The main course may get the spotlight, but the real loyalty is to the sides. I used to grab a plastic tub of deli pasta salad on the way to a cookout — not anymore. Once you start making these sides at home, there’s no turning back: they’re simple, make-ahead friendly, and always the first dishes to disappear at any summer gathering.
Summer Pasta Salads & BBQ Sides
Pasta salads and classic BBQ sides are summer staples for a reason: they travel well, feed a crowd, and pair perfectly with grilled meats. From a creamy potato salad passed down in the family to a bright Caprese pasta that showcases summer tomatoes and basil, these recipes cover the full range of textures and flavors you want at a backyard party. Below are reliable crowd-pleasers that are easy to scale, adapt, and prepare ahead so you can enjoy the day instead of spending it in the kitchen.
All of these sides work great on picnic tables, potluck spreads, or casual dinners. They store well in the fridge, many improve after a few hours, and most can be tailored for extra protein or a vegetarian option. Grab a big bowl and get ready to make memorable summer sides.
1. Ham and Pea Pasta Salad
A hearty, protein-packed twist on classic macaroni salad. Shell pasta is dressed in a tangy mayo-and-Dijon dressing with salty ham, sweet peas, and plenty of sharp cheddar. Use leftover smoked ham for an extra layer of flavor. This salad is substantial enough to serve as a light meal or a filling side at a barbecue.
Ham & Pea Pasta Salad Recipe →
2. Italian Sausage Pasta Salad with Marinated Mushrooms and Olives
Big, bold Italian flavors make this one stand out at potlucks. Grilled sausage adds a smoky char, while marinated mushrooms, Kalamata olives, and fresh basil bring acidity and herbaceous brightness. It’s a satisfying, robust side that also works well as a packed lunch for warmer days.
Italian Sausage Pasta Salad Recipe →
3. Caprese Pasta Salad
All the classic Caprese elements—fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil—tossed with pasta for a light, elegant side. A final drizzle of balsamic reduction or glaze just before serving elevates the flavors. This salad looks as good as it tastes and highlights peak-season produce.
Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe→
4. Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Everything you love about a loaded baked potato—crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy sour cream—combined into a chilled potato salad. Rich and indulgent, it’s the kind of side guests can’t stop scooping up. Serve chilled or just slightly cool for best texture.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe →
5. Classic Potato Salad
A family favorite passed down through generations, this classic potato salad keeps the dressing simple and balanced with mustard and mayo. The result is creamy, comforting, and familiar—an essential on any picnic table. Note: this version intentionally skips raw onion for a cleaner flavor profile.
Classic Potato Salad Recipe →
6. Traeger Smoked Potato Salad
A deli-style potato salad with a subtle wood-smoke finish from the pellet grill. Baby potatoes are lightly smoked, then mixed with a tangy sour-cream-and-mayo dressing, bacon, chives, and cheddar. The gentle smoke adds complexity while keeping the salad bright and refreshing.
Traeger Potato Salad Recipe →
7. Creamy Coleslaw
This homemade creamy coleslaw strikes the right balance of tang, creaminess, and a touch of sweetness. It’s a traditional favorite next to smoked ribs or pulled pork and holds up well on a buffet. Make it a few hours ahead so the flavors meld and the cabbage softens just slightly.
Creamy Coleslaw Recipe →
8. Coleslaw Recipe with Vinegar
A bright, mayo-free coleslaw that stays crisp and fresh. The vinegar-based dressing cuts through rich, fatty barbecue, and the slaw keeps its texture even after sitting in the dressing—handy for outdoor events where refrigeration is limited. It’s refreshing, simple, and quick to prepare.
Coleslaw with Vinegar Recipe →
9. Smoked Deviled Eggs
Cold-smoking the egg whites adds an intriguing depth without altering the creamy texture of the filling. The yolk mixture remains smooth, tangy, and just slightly sweet—these smoked deviled eggs are one of those dishes that instantly elevate a spread and will quickly become a favorite at summer gatherings.
Smoked Deviled Eggs Recipe→
10. Smoked Baked Beans
Skip the canned shortcuts and slow-cook your own baked beans for a customizable, comforting side. This version is simple to adapt: add bacon, ground beef, pulled pork, or sausage for heft, or toss in jalapeño or cayenne for heat. Smoked baked beans make a great companion to any barbecue.
Smoked Baked Beans Recipe
11. Cowboy Beans
Full-flavored and hearty enough to be a main course, cowboy beans are smoky, spicy, and richly seasoned. They’re the kind of dish that guests will ask about and want to take home. Serve them alongside cornbread or as part of a barbecue plate for a satisfying meal.
Spicy Cowboy Beans
12. Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Packed with vegetables, grilled chicken, spinach, feta, and tender orzo, this Greek-inspired pasta salad is a fresh, protein-rich option for summer. It keeps well in the fridge and is perfect for grazing or for serving as a light, balanced meal on hot days. A lemony vinaigrette brightens the whole bowl.
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
Whether you favor creamy potato salads, bright Mediterranean flavors, or smoky, grilled additions, these recipes will refresh your summer menu. Make them ahead, chill them well, and bring a big bowl—these sides are guaranteed to be gone by the end of the night.