50 Fourth of July Side Dishes For Your Cookout

These 4th of July side dishes are so good you’ll want to make them all summer long.

From salads to veggies, this will be the best Independence Day yet.

4th of July Side Dishes

I’m sure you’re planning something special for the 4th. And no doubt that includes grilling burgers, chicken, and more.

But don’t forget about the sides! Because they can really make or break a summer bash.

And these fourth of July side dishes truly are something special.

1. Watermelon, Feta, and Blueberry Salad 

This summery salad looks so stunning in red, white, and blue! One look and you already know it’s a perfect side for the 4th of July.

Besides the patriotic colors, what makes this salad holiday-worthy is how delectable it is. 

The combo of fresh watermelon, blueberries, and feta crumbles is so refreshing, it goes well with any hearty, meaty entrees.

2. Paula Deen Potato Salad

Tell me you’re making potato salad and expect me at your door in 15 minutes. That’s how obsessed I am with this side dish.

I mean, it’s a BBQ staple, right? Have you ever been to a cookout and not seen it on the table?

Me either!

3. Red White and Blue Fruit Salad

Here’s another red, white, and blue salad that’s sure to look great on your table of fourth of July sides.

It’s a bowl full of fresh bananas, strawberries, and blueberries tossed in a honey-lime dressing. 

The combination of sweet and tart flavors from both the fruits and dressing makes this salad truly refreshing, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

4. Grilled Corn on the Cob 

Nothing beats the goodness of classic, grilled corn on the cob!

As far as BBQ sides go, this is probably the most beloved. Its bright flavors and sunny colors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

It’s sweet, perfectly charred, and crunchy. And it’s the kind of side dish you won’t mind getting your hands dirty for.

5. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad 

Whoever came up with the idea for pasta salad deserves an award. The combination of fresh veggies and hearty pasta is pure gold!

In this case, it’s a colorful mix of rotini, tomatoes, bacon, and a creamy dressing.

Once it’s had time to marry, it’s the perfect side dish for a crowd of hungry guests.  

6. Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese  

This wedge salad is as crunchy and refreshing as can be!

And sure, iceberg lettuce isn’t the most exciting vegetable known to man.

But with a touch of blue cheese and a smothering of luscious sour cream dressing, it becomes irresistible.

7. Pesto Pasta Salad  

Even if you’re not a fan of greens, I bet you think pesto is the besto! (Yep, that’s a Friends reference, right there.)

This pesto pasta dish can be served hot or cold, and it’s super quick to whip up.

Feel free to make your own pesto with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Or grab a jar and mix it into the warm pasta.

Either way, it adds lovely color to your plate and a kick of freshness to boot.

8. BBQ Baked Beans  

Just like corn on the cob, BBQ baked beans are a must-have summer side dish.

The sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, as well as the soft and starchy textures, go wonderfully well with grilled meats.  

So if you don’t already have a recipe, try this one. They’re the best baked beans I’ve ever had!

9. Grilled Watermelon 

Fresh watermelon is good, but grilled watermelon is unbelievable. 

Seriously, whoever first thought to grill fruits is a genius!

It gives the fruit an even sweeter and deeper flavor, and it makes it look and smell extra special, too!

Serve the grilled slices with cilantro and lime wedges for a colorful presentation. 

10. Loaded Baked Potato Foil Packs 

Tender and starchy grilled potato chunks overloaded with sour cream, shredded cheddar, bacon, and chopped green onions.

What more could you want from your side dishes for 4th of July?

The toppings are awesome, but I also want to highlight just how delicious the spuds are on their own.

Flavored with sea salt, peppercorn, roasted garlic, and herb seasoning, then grilled to perfection, they’re definitely enjoyable even without the add-ons.

11. Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe 

There’s no better way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken than to turn it into this salad.

I’m not exaggerating, this salad is sensational!

It’s a complex mix of shredded chicken, grapes, almonds, and celery tied together by a super creamy dressing.

This is so tasty on its own, but also amazing as a sandwich filling, especially in a croissant.

12. Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette  

It doesn’t sound too amazing, does it? But don’t knock it until you try it.

This recipe is actually a terrific way to elevate humble asparagus into a side dish worthy of being served on the 4th.

Radishes and green onions offer a nice color contrast. They’re then tossed with a simple lemon, olive oil, and sugar vinaigrette to liven up their flavors.

I’m telling you, it truly is worth a try!

13. Quinoa Fruit Salad  

This quinoa fruit salad may be vegan, but I’ll bet even your meat-loving friends will ask for seconds.

I mean, just look at it! Its presentation alone will make you want to try it.

This salad is a mix of quinoa, blueberries, and strawberries tossed in a sweet and tangy citrus dressing.

It’s light and refreshing, but because of the quinoa, it’s also very hearty and filling.

14. Grilled Hasselback Potatoes  

There are not enough words to describe just how obsessed I am with these Hasselback potatoes.

The savory,  buttery, and smoky flavors are outstanding, but what really got me so hooked on this potato recipe are its textures.

They’re crunchy and crispy around the edges and super tender and fluffy on the inside.

Those thin slices really add an extra depth of texture to the dish. It’s definitely deserving of an A+.

15. Creamy Broccoli Salad  

Broccoli doesn’t exactly elicit shrieks of joy, but this creamy broccoli salad will.

Broccoli florets, bacon bits, sunflower seeds, and raisins are tossed in a creamy mayo dressing for the ultimate treat!

Okay, so, I might be a little biased with this one – I mean, it’s my own, after all. But when have I ever led you astray?

16. Fireworks Pasta Salad  

You’ll try it for its name, and you’ll make it again and again for its awesome taste.

This fireworks pasta salad is undeniably the bomb.

Featuring macaroni and a mayo dressing, it’s rich and creamy with a nice bit of tang from the peppers.

Feel free to add some chopped cherry tomatoes and crispy bacon too!

17. Grandma’s Macaroni Salad   

You just can’t beat the classics!

This creamy and decadent macaroni salad is just like your grandma used to make.

Complete from macaroni to colorful veggies to a rich mayo dressing, it’s technically a side dish, but it’s definitely filling.

In fact, I don’t mind eating it on its own.

18. Balsamic Grilled Vegetables  

If you’re looking for something light to contrast the heaviness of grilled burgers and barbecue chicken, the search is over.

This medley of grilled vegetables tossed in balsamic is simple, but it hits the spot every time.

You’ll love that hit of vinegar and how it cuts through the richness of the meat. And hey, you’re getting a portion of veggies too. Win-win!

19. Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob 

Classic corn on the cob is already perfection. But what if you wrapped it in crispy bacon?

This, folks, is a side dish of epic proportions. In fact, it’s so good, I could eat it for dinner on its own!

And did I mention it’s spicy, too? That’s right, there’s paprika and jalapeños in the mix!

20. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus 

There is a way to make asparagus a hit with the kids, and you’re looking right at it.

As we’ve learned from the recipe above: nothing makes vegetables taste better than crisp and smokey bacon.

The best part is that this side dish is delicious and nutritious at the same time.

21. Caribbean Macaroni Pie 

If this is your first time hearing about Caribbean macaroni pie, you’re in for a treat.

Once you’ve tried this dish, you’ll want it in your life forever.

This comfort food from the West Indies is a lot like mac & cheese, only this version is topped with more cheese and baked to golden perfection.

22. Berry Caprese Salad 

A beautiful medley of bright flavors and milk mozzarella, here’s another patriotic salad for the 4th of July.

Tossed with toasted pine nuts and fantastic basil and balsamic vinaigrette, this Caprese salad is one you won’t soon forget. 

From the colors to the flavor and texture combinations, this salad gets a perfect 10 from me.

23. Grilled Mini Sweet Peppers with Goat Cheese 

Sweet peppers stuffed with goat cheese and grilled to smoky, charred perfection might just be the best summer side dish you’ll ever try.

It’s sweet, nutty, and savory with wonderfully soft, creamy, and crunchy textural contrasts.

