Quinoa with sweet potato and mushrooms –As we gear up for the summer season, nothing brings family and friends together quite like a Memorial Day BBQ. The key to a successful barbecue often lies in the side dishes. Today, I’m excited to share an incredible make-ahead side dish that will elevate your picnic or BBQ gathering and leave everyone asking for more!
The Best Make-Ahead Side Dishes For a Memorial Day BBQ
This delicious side dish is not only easy to prepare but can also be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones. Below are the details on this amazing dish that you can whip up for your next gathering!

Ingredients:
- 4 cups of fresh corn, cooked and cut off the cob
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Toss gently to mix all the produce together.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lime juice with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the corn and tomato mixture, stirring gently to combine all ingredients. Make sure everything is thoroughly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt and pepper as needed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
- Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite grilled meats.
This make-ahead side dish is bursting with freshness and flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to any BBQ feast. Enjoy the vibrant colors and tastes that will surely impress your guests while keeping your prep time minimal!
Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try at your next Memorial Day gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that emphasizes the goodness of summer produce and will complement any BBQ spread beautifully. Happy grilling!