The grill might be getting all the attention, but truth is, everyone’s talking about the sides. They’re the FIRST thing people load onto their plate, the most likely to run out early, and the one dish someone will quietly ask you for the recipe. (We’ve had it happen over potato salad. Twice.)
At our place, the sides usually steal the show. There’s always someone hanging out way too close to the chips and dip, the kids are sneaking bites of pasta salad before it even hits the table, and someone’s balancing a paper plate like it’s an Olympic sport.
That’s why we keep a go-to list of side dishes that are flavorful, easy to prep, and totally cooler-friendly.
These 14 recipes are all about summer flavor—crunchy, creamy, fresh, and ready for whatever chaos the day brings. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or the random neighbor who heard there was food, these sides will keep everyone happy. And yes, you’ll probably want seconds.
14 best 4th of July side dishes
You know the scene—the paper plates are bending, the grill’s still heating up, and somehow everyone’s already made a full plate… of sides.
It happens every year. Someone’s piling up coleslaw like it’s a main dish, the deviled eggs are gone before Uncle Joe even shows up, and there’s at least one person walking around with “just a few bites” of everything (who ends up with the biggest plate).
At our 4th of July cookouts, the sides are where it’s at. My son usually sneaks the first bite of pasta salad straight from the serving spoon (we’re working on it), and Matthew can’t resist “sampling” the potato salad hours before guests arrive.
There’s something about those chilled bowls and cheesy bakes that just feel like summer. And trust us—we’ve tested these recipes on picky eaters, snack grazers, and the friend who “doesn’t really eat carbs” but somehow goes back for thirds!
Quick and Easy 4th of July Caprese Salad
"This 4th of July Caprese Salad is a festive patriotic side dish that is perfect for your holiday weekend cookout or summer BBQ."
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Red, White and Blue Potato Salad
"Red, White and Blue Potato Salad is the best potato salad EVER for patriotic holidays! Serve at your next summer barbecue… This. Is. It."
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Patriotic Easy Layered Taco Dip
"Bring this Patriotic Easy Layered Taco Dip to your next summer picnic! It’s a quick and easy side dish that you don’t have to bake. Serve with chips."
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Grilled Mushrooms
"These grilled mushrooms are threaded onto skewers and brushed with butter, dill and garlic salt. They’re unbelievably tasty and add an earthy, smoky bite to any grilled meat or veggie platter."
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Succotash
"This succotash recipe has everything that makes Southern cooking irresistible: ham hocks, beans, vegetables and herbs. It’s easily customizable too, so you can add pretty much anything from your vegetable garden."
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Basil Parmesan Grilled Corn
"Basil Parmesan Grilled Corn brushed with a basil vinaigrette and sprinkled with parmesan cheese is Mediterranean spin on a classic street food."
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Charred Green Beans with Herby Lemon Salsa
"Delight your tastebuds with Charred Green Beans with Herby Lemon Salsa, an elegant and unique side dish that celebrates summer produce!"
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Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad
"This Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad is like summer on a plate! Juicy grilled peaches, deliciously creamy burrata, ripe juicy tomatoes and toasted walnuts make this the most vibrant summery salad. Perfect for a special occasion lunch or just because you have peaches that need to be used. You really don't need an excuse to make this!"
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Baked Beans with Bacon
"Easy homemade baked beans recipe using canned beans, with brown sugar and bacon on top, baked long and slow in the oven. The quintessential summer BBQ side dish!"
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Honey Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins
"Honey Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins are sweet, just a little bit spicy, and SO flavorful! Pair these savory cornbread muffins with soup, chili, or barbecue! Always a hit!"
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Grilled Zucchini
"This easy grilled zucchini recipe is the perfect summer side dish! The squash is tender and flavorful—delicious with whatever you're grilling."
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Dill Pickle Potato Salad
"This dill pickle potato salad is a must-make if you love potato salads that are made with a light vinaigrette! It's a variation of my favorite German potato salad that tastes just as refreshing and delicious. It's simply perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or as a side dish on warm summer days!"
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Italian Tortellini Salad Recipe
"Italian Pasta Salad is an in-demand potluck, picnic and party side and this cold Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is made 1000X better with cheesy, pillowy tortellini! It’s a quick chop and throw together recipe that can be made 100% percent ahead of time for the perfect stress-free side!"
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Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Mint and Basil
"This Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Mint and Basil is an easy, light, and healthy salad that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, and al fresco dining. Made with crisp cucumbers, juicy watermelon, and fresh herbs, it’s a great alternative to traditional salads."
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