20 Easy Side Dishes Perfect for Parties

Looking for easy side dishes to make all year long? Or are you on the hunt for the perfect summer side dish to serve up at your next BBQ or picnic? Feast your eyes on the 20 perfectly easy side dishes for a BBQ or picnic below. 

Celery root coleslaw, Mexican Street Corn, cheesy macaroni and cheese, and the list goes on. You might struggle with what you are wanting to serve up because they all look so good. Doesn’t matter if you are serving up these side dishes for thanksgiving or simply getting ready for a summer bash, there is no time of the year this perfect homemade food isn’t welcome. 

Pull up a seat and let’s get eatin~!

Cold Salads and Pasta Side Dishes

Feast your eyes on these tempting side dishes that just might steal the show from the main course! Nothing I love more than soaking up the sun by the pool, laughing and having a good time with my family and friends! Summer can’t come soon enough. Starting with cold salads and pasta side dishes is the way to go this year. Check out my favorite “must make now” recipes below: 

Perfect Kale and Quinoa Salad| Pass Me Some Tasty: This is a superfood packed salad that is not only delectable but so nutritious for you. Very light and refreshing. 

Pea Salad| Salty Side Dish: Wow this is one flavorful side dish. You have the crunch from the celery, tender peas, creamy sauce, and a little tang from red onions. This is a wonderful side to serve up. 

Avocado Greek Salad| Salt and Lavender: Mediterranean flavors and refreshing and a healthy side dish to serve up. It is quick to make, and trust me the flavors are off the chart! 

7 Layer Salad| Salty Side Dish: A perfect dish to take to a potluck or serve up to a handful of guests. Not only is it a delicious side dish but offers a stunning presentation. 

Spiralized Cucumber Summer Salad| Pass Me Some Tasty: This is a really fun salad, but also has a perfect flavor combination that screams summer time. Serve this up and your guests will sure to reach for seconds. 

Celery Root Coleslaw| This Mama Cooks: A super healthy side dish, that is vegan, and a change from the classic coleslaw that you might find at your potluck parties. 

( Spiralized Cucumber Summer Salad | Picture Courtesy of Pass Me Some Tasty)

Amish Macaroni Salad| The Kitchen Is My Playground: This version is extra creamy and offers a slightly sweet factor which sets it apart from the classic version of macaroni salad. Give it a try, I don’t think you will regret it. And if you want more macaroni salad side dishes, I have some great ones listed! 

Roasted Corn Orzo Salad| To Simply Inspire: A super easy dish to whip up that offers fresh and light flavors, that is a change from the classic side dishes for party.

Grilled Side Dishes 

Grilled Mexican Street Corn| Salty Side Dish: If you have ever had street corn you know how addictive it is.

This recipe tops grilled corn on the cob with seasonings, feta cheese, cilantro and lime juice for a perfect side dish. Or try the Mexican Street Corn Salad to mix it up!

Hasselback Italian-Style Grilled Baked Potatoes with Onions| Tastes of Lizzy T: Hasselback’s are sliced potatoes that almost cut all the way through, stuff it with onions, butter, and seasonings for a flavorful potato! 

Grilled Peach Salsa with Cilantro, Mint, and Ginger| My Gluten Free Miami: When you grill fruit it brings out the natural sweetness and transforms the flavor. Try this rich and tasty salsa. Top your chicken, serve with chips, or eat alone. 

Grilled Green Beans with Cumin and Smoked Paprika| Pinch and Swirl: A tender and smoky green bean that is not the classic dump out of a can green beans. These are an upgrade that is full of vibrant flavors. 

Grilled Parmesan Garlic Sweet Corn| Culinary Ginger: Garlic and parmesan were meant to go together, and when you combine it with grilled sweet corn, the flavor factor steps up like 5 notches. This is a must make for anyone who loves corn. 

Grilled Pineapple Salad| Fun Food and Frolic: Grilled pineapple and peppers served over crisp lettuce with a homemade sauce and feta cheese. Decadent and an easy side dish for a party. I am also partial to the Hawaiian Fruit Salad here. 

Grilled Eggplant and Vegetables Salad|Girl and the Kitchen: A mix if grilled vegetables will give our vegetable salad added flavor that will bring out the true savory side in this dish. Amaze your guests with this easy salad. 

Hot Side Dishes 

Baked Macaroni and Cheese| Feast, and Farm: You can never go wrong with a hearty scoop of creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese. Serve this soulful dish up and put a smile on your guest’s faces.  

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus| Salty Side Dish: Bacon makes everything taste better, and the grease drips on the asparagus adding so much flavor, it is a great recipe to whip up. 

Cheesy Potato Casserole| All Things Mama: Tender potatoes smothered in cheese, sour cream, and condensed soup and a slight crunch with the topping. This is one delicious side dish to serve up to pair with pork, steak, chicken or even hamburgers. 

Red Cabbage| Keenary: This cabbage is tender, flavorful and a stunning presentation of color. It simmers in butter, onions, a handful of seasonings for a flavorful side dish. 

Oven Baked Cheesy Potatoes| Tastes of Lizzy T: Oven baked tender potatoes smothered in cheesy goodness. This side dish is perfect for summer barbecues that offers total comfort food dish.