33 Easy Fourth of July Side Dishes for Your Summer Cookout
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33 Easy Fourth of July Side Dishes for Your Summer Cookout
Any good 4th of July celebration will have hot dogs, burgers, and, of course, dazzling fireworks. But if you ask us, no patriotic party (or any cookout, for that matter) would be complete without a plate full of sides. When it comes to planning your Fourth of July menu, you can go with grilling recipes, barbecue favorites, or even packable picnics. Whichever theme you choose, these best Fourth of July side dishes will be just as popular as the main event. They’ll have you going back for seconds, thirds, or even fourths (you get the point!).
When it comes to summery sides, don’t be afraid to take full advantage of your garden or local farm stand's bounty. Some of the best side dishes are the ones that feature the season’s top vegetables. We’re talking, corn, zucchini, tomatoes, and eggplant. Try something seasonal and refreshing, like a summer greens salad, or opt for something hearty and grilled, like a flatbread pizza. Don’t worry—we’ll cover all the BBQ classics too, like pasta salads, slaws, and plenty of potato salad options. The best part is that a lot of these side dish recipes can be made in advance—an especially important factor on the Fourth of July. Why waste time cooking over a hot stove when you can be spending time outdoors with friends and family?!
If you’re on the hunt for some star-spangled sides, you’ve come to the right place. Pair these with your favorite main courses, bring them to a potluck for friends to enjoy, or serve them on their own followed by a patriotic 4th of July dessert. You can’t go wrong!
Will Dickey - 2/34
Grilled Corn on the Cob
The best thing about corn on the cob is just how easy it is to prepare—especially when you’re armed with this foolproof method. You won’t even need to boil the corn before grilling it!
Will Dickey - 3/34
Ranch Chopped Salad
You can eat this decadent salad on its own for lunch or serve it alongside a steak dinner to celebrate the 4th of July. It’s crunchy, creamy, and best of all—delicious!
Ralph Smith - 4/34
Creamy Coleslaw
It’s easy to put this classic side dish together, especially when you use pre-shredded cabbage mix. Look for the mix with red and green cabbage, and shredded carrots for color.
Will Dickey - 5/34
Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad
Fireworks won’t be the only thing kicking up your 4th of July—this jalapeño potato salad is sure to add a bit of spice. It has all the flavors of your favorite stuffed appetizer mixed right into a creamy potato side.
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Grilled Watermelon
Watermelon doesn’t have to just be for dessert this year. Instead, try a sweet and savory version on the grill. It’s seasoned with salt, lime, and cilantro for a fun twist on everyone’s favorite summer fruit.
Will Dickey - 7/34
Grilled Corn with Spicy Bacon Butter
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic for any backyard barbecue. But this one takes things to the next level thanks to the spicy bacon butter slathered on top.
Ralph Smith - 8/34
Chipotle Pasta Salad
This easy side is tangy, colorful, and just the thing you need at your next cookout. It can (and should) be made at least 2 hours before serving so make it ahead of time and you’ll have less work to do when it comes time to party.
Con Poulos - 9/34
Poblano Potato Bundles
Aluminum foil packets are great for grilling up a bunch of sides without the mess of a dirty kitchen. Whether you’re going on a camping trip or simply firing up the backyard grill, you’ll want to make these easy potato bundles all summer long.
David Malosh - 10/34
Caesar Salad Spears
Pair this crisp salad with a nice grilled steak for an elevated July Fourth dinner. Everything from the dressing to the croutons is homemade.
David Malosh - 11/34
Red Potato Salad
No cookout is complete without a classic potato salad. This one has all the elements we love about potato salad (creamy dressing and fresh dill), plus so much more (hello, crunchy bacon bits!).
Will Dickey - 12/34
Mac and Cheese
This extra creamy mac and cheese looks like it took hours to make, but it really comes together in just 30 minutes! Pair it with ribs, steak, or your favorite barbecue meats and your friends and family will thank you.
Ralph Smith - 13/34
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
After a day spent in the hot sun, you’ll want to cool down with something light and refreshing. This salad will do the trick! It’s packed with juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, and bright mint for a refreshing addition to your summer menu.
Con Poulos - 14/34
Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob
Add a twist to your summer corn by wrapping it up in bacon. Each ear of corn is then brushed with a spicy honey that gives it an extra sweet and savory kick.
