At any cookout, there’s always that one person who brings the dish everyone talks about—and that can be you. These recipes are crowd-pleasers, plain and simple. They hit that sweet spot of being easy to pull off but still feel like you put some real thought into them. Whether you're feeding neighbors, friends, or just family, you won’t be taking home leftovers. Get ready to steal the show.
Classic American Potato Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
No Mayo Coleslaw
This Asian-style slaw skips the mayo and uses a creamy peanut dressing instead. It’s a smart, fresh option that helps round out your cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus needs just five ingredients and about 25 minutes to prep. It’s a simple, quick side that works well for any cookout gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Spinach Avocado Salad
Spinach and avocado salad brings a fresh bite to the table with a few bright toppings. It’s a light choice that fits right in at any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad
Mango Avocado Salad
Mango avocado salad comes together fast and uses just a handful of ingredients. It’s a great way to keep things fresh and easy at your cookout.
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Heirloom Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is quick to assemble and highlights summer tomatoes at their best. It's a simple side that adds color and freshness to any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad
Classic American Potato Salad
Classic potato salad with boiled eggs is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prep the night before, which makes it a great side for any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled shrimp skewers cook fast and bring plenty of flavor to the table. They’re a solid choice when you want something quick and crowd-friendly at your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Thai Chicken Satay
Thai Satay Chicken brings bold flavor with a marinade full of lemongrass, turmeric, and chiles. It's a fun way to serve something different at your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay
Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Lamb kofta kebabs grill quickly and are packed with spice and flavor. They’re a strong choice when you want something that stands out at your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema
Grilled chicken with cilantro crema is juicy, simple, and full of flavor. It’s a great pick when you want a go-to protein for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema
BBQ Chicken Legs
BBQ chicken legs made in the slow cooker are easy to throw together and full of flavor. They’re perfect when you want a cookout dish without needing the grill.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Legs
Pasta Salad without Mayo
Mayo-free pasta salad with Italian dressing is quick to make and easy to serve. It’s a solid choice when you need a lighter side for any cookout.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad without Mayo
BBQ Pasta Salad
BBQ chicken salad is cold, crunchy, and full of texture thanks to the fried onions. It’s a great way to serve something filling at your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pasta Salad
Best Blackstone Chicken Breast
Blackstone chicken breasts are fast, flavorful, and ready to be the main event. This is a go-to choice when you want a simple protein for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Best Blackstone Chicken Breast
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Grilled steaks with cowboy butter bring a bold finish to a backyard favorite. This one’s a great pick when you want something classic for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Chicken kofta kebabs are quick to prep and loaded with herbs and spice. They’re easy to share and always a strong option for cookout menus.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Broccoli Raisin Salad
Broccoli salad with raisins, bacon, and seeds brings crunch and creaminess in every bite. It’s a solid pick when you want a fresh, make-ahead cookout side.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Raisin Salad
Tasty BBQ Smoked Meatloaf with Glaze
BBQ smoked meatloaf made on the pellet grill adds a bold, nostalgic flavor. It’s a fun way to mix things up at your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Tasty BBQ Smoked Meatloaf with Glaze
Ninja Woodfire Grill Smoky Whole Chicken
Whole chicken done on a Ninja Woodfire Grill brings rich flavor and crispy skin. It’s a standout dish that adds something special to your cookout lineup.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill Smoky Whole Chicken
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken is sweet, spicy, and ready in about 40 minutes. It’s an easy way to make chicken shine at your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops
With just a few spices and a quick trip to the grill, this dish is all about ease. It’s a great pick when you want something simple but still bold for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy scalloped potatoes are creamy, hearty, and always a crowd favorite. They make a strong addition to any cookout table, no matter the weather.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops
Tomahawk pork chops cook fast and bring big flavor with minimal effort. They’re perfect when you want a bold main dish for your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops
Easy Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Grilled Veggie Kabobs are colorful, easy to prep, and always look great on the table. They’re a fresh way to round out your cookout menu.
Get the Recipe: Easy Grilled Veggie Kabobs
Pea Salad With Eggs
Old-fashioned pea salad is creamy, tangy, and takes little time to pull together. It’s a great option when you need a simple make-ahead side for your cookout.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad With Eggs
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