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 dressed up with cranberries, sunflower kernels and a creamy homemade dressing. It is super easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. It’s the perfect recipe to bring to a BBQ!
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 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
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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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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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 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 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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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 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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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 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
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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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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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 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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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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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 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
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
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
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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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
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 Recipe
7 delicious layers of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, beans, cheese, tomatoes and olives. The perfect appetizer for game day or a friends get-together. People will gather around this 7 layer dip until it’s gone!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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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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Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
These bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers pack so much flavor in just one bite! They're quick, easy and make the ultimate game day appetizer. Plus they're made with only 5 simple ingredients!
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Easy Deviled Eggs Recipe
These easy deviled eggs are a classic, easy appetizer that has delicious sweet and smoky flavor. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, parties and more.
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
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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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
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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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
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
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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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
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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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
The easiest watergate salad recipe made in just 5 minutes with only 4 simple ingredients! Fluffy, creamy and full of delicious pistachio flavor. A classic potluck dish that everyone loves!
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 made with just 5 ingredients and is so simple to whip up! It packs a punch of sweet flavor and is super tart and creamy. Perfect to enjoy all year long!
Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
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Banana Split Dessert Recipe
A delicious banana split dessert layered with a graham cracker crust, cream cheese filling, fresh bananas, strawberries and topped with a homemade whipped cream. This easy no-bake dessert is perfect to cool off with this summer!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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No Bake Cookie Recipe
Only 7 ingredients and 15 minutes to make these easy no bake cookies! Perfectly soft and chewy with a delicious chocolate 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
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
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 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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Categorized as: 4th of July, Grilling, Recipe Roundup, Side Dishes
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes 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!