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So, we're talking about cookout sides, right? These are 9 dishes that don't always make it onto the Instagram posts, but let's be real—they're the backbone of a good barbecue. You might not brag about them to your buddy, but they are always ready to steal the spotlight from the meaty mains.
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Deviled Egg Potato Salad
Combining two picnic classics, Deviled Egg Potato Salad takes you on a little adventure. It's got all the creaminess of deviled eggs and the heartiness of potato salad. It's a crowd-pleaser that often ends up outshining the main dish. Scoop some onto your plate, and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Potato Salad
Chickpea Burgers
Veggie lovers and meat-eaters alike queue up for Chickpea Burgers. Packed with protein and flavor, they're a regret-free alternative that still feels indulgent. These burgers add a unique twist to the cookout spread, guaranteeing no one misses out.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Burgers
Bacon and Egg Salad
This isn't your average picnic salad—think breakfast meets BBQ. Rich, smoky bacon teams up with eggs in Bacon and Egg Salad that's as filling as it is unexpected. It's a robust complement to simpler dishes and often becomes the topic of conversation.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Egg Salad
Chipotle Turkey Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Crema
Chipotle Turkey Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Crema aren't just any burgers. The smoky chipotle heat pairs perfectly with the cool, zingy crema. They bring a gourmet twist to the traditional cookout, offering a lighter option without skimping on flavor. People will be talking about these!
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Turkey Burgers with Cilantro-Lime Crema
Best Cookout Coleslaw
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Forget the soggy, forgettable coleslaw you might be used to. This Best Cookout Coleslaw has a crunch and tang that commands attention. It's a refreshing contrast to the heavier BBQ fare, especially on those hot summer days. The simplicity and zing make it a staple.
Get the Recipe: Best Cookout Coleslaw
Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter
The name might sound fancy, but this dish is straightforward and all about flavor. Tender, juicy flank steak gets a spicy kick from rich chile butter. Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter is often the first main dish to go because no one can resist that combination.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Chile Butter
Watermelon and Feta Salad
Light, refreshing, and a touch sweet—Watermelon and Feta Salad is not just a side, it's a conversation starter. Cube up some watermelon, toss it with feta, and watch this dish become the unexpected star. Its simplicity is its secret weapon, offering a cool break from the grilled mains.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad
Elote
Step aside, typical corn on the cob; Elote brings the street food vibe to your backyard. Smothered in creamy, tangy sauce and cheese, it's always a standout. This Mexican street corn will have guests lining up for more—it's that irresistible. It’s the kind of side that leaves people amazed.
Get the Recipe: Elote
Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono
Crisp, light, and with a tangy-sweet dressing, Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono cuts through the richness of other dishes. This salad is a tribute to simplicity, making it the perfect palate cleanser. It's easy to overlook, but once you try it, it becomes a must-have on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Cucumber Salad or Sunomono
