The first holiday weekend of the summer season needs to start off with a bang. For whatever event you are hosting, whether it be a cookout, barbecue or picnic, your menu and some good company are the most important elements.

We’ve got the best main dish recipes for your grill on deck, but let’s face it, sometimes the side dishes are the real star of the show. From dips and veggies, to patriotic fruit cups and every member of the salad family, these are the best side dishes for your Memorial Day weekend!

This festive caprese salad is a side dish that can act as an impressive centerpiece at your party, with few ingredients and an easy assembly process.

French fries are so overplayed — fried pickles, however, are much more fun. This recipe is quick, easy and puts your air fryer to good use, no hot oil required.

A summer cookout is not complete without a refreshing, chilled macaroni salad. Toss all the ingredients into a bowl, mix and serve — it doesn’t get easier.

These fruit cups will add a sweet, patriotic flair to your menu. Fresh strawberries, blueberries and blackberries topped with homemade whipped cream will elevate the combo even more.

Another barbecue staple, this baked bean recipe has a sweet and tangy flavor profile and utilizes canned beans to skip a few steps. Bacon, peppers, apple cider vinegar and molasses create a flavorful sauce that tastes even better the next day.

A veggie option that even the kids will enjoy, these skewers feature colorful bell peppers and spring onions, covered in a sweet teriyaki sauce glaze.

Chef Bobby Flay’s coleslaw recipe is a crowd favorite, featuring shredded cabbage, carrots and onion with a creamy, mayo-based dressing. The addition of mustard powder in the mixture creates a savory depth, and the red wine vinegar provides just the right amount of tanginess.

This recipe includes a tropical twist to your fresh fruit salad. Dress your favorite fruit with a lime juice, honey and ginger mixture perfect for the summer season.

This corn bread is baked in a cast iron skillet and served hot, which elevates the flavor experience. It pairs great with a fried chicken main dish and is delicious with jam or butter on top.

BCD is a staple at any game day party, but don’t underestimate the power of the dip as a side dish option. Only taking around 20 minutes to bake in the oven, top with your favorite hot sauce and enjoy with crackers, chips or veggies for dipping.

You simply can’t have a barbecue without a mac and cheese option, and this baked one is delicious with no major frills.

A maybe unexpected fruit option for your table, this watermelon and feta salad is easy to throw together with just a little dressing preparation required. The watermelon and cucumber are super refreshing for a hot day, and pair well with the savory vinaigrette and feta crumbles.

There aren’t many rules when it comes to putting together a delicious cheese board, but this recipe is a great guide. Brie, green grapes, dried fruit and water biscuits are just some of the ingredients you will find.

This recipe can be served either warm or at room temperature, making it a flexible side dish option to bring to an event. The crispy bacon and aromatic onions make for a nostalgic German potato salad.

Mexican street corn is a fun alternative to your run-of-the-mill corn on the cob and is simple to throw together. After charring your corn, brush them with a mixture of mayo, chili powder, garlic salt and black pepper.

A classic crowd pleaser, these deviled eggs feature chopped pickles and hot sauce in the filling, for a nice tangy heat.

Impress your guests with a homemade French onion dip that is packed with flavor and won’t last long on your picnic table. After caramelizing your onions and shallots to a delicious golden brown, they easily fold into the sour cream-based mixture.

Maybe to some people a slider doesn’t count as a side dish, but we don’t make the rules! This recipe is too good to pass up in all its smoky, melty, Dijon-mayo goodness.

A fun addition to the menu for both kids and adults alike, these skewers could be a unique alternative to the other fruit options on this list. This recipe features kiwi, orange, blueberry, pineapple and strawberry with a touch of dark chocolate.

Another easy way to add some patriotic flair to your menu and spice up a normal mashed potato recipe. Potatoes for the white, bacon bits for the red, and a bit of gorgonzola cheese for the blue make up a delicious combination.