Things are heating & backyard BBQ and cookout season is officially here. I love leaning into recipes that have minimal steps, simple ingredients, and quick clean up year round; but summer is definitely the time for less stress and more joy when it comes to cooking! So, if you’re looking for the best & easiest BBQ sides, you’re in the right place–try these fresh, flavorful and simple side dish recipes to make the most of summer, and are fantastic for a relaxed backyard cookout with friends.

Close-up overhead shot of a white serving platter with a serving fork and grilled mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, red onion, and asparagus topped with oil and herb mixture.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Quick Balsamic Marinated Veggies (for Grilling!)

Skip the skewer and try these quick marinated veggies for grilling! Made in minutes, bathed in a tangy balsamic marinade, and then grilled to ever-so-slightly-charred perfection, these vibrant grilled vegetables are completely irresistible! Making a show-stopping side dish, they nood only 4-10 minutes to grill.
Ingredients: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, garlic, parsley or basil, mixed vegetables (bell peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, asparagus, red onion).
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Overhead image of a slow cooker with all of the ingredients for baked beans.
5 stars (9 ratings)

Incredible Slow Cooker Baked Beans (w/ Canned Beans!)

These simple homemade slow cooker baked beans truly are incredible. Perfectly sweet & just the right amount of saucy, they come together easily with 3 types of canned beans, a hint of brown sugar, and hit of smokey, rich bacon.
Ingredients: bacon, red onion, garlic, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, pinto beans, kidney beans, Northern or white beans, salt, apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar.
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A white plate filled with a vegetable platter with an easy 4-ingredient guacamole in the center.
5 stars (13 ratings)

4-Ingredient Guacamole

This Easy 4-Ingredient Guacamole is so simple and tastes amazing. It's the perfect party appetizer or everyday condiment; use it as a dip, a topping, or just straight out of the bowl. Everything is better with guacamole!
Ingredients: avocado, lime juice, garlic, and salt.
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Top down view of a vegetable platter with a bowl of yogurt tahini sauce in the center, on a white background with a napkin on the side.
5 stars (4 ratings)

3-Minute Yogurt Tahini Sauce

Rich, creamy, and totally dippable, this yogurt tahini sauce is perfect for serving with lamb, falafel, chicken, pita, or as the center of a vibrant vegetable platter. It’s like the fluffy, Greek yogurt cousin of your favorite hummus dip (trust me, you’ve got to try this one asap!).
Ingredients: Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and salt.
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A chip being dipped into a crockpot bean dip.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Creamy Slow Cooker Taco Dip (w/ Ground Beef)

This ultra-easy slow cooker taco dip recipe is made with ground beef, cream cheese, Rotel and cheese; making for the easiest and tastiest taco dip you've ever had. Trust me, make this and watch your friends and family absolutely devour it in no time flat.
Ingredients: ground beef, Rotel, cream cheese, shredded Mexican cheese blend, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, hot sauce and salt.
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A white bowl filled with fresh tomato salsa chipotle copycat with lime wedges and corn chips on the side.
5 stars (5 ratings)

Chunky Fresh Tomato Salsa (Chipotle Style!)

Inspired by Chipotle's famous salsa, this easy 5-minute chunky tomato salsa recipe uses fresh tomatoes, onion, and lime juice for a salsa that's perfect for dipping + topping tacos or burrito bowls. It comes together easily in 1-bowl and tastes so darn good you won't believe how easy it is to make!
Ingredients: tomatoes, red onion, cilanto, jalapeno, lime juice, lemon juice and salt.
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5 stars (3 ratings)

Real Food 7-Layer Dip (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Simple, delicious, and naturally gluten-free & dairy-free, Real Food 7-Layer Dip will be the hit of your next party or gathering!
Need another easy dip that can feed a crowd? Look no further than this slow cooker spinach artichoke dip recipe (it's a family favorite)!
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Overhead shot of a slow cooker with corn with a dab of butter.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Sweet Summer Crock Pot Corn on the Cob

Friends, crock pot corn on the cob is the easiest way to prepare sweet, buttery, and tender corn on the cob all year round, and is especially perfect for warm summer months when you want to keep the kitchen cool and feed a crowd. And, other than cleaning the corn, this recipe is completely hands off, leaving you more time to prepare a main dish or spend time with your friends and family!
Ingredients: corn, olive oil, salt, butter.
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Closeup image of a bowl of cabbage and carrot slaw.
5 stars (6 ratings)

Mexican Slaw (for Tacos & More!)

