15 Summer Side Dishes Made for the Grill

Great grilled meals deserve equally delicious sides, and these recipes are packed with fresh seasonal flavors that belong at every cookout. From charred vegetables and crisp summer salads to smoky corn, grilled potatoes, garlic bread, and vibrant veggie kabobs, there's something to round out every barbecue menu. Whether you're hosting friends or cooking dinner on the patio, these easy side dishes make the most of grilling season. Keep scrolling to find the perfect addition to your next backyard feast.

Grilled Broccolini with Rich Tomato Butter

Grilled broccolini topped with dollops of orange sauce, served on a white plate with lemon slices on the side. — Grilled Broccolini with Rich Tomato Butter. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

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Tender broccolini gets a smoky finish on the grill before being topped with a flavorful tomato butter. It's a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from burgers to grilled seafood.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Broccolini with Rich Tomato Butter

Grilled Asparagus and Tomato Caprese Salad

A bowl of salad with asparagus, ripe tomato, mozzarella balls, and chopped herbs mixed together—a must-try addition to your favorite tomato recipes. — Grilled Asparagus and Tomato Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This colorful salad combines smoky grilled asparagus with juicy tomatoes and a bright balsamic finish. A fresh Caprese-inspired twist makes it a standout addition to any summer barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Tomato Caprese Salad

Flavorful Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Curry Sauce

Roasted yellow and purple cauliflower on a white plate, topped with sauce, raisins, sliced almonds, and fresh parsley. — Flavorful Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Curry Sauce. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Thick cauliflower steaks become beautifully charred on the grill and are finished with a bold curry sauce and vibrant toppings. It's a hearty vegetarian side that easily holds its own at any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Flavorful Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Curry Sauce

Smoky Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon

Crispy grilled halloumi and sweet watermelon create an irresistible combination of salty and refreshing flavors. This versatile dish works as an appetizer, salad topper, or easy summer side.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon

Grilled Fingerling Potatoes with Lemon and Parsley

A white bowl filled with roasted fingerling potatoes garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a marble surface next to a checkered towel and a sprig of parsley. — Grilled Fingerling Potatoes with Lemon and Parsley. Photo credit: The Sage Apron.

Creamy fingerling potatoes are lightly grilled until golden, then tossed with fresh lemon, parsley, and olive oil. They're an easy side that complements just about anything coming off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fingerling Potatoes with Lemon and Parsley

Crispy Grilled Yuca with Garlic Mojo Sauce

Grilled yuca develops a crisp exterior and fluffy center before being coated in a bold garlic mojo sauce. It's a delicious alternative to potatoes that brings plenty of flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Grilled Yuca with Garlic Mojo Sauce

Dad's Favorite for the Ultimate Backyard Grilling

Grilled Zucchini on a plate. — Simple Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Fresh zucchini and yellow squash become tender and lightly charred with just a few minutes on the grill. This colorful side is an easy way to make the most of summer produce at picnics and barbecues.
Get the Recipe: Simple Grilled Zucchini and Yellow Squash

Smoky Grilled Corn in the Husk

Grilling corn in the husk keeps every bite tender and juicy while adding irresistible smoky flavor. A bold barbecue coffee seasoning gives this classic summer favorite an unexpected twist.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Grilled Corn in the Husk

Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad

Grilled romaine lettuce topped with dressing, cherry tomatoes, and cheese, served with toasted bread slices on a plate. — Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Vendy Polisi.

This grilled version of Caesar salad adds smoky depth and crisp char to the classic favorite. It's a fresh and unexpected side that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and seafood.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad

Chipotle Mexican Grill Black Beans

These bold, smoky black beans recreate the flavors of your favorite burrito bowl at home. They're a versatile side dish that's just as delicious alongside grilled meats as they are with tacos or rice.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Mexican Grill Black Beans

Sweet and Smoky Grilled Mango Skewers

Grilled mango cubes on skewers, garnished with chopped herbs, placed on a wooden board next to a bowl of diced mango and a jar of sauce with a brush. — Sweet and Smoky Grilled Mango Skewers. Photo credit: In The Kitch.

Fresh mango takes on delicious caramelized flavor after a quick trip to the grill. Lightly sweet and bursting with tropical flair, these skewers make a unique addition to any summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Smoky Grilled Mango Skewers

Buttery Grilled Garlic Bread

Crisp on the outside and soft in the center, this grilled garlic bread is packed with rich buttery flavor and smoky char. It's the perfect companion for everything from pasta salads to grilled steaks.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Grilled Garlic Bread

Colorful Grilled Vegetable Kabobs

Four vegetable skewers with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, red onion, yellow squash, and bell peppers arranged on a wooden board. — Colorful Grilled Vegetable Kabobs. Photo credit: Grits and Pinecones.

These vibrant vegetable skewers are loaded with smoky, caramelized flavor in every bite. They're an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that belongs at every backyard barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Grilled Vegetable Kabobs

Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Summer Salad

Sweet grilled peaches, creamy goat cheese, and peppery greens come together in a refreshing salad full of seasonal flavor. It's a light, colorful side that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Summer Salad

Traditional Grilled Eggplant Salad (Salata de Vinete)

A hand holds a chip scooping up chunky dip with diced tomatoes, yellow peppers, onions, and herbs from an orange bowl. — Traditional Grilled Eggplant Salad (Salata de Vinete). Photo credit: Join Your Life.

Also known as Salata de Vinete, this classic Romanian eggplant salad is smoky, light, and wonderfully versatile. Serve it as a dip, spread, or side dish for an easy recipe you'll return to all summer long.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Grilled Eggplant Salad (Salata de Vinete)