A backyard barbecue spread is the American equivalent of a Scandinavian smorgasbord—only with way less fermented fish. And while burgers, dogs, ribs, and immaculately grilled sausages tend to steal the spotlight, real ones know the sides are where the magic happens. Cold sides, especially, are MVPs: no sweat in the kitchen, refreshing enough to cool you down when the sun is merciless.
As in most scenarios, we firmly believe sausage makes everything better. That includes cookout classics. From quick no-cook salads to unexpected twists on staples, these cold side dish recipes prove that when the heat is on, sausage is a dish best served cold.
Sausage Egg Roll in a Bowl
This ingenious recipe provides the flavor of an egg roll (and sausage) without the struggle of filling, folding, and frying. It’s like a coleslaw with an Asian twist, perfect for a barbecue that features yakitori skewers or marinated galbi. If you’re really missing the crunch of the egg roll wrapper, you could always fry some sheets off and crumble them on top.
Make it yourself: Kristine in Between has your deconstruction blueprints
Chicken Sausage and Shrimp Paella Pasta Salad
Honestly, we could probably make an entire list of sausage-intensive pasta salads (oh, hey, we did!), but if we had to pick one showstopper, it’d this absolutely banging shrimp and Classic Roasted Chicken Sausage paella pasta salad. Is it a flex? Sure! Will it make people wonder whether your friend who always brags about learning to make paella during their semester in Spain is overcompensating? Absolutely! Either way, you’re about to show up at a cookout with cold, delicious, saffron-spiked paella salad.
Make it yourself: Our recipe is paella made easy
Smoked Sausage Salad with Shredded Cabbage
The combo of sausage, cabbage, and mustard is hard to beat, and this salad doesn’t mess with success so much as deconstruct it; It’s loaded with peppers, carrots, savory sausage, and a vinegary Dijon dressing. Bonus move: jam a chicken sausage in a bun, then load it up and lean all the way in.
Make it yourself: How Sweet Eats has your easy recipe here
Caprese Sausage Skewers
Caprese skewers are already the world’s easiest app. Add Italian Herb Chicken Sausage and suddenly they’re more fun—because eating things off sticks always is.
Make it yourself: Our recipe is as easy as it is tasty
Wurstsalat (Swiss/German Sausage Salad)
A German sausage salad that’s simplicity personified: pickles, sausage, cheese, and onions. The tang of pickles is bolstered by the yellow mustard-kissed vinaigrette, but everything is mellowed out by mild Emmentaler cheese. This recipe works with a variety of Euro-centric sausages, but Classic Roasted Chicken Sausage should do the trick.
Make it yourself: Let Daring Gourmet lead the way
Sausage Potato Salad
German theme, continued: creamy red potatoes meet kielbasa, which is an unexpected swing for an Oktoberfesty dish that we’re here for (even if we prefer our own chicken links). And because it’s German there is, of course, a mustard dressing to tie the whole dish together.
Make it yourself: The legendary Melissa Clark made this an international affair
Grilled Esquites with Chicken Sausage
Street corn is already a party, but throw sausage into the mix and you’ve got a full-blown fiesta. Grilled corn gets slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce, dusted with cotija and chili powder, and topped with juicy chicken sausage. It’s smoky, salty, sweet, and spicy—basically, the ultimate cookout flex.
Make it yourself: Our recipe brings layers of flavor
Best Broccoli Salad
The traditional broccoli salad is already a delight delight. It’s sweet and creamy from raisins and mayonnaise, respectively, but there’s a savory kick that’s typically courtesy of bacon—although that can easily be replaced with diced sausage. Make sure to include sunflower seeds for nuttiness and texture and red onion for much-needed bite.
Make it yourself: Spend with Pennies really nailed this recipe
Vietnamese Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Inspired by Vietnamese lettuce wraps, our Classic Roasted Chicken Sausage forms the base of a layered salad kicked up with umami, citrus, salt, and heat. Eating these is an extrasensory experience full of delicious aromas, crunchy texture, and the tactile joy of putting together the perfect bite each time.
Make it yourself: Our version is as fun to assemble as it is to eat
Thai Green Papaya Salad
Thai papaya salad is often paired with Isaan sausage and sticky rice, so why not chuck some sausage in the mix and turn it into a single, protein-packed side dish? The heat from Thai chiles, lime juice, and fish sauce do the heavy lifting when it comes to flavor; sausage will be just as home among the strands of sour green papaya.
Make it yourself: Hot Thai Kitchen brings the flavor
Spanish Chorizo Deviled Eggs
"We're kind of over deviled eggs," said nobody at any cookout, ever. This version further amplifies the eggs with the addition of spicy chorizo—but feel free to use whatever sausage you like. Be sure to finish with a dusting of paprika.
Make it yourself: Eat the Love will show you how to make the love