19 Vegetarian BBQ Sides I’ve Relied on for 40 Years of Cookouts

Cookouts usually get remembered for the grill, but the side dishes are what keep the table full through the entire afternoon. These 19 vegetarian BBQ sides cover the kinds of salads, grilled vegetables, casseroles, and corn dishes that hold up well at outdoor gatherings without feeling repetitive. Some work best straight off the grill, while others can be made ahead and chilled until serving time. The collection balances lighter summer sides with heartier dishes that help round out a backyard meal without much extra stress.

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Loaded with peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms, Grilled Veggie Kabobs bring color and texture to any summer cookout spread. The vegetables cook quickly on skewers while still keeping a slight bite that works well alongside grilled mains. Since the prep can be done ahead of time, they help keep outdoor cooking more manageable once guests arrive. These kabobs fit especially well on BBQ tables that need something lighter beside heavier grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Avocado Salad

Fresh avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and simple dressing make Avocado Salad one of the easiest chilled sides for warm-weather cookouts. The creamy avocado balances well against crisp vegetables without requiring a long ingredient list or much prep time. Packing the dressing separately until serving helps keep the salad fresher outdoors. This side works especially well next to grilled foods that need something cool and refreshing on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Smashed Potatoes

Crisp edges and soft centers help Smashed Potatoes stand out from standard potato sides at a BBQ. The potatoes roast until golden while still staying fluffy inside, making them sturdy enough to hold toppings or dipping sauces if needed. Since they can be partially prepared ahead of time, they help reduce stress once the grill is already busy. They fit especially well beside grilled vegetables, burgers, or cookout sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

Grape Salad

Creamy dressing, sweet grapes, and crunchy toppings turn Grape Salad into a cookout side that works somewhere between fruit dish and dessert. The chilled texture makes it especially useful during hotter outdoor meals when heavier sides start feeling too rich. Since it can be prepared ahead and refrigerated until serving, it travels well for picnics and backyard gatherings. The sweet contrast also balances smoky grilled foods nicely.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Cajun Corn on the Cob

Seasoning and butter help Cajun Corn on the Cob bring a stronger flavor to the cookout table without needing complicated ingredients. The corn stays easy to prepare while the Cajun spices add enough heat to stand beside grilled mains and burgers. Since corn cooks quickly, it works well when grill space is limited during busy outdoor gatherings. Serving it fresh off the grill helps keep the texture crisp and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Corn on the Cob

Macaroni Salad

Tender pasta, creamy dressing, and crunchy vegetables make Macaroni Salad one of the most dependable make-ahead sides for BBQ season. The chilled salad holds up well during longer outdoor meals and stays filling enough to round out lighter grilled dishes. Since it can be prepared several hours ahead, it helps reduce last-minute cooking before guests arrive. This is the kind of side that works across casual cookouts, picnics, and potlucks alike.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Corn Fritters

Golden edges and soft corn-filled centers help Corn Fritters bring a warmer side option to summer BBQ spreads. The corn keeps the fritters slightly sweet while the crisp outside helps them hold up well beside grilled foods and dipping sauces. Since they are smaller portions, they work well for larger gatherings where guests want to sample several dishes. Serving them fresh keeps the texture at its best.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Grilled Eggplant

Soft texture and smoky flavor make Grilled Eggplant a strong addition to cookouts where the grill is already doing most of the work. The slices absorb seasoning well while still keeping enough structure to serve alongside burgers, corn, or salads. Since eggplant cooks fairly quickly, it helps fill out the BBQ spread without requiring much attention. It also pairs well with lighter summer sauces or fresh herbs at serving time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant

Corn Casserole

Creamy texture and sweet corn make Corn Casserole one of the heavier BBQ sides in this collection, especially for larger gatherings. The baked dish stays warm well after serving, making it practical for cookouts where people eat over a longer stretch of time. Since the casserole can be assembled ahead, it helps free up grill space during outdoor cooking. Pairing it with grilled vegetables balances the meal more evenly.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

