15 Memorial Day Side Dish Ideas For A Perfect Cookout

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and that usually means one thing: backyard BBQs, sunny afternoons, and tables full of delicious food.

While the grill might get most of the attention, every great cookout needs the kind of side dishes people keep going back for. And a lot of them!

As I love hosting family and friends, here are my go-to, failproof recipes to make Memorial Day side dishes with simple ingredients and everyone’s favorite flavors.

From creamy potato salads and smoky grilled veggies to fresh, colorful bowls packed with summer flavor!

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Packed with bold flavor, this is my favorite (and easiest) potato salad that features soft potatoes, smoky bacon, and green onions. Rustic and easy to make, tossed with ranch dressing, it is a perfect side dish for a BBQ cookout on Memorial Day.

Get the recipe: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Grilled Corn Salad

Every cookout classic side dish and I love it. Smoky and sweet, Grilled Corn Salad uses lightly charred corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, and lime. It’s fresh, colorful, and full of summery flavor.

Get the recipe: Grilled Corn Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Cool and velvety, creamy cucumber salad is made with sliced cucumbers and red onions. Stupid simple but it hits the spot always!

Get the recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad

Greek Feta Chicken Pasta Salad

Bright and bold, this Greek-inspired pasta salad includes grilled chicken, olives, and tomatoes. Crumbled feta and zesty dressing bring all the flavors together for a staple summer salad for BBQ parties.

Get the recipe: Greek Feta Chicken Pasta Salad

Strawberry Jello Salad

Sweet and creamy, Strawberry Jello Salad has a fun, jiggly texture. Made with strawberry gelatin and whipped topping, it’s a fruity favorite for kids!

Get the recipe: Strawberry Jello Salad

Hawaiian Coleslaw

This tropical twist on a classic slaw combines crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, and sweet pineapple tidbits for a refreshing crunch. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s an ideal side dish for summer barbecues and gatherings with an island vibe!

Get the recipe: Hawaiian Coleslaw

Apple Cucumber Salad

With a crisp crunch in every spoonful, Apple Cucumber Salad combines juicy apples, refreshing cucumbers, and red onion. A splash of lemon-honey dressing ties it all together – yum!

Get the recipe: Apple Cucumber Salad

Easy Grilled Corn

Sweet corn turns smoky and charred right on the grill. Brush on butter, sprinkle with salt, and you’re done. One of those BBQ side dish ideas that never fails. The recipe makes grilled corn 3 ways: in foil, on the cob, and in husk – whichever you prefer!

Get the recipe Easy Grilled Corn

Pesto Orzo Salad

Chewy orzo and juicy cherry tomatoes make this a satisfying pasta salad, nothing like the ordinary pasta salads. It’s tossed with pesto and Parmesan for a herby, nutty finish. It will be a classic side dish for BBQ or summer meals.

Get the recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Grilled Asparagus

Tender asparagus picks up a smoky char in minutes on the grill. Toss with oil and flaky salt, done. A fresh pick for a lighter BBQ side dish idea.

Get the recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad

This salad offers juicy bites of tomato and cucumber paired with crumbled feta. A simple vinaigrette adds a tangy Mediterranean touch – so simple and versatile, it goes well with any grilled meat and is good to make ahead.

Get the recipe: Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad

Smoked Baked Beans

Let the smoker do its magic for beans loaded with bacon and smoky flavor. Serve straight from the pan. Hard to beat for old-school BBQ side dishes.

Get the recipe: Smoked Baked Beans

Butter Bean Salad

Tender butter beans are the star in this simple, rustic salad. Red onion and a light vinaigrette add brightness and balance. Bean salad is always amazing for 4th of July and backyard BBQs.

Get the recipe: Butter Bean Salad

Hawaiian Baked Beans

Classic baked beans get a tropical twist with sweet pineapple and crispy bacon. Sweet, smoky, and surprisingly hearty. A fun switch-up for BBQ side dishes, high in protein and flavor!

Get the recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Corn Casserole with Jiffy Mix

Fluffy corn casserole bakes up sweet and golden with a box of Jiffy mix. Stir, bake, done. Always a hit on the BBQ menu and simply a staple you have to make at least once this summer.

Get the recipe: Corn Casserole with Jiffy Mix

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