Plus, it looks so complicated to make, but it actually calls for just three easy steps!

24. Cucumber Salad with Tomato 

Cucumbers and tomatoes don’t exactly conjure up mouthwatering images. This cucumber salad with tomato, however, is the stuff of dreams.

Full of sliced cucumbers, Roma tomatoes, avocados, red onions, and parsley, it’s vibrant, fresh, and delightfully crisp.

Finished with red wine vinaigrette, this exciting cucumber salad is the perfect side to hearty grilled meats. 

25. Artichoke Millet Power Salad 

This artichoke millet power salad is another healthy addition to your 4th of July celebration. 

It’s a light and rejuvenating salad filled with millet (a quinoa-like grain), cannellini beans, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and olives.

All that is then tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette to tie the flavors together.

26. KFC Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

No list of 4th of July side dishes is complete without the creamy coleslaw.

And believe it or not, this KFC copycat slaw is about as good as it gets.

You’ll love the mix of shredded cabbage and carrots with a rich mayonnaise dressing. 

It’s sweet, savory, creamy, and impossible to resist.

27. Baked Zucchini Fries 

French fries are great, but we all know they’re loaded with carbs and fats.

If you’re looking for a healthy option, baked zucchini fries are the solution.

Are they as to die for as the classic all-American snack? No. But are they delicious? For sure.

This dish transforms the humble zucchini into crispy-crunchy, golden treats! And I bet even the kids will dig in.

28. Bisquick Corn Fritters

These corn fritters are crispy and absolutely bursting with flavor with every bite.

And since they’re made with Bisquick, they’re so straightforward to recreate.

Serve these fritters hot with cold Ranch or sour cream dip. They’re so good they might just steal the show.  

29. Zucchini Noodle Salad with Bacon & Tomatoes 

This pasta salad is low-carb but high in flavor. The medley of colors makes it so attractive, too! 

Loaded with spiralized zucchini noodles, bacon, basil, and cherry tomatoes, this is one salad I won’t ever get tired of eating.

30. Creamed Corn with Cream Cheese 

Corn and cream cheese are delicious as individuals, but taste 10 times better when combined.

Sweet and crunchy corn kernels plus creamy and salty cream cheese equals an irresistible fourth of July side dish.

It also gets bonus points for being gluten-free.

31. Cracker Barrel Fried Okra

I know okra can be a bit polarizing. But I think if you don’t like it, you’ve just never had it like this.

When you fry it, it turns from a somewhat slimy dish into something crunchy and flavorful.

Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan over the top and you’re all set.

32. Grilled Corn Salad Recipe with Avocado, Goat Cheese & Hot Honey Vinaigrette

I adore all things corn. But as much as I love sinking my teeth into fresh corn on the cob, it’s not exactly party friendly.

That’s why I love this corn salad recipe!

You get all the flavor of grilled corn, without the greasy cheeks.

33. White Lily Cornbread Recipe

It’s not a BBQ without cornbread. And this recipe is one of my faves.

It’s light and fluffy with a wonderfully crisp edge and sweet corn flavor. And you can easily adjust the sugar content to make it more or less sweet.

Or better yet, throw in some ham and sliced jalapeños to make it salty and spicy. Yum!

34. Original Kraft Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is the kind of dish you want to serve at pretty much every holiday – all year round!

It’s a hit with the kids and the grown-ups love it too.

Plus, it pairs just as well with hot dogs as it does with BBQ tofu or fish.

35. Mexican Bean Salad

Want something fresh, fun, and full of texture for your July fourth? Try this Mexican bean salad recipe!

The ingredients list may look long, but it comes together in a snap.

Just make sure it has an hour or so to chill before serving! That way, the flavors can really marry.

36. Pioneer Woman Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are such a tasty side dish for any season. And they’re way prettier than a big bowl of egg salad!

I really enjoy the texture of the whites with the creamy yolks. And that hit of paprika makes all the difference.

Serve them with chopped scallions too, and they’re sure to be a hit.

37. Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Are you serving fried chicken this fourth of July? Then you have to serve this dill pickle pasta salad!

My go-to fried chicken recipe features pickle juice in the brine. It adds such a fun flavor and makes the meat extra tender.

So it only makes sense to serve a pickle-infused pasta dish on the side.

38. Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole

Summer squash (yellow squash) is a terrific appetizer or side dish for the fourth. It’s light, bright, and pretty darn wholesome.

And this casserole is one of my favorite ways to serve it.

The Vidalia onion is super flavorful and nicely sweet. Add buttery crackers and a few fresh herbs on top to really make the whole thing pop.

39. Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar

Since the grill will already be on, why not make a batch of sweet and cinnamony grilled peaches?

They’re so juicy and sweet, thanks to the brown sugar. And they’re the perfect sides for ribs or BBQ wings. Yum!

40. Grilled Baby Potatoes

Tender potatoes and BBQ go hand in hand. So whether you’re serving hot dogs, burgers, or seafood, you need a platter of these baby potato skewers.

All you need to make them sing is a little olive oil, some sea salt, and a good pinch of fresh herbs (rosemary is the best option!).

Serve them with some garlic butter brushed over the top. Delish!

41. Herb Marinated Tomato Panzanella

Have you ever tried Panzanella? No? You’re missing out!

This stunning bread salad is super fresh and hearty, with plenty of juicy cherry tomatoes and bread.

Yes, bread! It’s a terrific way to use up leftovers, and this version even includes gooey burrata cheese.

42. Grilled Sweet Potatoes

As much as I love sweet potato fries, they can be a bit of a pain to make.

And since I’m sure you’re planning on grilling this July 4th, why not use that heat and make a simple batch of sweet potatoes?

Serve them with some honey butter and a dash of cinnamon, and you’re good to go!

43. Homemade Refried Black Beans Recipe

If you’re fourth of July plans include carnitas and guacamole, may I recommend these refried black beans?

They’re loaded with fresh herbs and plenty of spices. And the soft texture plays really well against the crispy edges on grilled meats.

44. Best-Ever Succotash

Succotash is a veggie dish loaded with fresh corn, beans, and some kind of grain.

It also often includes onions, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, and more. And it looks incredible with all the different colors.

As for what to serve with succotash, I think it’s best with grilled chicken and shrimp!

45. Fried Green Tomatoes

Does anything scream summer quite like fried green tomatoes? I don’t think so!

They’re tangy, juicy, crunchy, and the perfect side to your July 4th BBQ.

And if you have the time, I highly recommend making the Louisiana-style Remoulade sauce. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!

46. Peachy Southern Coleslaw Recipe

Since slaw is such a family fave, I often make a couple of different recipes, so we have enough for a crowd.

And this peach slaw is probably my most-requested July fourth side dish.

It’s super creamy and crunchy, thanks to the shredded cabbage. And there’s a delightful layer of sweetness from the peach yogurt.

47. Grilled Mushroom Skewers

Mushrooms are earthy and meaty, so they’re a terrific side dish for most meals.

They’re also ideal for vegans. And these skewers are sure to be a hit with any non-meat eaters at your summer bash.

Just be sure to make extra because everyone will want two!

48. Creamy Grape Salad Recipe

This may look like dessert, but those crispy grapes in that creamy sauce are actually pretty darn tasty as a BBQ side.

The blend of cream cheese and sour cream is refreshing and tangy. And while there is brown sugar in the mix, it’s not overly sweet.

49. Patriotic Potato Salad with Herb Dressing

It might be a bit hard to see at first, but this mix of red, white, and blue potatoes is the patriotic side dish you never knew you needed.

And it makes for such a nice change from the overly cream potato salad recipes we’re used to.

It’s bright and fresh, with plenty of herbs and a tangy dressing I know you’ll love.

50. Baked Parmesan Basil Heirloom Tomatoes

Last but not least is this baked heirloom tomato recipe.

They’re big and juicy with so many different colors. And when you add Parmesan and fresh herbs, they’re to die for!