Wondering what to bring to a BBQ? You’ll find 50 of the best BBQ side dish recipes, summer salads, appetizers and BBQ desserts here. You can’t go wrong with any of these crowd favorites!
I love everything about summer. The warmer weather, outdoor entertaining and fun summer activities. But lets be honest, what I love most about summer is the food! Whether it’s delicious grilled meats, fruit desserts or refreshing no-bake treats, you just can’t beat the fresh summer flavors!
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The time has finally come! Warm weather! With that comes endless hours spent at the park, picnics, going on walks, enjoying the sunshine, eating ice cream and BEST of ALL….BBQ’s!
Today I’ve made a fantastic round up of my top 50 things to bring to a BBQ that are easy, delicious and perfect for serving a crowd. Whether you need a dessert for 4th of July or an easy pasta salad for a dish to pass at a potluck, this list has something to please everyone!
Whether you’re looking for summer salads, easy side dishes, appetizers or desserts, you’ll find it all here in this BBQ list. There’s even delicious recipes that you can easily make last minute and no one would know. Those are my kind recipes! :) Enjoy!
Summer Salads
You can always count on one or two summer salads to be in your BBQ line up. Whether it’s a pasta salad, fruit salad or vegetable salad, you can’t go wrong with any of these crowd favorites!
Broccoli Salad Recipe
This broccoli salad with bacon is a crowd pleaser loaded with cranberries, sunflower kernels and red onion then tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing.
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
This chicken caesar pasta salad is super easy to make and comes together in just 10 minutes! Perfect for a quick dinner or to bring to a potluck.
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
This chicken pesto pasta salad is light, healthy and packed with fresh basil pesto flavor! Make ahead for BBQs, summer potlucks, brunches, easy lunches & more!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Filled with tender pasta, crisp veggies and a zesty Italian dressing, this delicious and easy pasta salad is a potluck must-have!
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
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Cucumber Tomato Salad
This cucumber tomato salad is a classic recipe with fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes and red onions tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It's easy to make for a summer side!
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe
This easy macaroni salad recipe is a classic potluck side dish made with noodles, red pepper, celery, onions and a creamy mayo dressing. It will be a staple at BBQs all summer!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Spinach Strawberry Salad
A refreshing strawberry spinach salad is full of flavor and textures with juicy strawberries, almonds, soft feta, and fresh spinach greens tossed with a creamy poppy seed dressing.
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Ramen Noodle Cabbage Salad
This ramen noodle cabbage salad with chicken is so tasty and comes together in minutes! Light, crunchy and the perfect combination of flavors! It's sure to become a Summer staple!
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Southwest Pasta Salad
Tender penne pasta, black beans, corn, peppers, cilantro, onions and tomatoes tossed in a delicious and creamy avocado lime dressing. This southwest pasta salad is easy, healthy and full of Mexican flavors!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
This Buffalo chicken pasta salad is perfect for summer! Made with the spicy flavor of Buffalo sauce mixed with chicken, noodles and veggies, this easy pasta salad is a favorite at any cookout!
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Honey Lime Fruit Salad
Rainbow honey lime fruit salad filled with fresh strawberries, oranges, bananas, grapes and blueberries. Then topped with a delicious honey lime glaze.
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Southwest Cornbread Salad
This southwest cornbread salad is a classic Southern potluck dish with flavorful layers of crumbled cornbread, veggies, bacon, cheese and a delicious salsa ranch dressing.
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Tortellini Pasta Salad
Easy tortellini pasta salad made with zesty Italian dressing in just 15 minutes! So full of flavor and a side dish the whole family will love. Perfect for any summer BBQ!
Total Time: 15 minutes
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Caprese Pasta Salad
This is the best Caprese pasta salad with classic Caprese salad flavors of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil tossed with pasta and a homemade dressing.
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Grape Salad
This easy grape salad is made with fresh grapes coated in a sweet cream cheese dressing then topped with crunchy pecans and brown sugar. It's always a crowd-pleaser!
Total Time: 40 minutes
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Southwest Quinoa Salad
This southwest quinoa salad makes a delicious and flavorful side dish or main meal. You can feel great about eating this healthy, protein-packed salad all summer long!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Hawaiian Fruit Salad
This creamy Hawaiian fruit salad recipe is loaded with juicy fruit and cheesecake flavor! It’s so quick and simple to make and is always a crowd-pleaser!
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This bacon ranch pasta salad is made with tender pasta, veggies, cheddar and smoky bacon coated in a creamy ranch dressing. It will be an instant hit at your next barbeque!
