What are your plans for the 4th of July? Heading to a barbecue?

If you’ll be barbecuing or grilling, then you probably already know what will be hitting the grill or smoker when it comes to the main course. 

But what about your side dishes?

Don’t let the sides be an afterthought. Make a couple of the recipes on this list, and you’re sure to be popular!

• The Best Baked Beans: Baked beans are a delicious side dish – and they go with so many different proteins that even if you don’t know what the main course is – you’ll be okay bringing this dish. And it makes a huge pan for all those hearty appetites!
• Red, White, and Blueberry Caprese Salad: Caprese salad is a popular summertime dish when tomatoes start to come into season. This is a twist on the traditional Caprese salad with the addition of blueberries to go with the 4th of July holiday. With just a few ingredients, you can throw this together in no time at all.
• Corn Salad: Corn is another summertime treat. People wait all year long for sweet corn to make it to their local farmers’ market. This is creamy and crunchy (due to the crushed Doritos) and will be a hit with everyone.
• Vinegar Coleslaw: Not a fan of mayonnaise in your salads, then you’re going to appreciate this vinegar-based coleslaw. It’s crunchy and tangy and has a hint of sweetness from the honey in the dressing.
• Jalapeno Deviled Eggs: If you bring deviled eggs to a gathering, they are going to disappear! And these Jalapeno Deviled Eggs are no exception. Fresh and pickled jalapenos add just the right amount of spice!
• Mexican Pasta Salad with Creamy Chipotle Lime Dressing: Tired of traditional macaroni salad? Then give this recipe a go! This Mexican Pasta Salad has avocados, tomatoes, black beans, corn, onions, and green peppers – along with a tasty dressing. 
• Loaded Baked Potato Salad: And if you’re sick of ho-hum potato salad, then this Loaded Baked Potato Salad can cure that! It has all of those ingredients you love to load on a fresh-from-the-oven baked potato but in a cold salad. (There’s even a twist on this recipe where some Ranch seasoning is added!)
• Watermelon and Feta Salad: Watermelon and feta is a combination you may not have thought of putting together in a salad, but you’ve got to give it a go! It’s yummy! The sweet watermelon combined with the salty feta is a match made in heaven.
• Southern Style Super Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: Kids and adults are going to thank whoever brings this recipe to the 4th of July BBQ. It’s certainly not low in calories – as it has three different kinds of cheese, whole milk, and butter – but it’s full of flavor! You’ll go home with an empty pan for sure!
• Rainbow Fruit Kabobs: Fresh fruit can be cool and refreshing – especially on a hot day. These Rainbow Fruit Kabobs are so colorful and perfectly portioned so that everyone can grab their own!
• Cheesy Squash Casserole: Here’s a casserole that makes great use of yellow squash. (You can also make this with zucchini – or both – if you want!) It’s cheesy and yummy – and every other adjective you can come up with that means delicious!
• Quinoa Salad: Want a vegetarian dish that’s packed with healthy ingredients and tastes great? This is it! Quinoa, chickpeas, and all sorts of veggies make this a great summer salad.

Don’t let the side dishes play second fiddle to the main course on Independence Day. These recipes are fantastic and flavorful – and will disappear quickly when you put them on the picnic table!