Ready in 15 minutes and ultra easy to prep, this zesty and fresh Mexican slaw is the perfect topping for tacos, or as a aside dish for enchiladas, chilis, and more. It’s a versatile coleslaw veggie side dish made without mayo, featuring crunchy cabbage, grated carrots, and a smokey-sweet dressing that’s fast and easy.
Ingredients: garlic, salt, chipotle peppers, honey, lime juice, avocado oil, cabbage, carrots, onion, cilantro.
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An overhead shot of a slow cooker with an assortment of raw vegetables and a sprig of basil.
4.60 stars (5 ratings)

Slow Cooker Ratatouille (with Fresh Summer Veggies!)

Slow cooker ratatouille is a French stew filled with seasonal, bright, and fresh vegetables cooked together low and slow in a rich garlicky tomato sauce.
Ingredients: eggplant, salt, olive oil, red onion, tomato paste, garlic, white wine, bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, tomato, Italian seasoning, black pepper.
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Overhead shot of a plate with pasta salad and a fork surrounded by glasses of water, tomatoes on the vine, a cloth napkin, glasses of water, and a small bowl with pepper.
5 stars (4 ratings)

Mediterranean Pasta Salad (w/ Sun-Dried Tomatoes!)

This quick & easy cold Mediterranean pasta salad is bursting with sweet cherry tomatoes, hearty sun-dried tomatoes, and vibrant baby spinach. A summer pasta salad with a simple homemade dressing — without mayo — so it can be made ahead!
Ingredients: pasta, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.
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Overhead image of an oval platter with orzo pasta salad and two gold serving utensils sticking out of it.
5 stars (4 ratings)

20-Minute Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad (w/ Tomatoes)

Ready in less than 20 minutes, this bright, flavorful pesto orzo pasta salad comes together simply with basil pesto (store-bought or homemade), cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella. Fast to throw together, and a stunner on any table, it's simply a fantastic recipe.
Ingredients: orzo (or gluten free pasta), pesto, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, cherry tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, mozzarella.
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ingredients for black bean salad with corn mixed together in glass mixing bowl
5 stars (5 ratings)

10-Minute Corn & Black Bean Salad (No Avocado!)

This simple + quick corn and black bean salad combines hearty canned black beans with sweet corn, all tossed together with vibrant, crunchy veggies and an easy honey lime dressing.
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Overhead image of an enameled cast iron pot with cooked onions, beans, and rice. The pot is flanked by bowls with: guacamole, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, lime wedges, salsa, and shredded cheese.
4.91 stars (22 ratings)

Quick Pinto Beans & Rice (One-Pot!)

This quick & easy beans and rice recipe uses pinto beans and long grain white rice for a delicious one-pot meal both vegetarian and meat-eaters will love! Ready in 30 minutes on the stovetop, it works equally well as a hearty entree or Tex-Mex side dish.
Ingredients: olive oil, red onion, salt, fresh garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, dried oregano, vegetable stock (or chicken stock), canned pinto beans, white rice, lime juice.
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top down view of sliced carrots in a black crockpot on white background
5 stars (17 ratings)

Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Carrots

Elevate everyday carrots with this incredibly easy and elegantly simple side. Perfect for every day dinners, brunch, and special holiday spreads; these slow cooker carrots make an impressive vegetable side dish and are easy to make with carrots, honey (or maple syrup) and just a touch of butter.
Ingredients: carrots, butter, lemon zest, maple syrup and salt.
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top down view of slow cooker potatoes in a black crockpot topped with fresh parsley
4.98 stars (39 ratings)