Total Time:
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BBQ Side Dishes
These are some of my go-to BBQ sides. My personal favorite are the BBQ meatballs…they’re made in the crockpot with just 3 ingredients! Doesn’t get easier than that. :)
Easy Coleslaw Recipe
This easy coleslaw recipe is made with only 5 ingredients in just 10 minutes. The perfect summer time side dish that's always loved by all!
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Grilled Fruit Kabobs Recipe
Fresh and delicious grilled fruit kabobs topped with a cinnamon honey glaze. The perfect healthy side dish or appetizer for any meal that will be a hit with the entire family!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Mexican Street Corn
This Mexican street corn is the perfect crowd pleaser! Elote is a favorite side dish with grilled on the cob topped with a cilantro lime crema sauce and crumbled cotija cheese.
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe
Creamy slow cooker mac and cheese with cream cheese is a family favorite that is easy to make in the crockpot with elbow macaroni noodles cooked in a cheesy sauce!
Total Time: 2 hours
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Sweet Cornbread
This sweet cornbread is one of my favorites to make during the fall. It's super moist, fluffy, and is an easy recipe that pairs well as a side dish to so many meals!
Total Time: 40 minutes
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Crockpot Bbq Meatballs
Grape Jelly BBQ Meatballs are easy to make in the crock pot with only 3 ingredients and 5 minutes to prep! Doesn't get better than that.
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
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Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
This bacon wrapped asparagus is one of my favorite side dish recipes with oven roasted asparagus wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon slices. It's simple yet elegant and ready in 20 minutes!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
This loaded baked potato casserole is made with baked potatoes, sour cream, cheese, and bacon, then baked until melty and scrumptious. A welcome addition to any table!
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
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Vegetable Skewers
These grilled vegetable skewers are an easy side dish to any recipe! Made with colorful veggies brushed with an Italian seasoned marinade and grilled to perfection with the perfect char.
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Appetizers
When it comes to BBQ appetizers, give me ALL the dips! I’ve never met a dip I didn’t like. :) My absolute favorite is chips and salsa, so you can definitely bet that’s my favorite appetizer to bring to a BBQ!
Mango Salsa Recipe
The BEST mango salsa that's fresh, full of flavor and combines a little heat with a little sweet. This easy recipe makes the perfect snack, appetizer or topping!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Caprese Kabobs
Caprese kabobs are an easy, no-cook, make-ahead and delicious appetizer for any party! Your guests will love these bite-sized caprese skewers filled with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and balsamic glaze.
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Black Bean Salsa
Fresh and colorful black bean salsa is easy to make with corn, tomatoes, peppers, red onions, lime juice and cilantro. Serve with chips for the best Mexican party appetizer.
Total Time: 10 minutes
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7 Layer Dip Recipe
This 7 layer dip has layers of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, beans, cheese, tomatoes and olives. The best party appetizer for game day or a holiday party.
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Pigs in a Blanket
When it comes to simple snacks, quick and easy pigs in a blanket are the best. Little smokies wrapped in flaky crescent roll then brushed with garlic butter and Parmesan!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
These bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are easy to make with a cream cheese filling then baked to crispy perfection. The perfect appetizer for game days and parties!
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Easy Deviled Eggs Recipe
Easy deviled eggs are a classic recipe made with simple ingredients including hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish and a sprinkle of paprika on top! Perfect for potlucks and parties.
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Homemade Hummus
This homemade hummus is is super easy to make, smooth, creamy and perfect for any occasion. Tastes amazing served with fresh veggies, pita bread, chips or crackers.
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Bruschetta Recipe
This easy bruschetta recipe is made with toasted baguette slices topped with a fresh tomato and basil mixture. It's my go-to summer appetizer and simple to make at home!
Total Time: 15 minutes
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Best Homemade Guacamole
This is the best guacamole recipe that is easy to make with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, red onion, garlic, cilantro and salsa. Add to tacos or scoop it up with tortilla chips!
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Dill Dip Recipe
The best vegetable dip that's light, healthy,and packed with flavor. Perfect with fresh veggies or pita chips. You'll love this Greek yogurt dill dip recipe!
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Fruit Salsa Recipe
Fruit salsa and cinnamon chips – the perfect Summer dessert or appetizer! Fresh, easy and so delicious. My whole family loves this fruit salsa recipe!
Total Time: 20 minutes
Mezze Platter
The ultimate Mediterranean Mezze platter is the perfect appetizer for entertaining a crowd! Filled with dips, spreads, flat bread, cheese and fresh veggies this board is a favorite.
