Choosing the main dish is easy when planning a cookout, but sides are harder. There are so many options, so choosing a few can feel overwhelming. On top of that, if you go with something your guests do not like, your cookout will not be a success. Eliminate the stress by whipping up these side dishes for your next barbecue.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
You really cannot go wrong with corn on the cob, but some recipes are better than others. If you want to wow your guests, this Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe leads the pack. You can grill the corn with the husks on or off using this recipe, although keeping the husks on is the preferred method. Oh, and do not be afraid to add some extra toppings to the corn like garlic or paprika. Cheddar bacon ranch is divine when paired with grilled corn on the cob.
Best Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a staple at cookouts, so your guests will be expecting it. Even so, they will be shocked by the flavors when you make this recipe for the Best Pasta Salad. You can follow this recipe as written or add some tasty twists to it. Some ideas include zesty Italian dressing and extra olives. Plus, you cannot go wrong when adding extra spinach into the mix. Just make sure that you increase the amount of dressing if you add other ingredients. Doubling the dressing is a safe bet when throwing in extras.
Grilled Avocado
Add a dash of color and more than a dash of flavor to your cookout with help from this Grilled Avocado recipe. Avocados are always creamy, but grilling them enhances the creaminess. Plus, some time on the grill tenderizes them while adding a deliciously smoky flavor. If you want to knock the recipe out of the park, choose your avocados well. Normally, you purchase them when they are ripe, but that will not provide the results you want when grilling. Instead, select avocados that are almost ripe but not quite. The grill will soften them up, so your guests will never know.
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Classic Coleslaw
A barbecue is not complete until there is coleslaw on the table. And when it comes to this side dish, you cannot beat this Classic Coleslaw recipe. This recipe scores high marks on both taste and presentation. For instance, it calls for green and red cabbage to make the flavor profile more interesting. At the same time, those two cabbages add a nice visual contrast that will make your table look even more inviting.
Keep these recipes in mind the next time you decide to grill out. Whether you are entertaining friends or having a quiet barbecue with your family, these dishes will be all the rage.