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Hosting a summer cookout doesn’t have to mean scrambling in a hot kitchen at the last minute. These flavorful, make-ahead sides offer a fresh, elevated twist on the classic cookout spread — and can all be prepped in advance for stress-free entertaining!

Savory Zucchini Basil Tart

Flaky puff pastry meets creamy ricotta, lemon zest, and thinly sliced zucchini in this light and elegant tart, which is just as welcome at a backyard gathering as it is at brunch. Get the recipe HERE.

Meal Prep:

Slice the zucchini and mix your ricotta base up to a day ahead, then store them in separate containers in the fridge. Assemble the tart right before baking.

A rectangular savory tart with alternating slices of yellow and green squash, topped with herbs and cheese, on a rustic surface.Pin
This flaky puff pastry tart with creamy ricotta and fresh zucchini is light, elegant, and perfect for prepping ahead. Image: Kate Feinberg

Thai Lime-Marinated Fruit Kabobs

These sweet-and-savory kabobs combine watermelon, pineapple, and cantaloupe with a Thai-inspired marinade of green curry paste, lime, coconut, and honey — then hit the grill for a caramelized finish. Get the recipe HERE.

Meal Prep:

Cube the fruit and marinate for up to eight hours in advance. Keep refrigerated in a sealed container until ready to use. Skewers can be threaded a few hours ahead and kept chilled on a covered tray.

Grilled fruit skewers with pieces of pineapple, papaya, and watermelon, garnished with fresh herbs, served on a white plate.Pin
Grilled fruit kabobs get a bold upgrade with a Thai-inspired marinade. Image: Kate Feinberg

Roasted Broccoli Salad with Tahini Dressing

This nutrient-packed salad balances roasted broccoli, cabbage, dates, cashews, and green onions with a creamy, tangy tahini dressing. It’s crunchy, sweet, savory, and seriously satisfying. Get the recipe HERE.

Meal Prep:

Roast the broccoli and prep the veggies and dressing a day or two ahead. Store each separately in the fridge. Toss everything together just before serving to preserve the crunch.

Large white platter with a broccoli salad containing red cabbage, nuts, and sundried tomatoes, topped with a creamy dressing; dressing bowl and spoon are beside the platter.Pin
Crunchy, sweet, and tangy, this roasted broccoli salad is packed with texture and even better the next day. Image: Kate Feinberg

Cookout Prep Tips

  1. Trays: Use trays or sheet pans to transport prepped dishes to and from the fridge.
  2. Labels: Label containers with sticky notes so you’re not digging around day-of.
  3. Room-temp dishes: Set out room-temp dishes (like the broccoli salad) 15 minutes before serving to let flavors shine.
  4. Beverages: Free up fridge space by stocking a separate cooler with canned drinks. This keeps the beverage traffic out of your kitchen!
  5. Hot dishes: Avoid anything that must be served hot, unless you have a reliable and easy way to reheat (like a grill-safe tray).
  6. Garnishes: Garnish last-minute for freshness. Fresh herbs, citrus zest, or crunchy toppings should be added just before serving so they don’t get soggy.

Check out more of our creative entertaining hacks for summer parties!

More Favorite Make-Ahead Sides

Cheers to stress-free entertaining!

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For more recipes, check out our entire collection here.

Kate Feinberg
About the Author
Kate Feinberg

Kate Feinberg is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor & Sponsored Content Specialist, based in Nashville. Kate is a plant-based foodie, avid runner, and fantasy reader.