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Desserts
I always look forward to the BBQ desserts! I especially love the no-bake desserts because they’re easy, quick and just as delicious! There’s nothing like a cool and refreshing no-bake treat on a hot summer day!
Chocolate Lasagna
This no-bake chocolate lasagna has layers of crushed Oreo's, cream, chocolate pudding and chocolate chips! Does it get any better than that?!
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
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Fruit Pizza Recipe
Easy and colorful fruit pizza is simple to make and always a hit! It's the best summer dessert with a soft sugar cookie crust, thick cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Peach Dump Cake
This 3-ingredient peach dump cake is easy to make in one dish with cake mix, peaches and butter! It's warm, gooey and pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Total Time: 45 minutes
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Strawberry Icebox Cake
A quick and easy no-bake strawberry icebox cake that's layered with graham crackers, whipped cream cheese filling and sliced strawberries. Simple, sweet and perfectly refreshing!
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
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S’mores Bar Recipe
Gooey s’mores bars filled with a graham cracker crust and loaded with chocolate chips, marshmallows and chocolate candy bar pieces. The ultimate cookie bar recipe that is out of this world!
Total Time: 50 minutes
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Chocolate Strawberry Dessert Kabobs
Chocolate strawberry dessert kabobs filled with strawberries, marshmallows, brownies and chocolate. So easy and perfect for entertaining!
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Peach Cobbler Recipe
This peach cobbler recipe is easy to make with a homemade peach filling or make it year round using frozen or canned peaches!
Total Time: 55 minutes
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Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
These are the best chocolate chip cookies. Ultra soft, thick, chewy and perfectly crisp around the edges. This is the perfect classic cookie recipe that everyone always asks for.
Total Time: 55 minutes
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Watergate Salad Recipe
This watergate salad is a classic side dish recipe or dessert that is perfect for any celebration! It's easy to make in minutes and has the best pistachio flavor.
Total Time: 50 minutes
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Fruit Tart Recipe
Each bite of this fresh fruit tart is a mix of crumbly sweet crust, smooth and decadent custard and juicy fresh berries! This is the perfect refreshing treat for warmer weather!
Total Time: 3 hours
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Banana Pudding Recipe
The BEST banana pudding filled with layers of pudding, whipped cream, bananas and vanilla wafers. An easy, no-bake dessert that's perfect for a last minute party or get together.
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Key Lime Pie Recipe
This easy key lime pie is a simple no-bake dessert with a graham cracker crust and 4-ingredient creamy filling! It's has a refreshing sweet taste that's perfect for summer.
Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
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Banana Split Dessert Recipe
No bake banana split dessert is layered with a graham cracker crust, cream cheese filling, fresh bananas, strawberries, pineapple and topped with whipped cream and a cherry on top. This cake gets devoured by everyone!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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No Bake Cookie Recipe
These no bake cookies are an easy to make dessert with only a few simple ingredients. Soft, chewy and fudgy with a classic chocolate and peanut butter taste!
Total Time: 15 minutes
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Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe
This Oreo ice cream cake is absolutely delicious and so easy to make! The layers of hot fudge, cool whip and crushed Oreo's make the perfect combination of chocolaty goodness.
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Gooey, soft and filled with buttery marshmallows and crispy cereal, this is the best rice krispie treats recipe that turns out perfect every time!
Total Time: 55 minutes
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Pineapple Fluff
No-bake pineapple fluff dessert made with only 5 simple ingredients. A quick and easy pineapple salad that's great for any occasion. So creamy, tropical and perfect for summer!
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Mini S’mores Cookie Cups
These mini s'mores cups are made with a buttery graham cracker crust, gooey toasted marshmallows and a rich chocolate kiss. Everyone will want s'more of this cookie cup!
Total Time: 45 minutes
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Categorized as: 4th of July, Grilling, Recipe Roundup, Side Dishes
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
These salad recipes look fabulous!
Love the recipes
I’m so happy to hear that, Sharon!
Can you use gluten-free pasta in the “Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese” recipe?
I’m not too familiar with gluten free pasta, so I’m not sure how long it would take to cook!
Thanks SO much for including our Skinny Corn! This roundup is awesome…those Garlic Pigs in a Blanket…YUM!
I loved reading your recipes.
This is a fabulous resource to help for all those summer gatherings! Thanks for sharing it on the link party palooza!
Thank you so much for this list! I will certainly put it to good use this summer. :) The kabobs with pineapple were a good reminder for me to include that when we grill!