Introduction

It’s summertime cookout season—perfect for family picnics, neighborhood parties, and backyard barbecues. This is the ideal time to set aside your usual go-to recipes and get a little creative. As you’ll see below, many healthy and delicious summertime cookout side dishes don’t require much time or effort and are perfect for warm, sunny weather.

With fresh, seasonal ingredients at their peak, summer cookouts are a great opportunity to serve lighter, brighter dishes that everyone will enjoy.

Tips for a Successful Summertime Cookout

Think about what others will bring.
Another guest will likely arrive with tortilla chips and salsa, baked beans, or pasta salad. Try to avoid duplicating the standard barbecue sides by offering something fresh and unexpected.

Keep it light and colorful.
Choose dishes packed with vegetables and fresh flavors rather than heavy sauces or creamy dressings. Salads made with mayonnaise or sour cream need to stay cold, which can be difficult at outdoor gatherings.

Use seasonal ingredients.
Summer is peak season for fruits and vegetables, so let them take center stage. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and mint add vibrant flavor without extra effort.

Keep it simple.
Fresh, seasonal produce is naturally delicious. Instead of baking an elaborate dessert, arrange slices of peaches and blueberries from the farmers’ market on a beautiful platter.

Think in flavor combinations, not strict recipes.
The following ideas are more about pairing ingredients and flavors than following exact recipes. That flexibility is the beauty of cooking with seasonal produce.

Choose no-cook options if needed.
If you don’t feel like cooking, bring hummus with fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, garden carrots, and cucumber slices instead of chips and salsa. You can also prepare a platter with assorted olives, roasted red peppers, pickled mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and mini balls of fresh mozzarella.

Quick and Easy Summer BBQ Side Dish Recipes

Tomato and Melon Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine chunks of fresh vine-ripened tomatoes with seedless watermelon or melon. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with good-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add a generous handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley. Just before serving, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired.

Corn and Cherry Tomato Salad

Cut the kernels from 3 to 4 cobs of fresh sweet corn into a large bowl. Add about 2 cups of cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.

In a small saucepan, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Bring to a boil, then cook for one minute. Pour the hot garlic oil over the vegetables and toss gently. Finish with a large handful of chopped fresh herbs.

Whole Grain and Tomato Salad

Cook 1 cup of pearl farro or barley according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a serving bowl. Add 2 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes, 1 minced garlic clove, and chopped red onion to taste. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and stir in a generous amount of fresh herbs.

Grilled Watermelon and Shrimp Skewers

Watermelon develops a delicious smoky flavor when grilled, making it a surprising and refreshing summer dish. Paired with marinated shrimp, it creates a healthy and quick meal or cookout option.

Marinate the shrimp with lemon zest and juice, fresh mint, thyme, chili flakes, garlic, salt, and pepper. Use flat metal skewers or soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes.

Thread watermelon cubes onto skewers and do the same with the shrimp. Grill until char marks appear on the watermelon and the shrimp are cooked through.

Conclusion

Finish your summertime cookout with a refreshing and healthy peach basil sorbet. Blend frozen peaches with a touch of maple syrup or honey, coconut milk, and fresh basil leaves in a food processor until smooth. Freeze until firm, then serve as a light and flavorful dessert that perfectly complements any summer meal.