The BEST Cookout Sides for Burgers and Hot Dogs

Not sure what to serve with hot dogs and hamburgers? I’ve collected over 30 of the BEST sides for burgers and dogs, so you’ll be covered for a whole summer of cookouts!

Black Bean and Corn Salsa in a light blue bowl, featured as a side for burgers.

Summer weather means easy breezy dinners enjoyed on the patio, and, of course, LOTS of hamburgers and hot dogs.

If you’ve ever felt stumped about what to serve with these cookout classics, you’re not alone!

That’s why I gathered up all my favorite summer side dishes from NeighborFood and around the web. The recipes are divided into categories including cold pasta salads and potato salads, dips, grilled veggies, and warm potluck sides like mac and cheese and baked beans.

Whether you’re looking for easy sides for hamburgers and hot dogs or grilled chicken margherita and grilled steak kabobs, something on this list is sure to satisfy!

Table of Contents

Cookout Dips and Appetizers:

Okay, so appetizers aren’t exactly a side dish, but my favorite kind of cookout is really just a burger paired with every kind of appetizer and dip known to man.

You can’t go wrong with a Garden Veggie Dip, but there are plenty more dips and apps to choose from below!

Overhead shot of veggies stuck in rows in dip to look like a garden.

Knorr Spinach Dip in a Bread Bowl– This stuff is so ridiculously easy to make and always disappears.

Hot Crab Dip with Peppadew Peppers– Cheesy, creamy, gooey goodness is always welcome on my cookout table.

Veggie Pizza– One of my all time favorite appetizers, this cold veggie pizza goes perfectly with grilled meats.

Black Bean and Corn Salsa is the perfect side for burgers, especially if you’re making these Taco Burgers! It’s also great on top of this Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade.

Tex Mex Corn Dip from Hungry Couple

Pimento Cheese Dip from The Food Charlatan

Cold Pasta and Potato Salad Sides for Burgers:

Pasta and potato salads are a classic sides for burgers. My favorite is this Italian Bowtie Pasta Salad, but there are plenty more options below!

Italian bowtie pasta salad in a large glass bowl.

Southwest Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad with Crab and Feta– This would be especially great paired with the Hummus and Tzatziki Greek Hot Dogs.

Antipasto Tortellini Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad from Homemade in the Kitchen

Cheddar, Corn, and Bacon Potato Salad from Family Food on the Table

German Potato Salad from Fervent Foodie

Cold Vegetable and Fruit Salads for Cookouts:

On a hot day, nothing hits the spot quite like a burger and a cool, crunchy salad. My favorite side for burgers also happens to be one of the easiest. This Cucumber Tomato Salad pairs the freshest summer ingredients with a quick vinaigrette for a super bright, refreshing side dish.

Easy Cucumber and Tomato Salad in a speckled white and blue bowl to pair with burgers and hot dogs.

Here are more of our favorites:

That Good Salad: With bacon, Parmesan cheese, and a garlic lemon dressing, there’s so much to love about That Good Salad.

Tomato and Corn Chopped Salad with Cilantro Ranch– Summer produce really shines in this salad recipe!

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Sweet Lemon Dressing– The only way to eat spinach is with the sweetest lemony dressing!

Easy Garden Salad– A perfect, classic side dish for hot dogs and burgers.

Bacon Broccoli Salad from Emily Enchanted

Strawberry Panzanella Salad from The Food Charlatan

Lemon Dill Coleslaw from One Sweet Mess

Fruit Salad with Honey and Mint from Healthy Delicious

Warm Veggie Sides for Hamburgers and Hot Dogs:

If you’re looking to add some veggie sides to your cookout, why not just pop them right on the grill?

These Balsamic Grilled Vegetables are probably our most-made side dish for cookouts. They’re super easy and versatile–use whatever is on hand or growing in your garden!

Vegetables in a glass baking dish with bottle pouring balsamic marinade on top, featured as a side for burgers and hot dogs.

We also love:

Air Fryer Potatoes– Crispy seasoned potatoes are the perfect side for burgers!

Air Fryer Asparagus pairs perfectly with grilled meats, especially in early summer when asparagus is in season.

Corn Souffle– Puffy and slightly sweet with a golden crust.

Grilled Sweet Corn Salsa

Grilled Zucchini Roll Ups from Foxes Love Lemons

Grilled Greek Salad from A Cookie Named Desire

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter from Cooking LSL

Easy Southern Summer Succotash from Family Food on the Table

Warm Hot Dog and Hamburger Sides:

If you’re wondering what to serve with hot dogs, look no further than Creamy Mac and Cheese. It’s satisfying, it’s comfort food, it’s meant to be. If you like it baked, try this Baked Mac and Cheese.

If mac and cheese isn’t you’re jam, I’ve got a whole slew of other warm cookout sides for burgers and dogs I think you’re going to love!