Ralph Smith - 15/34
Three Bean Salad
This simple bean salad is totally customizable. Add whatever beans you have on hand—chickpeas, lima beans, or wax beans—then change up the herbs based on what's growing in your garden.
Will Dickey - 16/34
Green Goddess Potato Salad
This bright green side is sure to pop at your July Fourth cookout. Don’t skimp out on the celery bits, they add a nice crunch to the otherwise creamy potato salad.
Ralph Smith - 17/34
Fresh Corn Casserole
Make the most of your summer corn by turning it into a simple, comforting casserole dish. It’s a winner at any barbecue dinner.
Con Poulos - 18/34
Greek Pesto Pasta Salad
We love the herby flavor that pesto brings to a summery pasta salad. You can make your own or use store-bought if you're short on time.
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Colorful Coleslaw
Brighten up your Fourth of July sides with this colorful slaw. It’s packed with a rainbow of colors—from purple and green cabbage to orange carrots to multi-color peppers.
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Potato Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
If you’re a fan of vinegar-based potato salads, you’ll fall in love this mustardy version. The potatoes are tossed with the vinaigrette while they're still warm so they soak up all the bright flavors.
Con Poulos - 21/34
Grilled Corn Salad
Looking for a way to serve corn off the cob? Try a grilled corn salad—it’s loaded with avocados, beans, tomatoes, and lots of charred corn.
Ralph Smith - 22/34
Best Baked Beans
Put a southern spin on your Fourth of July menu with these baked beans. It has a layer of bacon on top, so you know it’s going to be good!
Danielle Daly - 23/34
Grilled Shrimp Panzanella
You can serve this bread salad as a main thanks to the hearty grilled shrimp or pair it with your other July Fourth dishes for a simple summer side.
Ralph Smith - 24/34
Garden Pasta Salad
Crunchy veggies give new life to pasta salad. This one is packed with radishes, jicama, and bell peppers.
Con Poulos - 25/34
Skillet Cornbread
No holiday is complete with a delicious cornbread—even the 4th of July! Soak up your favorite barbecue dishes with this classic cornbread side.
Ryan Liebe - 26/34
Fried Pickles
Pickles are great when layered on burgers, but they’re even better when they’re battered and fried. Serve them instead of a bag of chips with a side of ranch for dipping.
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Macaroni Salad
Even the pickiest eaters will love this classic macaroni salad. It’s sweet, but tangy and creamy, and also light. The best of all worlds.
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Chicken Caprese Salad
We can never get enough summer tomatoes! Pair them with basil and mozzarella for a caprese salad, then take it one step further and toss it all together with hearty couscous and chicken for a filling side or main course.
Erica Kastner/The Pioneer Woman - 29/34
Grilled Zucchini
We love the simplicity of grilled summer vegetables. Add some lemon juice and lemon zest to this zucchini and you’ll have a bright and flavorful BBQ side.
The Pioneer Woman - 30/34
Mixed Berry Salad
It doesn’t get more patriotic than this red, white, and blue summer salad. It’s sure to stand out on your fourth of July table.
Get the recipe at A Classic Twist.
A Classic Twist - 31/34
Grilled BLTA Flatbread
This easy recipe takes a crowd-pleasing BLT sandwich (with the addition of avocado) and turns it into a grilled flatbread. Serve it as a side or appetizer for any summer party.
Get the recipe at Spoon Fork Bacon.
Spoon Fork Bacon - 32/34
Creamy Cucumber Salad
This refreshing salad is made with English cucumbers—the seedless variety with thin skins that don’t need to be peeled. It’s creamy, tangy, and perfect for BBQs or picnics.
Get the recipe at Jessica Gavin.
Jessica Gavin - 33/34
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
These lightly charred, bite-sized veggies are easy to put together and fun to eat. Drizzle them with tzatziki, pesto, or ranch for extra flavor.
Get the recipe at Love and Lemons.
Jeanine Donofrio - 34/34
Grilled Eggplant Chimichurri
In the summertime, grilling eggplant gives them a smoky flavor that pairs so well with the fresh herbs of chimichurri. To prevent limp or mushy eggplant, cut them in uniform slices about ½-inch thick.
Get the recipe at Foodie Crush.
Foodie Crush
Dibs on all the potato salad!