Slow Cooker Potatoes

These slow cooker potatoes are the definition of simple and delicious. All you need are a handful of pantry ingredients and a crockpot. Easy prep for weeknight dinners, but this classic, cozy recipe makes a great addition to the holiday table too!
Ingredients: small potatoes, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and salt.
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Image of 5-Ingredient Mediterranean Pasta Salad
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5-Ingredient Mediterranean Pasta Salad

With just five simple ingredients and 20 minutes, you can whip up this tasty and crowd-pleasing 5-Ingredient Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe. Serve it as a side or bulk it up for a super-fast dinner!
Close up of sliced baked sweet potatoes topped with butter in a black slow cooker.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Easiest Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes

Nearly effortless to prepare, slow cooker sweet potatoes are an easy side dish for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or for the holidays. This is my absolute favorite way to cook whole sweet potatoes, with just one ingredient and three hours!
Ingredients: sweet potatoes.
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Overhead shot of sliced, roasted Russet potatoes topped with chopped rosemary and parmesan.
4.80 stars (5 ratings)

Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

These super easy slow cooker roasted potatoes are made with russet potatoes and are flavored with garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs. A simple side dish you’ll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients: Russet potatoes, olive oil, kosher sat, garlic, fresh herbs, parmesan.
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A big white bowl filled with macaroni salad with two serving spoons on top, and fresh vegetables in the background.
5 stars (3 ratings)

Quick Macaroni Salad (No Mayo!)

This quick and easy macaroni salad is made without mayo and uses elbow macaroni pasta, crunchy veggies, and a simple, zesty homemade Italian dressing for a perfectly light and flavorful pasta salad.
Ingredients: cooked pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free), carrots, cherry tomatoes, celery, parsley, red onion, Italian seasoning, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, olive oil, and salt.
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Overhead shot of blue and white bowl on a white background filled with quinoa, chopped veggies, chickpeas, and basil.
5 stars (9 ratings)

Quick Quinoa Salad (with Curry Dressing!)

This quick quinoa salad is made with crunchy cucumber, apple, and bell pepper, along with curry powder to add an earthiness to the nutty quinoa & chickpeas. Soaked in a homemade lemon-garlic dressing, this makes a perfect lunch, dinner side, or brunch!
Ingredients: quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, green apple, red bell peppers, basil, sunflower seeds, garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon, curry powder, and salt.
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Image of Warm German Potato Salad
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Warm German Potato Salad

All the taste of the traditional, but with a healthy upgrade, Warm German Potato Salad is perfect for your next barbecue or potluck and is so simple to make. Paleo, dairy-free, gluten-free, and mayo-free.
Overhead shot of turmeric chicken salad with vegetables on a white background.
5 stars (13 ratings)

Quick Turmeric Chicken Salad

This quick turmeric chicken salad is bathed in a tangy, creamy dressing perfectly flavored with turmeric and tahini & loaded with crunchy veggies like carrots and cabbage. You're going to fall in love this is powerhouse salad!
Ingredients: cooked shredded chicken, shredded carrots, slaw mix (or shredded cabbage), green onion, sulfite-free raisins, turmeric, tahini, garlic, honey (optional), apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and salt.
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Image of Tomato, Avocado and Basil Salad
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Simple Tomato + Avocado Salad (w/ Basil!)

Bursting with gorgeous ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, fresh basil and doused with a quick homemade dressing of balsamic vinegar and olive oil, this simple salad has no cheese and makes the perfect stunning side dish for any meal.
Ingredients You'll Need: Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, avocados, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, olive oil, basil.
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5 stars (3 ratings)

Cold Veggie-Packed Pasta Salad (No Mayo)

Bright & flavorful, this veggie-packed pasta salad boasts 6 different veggies and is bathed in a simple homemade vinegar dressing. Without mayo to weigh it down, it's light & refreshing, and a stunner on the table. It's super adaptable, too, so use whatever crunchy veggies you have on hand to create a beautiful rainbow veggie pasta salad!
Ingredients You'll Need: pasta, purple cabbage, carrot, celery, bell pepper, black olives, chickpeas, green onion, white wine vinegar, maple syrup, salt, black pepper.
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Image of Red, White and Blue Potato Salad (No-Mayo)
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Red, White and Blue Potato Salad (No-Mayo)

