Posted by Keri M on June 23, 2022
It’s cook-out season! There’s just something special about al fresco dining … spreading a gingham tablecloth on the picnic table, firing up the grill, and the happy procession of family and friends carrying trays of dishes, utensils, condiments and picnic-perfect foods to the outdoor dining space.
While the sizzling steak, mouth-watering burger or juicy hot dog on the grill usually takes center stage at these events, what would a cookout be without the tasty summer sides? A hotdog on a bun is a snack. But surround it with potato salad, baked beans and a dessert, and you’ve got a MEAL, man!
If you’re looking for easy-to-prepare, delicious side dishes for YOUR next backyard grill-out or patio picnic, consider these five-start favorite recipes from Tastefully Simple:
Described by one fan as “a must-have at all your family BBQs and parties,” this so-simple cold pasta dish combines chicken seasoned with Fiesta Party Seasoning™, bowtie pasta and Corn, Black Bean Salsa in a creamy, mayo-sour cream dressing.
“These are quick, easy and my family loves them!” raves one reviewer of these flavorful spuds. Toss thin-sliced taters with Roasted Garlic Infused Oil, season liberally with Garlic Garlic™ Seasoning, fold in an aluminum foil packet and toss on the grill. Easy-licious!
Channel your inner cowboy with this hearty dish, featuring four varieties of beans, ground beef and bacon, flavored with Smoky Bacon BBQ Sauce. “So good, everyone asked me for my recipe!” one happy cook declared. Make it on the grill or in the oven.
Why stand over the stove boiling sweet corn when you can make it so simply delicious on the grill? Surprise! The secret ingredient is Ultimate Steak™ Seasoning, giving it “just enough of a kick but not too spicy,” according to one five-star rater.
“I love this salad. I want to marry it.” Are you as devoted to your plain old coleslaw as this reviewer is to our fresh, creamy version featuring broccoli slaw, apple, cranberries and onions smothered in tangy Vidalia® Onion Dressing? Try it and find out what you’ve been missing!
Maybe you’re more the bean salad type. If so, you’ll never do better than this fresh, colorful and flavor-packed version. “This has become one of my favorite and easy go to recipes,” one five-star rater noted. Simply Salsa™ Mix gives it its zesty twist.
“It’s perfect for summer!” said a reviewer of this picnic favorite. Made with popular Dill Pickle Dip Mix, it’s the ultimate accompaniment to any grilled entrée.
BONUS!
Maybe a dessert isn’t technically a side, but this easy meal-capper made on the grill is too good not to share! Fresh-picked peaches and marshmallows share space on the skewer with chunks of Absolutely Almond Pound Cake, and the toasted treat is drizzled with Creamy Caramel Sauce. The verdict? “OMG. So delish!” according to a reviewer.
This summer, when you’re firing up the grill, spare a bit of applause for the super side dishes that make outdoor dining so fresh!
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