19 Copycat Sides That Belong at Every BBQ

A Labor Day BBQ is never complete without a spread of crowd-pleasing side dishes. These copycat recipes bring back restaurant favorites that pair perfectly with grilled meats and summer main courses. From creamy coleslaw and potato salad to cheesy casseroles and pasta salads, these recipes ensure that your sides will be the star of the show.

Copycat Captain D’s Coleslaw

Copycat Captain D’s Coleslaw
Copycat Captain D’s Coleslaw. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This creamy, homemade coleslaw comes together in minutes for the perfect side dish. Crisp cabbage and vegetables tossed in a tangy dressing create a refreshing accompaniment to any summer barbecue or family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Captain D’s Coleslaw

Golden Corral Seafood Salad

Golden Corral Seafood Salad
Golden Corral Seafood Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This creamy seafood sensation combines tender imitation crab with crunchy fresh vegetables, all embraced in homemade ranch dressing. Golden Corral’s beloved recipe makes an irresistible side that’s guaranteed to disappear at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Golden Corral Seafood Salad

Pasta House Company Salad and Vinaigrette Dressing

Pasta House Company Salad and Vinaigrette Dressing
Pasta House Company Salad and Vinaigrette Dressing. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in our restaurant-quality creamy fettuccine alfredo with succulent seasoned shrimp. This luxurious pasta dish features a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce that rivals Olive Garden’s beloved classic. Best of all? It’s ready in just 30 minutes for an impressive weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta House Company Salad and Vinaigrette Dressing

Luby’s Spaghetti Salad

Luby’s Spaghetti Salad
Luby’s Spaghetti Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Discover Luby’s iconic cold spaghetti salad, a refreshing twist on pasta that combines crisp vegetables, zesty Italian dressing, and a secret blend of seeds and spices. This beloved picnic classic is perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks!
Get the Recipe: Luby’s Spaghetti Salad

Cucina! Cucina! Italian Chopped Salad

Cucina! Cucina! Italian Chopped Salad
Cucina! Cucina! Italian Chopped Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Experience the magic of Cucina! Cucina!’s iconic chopped salad in your own kitchen. This colorful masterpiece combines tender chicken, savory salami, and rich cheese, all tossed in a bright, homemade vinaigrette that perfectly balances every bite. Your family will request this restaurant favorite again and again.
Get the Recipe: Cucina! Cucina! Italian Chopped Salad

Chick-fil-A Carrot and Raisin Salad

Chick-fil-A Carrot and Raisin Salad
Chick-fil-A Carrot and Raisin Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Enjoy this spot-on recreation of Chick-fil-A’s beloved carrot raisin salad. Sweet carrots blend perfectly with juicy raisins and pineapple chunks, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that captures the nostalgic flavor fans have missed since it left the menu.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Carrot and Raisin Salad

Costco Quinoa Salad Copycat Recipe

Costco Quinoa Salad Copycat Recipe
Costco Quinoa Salad Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Dive into this vibrant Costco-inspired quinoa salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for meal prep, this nutritious crowd-pleaser delivers restaurant quality taste without the hefty price tag. Your family will request this colorful dish again and again!
Get the Recipe: Costco Quinoa Salad Copycat Recipe

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing
Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

This homemade version captures Olive Garden’s beloved dressing perfectly – creamy, tangy, and packed with Italian flavor. Made with simple pantry staples, it transforms ordinary salads into restaurant-worthy experiences right at your kitchen table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Sweet Tomatoes Joan’s Broccoli Madness Salad

Sweet Tomatoes Joan’s Broccoli Madness Salad
Sweet Tomatoes Joan’s Broccoli Madness Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Experience the perfect blend of crunchy raw broccoli, smoky bacon, buttery cashews, and sweet raisins tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. This irresistible copycat of Sweet Tomatoes’ famous cold salad brings restaurant quality right to your kitchen table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Tomatoes Joan’s Broccoli Madness Salad

KFC Coleslaw

KFC Coleslaw
KFC Coleslaw. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Craving that perfect KFC-style slaw? Our homemade version delivers all the creamy, tangy goodness you love—but tastes even better! This quick recipe uses simple ingredients for restaurant-quality coleslaw without leaving your kitchen. Perfect for summer cookouts or alongside your favorite comfort foods.
Get the Recipe: KFC Coleslaw

Cracker Barrel Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad

Cracker Barrel Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad
Cracker Barrel Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Experience the crisp freshness of this Cracker Barrel-inspired cucumber tomato onion salad. Each bite delivers garden-fresh vegetables coated in zesty Italian dressing, creating the perfect light and tangy side dish for any meal. Simple ingredients, incredible flavor!
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad

KFC Green Beans

KFC Green Beans
KFC Green Beans. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These tender green beans are perfectly seasoned with KFC’s secret blend of spices. Sautéed with onions until just right, they make a quick, flavorful side dish that complements any meal. Get that famous flavor at home in minutes!
Get the Recipe: KFC Green Beans

Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese

Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese
Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in our velvety homemade mac and cheese that perfectly recreates the nostalgic Stouffer’s flavor you love. This comforting dish combines real cheddar and colby cheeses for that irresistible creamy texture that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese

Chicken Salad Chick Barbie-Q

Chicken Salad Chick Barbie-Q
Chicken Salad Chick Barbie-Q. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This addictive copycat Barbie-Q Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken with smoky BBQ sauce, creamy mayo, and zesty Ranch seasoning. The perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors will have you making this versatile dish on repeat all summer long.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Chick Barbie-Q

Wendy’s Summer Berry Chicken Salad

Wendy’s Summer Berry Chicken Salad
Wendy’s Summer Berry Chicken Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Skip the drive-thru and enjoy Wendy’s popular berry chicken salad anytime! This vibrant homemade version combines juicy berries, tender grilled chicken, and creamy feta cheese atop crisp mixed greens for a restaurant-quality meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Wendy’s Summer Berry Chicken Salad

Subway Apple Orchard Chicken Salad

Subway Apple Orchard Chicken Salad
Subway Apple Orchard Chicken Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Savor Subway’s seasonal favorite year-round with our simple homemade version. This 15-minute Apple Orchard Chicken Salad combines crisp, sweet apples with tender chicken for a refreshing meal that’s even more flavorful than the original. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Get the Recipe: Subway Apple Orchard Chicken Salad

Copycat Arby’s Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich

Copycat Arby’s Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich
Copycat Arby’s Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Craving Arby’s famous Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich? Skip the drive-thru and make this creamy, crunchy delight right in your kitchen! Our copycat recipe captures all the sweet and savory flavors you love, with tender chicken, crisp apples, and toasted pecans.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Arby’s Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich

Luby’s Shredded Carrot Salad:

Luby’s Shredded Carrot Salad:
Luby’s Shredded Carrot Salad:. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This delightful carrot salad combines sweet pineapple and raisins with creamy mayo for a perfect balance of flavors. Our copycat of Luby’s famous recipe comes together in minutes, offering a nostalgic side dish that pairs beautifully with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Luby’s Shredded Carrot Salad:

Copycat Ponderosa Steakhouse Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Copycat Ponderosa Steakhouse Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Copycat Ponderosa Steakhouse Loaded Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Craving that iconic steakhouse side? This homemade version of Ponderosa’s legendary loaded mashed potatoes delivers all the creamy, cheesy, bacon-topped goodness you remember, ready in just half an hour. Pure comfort food that brings the restaurant experience straight to your kitchen!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ponderosa Steakhouse Loaded Mashed Potatoes

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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