Summer is (almost) officially here! And that means it’s time to fire up the grill, gather your people, and enjoy some sunshine-filled meals.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or headed to a gathering with friends, these easy Memorial Day side dishes will round out your spread with fresh, flavorful ingredients everyone will love.
There’s really nothing I look forward to more than summer days—especially after those long Seattle winters. So in celebration, I’ve pulled together five of my favorite summer BBQ side dishes that are simple to make, better-for-you, and guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers. Happy MDW!
Mom’s Famous Potato Salad (Mayo Free!)
If there’s one recipe you make this summer, let it be this one. Earning a rightful spot in my first cookbook, Rachael’s Good Eats, it’s a childhood favorite that I snagged from my mom. Perfect to bring to any BBQ, family or friend gathering—it’s so flavorful, mayo-free (mayo-lovers won’t even notice it’s missing), and bound to be a hit.
High-Protein Hummus
To say I’m obsessed with this hummus is an understatement. It’s creamy, colorful, and a total vibe! Homemade with chickpeas, cottage cheese, and tahini, loaded with fresh toppings, and ready in just 10 minutes. An ideal snacky summer side for parties, cookouts, or anytime you want a bright and fun dish that tastes just as good as it looks.
Grilled Summer Pasta Salad
Protein and veggie-packed, this is the most delicious summer salad that really comes together with a pesto vinaigrette. Everything is so much better grilled, and this pasta salad will prove that to you. It’s so easy to whip up too. You have to make it!
Mango Pico de Gallo
Another easy Memorial Day side dish, this is the best way to change up your salsa game or appetizer spread. Packed with nothing but good-for-you ingredients, it’s my favorite dip of the summer for so many reasons, and really just a big bowl of happiness no matter where or when you serve it.
Watermelon Salad
This viral salad screams summer. It’s so refreshing—made with summer’s best fruit (watermelon, if that wasn’t obvious lol) and plenty of fresh herbs, crumbled feta, cucumber, and a citrusy splash of lime. And if you love a little spice, then you’ll love my variation which adds finely chopped jalapeño. There’s nothing I want more on a hot summer day than this, and it will take no time to blow away any BBQ, picnic or gathering you bring it to.
