Easy BBQ Sidekicks: 10 Must-Have Summer Sides

Fire up the grill—but don’t forget the sides! These 10 must-have easy summer dishes are more than just extras. With vibrant salsas, crave-worthy pasta salads, and irresistible garlic bread, your BBQ spread is about to get a serious upgrade.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

A serving bowl of pasta salad and two small individual portions in bowls. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

Chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is a creamy salad with chunks of chicken, smoky bacon, cheddar cheese, and veggies all tossed in a creamy, tangy ranch dressing. This is a hearty salad that can be served as either a side dish or a main course. It’s the perfect summer salad to take to potlucks and backyard BBQs, and leftovers make a delicious lunch.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Elote Dip

Corn dip with cilantro and feta cheese. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

A flavorful dip of corn, spices, cheese, and lime, Elote dip turns delicious Mexican street corn into a tasty appetizer or snack that is easy to prepare. Made with simple ingredients, this dip comes together quickly and is packed with flavour. Great for snacking on the patio with a frosty drink, potlucks, or using it to top tacos, fish, or chicken.

Get the Recipe: Elote Dip

Mango Habanero Salsa

Salsa with mango, tomato, peppers, and cilantro in a bowl. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

This fresh salsa is bursting with juicy, sweet mango, Roma tomatoes, bell peppers, and spicy habaneros. Combined with fresh cilantro and lime, this sweet and spicy salsa is delicious with a bowl of tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, chicken, or fish.

Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Caesar salad with pasta and chicken. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

Take your favourite Caesar salad to the next level by adding chicken, bacon, and tender pasta. With crisp, fresh Romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, bacon, and crunchy croutons all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing, this salad can be served as a side or as a delicious meal.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Blackstone Griddle Garlic Bread

Slices of garlic bread on a cutting board. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

Blackstone griddle garlic bread is the perfect side dish for your next outdoor cookout. Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and full of flavor from the fresh garlic and parmesan cheese, this bread is quick, easy, and delicious. Whip up a side of this delicious bread the next time you need a quick side dish.

Get the Recipe: Blackstone Griddle Garlic Bread

Corn and Black Bean Dip

Corn, black beans, peppers, tomatoes and avocado in a bowl. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

A flavourful dip with corn, black beans, and avocado. Jalapeños give this salsa a bit of a kick, while the fresh cilantro and lime brighten the flavours. Perfect as an appetizer with a bowl of tortilla chips, or use it to top tacos or chicken.

Get the Recipe: Corn and Black Bean Dip

Street Corn Pasta Salad

Pasta salad with corn and feta cheese. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

The flavors of Mexican street corn in a delicious pasta salad. This elote pasta salad has all the components of traditional Mexican street corn mixed with tender pasta for the perfect summer side dish. Made with simple ingredients and homemade creamy dressing, this easy recipe comes together quickly and makes a large batch. Perfect for your next BBQ or potluck.

Get the Recipe: Street Corn Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob with butter and herbs. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

Sweet corn on the cob is cooked to perfection using the air fryer. Using the air fryer to cook this summer staple is a game-changer. It results in lightly charred ends with plump, tender corn kernels with little prep. It is quick, easy, and delicious.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Fresh Cherry Tomato Salsa

This fresh cherry tomato and mango salsa is bursting with flavour. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, and it will last up to 5 days in your refrigerator. Delicious as a snack with a big bowl of chips and a frosty margarita, or served with chicken, fish, or tacos.

Get the Recipe: Fresh Cherry Tomato Salsa

Bacon Parmesan Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with rainbow pasta, bacon, and veggies. — Image Credit: Tastes of Homemade

This bacon parmesan pasta salad, loaded with crispy bacon, fresh parmesan cheese, and a creamy parmesan garlic dressing, is a definite crowd pleaser. Bring it to your next potluck or serve it alongside your favorite dinner.

Get the Recipe: Bacon Parmesan Pasta Salad