No Fourth of July cookout is complete without a table full of classic summer sides. While burgers and hot dogs may get top billing, it's the potato salads, sweet corn dishes, juicy tomato recipes, and smoky baked beans that truly make the holiday meal delicious. If you're looking to round out your Independence Day menu, these 10 crowd-pleasing recipes put a fresh spin on four of the season's most iconic side dishes. From creamy and comforting to bright and flavorful, these easy recipes are guaranteed to be the first bowls and platters emptied at your backyard barbecue.
Red Cabbage Slaw with Peanuts, Dates, and Mint
A little sweet and a little savory, this crunchy, colorful slaw makes the perfect accompaniment to a rich burger.
Get the recipe for Red Cabbage Slaw with Peanuts, Dates, and Mint.
Smoky German-Style Bacon Potato Salad
If you don't love mayo, then this is the potato salad for you. Full of smoky bacon, spicy mustard, and tangy vinegar, it's anything but your average potato salad.
Get the recipe for Smoky German-Style Bacon Potato Salad.
Root Beer Baked Beans
No one will guess the secret ingredient in these baked beans: root beer. It brings a subtle sweetness and a little je ne sais quoi that takes this barbecue staple to the next level.
Get the recipe for Root Beer Baked Beans.
Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)
Creamy additions to sweet corn on the cob make this classic side dish stand out.
Get the recipe for Elotes (Mexican Street Corn).
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Upgrade the classic combination of tomatoes and cucumbers with quick-pickled onions. Tangy and flavorful, the onions will quickly become a fridge staple right alongside the ketchup and mayo.
Get the recipe for Cucumber Tomato Salad.
Smashed Buttermilk Potato Salad
Roasting smashed potatoes not only creates flavorful, crispy edges, but also provides more surface area to soak up the delicious buttermilk dressing.
Get the recipe for Smashed Buttermilk Potato Salad.
Scallion Baked Beans
This sophisticated baked bean recipe features plenty of onions and yellow squash, giving the traditional dish a fresh, garden-inspired twist.
Get the recipe for Scallion Baked Beans.
Charred Corn Salad
Quickly charring the corn on the grill gives this bright, flavorful side dish a subtle smoky flavor that perfectly complements its fresh ingredients.
Get the recipe for Charred Corn Salad.
Roasted Red Cabbage-and-Collard Green Slaw
Another twist on a classic recipe, this slaw gets crunchy from its time in the oven, then is tossed with sweet-and-spicy dressing. It won’t last on the buffet.
Get the recipe for Roasted Red Cabbage-and-Collard Green Slaw.
Tomato Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette
Packed with bacon and blue cheese, this steakhouse-worthy side is rich, flavorful, and right at home alongside your favorite barbecue dishes.
Get the recipe for Tomato Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette.
