I Forgot the Main Dish and Made 21 Cookout Sides Instead

ByZuzana

Someone forgot the main attraction, but with 21 cookout sides stealing the show, no one even noticed. Things escalated from “What’s the entrée?” to “Do we even need one?” in record time. Plates were full, folks were happy, and not a single person asked where the meat went.

Taco salad in edible salad bowl.
Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli Salad with Bacon inside wooden bowl.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Even picky eaters reach for Broccoli Salad with Bacon thanks to the nice balance of crunch and rich bites. This side always disappears fast at big gatherings or family meals. It’s one of those dishes everyone seems to remember later. A little goes a long way, but people usually grab seconds.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Epic Nacho Snack Board

A platter of nachos with different toppings.
Epic Nacho Snack Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Big crowds gravitate toward Epic Nacho Snack Board, with its mix of color and toppings that everyone can share. Each bite can be customized, so nobody misses out on their favorites. Stack your plate or go back for seconds—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. Snack time gets a boost when this board comes out.
Get the Recipe: Epic Nacho Snack Board

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A bowl of rice topped with grilled chicken, creamy sauce, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and red onion slices.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Family meals feel less formal when Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is on the table, giving everyone plenty to mix and match. Each bowl packs lots of flavors together without any fuss. It doubles up well as a side or main if you need to stretch a meal. People often skip other dishes to fill up on this one.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Skewers of vegetables and shrimp on a grill.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Everyone crowds around when Grilled Shrimp Skewers hit the table, each one perfectly sized for sharing. The simple flavors make these an easy favorite for all ages. Skewers fit in with other sides or can be the focus of the meal. People often grab a few before moving on to the next dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Tomato Bruschetta Board

Tomato bruschetta board on a table.
Tomato Bruschetta Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Snacking feels easy with Tomato Bruschetta Board, letting everyone build their own bites on the spot. The fresh combination keeps it light but never boring. It gets people talking while they eat, mixing up flavors as they go. Boards usually look empty by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board

Mini Tacos

A plate of beef tacos topped with cheese, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro, served with avocado sauce and lime wedges. A bowl of cilantro and a jar lid are next to the plate.
Mini Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No one complains when you set out Mini Tacos, since tiny shells with big flavor win over guests every time. Each taco is easy to handle and keeps the meal fun and informal. Filling options can match any crowd. Most people come back for a second round, no matter what else is served.
Get the Recipe: Mini Tacos

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fresh and cool, Shirazi Salad is the kind of side that pairs well with heavier mains or stands alone. Its crunch and tang keep things interesting on your plate. People go back for more long after the main dishes are gone. This bowl often gets scraped clean before the night ends.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Lobster Roll

A close-up of a sandwich roll filled with chunks of seasoned lobster meat, garnished with chopped chives.
Lobster Roll. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bites of Lobster Roll bring a special touch to any cookout or big meal, making it feel almost like the main dish by itself. The soft roll and cool filling get everyone excited to eat. Cut them smaller for a side or serve bigger portions to make a statement. Either way, they go fast.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Roll

Juicy and Guilt-Free Portobello Mushroom Burger

Portobello mushrooms buns with burger in between.
Juicy and Guilt-Free Portobello Mushroom Burger. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Switching things up, Juicy and Guilt-Free Portobello Mushroom Burger makes a strong choice for both vegetarians and those trying something new. It holds up well next to classic sides or main dishes. Thick and filling, you won’t miss the meat at all. Even regular burger fans will want to try a bite.
Get the Recipe: Juicy and Guilt-Free Portobello Mushroom Burger

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon.
Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Simple meals shine with Cucumber Tomato Salad, full of crunch and bright color in every scoop. It keeps things light and pairs well with grilled or rich dishes. Kids grab it quickly thanks to its cool and fresh look. Most plates come back empty when it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Creamed Corn

Smoked Creamed Corn in a black skillet.
Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Guests love the texture of Creamed Corn, mild enough to win anyone over and creamy from the first bite. It brings a bit of comfort to crowded tables without stealing the show. Many ask for seconds, especially when paired with grilled sides. This side never lasts long at big gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fun dishes like Pizza Pasta Salad always attract kids and adults looking for something a little different. It packs familiar flavors in every forkful. Serve it cold, and plates stay full of color. This one often ends up gone before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback in a close-up.
Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Changing things up from basic sides, Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback brings together bold and fresh flavors in one neat slice. The look always gets attention when you put it out. People cut off just a bit at a time, but slices go fast. Expect this one to be gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!

Overhead shot of a glass bowl filled with BLT pasta salad.
BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Familiar flavors get a fresh update in BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!, which always has people asking for the recipe. Bits of crunch and creaminess keep each bite interesting. You won’t find much left over after the meal. Everyone appreciates a second helping when it’s around.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!

Stuffed Tomatoes

Stuffed Tomatoes inside white casserole.
Stuffed Tomatoes. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Filling and easy to eat, Stuffed Tomatoes are never left behind when passing the sides around. They look good and hold together well, making them easy for guests to handle. Pair with smoothies or grilled dishes depending on what else you’re serving. Many people want to try just one more.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Tomatoes

Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters

Two Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooter halves were placed on a slate board, next to slices of bread.
Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Guests always get curious once you put out Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters, with their simple mix of tang and protein. These little cups work well as finger food or one-bite appetizers. Everyone gets a chance to taste since they’re easy to pass around. The plate usually empties out before the main dish arrives.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters

Cowboy Caviar

Close-up of a mixed salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, black beans, chickpeas, corn, cucumber, red onion, and parsley, being drizzled with dressing.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Serving up something different, Cowboy Caviar brings a bunch of color and a blend of textures to any meal. Scooping it up with chips or just a spoon makes it a fast favorite. It works for both picky eaters and adventurous ones. This bowl often gets refilled more than once.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers on a blue plates.
Stuffed Bell Peppers. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Warm and filling, Stuffed Bell Peppers often end up gone before anything else thanks to their mix of hearty and light. The way they’re prepared lets everyone grab their portion easily. Leftovers rarely happen with these on the table. People often ask when you’ll serve them again.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Peppers

Pico de Gallo

A bowl of pico de gallo with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños with a spoon inside, next to a lime and tortilla chips.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Snacks feel fresher when there’s a bowl of Pico de Gallo for topping or scooping. The bright mix helps balance heavier or spicy cookout foods. Guests keep coming back until the bowl is empty. A little bit of this adds a punch to every plate.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Taco salad in edible salad bowl.
Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Friends looking for lighter sides fill their plates with Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef. It packs plenty of crunch and flavor without slowing you down. Even folks who don’t worry about carbs enjoy a serving. Fresh toppings let everyone make it their way.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Taco Salad Bowl with Mexican Ground Beef

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Meals feel more exciting when someone brings Chipotle Grilled Chicken, adding just the right kick for side or main status. These pieces rarely last long as guests crowd around the platter. Flavor stands out in every bite without being overpowering. This is one side that could easily steal the whole meal.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken