7 Tips That Make a Great Memorial Day Side Dish

Make the Best Memorial Day Side Dishes

Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to BBQ season—a day for honoring heroes and celebrating with friends, family, and unforgettable food. While the main protein often gets the spotlight (ribs, brisket, burgers—you name it), a great side dish can make or break the plate. The right side should do more than fill space—it should amplify the meal, add texture and freshness, and make you look like a pitmaster-level planner.

Whether you're firing up the grill for a crowd or just a few friends, we’ve got the ultimate guide to side dish strategy—complete with pro tips, recipe links, and Big Poppa favorites like our Competition Stash coleslaw and crisp cucumber salad.

 

Tip #1: Know Your Headcount

Let’s start with the basics: how many people are you feeding? Over- or underestimating can lead to food waste—or worse, empty plates.

General Rule of Thumb:

• 3-4 oz. of each side per person
• If offering 3 or more sides, slightly reduce portions per dish

Sample Side Dish Math:

• Serving 12 guests? Plan 2.5–3 pounds of potato salad, slaw, or beans

Pro Tip: Always round up—you can always send guests home with leftovers (or keep some for post-BBQ munchies).

Tip #2: Balance Hot vs. Cold Dishes

Temperature matters—especially in warm weather. You’ll want a balance of hot, comforting sides and cool, refreshing ones.

Mix Ideas:

• Hot: Grilled corn, smoked mac and cheese, baked beans
• Cold: Coleslaw, pasta salad, cucumber-tomato salad

A cold side offers a welcome contrast to smoky proteins, and they’re usually easier to make ahead.

Tip #3: Compliment the Protein, Don’t Compete With It

Side dishes should enhance—not overshadow—the star of the plate.

Pairing Examples:

• Beef brisket → tangy vinegar-based slaw, grilled peppers
• Pulled pork → creamy coleslaw, cornbread, mac & cheese
• Chicken → cucumber salad, grilled veggies, herbed potatoes
• Burgers & dogs → pasta salad, pickled onions, chips with dips

Big Poppa Tip: When in doubt, season your sides with the same rub you used on the protein for flavor harmony. (Try Desert Gold on both chicken and veggie sides.)

Tip #4: Make It Ahead (and Chill It Right)

No one wants to be dicing onions while guests are arriving.

Make-Ahead Friendly Sides:

• Coleslaw (even better after a few hours in the fridge)
• Pasta salad (just give it a toss before serving)
• Deviled eggs

Keep cold items refrigerated until just before serving, and use cooler trays or ice packs if they’ll sit out for a while.

Tip #5: Go Fresh and Seasonal

Highlight Memorial Day’s spring flavors with produce-forward recipes.

Seasonal Stars:

• Cucumbers
• Radishes
• Fresh herbs (mint, dill, basil)
• Peas and green beans
• Early corn

Use vinaigrettes or citrus-based dressings to add brightness without weighing down your sides.  

Tip #6: Texture and Color Count

The best side dishes aren’t just tasty—they look and feel great, too.

• Add crunch with nuts, croutons, or fresh veggies
• Use colorful ingredients: red onion, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrot
• Serve in clear or color-contrasting bowls for a pop on the picnic table

Visual appeal gets people excited to dig in.

Tip #7: Don’t Forget the Crowd Favorites

Classic recipes stick around for a reason.

Always-Welcome Memorial Day Sides:

• Baked beans with bacon
• Creamy coleslaw
• BBQ-style pasta salad
• Balboa Street Corn
• Deviled eggs
• Cornbread
• Watermelon & Tomato salad

And speaking of crowd-pleasers...

Big Poppa’s Featured Side Dishes

Big Poppa’s Coleslaw Featuring Competition Stash

This isn’t your soggy deli slaw. Big Poppa’s Coleslaw is crisp, creamy, and leveled up with a kick from our Competition Stash rub—a blend of sweet, savory, and subtle spice that wakes up every bite. Make it the day before and let the flavor deepen overnight.

Big Poppa’s Avocado Cucumber Salad

Light, tangy, and full of crunch—this grilled cucumber salad is a perfect hot-weather side. We slice fresh cukes, red onions, and herbs, then drizzle with vinegar and olive oil. Want to kick it up? Add Desert Gold for a little Big Poppa punch.

 

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FAQs – Memorial Day Sides

1. How many sides should I serve at a Memorial Day BBQ?

We recommend 2–3 sides for smaller groups and 3–5 for larger gatherings, depending on your menu and guest count.

2. Can I make side dishes the night before?

Absolutely. In fact, many cold dishes (like slaw and pasta salad) taste better after sitting overnight.

3. How do I keep hot side dishes warm outside?

Use foil pans over Sterno heat, insulated casserole carriers, or keep them in the oven until right before serving.

4. What sides work best with ribs or brisket?

Think rich and tangy—slaw, beans, grilled corn, and mac & cheese are all ideal.

5. What’s an easy side dish that travels well?

Pasta salad or cucumber salad in a sealed container travels great and holds up in a cooler.