Burgers and hot dogs are great, but it’s the sides and salads that make cookouts extra special. From Cilantro Lime Sweet Corn to Minted Cucumber Salad, you’ll be making these crowd-pleasing dishes all summer long.
This recipe from Vivian Howard’s Deep Run Roots features sweet summer corn with lime, cilantro and cayenne pepper. It’s got far more oomph than corn-on-the-cob, plus you can make it ahead of time. GET THE RECIPE
This combination of sweet peaches, burrata, and salty prosciutto is a fun play on caprese. With a bottle of chilled rosé, it’s the perfect dish to kick off the summer. GET THE RECIPE
AKA “veggie crack” because it’s so addictive, this is make-ahead salad is one of my most popular recipes. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a dip with tortilla chips (highly recommend!), the bowl is always empty and the mouths are always full. GET THE RECIPE
Usually we think of fresh berries as something to eat for breakfast or dessert, but here they make an elegant addition to a salad of baby spinach, pecans and goat cheese. The colors of red, white and blue make it perfect for Memorial Day! GET THE RECIPE
Crisp zucchini, burst cherry tomatoes and meltingly sweet red onions make an easy but elegant side dish for a party. Make it ahead and pair it with grilled chicken, salmon or steak. GET THE RECIPE
These tender and sweet cornbread muffins are the perfect accompaniment to any Southern barbecue or Southwestern-style dish. My kids love them so much that I’m constantly swatting their little hands away from the bread basket so they don’t fill up. GET THE RECIPE
Next time you’re asked to bring a veggie or salad to a summer party, try these sweet and smoky bell peppers topped with feta, toasted pine nuts, basil and olives. It looks gorgeous on a platter, and is delicious served with toasted pita bread, grilled lamb burgers or chicken kebabs. GET THE RECIPE
In this make-ahead dish, shredded roasted chicken and noodles are tossed in a punchy soy, ginger and peanut dressing, and then brightened up with a colorful mix of veggies. Chopped peanuts and sesame seeds add welcome crunch. GET THE RECIPE
Refreshing and light, this tangy and sweet cucumber salad satisfies on a hot day. It’s tailor made for BBQ chicken or ribs. GET THE RECIPE
My husband, Michael, grills these potatoes whenever we have people over for a cookout. (READ: they’re easy!) The thick Dijon mustard marinade gives them a crispy texture and bold flavor. GET THE RECIPE