18 Labor Day Cookout Sides You Can’t Skip This Weekend

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The long weekend is here, which means it’s time to fire up the grill and load the table with sides that steal the show. Honestly, these are the Labor Day cookout sides you can’t skip if you want a spread that feels complete. From cool, crisp salads to cheesy comfort favorites, this list has the perfect mix to keep every guest happy.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

 

Bright flavors of lime, chili, and roasted corn turn pasta salad into something bold and festive. It’s filling enough for a crowd yet light enough to cut through grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Creamy potatoes mix with the tang of deviled eggs for a side that feels nostalgic and bold. It’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear fast from the table.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Italian Pasta Salad

This salad is loaded with pepperoni, cheese, and crisp veggies, making it hearty and colorful. It tastes even better the next day, which makes it perfect for prepping ahead of the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Sesame Noodle Salad

Chilled noodles tossed with sesame dressing bring a light, nutty flavor to the spread. It’s a flexible side that tastes great at room temperature and pairs well with smoky meats.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Noodle Salad

Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad

Fresh corn, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado combine for a colorful, refreshing side. It’s produce-packed and stays vibrant even in the summer heat.
Get the Recipe: Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad

Grilled Corn

Grilled corn brings out natural sweetness while adding a smoky char that feels like summer on a plate. It’s an easy side that fits with burgers, ribs, or anything else hot off the grill.
Get the Recipe: How To Grill Corn

Coleslaw

This creamy slaw brings crunch and coolness, the perfect contrast to smoky barbecue. It stays fresh outdoors and adds balance to heavier mains on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower takes on a smoky depth when seared directly on the grill. This veggie side adds variety and works for anyone wanting something lighter at the cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Fried Corn

Pan-fried with butter and Cajun spices, this corn side is smoky and bold. It cooks quickly on the stovetop and delivers big flavor with little effort.
Get the Recipe: 6-Ingredient Savory And Smoky Fried Corn Recipe

Fried Zucchini

Breaded zucchini fries up golden and crisp, turning simple veggies into something crave-worthy. They make a fun finger food that disappears quickly at cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Fried Zucchini

Grandma’s Cucumber Salad

Cool cucumber slices in a light, tangy dressing bring instant refreshment to the plate. It’s the kind of easy summer side that feels just right on a hot day.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cucumber Salad

Funeral Potatoes

This cheesy potato casserole is creamy, comforting, and built to feed a crowd. It’s hearty enough to stand out at any cookout table and guaranteed to vanish fast.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes layered with mozzarella and balsamic dressing create a colorful, elegant side. It’s refreshing, simple to assemble, and always stands out on the table.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad

Macaroni Salad

A creamy, chilled macaroni salad is the side dish that feels instantly familiar. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make ahead, and pairs well with anything on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Simple Macaroni Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

Roasted corn tossed with creamy, tangy dressing makes this salad pop with flavor. It’s simple to prepare ahead and brings bold zest to the cookout spread.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Crispy on the outside and cheesy on top, these smashed potatoes are pure comfort. They bring indulgence to the table and are always a hit with guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Loaded with bacon, cheddar, and ranch, this pasta salad is rich yet refreshing when chilled. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent but perfect for hot days.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Creamy Potato Salad

Soft potatoes coated in tangy mayo-vinegar dressing make this a classic backyard favorite. It’s easy to prepare in large batches and feels like a must-have on every cookout menu.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Potato Salad