Whether you’re hosting a few friends on the patio or playing grill master for the entire neighborhood, summer is all about outdoor entertaining. However, planning a menu to feed a crowd can quickly become costly. These easy and affordable BBQ side dishes can help keep your social calendar and guests’ bellies full without emptying your wallet. They work with all kinds of menus and come together with a short list of ingredients that won’t break the bank. They’re full of seasonally-inspired flavors and easy to prepare, so you can get back to the fun. Round up the crew and fire up the grill; these satisfying, no-splurge BBQ side dishes make it easy and affordable to entertain all season long.
Bloody Mary Panzanella Salad
Stretch your BBQ side dishes further, and also stretch a buck, with this bread salad inspired by Bloody Marys. The flavors of brunch’s favorite cocktail- tomatoes, Worcestershire, horseradish, and black pepper- combine into a dynamite dressing—made with mostly pantry ingredients—over cubes of sourdough and veggies, capers, and olives. It’s a delicious way to use up any crusty loaf from the bakery that’s past its prime and half-eaten jars in the fridge.
Get the recipe: Bloody Mary Panzanella Salad
Creamed Corn
Fresh and sweet corn on the cob is at peak flavor and at its lowest price during the summer months. This luscious creamed corn is an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats and spicy barbecue—and it has just five ingredients. Fresh corn kernels thicken the sauce and add creaminess without heavy cream.
Get the recipe: Creamed Corn
Chickpea and Quinoa Mediterranean Salad
This recipe turns a budget-friendly pantry staple, canned chickpeas, into the star of a crunchy, colorful salad. Another affordable kitchen standby, quinoa, adds extra fiber and protein to a trio of summertime veggies finished with multigrain pita chips in place of croutons.
Get the recipe: Chickpea and Quinoa Mediterranean Salad
Potato Salad with Green Onions
This lean, green, five-ingredient potato salad that preps in 10 minutes might become your new favorite summer side dish. Budget-friendly red potatoes and trimmed green beans cook effortlessly in the microwave before getting tossed in a creamy homemade yogurt dressing with tangy green onions.
Get the recipe: Potato Salad with Green Onions
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is always a budget-friendly go-to for cookouts and picnics. This version adds peak season corn for a riff on elote, a popular Mexican street food. The combo of grilled corn, elbow macaroni, cilantro, and jalapenos is finished with a creamy, chili-spiked dressing and sprinkle of cheese.
Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ranch Macaroni Salad
A packet of ranch seasoning mix and a splash of dill pickle brine are the secret ingredients in this simple pasta salad bursting with vibrant flavor. Ten minutes of prep is all you need for this goes-with-everything side, studded with fresh carrots and chives in a creamy yogurt dressing that won’t break the bank.
Get the recipe: Ranch Macaroni Salad
Salt and Vinegar Potato Salad
Convert anyone who thinks of potato salad as boring with this recipe that brings the zing. Tender gold potatoes in a tangy dressing with fresh dill all get a hearty dose of crunch from crushed salt and vinegar potato chips.
Get the recipe: Salt and Vinegar Potato Salad
Spicy Tomato and Watermelon Salad
Fresh, peak-season watermelon is a treat for both the taste buds and the wallet. The affordable summer fruit gets a touch of heat from cayenne pepper and a trio of spices in this vibrant salad with tomatoes and fresh basil.
Get the recipe: Spicy Tomato and Watermelon Salad
Layered Southern Cornbread Salad
A can of beans and some simple chopped veggies—corn, red onion, and red bell pepper—are transformed into a showstopping layered salad, perfect for summer gatherings. While you can buy bakery cornbread and buttermilk ranch dressing to save time, you can make your own for even more wallet savings.
Get the recipe: Layered Southern Cornbread Salad
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Upgrade your favorite pasta using the amazing flavor of affordable jarred pickles. Both the pickled spears and pickle brine bring an amazing crunch and flavor to this bowl of classic pasta salad. A touch of green onions and fresh dill brighten everything, while mayonnaise and sour cream create a decadent and creamy sauce.
Get the recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
