try this easy recipe for crispy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles that are a little bit sweet and a little bit sour. No cooking, no canning, just an easy small batch recipe for delicious fresh pickles that I think are the best.
Get the Recipe: Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Elote

metal baking pan with elote, Mexican grilled corn cobs with mayonn
Elote. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Super easy elote recipe for Mexican grilled corn has just 5 ingredients and it’s totally addictive. It is full of flavor and can be made in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Elote

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Low angle shot of a bowl of watermelon salad with kalamata olives and feta cheese.
Watermelon and Feta Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Watermelon Feta Salad with Kalamata Olives is a refreshing summer side dish. With only 5 ingredients, it is quick and easy to make and so refreshing!
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad

Mexican Corn Salad

Overhead shot of two bowls of Mexican corn salad with lime wedges and forks on the side.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Mexican Corn Salad has all the flavors of street stall corn on the cob—sweet corn, creamy butter, freshly squeezed lime juice, diced Jalapeños, chili flakes, and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Mango Habanero Salsa

Overhead shot of a bowl of mango habanero salsa with a hand lifting a spoonful of the salsa.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mango Habanero Salsa is the perfect fiery topping for fish tacos or simply for dipping. It’s spicy and sweet, and really easy to make. It’s also crazy delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo Credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Take your cookout to the next level with Amish Macaroni Salad. This classic side dish is made with elbow macaroni noodles, a creamy dressing, and a medley of crunchy vegetables, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful salad that is perfect for summer. Whether you’re serving it alongside burgers, hot dogs, or grilled chicken, it is sure to be a hit at your cookout!
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.

Elevate your cookout spread with Blue Cheese Coleslaw. This unique twist on the classic side dish features a creamy dressing infused with tangy blue cheese, tossed with shredded cabbage, and sprinkled with crunchy carrots. The combination of creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements adds a burst of flavor and texture to your cookout feast.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Coleslaw

Cheesy Grilled Potatoes

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

Fire up the grill and enjoy a mouthwatering side dish – Cheesy Grilled Potatoes. This recipe takes tender potatoes, onions and BBQ sauce and adds a generous amount of gooey melted cheese on top. The combination of smoky flavors, crispy edges, and melty cheese makes these potatoes and onions a standout dish at any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Grilled Potatoes

Broccoli Crunch Salad

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

Add some freshness and crunch to your cookout menu with Broccoli Crunch Salad. This vibrant salad combines crisp broccoli florets, crispy bacon, tangy red onions, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy dressing. The combination of textures and flavors creates a refreshing and satisfying side dish that pairs well with grilled meats and burgers.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

Easy Homemade Coleslaw

Copycat Popeye’s Coleslaw Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.
Copycat Popeye’s Coleslaw Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This vibrant and creamy coleslaw recipe is the perfect side dish for your summer cookout. Made with fresh cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing, it brings a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavor to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Coleslaw

4-Ingredient Guacamole

two bowls of guacamole on tray with chips and various ingredients
4-Ingredient Guacamole. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Make a 4-ingredient guacamole recipe for your cookout with ripe avocados, a splash of lime juice, a pinch of salt, and your favorite salsa for an impressively quick, easy, and totally delicious Mexican-flavored side or topping. You only need the ingredients, a spoon, and one bowl before the chunky avocado dip is ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Guacamole

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