13 Savory Sides That Taste Better With Bare Feet and a Backyard
As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Easy Homemade Life may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Some sides just hit different when you’re outside, toes in the grass, paper plate in hand. These easy, savory recipes are made for warm weather hangs, no stress, no fuss, just good food that holds its own next to anything off the grill. If you’re tired of boring sides or last-minute panic before a potluck, these are the ones that’ll save you.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Crispy, cheesy, and full of garlicky goodness, these parmesan-roasted green beans bring big flavor with barely any effort. They roast up beautifully in the oven and pair perfectly with anything coming off the grill. Whether it’s a backyard cookout or a simple dinner under the open sky, this is a side that belongs on the table.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Popeyes Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw has that perfect crunch and tang that rounds out any backyard plate. With crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, and a rich dressing, it’s a classic side that tastes even better outdoors. The cool texture balances grilled mains like a dream and keeps things feeling fresh and laid-back, one of those savory sides that simply works best on a paper plate with bare feet in the grass.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
This seasoned rice, loaded with peppers and onions, brings cozy flavor to outdoor meals without overcomplicating anything. It’s simple, filling, and packed with just enough kick to stand next to grilled favorites. Served warm at a picnic table or straight from a foil tray at a cookout, backyard meals feel a little more complete with a savory side like this.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Potato Fritters
Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside, these potato fritters check every box for a crowd-pleasing side. They’re easy to pass around, especially when everyone’s lounging in the backyard enjoying the weather. Topped with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of chives, they bring big flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Potato Fritters
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
These air fryer zucchini fries come out hot, crisp, and perfectly cheesy in under 20 minutes. They’re a lighter side option that still delivers the satisfaction of something fried, making them ideal for summer meals outside. Serve them with a dipping sauce at any backyard gathering, this is a side that fits right in with the laid-back, barefoot vibe.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Parmesan and Garlic Wings
Parmesan and garlic wings might steal the spotlight, but they’re also the kind of savory side that tastes even better when enjoyed in the backyard. Coated in buttery garlic and topped with parsley, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy outside. Perfect for cookouts, casual meals, or game nights under the stars.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan and Garlic Wings
Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano
Flexible, flavorful, and made for wrapping up all kinds of grilled goodness, these cauliflower tortillas are a backyard essential. They fold without breaking and hold up beautifully to whatever’s stuffed inside. With garlic and oregano baked right in, they bring a burst of flavor that enhances every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano
Parmesan Potatoes
Oven-roasted to crispy perfection, these parmesan potatoes deliver serious flavor with their buttery centers and golden crusts. They’re easy to prep and pair with everything from steak to sausages, making them a go-to side for cookouts and patio dinners. Serve them with sour cream or just eat them straight off the tray; either way, they shine outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Cabbage Fritters
Packed with spices and crispy around the edges, these cabbage fritters are a bold and savory addition to any backyard spread. Topped with a cooling yogurt sauce, they’re flavorful enough to stand on their own or side to complement grilled mains. They come together fast and work great for snacking while barefoot in the grass.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Fritters
Carrot Raisin Salad
Cool, creamy, and just the right mix of sweet and tangy, this carrot raisin salad brings color and crunch to any cookout. It’s ready in minutes and always adds a refreshing bite between bites of barbecue. Simple and nostalgic, it’s the kind of side that tastes like summer in a bowl, perfect for paper plates, sunny skies, and casual backyard meals.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad
Homemade Asparagus
No more soggy or stringy asparagus, this version comes out tender, flavorful, and exactly how it should be. It’s a side that feels light but still delivers on taste, especially when served next to grilled meats in an outdoor setting. Whether cooked over fire or in the oven, asparagus like this belongs in a backyard spread.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Asparagus
Summer Salad
Fresh, juicy, and loaded with avocado, tomatoes, and cucumber, this summer salad is made for outdoor eating. The simple homemade dressing ties everything together without overpowering the natural flavors. It’s refreshing, effortless, and the perfect side when no one wants to be stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Summer Salad
Savory Pancakes
These fluffy, herby pancakes are a smart and delciious side that doubles as a bread replacement. Light and easy to whip up, they’re perfect for pairing with grilled protein or scooping up dips during outdoor meals. The soft texture and savory flavor work beautifully in a backyard setting, warm or at room temp, they bring that relaxed picnic table energy.
Get the Recipe: Savory Pancakes
