Memorial Day is less than 2 weeks away, which means it’s time to figure out what you’re bringing to the BBQ.

And if you’re in charge of a side dish, this is your sign to bring something people are actually excited about.

These are the BBQ sides I come back to again and again. The ones inspired by family recipes, old favorites, grocery store splurges I decided to recreate at home, and dishes people still ask me for.

Here are 7 Memorial Day sides I’d actually be hyped to bring.

#7: Thai Peanut Salad

This is the fun, non-traditional one.

It’s crunchy, colorful, full of flavor, and bonus — it’s gluten free, because we all have that one gluten-free friend at the BBQ.

It’s a great option when you want something fresh but still filling, and it brings a totally different flavor to the table than the usual potato salad and pasta salad lineup.

#6: Grilled Lemon Potato Salad

This one is a no-mayo potato salad and it has been around in my life for a long time.

It’s a variation of a recipe my bestie and I found in a magazine back in our early 20s. We’re 38 and 39 now, so let’s just say this one has earned its place at the cookout table.

It’s bright, lemony, a little smoky from the grill, and such a good option if you want something lighter than classic creamy potato salad.

#5: 3 Bean Salad

This is the classic that deserves a comeback.

My mom used to make 3 bean salad from a church cookbook, and I’ve adjusted it a bit through the years, but it’s still one of those old-school recipes that just works.

I even have a friend who requests it every Memorial Day because she says it’s so good but “no one makes it anymore.”

So honestly, I dare you to make it and surprise everyone.

#4: Dill Pickle Potato Salad

This one is a twist on my mom’s potato salad, but with a little extra tang.

I always preferred potato salad with eggs, so I took a version of her recipe, added eggs, leaned into the pickle flavor, and now it feels like my own.

It’s creamy, tangy, and basically the best of both worlds if you love both potato salad and pickles.

#3: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

I know so many of you are deviled egg lovers, so this one had to happen.

It combines two cookout classics — deviled eggs and pasta salad — into one creamy side dish.

The best part? The yolks get mixed right into the mayo, which makes this the creamiest deviled egg pasta salad around.

#2: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

This one is basically a meal in itself.

I created this recipe after falling in love with a buffalo chicken pasta salad from my local grocery store… except it cost an arm and a leg.

Now, for about the same price, I can make 2–3 tubs worth at home, and it’s always a hit with the buffalo chicken lovers.

It’s creamy, spicy, filling, and perfect if you want to bring something that feels a little more exciting than a basic side dish.

#1: The side dish people always ask me for…

This one is creamy, zesty, a little smoky, and inspired by one of the best summer flavors ever.

I’ve had multiple husbands tell their wives they NEED to start making this one, which always makes me laugh — and of course, I’m always happy to share the recipe.

It’s my #1 Memorial Day BBQ side for a reason.

If you’re not sure what to bring to Memorial Day, start with one of these.

They’re easy, crowd-friendly, and they all bring something a little different to the BBQ table.

Happy hosting,

Maria