13 Mouthwatering Barbecue Sides for Summer Parties

Ed. note: This post was originally published in June of 2019, but since COVID-19 hit, we have been cooking at home more than ever — we wanted to bring it out of the archives in hopes that it helps give you some inspiration for your grilling nights at home with your family ( and because sides are the best thing about cooking barbecue, right?!) Stay safe, everybody!

Here in Austin, “barbecue season” is a definite thing. However as a vegetarian, I’m usually left to fend for myself at poolside gatherings, either bringing my own veggie burgers or subsisting on coleslaw, fruit salad, and other barbecue sides.

I’m here to tell you that having some variety on the table will take your barbecue game to the next level, making all your guests extremely happy (not just us vegetarians, promise!)

From a charred broccoli salad, to grilled avocados, to a few elevated classics, your burgers are about to get a major run for their money as “most talked about food” at the party. Read on for all the barbecue sides we can’t wait to whip up this summer.

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Sriracha Street Corn, Camille Styles

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Creamy Cucumber and Potato Salad, Food & Wine

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Broccoli Tahini Pasta Salad, Love and Lemons

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Gouda Mac & Cheese with Peaches and Prosciutto, My Name is Yeh

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Yakitori Style Grilled Sweet Potatoes, Camille Styles

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Grilled Avocado with Black Bean Salad, Food52 for Refinery29

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Jicama Slaw with Tequila Lime Dressing, Camille Styles

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Grilled Caprese Skewers, Heather Christo

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Ultimate Guacamole and Mango-Chipotle Guacamole, Camille Styles

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Southwest Quinoa and Grilled Corn Salad, FoodieCrush

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Greek Pasta Salad, Joy the Baker

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Charred Broccoli and Red Onion Salad, Dolly & Oatmeal

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Tequila Infused Watermelon Pops, Camille Styles