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Top 50 Recipes to Bring to a BBQ

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!

Collage of bbq side dishes.
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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!

Salads for a bbq.

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 in a bowl.
Broccoli Salad Recipe
This broccoli salad with bacon is always a crowd pleaser! Loaded with cranberries, sunflower kernels and red onion then tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing, it's a classic!
Total Time: 25 minutes
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close up of chicken caesar pasta salad
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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pesto chicken salad
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
This chicken pesto pasta salad is light, healthy and packed with the perfect basil pesto flavor! Great for BBQs, brunches, baby showers & 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
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Fresh chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese and herbs tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette. This cucumber tomato salad is healthy, light and loaded with flavor. It makes the perfect summer side dish! 
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Macaroni salad in a bowl.
Easy Macaroni Salad Recipe
Savor this easy macaroni salad recipe, featuring noodles, veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing bursting with flavor. This classic side dish recipe is guaranteed to become a staple at BBQs or potlucks all season long!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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strawberry spinach salad
Spinach Strawberry Salad
A light and refreshing strawberry spinach salad filled with fresh strawberries, almonds, feta and greens. Top with poppy seed dressing to make the perfect summer salad recipe!
Total Time: 10 minutes
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ramen noodle salad recipe
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 in bowl
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 on a white plate with fork
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
This buffalo chicken pasta salad has the perfect combination of noodles, crisp veggies, tangy buffalo chicken and a cooling ranch sauce. Topped with creamy blue cheese for an easy summer salad the entire family will love!
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Rainbow Honey Lime Fruit Salad Recipe ...filled with fresh strawberries, oranges, bananas, grapes and blueberries. Topped with a honey lime glaze. This fruit salad is very easy and very tasty!
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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cornbread salad
Southwest Cornbread Salad
This southwest cornbread salad has flavorful layers of crumbled cornbread, veggies, bacon, cheese and a delicious salsa ranch dressing. The perfect way to spice up a potluck!
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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italian tortellini pasta salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon
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 in bowl
Caprese Pasta Salad
This easy Caprese pasta salad is made with a simple combination of the most delicious classic trio! Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Then combined with cooked pasta and tossed together with a light and zesty dressing.
Total Time: 30 minutes
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grape salad in clear bowl close up
Grape Salad
This simple grape salad is made with fresh juicy grapes, coated in a sweet cheesecake dressing, topped with crunchy pecans and brown sugar! It's a sweet and tart, creamy and crunchy dessert salad that comes together in minutes and will be devoured just as fast!
Total Time: 40 minutes
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quinoa salad
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 in a large white bowl.
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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Bbq side dishes.

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. :)

coleslaw in a white bowl
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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close up of grilled fruit kabobs
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
Mexican Street Corn
This Mexican street corn is charred to perfection and topped with a delicious cilantro lime crema sauce and crumbled cotija cheese. So much flavor and takes just 20 minutes to make. The perfect side dish for any occasion! 
Total Time: 20 minutes
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dipping a fork into a bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe
Only takes 10 minutes to prep and is made with only a few simple ingredients! Pure comfort in a bowl and tastes absolutely amazing.
Total Time: 2 hours
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drizzling honey on top of a piece of sweet cornbread
Sweet Cornbread
This sweet cornbread is one of my favorites to make during the fall. It's super moist, fluffy and pairs perfectly with a hot bowl of chili. 
Total Time: 40 minutes
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Crockpot grape jelly bbq meatballs.
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
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Deliciously roasted asparagus wrapped in crispy bacon slices. This bacon wrapped asparagus is one of my favorite side dish recipes that pairs perfectly with tons of dishes. And cooked in only 20 minutes, too!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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loaded baked potato casserole close up
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 on white platter
Vegetable Skewers
Grilled vegetable skewers are a fun way to serve tender-crisp, flavorful veggies, that can be customized to your liking. They're an easy-to-make side dish perfect for any outdoor meal!
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Bbq appetizers in a photo collage.

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 in a white bowl
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 skewers
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 in white bowl
Black Bean Salsa
Delicious black bean salsa an easy recipe with corn, tomatoes, peppers, red onions, lime juice and fresh cilantro. A delicious Mexican party appetizer that everyone loves!
Total Time: 10 minutes
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7 layer dip with layer of beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese and tomatoes.
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
Pigs in a Blanket
Warm and delicious mini hot dogs wrapped in fluffy crescent rolls seasoned with garlic and parmesan. These pigs in a blanket are such an easy appetizer idea that comes together in just 20 minutes with 5 simple ingredients!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Jalepeno poppers on a plate.
Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
These jalapeño poppers are the perfect game day appetizer. Fresh halved jalapenos are stuffed with a rich cream cheese filling, wrapped in bacon and then baked for a craveable snack!
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Deviled eggs on a white plate.
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 in a wooden bowl with vegetables.
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
Bruschetta Recipe
Toasted baguette slices topped with a fresh tomato and basil mixture. So delicious and easy to whip up. You'll be making this homemade bruschetta all summer long!
Total Time: 15 minutes
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homemade guacamole
Best Homemade Guacamole
The best homemade guacamole recipe that takes just 10 minutes to make! Made with ripe avocados, lime juice, red onion, garlic, cilantro and a spoonful of salsa, this delicious Mexican appetizer is loaded with flavor in every bite. 
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 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 on marble counter
Mezze Platter
Learn how to build the ultimate Mezze platter filled with dips, flat bread, cheese, fresh veggies and more. This is the perfect appetizer for entertaining and includes all of your Mediterranean favorites! 
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Bbq desserts in a photo collage.

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!

Oreo chocolate lasagna on a white plate.
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 on marble counter.
Fruit Pizza Recipe
The BEST summer dessert that's topped with fresh fruit, a cream cheese frosting and has a soft sugar cookie crust. Super simple to make and always a hit. You'll absolutely love this easy and colorful fruit pizza!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Peach dump cake in a bowl with ice cream.
Peach Dump Cake
This peach dump cake recipe is the easiest dessert to make with just 3 simple ingredients and 5 minutes prep. Made in one dish with cake mix, peaches and butter it is a simple, delicious treat that pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream!
Total Time: 45 minutes
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NO BAKE Strawberry Icebox Cake
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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smores bar
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 on a white serving plate
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 and ice cream in a bowl with spoon.
Peach Cobbler Recipe
The warm homemade peach filling paired with the buttery sugary topping in this easy peach cobbler recipe is seriously to die for. It's the best summer dessert served warm with vanilla ice cream on top or make it year round with fresh, frozen or canned peaches!
Total Time: 55 minutes
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Chocolate chip cookies stacked on a counter.
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
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 in a white dish.
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
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 with a slice taken out
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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sliced banana split dessert cake
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 cookies on a white plate.
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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piece of oreo ice cream cake on a white plate
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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stacked rice krispie treats
Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Easy no-fail rice krispie treats that requires only 3 simple ingredients! Gooey, soft and incredibly delicious. This no-bake dessert is perfect to have in your back pocket!
Total Time: 55 minutes
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pineapple fluff served in a fresh pineapple boat
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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bite taken from smores cup
Mini S’mores Cups
Made with a buttery graham cracker crust, gooey melted marshmallows and a rich chocolate kiss, these mini s'mores cups are a fun variation on your favorite summer dessert! 
Total Time: 45 minutes
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