Red, White & Blue Potato Salad (No-Mayo) is the perfect make-ahead side. Made with a tangy-sweet dressing and tons of dill, it’s fantastic for barbecues, potlucks, or as a side for anything grilled.
Looking for more festive make-ahead dishes? You've gotta try these naturally red white and blue popsicles. They're refined sugar free and dye free too!

Simple Sides for Ribs

Overhead shot of baked potatoes with various toppings including broccoli, cheese, bacon, tomatoes, and chives.
5 stars (1 rating)

Russet Baked Potato Bar & Toppings: 30+ Ideas

Create the ultimate baked potato bar for your next dinner party with this simple guide! PLUS, I include over 30 unique and flavor-packed topping ideas.
Ingredients: baked potatoes, bacon, sour cream, chives.
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close up of slow cooker baked potatoes in a black crockpot with chives and sour cream on top
5 stars (2 ratings)

No-Fuss Slow Cooker Baked Russet Potatoes (No Foil!)

Yes, you can make the perfect baked Russet potatoes in the slow cooker! With just 3-ingredients, this is the easiest, hands-off method to make fluffy, steamy slow cooker jacket potatoes with almost no effort, and no foil required.
Ingredients: Russet potatoes, olive oil and salt.
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Overhead shot of cooked green beans in a slow cooker.
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Slow Cooker Green Beans (w/ Bacon!)

Packed with flavor, these super easy slow cooker green beans are a simple side dish slow cooked to tender perfection. Using fresh green beans and smokey bacon it's a mostly hands-off recipe fit for the holiday table or as a delectable vegetable side!
Key ingredients: Green beans, bacon, chicken stock, garlic, smoked paprika, butter.
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Overhead shot of cooked collard greens with a ham hock in a black slow cooker.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Slow Cooker Collard Greens

This easy slow cooker collard greens recipe combines humble collard greens with simple spices for a lusciously tender and delicious side dish you’ll want to make on repeat.
Key ingredients: collard greens, chicken stock, ham hock, apple cider vinegar.
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Thinly sliced purple cabbage slaw with carrots in a bowl with a striped blue napkin on the side.
4.86 stars (7 ratings)

Quick Purple Cabbage Slaw (for Pulled Pork + More!)

This quick creamy purple cabbage slaw is made with thinly sliced red and green cabbage, carrots, and a creamy homemade dressing. It comes together in 15 minutes, making it the perfect for pulled pork or as a colorful veggie side!
Ingredients: red and green cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise (traditional, vegan mayo or Greek yogurt), honey (optional), lime juice, and salt.
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Thinly sliced purple cabbage slaw with carrots in a bowl with a striped blue napkin on the side.
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Creamy Cabbage Slaw BBQ Side Dish + More BBQ Sides

by Robyn Conley Downs
Servings: 6 cups
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
This crunchy cabbage slaw is perfect as a BBQ side dish and comes together in just 15 minutes. Plus more easy bbq sides!
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 6 cups very thinly sliced cabbage, green, purple, or a combination
  • 2 large carrots, grated (optional)

Equipment

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, combine the lime juice, honey, salt and mayonnaise or yogurt, stirring until well combined.
  • Add the cabbage and carrots if using, stirring until the cabbage is well coated.
  • Let sit at least 5 minutes for the flavors to combine. Toss again and serve.

Notes

Use white balsamic or white wine vinegar in place of the lime juice.
Skip the honey if you’re watching your sugar intake or want to make this recipe vegan or low carb.
Use vegan mayo if you want to make this recipe egg-free.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 34kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.04g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 0.3mg, Sodium: 125mg, Potassium: 198mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 3468IU, Vitamin C: 28mg, Calcium: 41mg, Iron: 0.4mg
Nutrition disclaimer
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