by Jeannette Rodgers

Created on: February 15, 2010

What would a cookout be without the highly anticipated and expected sides that enhance the main dish at any barbecue or picnic?

What would hot dogs be without sweet and savory baked beans?

What would smoke flavored barbecued baby back ribs be without that creamy homemade potato salad?

Without some of the best side dishes that make food into a meal it would leave a cookout lacking and some of our taste buds untouched. Yes, we must pay tribute to the best side dishes that truly bring the cookout to fullness.

Some of the best side dishes for a cookout are those old fashioned traditional items that never cease to be the favorites. These popular sides rule the cookout. The creamy southern style potato salad with egg, a touch of dry and yellow mustard, relish, celery, mayo and smoked paprika or the macaroni salad and coleslaw are always awaited at the cookout with great expectation. Then there are the barbecue baked beans with bacon, onion, molasses, brown sugar and cinnamon as well as the deviled eggs which mark the top of the side dish list.

Next to those traditional sides are the cold pasta salads, three bean salad, olive salad and antipasto which consists of salami, pepperoncini, olives, pasta, provolone, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese cubes in a vinaigrette dressing. There is also the traditional garden salad that keeps well in the sun and offers a great low fat and somewhat nutritional offering. Green lettuce salads can be kicked up a bit by adding a great spring mix, radishes, strawberries, basil, watercress, arugula and/or mint with other favorites vegetables. Pickles and veggie platters including celery, cucumber, tomatoes, carrot sticks and broccoli are very popular and nutritious too.

As nutritional trends change many of the side salads are being served with olive oil and vinegar dressings instead of with mayo. There is the coleslaw that is now considered a “health salad” since it is made with Italian seasoning, olive oil, vinegar and celery seed which is fewer in calories, tangy and delicious. For that extra kick crush a pinch of fennel seed and add to taste. These salads are also easier for keeping longer freshness at cookouts where temperatures can spoil certain foods that are left out of a cooler and contain mayonnaise. Corn on the cob and grilled vegetable skewers are always a favorite at any cookout.

Along with the savory side dishes are the sweet dishes that are offered for a refreshing dessert. Watermelon is usually always the star. Fresh fruit salads, angel food cake and similar items offer a quenching and delicious ending to any meal. 

So, while someone is selecting, marinating, preparing and/or grilling the main star of the meal such as the steak, shrimp, hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken or sausage; make sure someone else is preparing those great sides that enhance the cookout meal.

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