Fun Hot Dog Toppings for a Summer Cookout (3 Easy Ideas)

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Three fresh, veggie-packed toppings that take hot dogs from ordinary to the best thing at the cookout: grilled zucchini salad, grilled corn salsa, and a simple tomato-cucumber salad. Easy to make ahead, easy to double.

Hot dogs are the easiest thing to throw on a summer grill — but the toppings are where they get fun.

Instead of the usual ketchup-and-mustard, I like to set out a few fresh, seasonal salads and let everyone build their own.

These three are my go-tos: a tangy grilled zucchini salad, a bright corn salsa with lime and jalapeño, and a crisp tomato-cucumber salad.

Put them on the dogs or serve them on the side — either way, they make the whole spread feel a little special.

Why You’ll Love These

They’re all made from summer produce, so they’re at their peak right now.

Every one can be made ahead, which is exactly what you want when you’re hosting.

And they’re flexible — pile them on hot dogs, spoon them next to grilled chicken or burgers, or eat them straight from the bowl.

How to Make Them

Grilled Zucchini Salad Slice zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch planks, spray with oil, and grill 3–4 minutes per side until soft and lightly charred.

Cool, then cut into cubes and toss with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, dill, parsley, and salt.

Grilled Corn Salsa Grill husked corn 4–5 minutes per side (about 20 minutes total).

Cool, cut off the kernels, and combine with diced jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

Tomato-Cucumber Salad Chop tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

Toss with parsley, olive oil, and salt.

Done.

The Hot Dogs Grill your favorite all-beef franks and toast the buns cut-side down — watch them so they don’t burn.

Serve with the toppings and let everyone build their own.

Serving Ideas

These toppings stretch across the whole cookout — they’re just as good on burgers, grilled chicken, or a bowl of rice as they are on hot dogs. Make a little extra of each and you’ve covered every plate at the table.

FAQ For The Best Hot Dog Toppings

How far ahead can I make the toppings? All three can be made the night before. Store them airtight in the fridge — the flavors actually deepen overnight. Add a pinch more salt before serving if needed.

Can I make these without a grill? Yes. Roast the zucchini and corn under the broiler or in a hot oven for similar char. The tomato-cucumber salad needs no cooking at all.

How many people do these toppings serve? As written, they cover about 14 hot dogs — a full cookout. Scale each topping up or down depending on your crowd, and make extra of whichever one you know will disappear first.

Fun Hot Dog Toppings for a Summer Cookout

Three fresh hot dog toppings for your next cookout — grilled zucchini salad, corn salsa, and tomato-cucumber salad. Easy, make-ahead, and perfect for summer grilling.

Prep: 30 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Servings: 14

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Ingredients 

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For the hot dogs:

• ▢ 14 all-beef franks
• ▢ 14 hot dog buns

Grilled zucchini salad:

• ▢ 4 large zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices
• ▢ 1/4 cup olive oil
• ▢ 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ▢ 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• ▢ 2 tbsp chopped dill
• ▢ 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• ▢ Salt to taste
• ▢ Cooking spray

Grilled corn salsa:

• ▢ 4 ears corn, husked
• ▢ Cooking spray
• ▢ Salt to taste
• ▢ 1 small jalapeño, diced
• ▢ 3 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• ▢ Juice of 2 limes

Tomato-cucumber salad:

• ▢ 3 tomatoes, chopped
• ▢ 1 large cucumber, chopped
• ▢ 1/2 red onion, chopped
• ▢ 3 tbsp parsley, chopped
• ▢ 1/4 cup olive oil
• ▢ Salt to taste

Instructions 

• Preheat grill to medium-high (450°F).
• Zucchini: spray, grill 3–4 min per side, cube, toss with oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs, salt.
• Corn: grill 4–5 min per side, cut kernels, combine with jalapeño, cilantro, lime, salt.
• Tomato-cucumber: combine all, season with oil and salt.
• Grill franks and toast buns. Serve with toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 0.002g, Cholesterol: 25mg, Sodium: 681mg, Potassium: 391mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 391IU, Vitamin C: 17mg, Calcium: 78mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

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