Fired up and flavorful: 13 Easy side dishes for unforgettable cookouts

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Searching for the ultimate star of your next cookout? Your search ends here with these sensational sides that are bound to steal the spotlight. Bursting with freshness and flavor, these quick and easy creations are the perfect companions to a variety of dishes. Prepare to dazzle your guests and become the hero of the party with these absolutely delicious side dish sensations!

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

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Looking for a fun and tasty twist on the classic Caesar Salad? This Tex-Mex version is loaded with big, bold Southwestern flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing! With its perfect blend of cotija cheese, lime, cilantro, and chipotle croutons, you might just find yourself preferring this version over the original.
Get the recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Smoked Creamed Corn

Smoked corn and outdoor cookouts go hand in hand, and this easy-peasy corn recipe is even better with a kiss of smoke!
Get the recipe: Smoked Creamed Corn

Broccoli Salad with Almonds & Oranges

Broccoli Salad in a black bowl.
Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love

Great salads never go out of style, and this creamy, tangy, and crunchy salad is always the first to go at cookouts and picnics. It’s delish and easy, and who doesn’t love those little mandarin oranges?
Get the recipe: Broccoli Salad with Almonds & Oranges

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Say goodbye to boring mayo-based potato salads and say hello to flavor! This herb-packed salad also features the fresh springy flavors of green garlic which gives it a boost in the flavor department! Easy and delish, everyone loves this salad!
Get the recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Shrimp Salad with Dill

This super easy protein-packed salad is just about as good as good can get! Tender and sweet salad shrimp are the star of the show, and there’s plenty of dill to give them a flavor boost. It’s creamy and delish and perfect as a side of main dish.
Get the recipe: Shrimp Salad with Dill

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for an easy and delicious salad that’s perfect for your next cookout? Look no further than this loaded orzo salad, featuring herby pesto, mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, and more. Best of all, you can make it ahead of time, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen while your guests are enjoying the party. Just grab and go, and you’re all set!
Get the recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Tomato Bruschetta Board

Need a delish starter that is totally shareabler? This board is it! With whipped feta, tender corn, and herb and garlic-roasted tomatoes, this dish is pretty nearly perfect. Grab some pita and get dunking!
Get the recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board

Low-Carb Coleslaw

Coleslaw in a bowl surrounded by other vegetables.
Coleslaw. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Every party needs coleslaw, and this easy sugar-free version is big on flavor and low in carbs. It’s tangy, crunchy, cold, and delicious – best of all, it’s easy to make!
Get the recipe: Low-Carb Coleslaw

Bacon-Fried Corn – Featured Image

Few side dishes are as tasty as Bacon-Fried Corn, and this mighty combo of ingredients is so darn good! Easy to make and ready in under 10 minutes, this is the side dish you never knew you were missing.
Get the recipe: Bacon Fried corn

Cucumber & Feta Salad

Beat the summer heat with this refreshing and vibrant salad that’s bound to tickle your taste buds. Bursting with crisp cucumbers and tangy feta, this creamy delight offers a delightful balance of flavors without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
Get the recipe: Cucumber & Feta Salad

Spinach, Asparagus, & Fennel Salad

Looking for a light and refreshing salad that’s perfect for spring and early summer dining? This Spinach, Asparagus, and Fennel Salad is just what you need. With its zesty citrus dressing and burst of flavors from the fresh ingredients, it’s the perfect addition to any meal.
Get the recipe: Spinach, Asparagus, & Fennel Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This is a terrific salad! Loaded with bright, fresh, crisp veggies and a tangy dressing, it’s a mayo-free salad that everyone will love. There are a few hacks to making it quickly and easily, too, so you’re not chopping all day long.
Get the recipe: Shirazi Salad

Caesar Salad with Bacon Croutons

Looking to add some excitement to your salad routine? Why not try making a homemade Caesar Salad? This salad is loaded with the bold flavors of garlic and Parmesan, and the bacon croutons add a delicious crunch that’s sure to please.
Get the recipe: Caesar Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Few salads have as much flavor as this amazing Mexican Street Corn Salad! Fresh corn niblets are paired with cotija cheese, jalapenos, bell peppers, and plenty of spice. It’s at once creamy and spicy and oh-so-crazy good!
Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

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