It is completely fine if your summer burgers come from a box in the freezer. When you have a lot of friends coming over to eat in the backyard, you do not need to make everything from scratch.
The real secret to a great cookout is what you put next to the burgers on the plate. By adding a few fresh dishes, like a bowl of sweet corn with lime or some crunchy homemade pickles, the whole meal instantly feels special.
Here are 21 easy summer grilling sides that take very little work but will make your backyard dinner taste like you spent the whole afternoon cooking.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Potatoes get a hard, golden cheese crust on the bottom of the pan. Herbs make the whole kitchen smell wonderful while they bake. A sprinkle of sea salt right before serving makes them taste entirely from-scratch.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Antipasto Salad
Salami slices and soft artichoke hearts mix together on a big serving platter. A sharp vinegar dressing keeps the meat and cheese tasting light. Putting out this colorful dish makes the table look like a giant feast.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Balsamic Berry Salad with Goat Cheese
Dark vinegar runs down the bowl and stains the white goat cheese a cool purple color. Black pepper keeps the mix savory so the berries do not taste too sweet. The bright fruit adds life to the cookout without causing any extra stress.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Berry Salad with Goat Cheese
Pickle Pasta Salad
Cold macaroni noodles sit in the fridge to soak up a creamy dressing. Adding a splash of pickle juice gives the whole bowl a sharp, tangy kick. This simple dish is perfect for making dinner feel like a neighborhood block party.
Get the Recipe: Pickle Pasta Salad
BBQ Chicken & Feta Pasta Salad
Cubes of chicken soak up a sweet barbecue glaze before getting tossed with cold noodles. Salty feta cheese stops the mix from tasting too sugary. This hearty side is packed with ingredients that will easily fill everyone up.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken & Feta Pasta Salad
Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad
Grains of rice hit a hot pan until the edges turn brown and toasted. The rice adds an exciting crunch that normal green salads do not have. That fun pop makes a simple burger night feel extra special.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad
Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Massaging the kale with a little salt softens the leaves until they are nice and tender. Tangy mustard in the dressing balances out the sweet apple slices perfectly. Making a fresh salad like this shows your guests that you really care.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Hasselback Potatoes
Slicing the potatoes almost all the way through creates dozens of thin layers that fan out. Garlic butter seeps into every single open space while they bake in the oven. This easy knife trick makes a budget side look incredibly fancy.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Green asparagus spears get wrinkled and crunchy at the tips after just a few minutes of cooking. Salty capers add a big punch of flavor without needing a heavy sauce. These fresh green veggies provide a great balance on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic
Mini cabbages turn brown and crunchy in the air fryer while the inside stays soft. Crumbled feta cheese goes on top at the end for a perfect salty finish. This rich side adds a fancy touch to an easy backyard meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic
Spiced Grilled Corn
Dark grill marks appear on the sweet corn kernels as they cook over an open flame. Smoked paprika gets dusted over the top to give the corn a warm flavor. Passing around these charred cobs makes dinner feel like a real cookout.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Grilled Corn
Russian Fried Potatoes
You fry these potatoes in a heavy iron pan that stays hot for a long time. Scattering fresh green dill on top makes the whole dish smell bright and grassy. Bringing the hot skillet right to the picnic table keeps things cozy and rustic.
Get the Recipe: Russian Fried Potatoes
Falafel-style Israeli Cabbage Salad
Cumin smells warm and earthy as it gets shaken into a big metal mixing bowl. Lots of fresh parsley gives this side the look of food from a Mediterranean street stand. Bold spices add an unexpected twist that wakes up a standard burger night.
Get the Recipe: Falafel-style Israeli Cabbage Salad
Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers
Yellow spice powder stains the veggies while they bake together on a hot pan. Lemon slices get dark and sweet in the oven to make the mix taste bright. This warm sheet pan meal brings a cozy kitchen smell outside.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers
Fennel And Mango Slaw
Cutting up crunchy fennel bulbs fills the kitchen with a sweet licorice smell. Sweet mango slices make a great change from the usual cabbage sides people expect. Dropping this bright bowl onto the table instantly perks up the dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fennel And Mango Slaw
Mayo Purple Cabbage Slaw
Shredded purple cabbage turns the white mayo dressing a bright pink color as it sits. Celery seed adds a deep flavor that keeps the side from being boring. The bright colors look beautiful and feel much healthier than boxed food.
Get the Recipe: Mayo Purple Cabbage Slaw
Mexican Coleslaw
Fresh lime juice pools at the bottom of the bowl to soften the shredded green cabbage. Chopped coriander leaves give the slaw a fresh taste that store-bought bags never have. These zesty flavors help cut right through the heavy smoke of the grill.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Coleslaw
Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)
Soft diced root vegetables get tossed with a creamy dressing and hard-boiled eggs. Salty pickles take the place of meat to give this vegetarian version a satisfying crunch. It is a heavy, comforting dish that feels like an old family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)
Homemade Baked Beans
Sweet molasses bubbles slowly around the edges of the pot until the sauce turns dark brown. Tucking a piece of pork inside gives the beans a deep flavor. The sweet smells drifting across the yard get everyone excited for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Baked Beans
Berry Salad With Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, And Pomegranate Arils
Mixing strawberries and blueberries into green lettuce is an easy way to freshen up the table. Sharp red onions keep the fruit from tasting like a dessert. It takes just a little work to make the meal look special.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad With Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, And Pomegranate Arils
Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes
Crushing hot potatoes makes the soft yellow insides burst out onto the baking sheet. Drizzling lemon oil over the top adds a bright, tangy edge before they go into the oven. Spending time roasting them creates a rich flavor you can actually taste.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes
The freezer patties are already thawing, so pick a side and go claim your spot by the grill.
