Friends smiling as they pass dishes to each other at a table outside in the yard.

Food

10 Inspiring Side Dishes for Summer Cookouts

June 30, 2025

by Rootstock Editor

Figuring out what to whip up for a weekend cookout should be effortless. If you are notorious for having the side dish that everyone looks forward to, go for it. If not, we have 10 delicious and simple side dish recipes that can be served cool for all of your summer gatherings! From amazing deviled eggs to Classic Crostini — these colorful creations will jazz up your outings.

Let’s get to it:

Easy Picnic Potato Salad

Want to bring the best potato salad to the next cookout? This potato salad recipe is a wonderful picnic side dish idea. The combination of spices, gluten-free Organic Valley® Sour Cream from pasture-raised cows, and mayonnaise is just right to highlight red potatoes.

Get the recipe here: Easy Picnic Potato Salad

Mexican-inspired Street Corn Salad

Sweet corn meets spicy jalapeños, meets salty cheese in this simple side. This dish is seriously easy and seriously delicious. Give it spicy flare if your tastebuds can handle it or tame it down for a guest-friendly outing. Or make two versions — why not?

Get the recipe here: Mexican-inspired Street Corn Salad

Layered Fiesta Salad

A true summer salad delight, our take on the fiesta salad is cool and crisp. This colorful side salad also provides the health benefits of fresh veggies and the calcium and protein found in Organic Valley® Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese.

Get the recipe here: Layered Fiesta Salad

Creamy Mayo-Free Broccoli Salad

No matter what you call it, this creamy broccoli salad is a healthy remake of an old family favorite and one you’ll want to share again and again.

Get the recipe here: Creamy Mayo-Free Broccoli Salad

Photo by Nicki Sizemore

Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad

This is sure to please! Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad is not your everyday pasta salad. Adding crispy bacon elevates this side dish to something everyone will be talking about. Not only is it tasty, the addition of tomatoes, scallions and corn makes it an eye-pleasing dish as well.

Get the recipe here: Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad

Divine Deviled Eggs

Not just deviled eggs — Divine Deviled Eggs! This deviled egg recipe includes a touch of honey with just the right mix of seasoning to bring your everyday deviled eggs up to a whole new level. Organic Valley® eggs come from free-range chickens that are given room to behave as nature intended — and you can taste the difference.

Get the recipe here: Divine Deviled Eggs

Panzanella Salad with Mozzarella and Bacon

Panzanella Salad is simple to make and a great summer side dish. The recipe calls for cubed Italian bread, cheese, herbs, oil, bacon and more.

Get the recipe here: Panzanella Salad with Mozzarella and Bacon

Classic Crostini

Light and bright, Classic Crostini is a wonderful addition to any gathering. Made with Organic Valley® Mozzarella Cheese from pasture-raised cows, this easy-to-make crostini is delicious.

Get the recipe here: Classic Crostini

Charcuterie Board

Artfully arrange cheeses, organic meats, olives, artisan breads or crackers to make an organic Charcuterie Board. Get creative with your Charcuterie Board. No one ever complained there was too much cheese at a cookout!

Get the recipe here: Charcuterie Board

Cookouts are fun and bringing a dish to pass should be fun too. Get the family involved in creating these delicious side dishes — then sit back and enjoy your family, friends and new acquaintances while filling your belly with all of the wonderful food being shared.

Carrot Top Pesto Pasta with Juicy Chicken

Bright, herbaceous and packed with flavor, this recipe is a delicious way to use every part of the carrot while creating a vibrant, nutrient-rich dish. Serve it chilled at a Fourth of July cookout or serve warm for a family-friendly meal.

Get the recipe here: Carrot Top Pesto Pasta with Juicy Chicken