15+ Picnic Side Dishes for Outdoor Summer Meals

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

What's the secret for a pasta salad everyone will want to try? Homemade ranch dressing. Here's your brand new go-to side for a backyard barbecue, potluck, or picnic. People in the test kitchen liked this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad so much they were taking it home, and we're thinking it had something to do with our perfectly, herby, garlicky, ranch that coated the veggies and pasta perfectly.

Grilled Corn Salsa Recipe

This flavorful corn salsa features fresh corn that's been charred on the grill, then cut from the cob and mixed with red onion, lime juice and zest, and jalapeños. For best results, prepare this salsa at least one day ahead of time to allow the flavors to blend.

Corn on the Cob with Seasoned Salts Recipe

This delicious corn on the cob can be grilled ahead of time, and then wrapped in tin foil to keep warm.

Marinated Watermelon Tomato Salad Recipe

If you're tired of your usual watermelon salad, give this fantastic new recipe a try. Tomatoes and melon soak up the tangy lime-ginger-mint vinaigrette, making them extra juicy and flavorful. Goat cheese crumbles add a nice creamy note to the salad, but crumbled feta works well too. Serve this salad immediately after it is made so the fresh herbs stay bright and perky.

Roasted Potato Salad with Mustard Dressing Recipe

This tangy side dish with sweet onions and honey pairs beautifully with just about any main dish. For taking to a picnic, be sure to chill the salad beforehand and keep chilled until it's time to eat. You can also use sweet-hot mustard in place of the Dijon and honey for a zesty flavor.

Sour Cream and Onion Dip Recipe

Serve this creamy dip with carrot and celery batons, sliced bell pepper, or pita chips.

Tortellini Caprese Bites Recipe

Tortellini Caprese Bites are drizzled with a basil vinaigrette and are so simple to prepare. Assemble the skewers, and then be sure to chill for two hours before serving.

Watermelon-Cucumber Salad Recipe

For a refreshing summer side, serve lemony Watermelon-Cucumber Salad to go along with your favorite grilled dish.

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers Recipe

These simple-to-prepare bacon-wrapped crackers are addictive and irresistible. After baking the crackers, let cool and pack into a glass or plastic storage container for transport.

Smoky Red Lentil Hummus Recipe

Use this fun riff on classic chickpea hummus to anchor a tray of fresh, seasonal vegetable dippers­—we recommend multicolored carrots, radishes, and cauliflower florets. You can prepare the hummus up to three days ahead; wash and trim the crudités a day in advance, and store them in ziplock plastic bags lined with paper towels.

Layered Cornbread Salad Recipe

Make this crowd-pleaser up to one day ahead. By layering the salad in Mason jars, this dish is both eye-catching and easy to transport to any gathering.

White and Green Bean Salad Recipe

This simple and healthy bean salad features fresh green beans and canned white beans tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings.

Texas Caviar Recipe

Texas caviar makes a perfect side for barbecue but is equally delicious as a starter salad or a dip for tortilla chips.

Veggie Potato Salad Recipe

This "all-in-one" side dish features potato salad with the addition of garden-fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, radishes, and green beans.

Tropical Fruit Salad Recipe

Escape on a tropical getaway with this colorful salad bursting with grapes, bananas, pineapple and mango.

Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

This Caprese Pasta Salad recipe is made up of delicious mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. We love the way our Basic Vinaigrette complements this refreshing summer side or main dish, but you can always customize the recipe if you prefer a milder taste. 

Tomato-Cucumber Salad Recipe

Chill out on hot summer days with the fresh flavors of this cool tomato-cucumber salad.

Summer Coleslaw Recipe

Summer Coleslaw is not your average slaw. This version  of coleslaw is extra crunchy with snow peas, radishes, and hazelnuts.