If you're throwing a cookout, bbq salads better be part of the plan. This isn’t just some side dish situation—you need at least one great salad on that table or don’t even bother firing up the grill. These are the salads people remember. The ones that vanish before the burgers are gone. They’re bold, crowd-tested, and perfect for making sure your BBQ doesn’t fall flat.
Classic American Potato Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
Vegan Niçoise Salad
Chickpeas, olives, and champagne vinaigrette bring bold flavor to this vegan Niçoise-style salad. It’s a fresh and easy pick that belongs on any BBQ table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Niçoise Salad
Raw Carrot Salad
This crisp raw carrot salad takes minutes to throw together and adds a fresh crunch. It balances out heavy grilled mains without slowing you down.
Get the Recipe: Raw Carrot Salad
Heirloom Caprese Salad
With tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, this Caprese keeps it simple without falling flat. It’s a fresh hit that earns its place next to the grill.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad
Roasted Vegetable Salad
Roasted vegetables tossed in a light vinaigrette show off the best of the season. Serve it warm or cold—either way, it's right at home at a cookout.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad
Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
Shaved Brussels sprouts, chickpeas, and vegan Caesar dressing bring in bold texture and flavor. It’s a strong pick when you want something fresh but not basic.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
Classic American Potato Salad
Classic creamy potato salad with eggs is quick to make and always gets cleared out first. No BBQ lineup is complete without a version like this.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad
Roasted Pear Salad
Roasted pears with crunch and lemon vinaigrette keep things light without losing flavor. It’s a smart way to bring in fall produce without a ton of prep.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pear Salad
Panzanella Salad
Crusty bread, fresh vegetables, and vinaigrette come together fast in this panzanella. It’s flexible enough to stand on its own or sit beside anything from the grill.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad
Beet & Goat Cheese Salad
Roasted beets, goat cheese, and walnuts make this a smart, lighter choice. It's a reliable way to cut through heavier BBQ dishes without losing interest.
Get the Recipe: Beet & Goat Cheese Salad
Savoury Steak and Squash Salad
Steak and squash with apple maple vinaigrette highlight seasonal ingredients without piling on richness. It’s a sharp contrast to the usual BBQ spread.
Get the Recipe: Savoury Steak and Squash Salad
Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad
Radicchio, endive, and chicken with honey mustard dressing keep this salad balanced and bright. It works whether you’re hosting outside or need something easy.
Get the Recipe: Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad
Best Roasted Potato Salad
Roasted potatoes with herbs, pistachios, and dressing bring bold flavor and texture. This one earns its spot with how well it pairs with grilled favorites.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Potato Salad
Cabbage Apple Salad
Red cabbage and apples tossed in tangy dressing deliver crunch and color in one bowl. It's the right kind of contrast to balance out rich mains.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad
Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu
Couscous, tofu, and lemon dressing make this vegan salad quick, fresh, and easy to prep ahead. It rounds out grilled dishes without taking over the plate.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu
Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad
Butternut squash, arugula, and feta with vinaigrette come together fast. It’s a strong pick for anyone wanting a seasonal, no-fuss side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad
Autumn Salad with Chicken
Chicken, fruit, feta, and nuts make this salad easy to prep and packed with texture. It fits right in with any laid-back BBQ setup.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Salad with Chicken
Roasted Sunchoke Salad
Roasted sunchokes and fennel over greens with lemon mustard dressing feel fresh and light. It’s an easy way to balance out heavier grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sunchoke Salad
Roasted Beet Salad
Beets and tangerines pop with color and flavor in this quick, seasonal salad. Great as a starter or light side when the grill’s already going strong.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad
Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad
Broccoli and apples with a yogurt dressing bring crunch and creaminess together fast. It’s a go-to side that cuts through rich BBQ mains with no extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad
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