Bright fruit and citrus dressing help Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing bring something cooler and lighter to a BBQ table filled with grilled foods. The honey and lime add enough flavor without overpowering the fruit itself. Since it can be chilled ahead of time, it works especially well during hot-weather gatherings or afternoon cookouts. This side also helps balance richer dishes like casseroles and creamy salads.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey & Lime Dressing

Charred Grilled Peppers

Light charring gives Charred Grilled Peppers a smoky flavor that fits naturally into backyard cookout meals. The peppers stay tender while still holding enough texture to pair well with grilled mains and heavier side dishes. Since they cook quickly on the grill, they work especially well when preparing several dishes at once outdoors. Serving them warm alongside potatoes, corn, or salads helps round out the cookout table easily.
Get the Recipe: Charred Grilled Peppers

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Creamy sauce and roasted Brussels sprouts help Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Casserole bring a heartier vegetable option to BBQ spreads. The air fryer helps crisp the top while still keeping the inside soft enough for scoopable servings. Since the casserole format holds heat well, it stays practical during longer gatherings where people return for second helpings later. It works especially well beside grilled corn, potatoes, or pasta salads.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Charred Grilled Asparagus

Tender stalks and smoky edges make Charred Grilled Asparagus one of the quicker vegetable sides for outdoor meals. The asparagus cooks fast while still keeping enough bite to avoid turning soft on the grill. Since it needs only a short cooking time, it helps fill out the table without taking up grill space for too long. This side pairs especially well with potato dishes, salads, and grilled corn during summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Charred Grilled Asparagus

Vegan Coleslaw

Crunchy cabbage and creamy dressing help Vegan Coleslaw bring balance to heavier BBQ dishes without requiring much prep work. The slaw stays crisp longer when chilled ahead, making it useful for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor parties that stretch through the afternoon. Since it works cold, it also helps offset hotter grilled foods on the plate. Pairing it with sliders, corn dishes, or grilled vegetables keeps the meal more balanced overall.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Coleslaw

Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Grilled vegetables mixed with pasta and dressing make Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies a filling side that still works well in hot weather. The grilled vegetables add smoky flavor while the pasta helps make the dish substantial enough for larger gatherings. Since it can be served chilled or slightly cool, it travels well for BBQs and outdoor parties. Preparing it ahead of time also helps reduce same-day cooking and cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Cauliflower Rice

Light texture and simple seasoning help Cauliflower Rice work well beside richer BBQ sides that can start feeling heavy after a while. The cauliflower absorbs flavor easily while still staying lighter than traditional rice dishes. Since it cooks quickly, it helps round out the table without adding much extra prep or grill time. This side works especially well alongside grilled vegetables and smoky corn dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice

Charred Mexican Street Corn

Creamy topping, corn, and seasoning make Charred Mexican Street Corn one of the boldest sides in this cookout collection. The charred kernels bring smoky flavor while the creamy coating helps balance the spices and lime. Since it works best served warm, it fits naturally into backyard BBQ meals straight from the grill area. This dish pairs especially well with lighter salads or grilled vegetable sides on the same plate.
Get the Recipe: Charred Mexican Street Corn

Chickpea Salad

Packed with chickpeas and crisp vegetables, Chickpea Salad adds a more filling chilled option to summer BBQ tables. The chickpeas help make the salad hearty enough to hold its own beside grilled dishes without feeling overly heavy outdoors. Since it can be made ahead and refrigerated until serving, it helps simplify prep for larger gatherings. This side also travels well for picnics and potluck-style cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad

Chili Lime Corn on the Cob

Fresh lime and seasoning help Chili Lime Corn on the Cob bring bright flavor to outdoor meals without requiring many ingredients. The corn stays easy to cook, while the chili and lime balance smoky grilled dishes especially well. Since corn cooks quickly, it helps keep the cookout moving without taking over the grill for too long. Serving it hot off the grill keeps the texture crisp and the flavor strongest.
Get the Recipe: Chili Lime Corn on the Cob