If you’re in charge of planning the food for your next barbecue, these grilled side dishes will make it the best on the block.
From grilled sweet potatoes with avocado dressing to sweet and spicy pineapple slices that pair perfectly with grilled fajita quesadillas, there’s something here for every taste bud.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Grilled side dishes can make or break a BBQ feast |
| The Unified Grilling article provides a list of 15 delicious grilled side dish recipes to impress guests |
| Proper grill maintenance is important for optimal grill functionality and a hygienic preparation of food |
| There are several related Unified Grilling articles that can offer more information on grilling tips, maintenance, and tools |
| The Further Reading section lists additional resources for recipe inspiration and takeaways for hosting a great BBQ |
| The FAQs section answers common questions regarding BBQ side dishes and preparation |
Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Avocado Dressing
Sweet potatoes are a great addition to any barbecue spread. They’re delicious on their own, but they also pair well with many entrées.
For this recipe, we’ve paired the sweet potato with avocado and lime juice for an extra-creamy dressing that’s full of flavor. We also added chili powder and cilantro for an extra kick. This dressing is easy to make, so you can whip up a batch before your guests arrive!
You’ll need:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds)
- 1 avocado, pitted and peeled (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (or vegan alternative)
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Lemon Garlic Butter Zucchini
This grilled zucchini recipe is the perfect side dish for your next BBQ. Not only is it fresh and delicious, but it’s also low in calories and high in fiber. It’s also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and folate.
In this recipe we combine my favorite foods: lemon juice, garlic butter (you can easily make your own), and zucchini! Once you have these ingredients on hand they come together in just a few minutes time.
You’ll want to make sure that you use small zucchinis so that they don’t take too long to cook through properly; otherwise they may end up being mushy or soggy instead of crisp-tender like we’re looking for here!
Lemon Garlic Butter Zucchini Recipe Ideas
| Recipe Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Lemon Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers | Fresh zucchini pieces threaded onto skewers and brushed with a mixture of garlic, lemon, and butter. |
| Lemon Garlic Butter Zucchini Noodles | Zucchini noodles tossed with a homemade garlic lemon butter sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. |
| Lemon Garlic Butter Grilled Zucchini | Grilled zucchini seasoned with a blend of lemon juice, minced garlic, and melted butter for a simple and delicious side dish. |
| Lemon Garlic Butter Roasted Zucchini | Slices of zucchini roasted with garlic butter until tender and slightly caramelized. Perfect served as a side dish or on top of a salad. |
| Lemon Garlic Butter Zucchini Fritters | Shredded zucchini combined with garlic, lemon, and butter, formed into small patties and pan-fried until crispy. |
| Lemon Garlic Butter Zucchini Rolls | Thinly sliced zucchini ribbons rolled up with a filling of garlic butter and lemon zest, then baked in the oven until tender. |
Warm Brie and Jam Bruschetta
The folks at [name of local grocer] stock their shelves with many different kinds of brie, but the one you want for this recipe is labeled “goat,” which has a stronger flavor than regular brie. It’s worth seeking out if you can find it.
Brie and jam is a classic French dish but don’t worry if your dinner guests are accustomed to more traditional fare: the combination of sweet and salty will win them over in no time! You can serve this appetizer with any kind of fruit or jam that strikes your fancy, but I find apricot preserves pair best with goat cheese.
Once your guests have had their fill, they’re going to ask what other dishes they should make on their own barbecues and we’re happy to help!
Looking to elevate your BBQ game? The key is to serve up some delicious grilled side dishes that are sure to steal the show. Check out our informative guide on The Best Grilled Side Dishes for inspiration and recipes that will take your BBQ to the next level.
Creamy Cauliflower Salad with Bacon, Onion and Dill
The key to making this dish is using fresh dill, which can be hard to find in the winter months. Some grocery stores carry it year-round, but you might have to buy it online or at an upscale market. If you want your cauliflower salad to taste like it came out of a gourmet restaurant, use fresh dill!
Don’t skimp on the quality of your other ingredients either—the bacon needs to be good and thick-cut, so it has time to crisp up without drying out; olive oil should come from a small producer who cares about sustainability; lemon juice should be squeezed fresh by hand (you don’t want that artificial flavor); garlic should be soft and sweet; onion shouldn’t overpower everything else when eaten alone.
Grilled Maple Soy Glazed Pineapple Slices
Prepare the pineapple. Place the pineapple on its side with the stem still attached and cut off the top leaves.
Using a sharp knife, slice along the base of each leaf, removing them one at a time until you reach the core of the pineapple. Repeat with all four sides to remove all four sections from your fruit (you can save these for later use).
Marinate your fruit: In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup maple syrup, 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (or coconut aminos if you’re avoiding soy), 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted coconut oil and 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional) until well combined then pour over sliced pineapples in large resealable plastic bag or container that will fit them snugly without overflowing; seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to overnight before grilling them so they absorb as much flavor as possible!
Grill your fruit: Preheat grill over medium high heat until temperature reaches 400°F – 425°F degrees depending on how hot your grill gets since every model cooks differently.
Remove from marinade; place two slices per skewer lengthwise then brush both sides with remaining marinade mixture brushing lightly onto each side then transfer skewers directly onto preheated grill rack so that they don’t release any juices onto it before cooking begins!
Grill until charred marks appear but are not burnt looking anywhere else other than around edges where most charring occurs due to direct contact while turning often during cook time which should take about 6-8 minutes total depending on grill temperature settings.
Peach, Arugula and Prosciutto Flatbreads
How to make peach, arugula and prosciutto flatbreads
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly brush a baking sheet with olive oil or spray it with cooking spray.
- Roll out your dough into 8-10 inch circles and top each one with 1/4 cup of marinara sauce, about 2 tablespoons mozzarella cheese and 2-3 pieces of prosciutto on each flatbread.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown and the cheese is bubbly! Top with fresh arugula before serving.
| Recipe Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Grilled Peach, Arugula, and Prosciutto Flatbreads | Flatbreads grilled and topped with fresh arugula, juicy peaches, and thin slices of prosciutto for a tasty summer appetizer or main dish. |
| Peach, Arugula, and Prosciutto Pizza | Homemade pizza crust topped with garlic oil, sliced peaches, arugula leaves, and prosciutto for a unique yet simple pizza perfect for any time of year. |
| Peach, Arugula, and Prosciutto Salad | A refreshing summer salad that combines fresh arugula, sliced peaches, thinly sliced prosciutto, and crumbled goat cheese, drizzled with a homemade balsamic dressing. |
| Peach and Prosciutto Flatbreads with Ricotta | Flatbreads topped with sweet sliced peaches, salty prosciutto, creamy ricotta cheese, and drizzled with balsamic reduction. The perfect appetizer or light meal with a delicious flavor combination. |
| Peach, Arugula, and Prosciutto Bruschetta | Grilled bread topped with tangy goat cheese, fresh arugula, juicy peaches, and crispy prosciutto make for a fantastic summer bruschetta. |
Grilled Fajita Quesadillas
These grilled fajita quesadillas are a crowd-pleasing summertime dish. They’re easy to make and will be devoured by everyone at your BBQ.
To start, preheat your grill until hot. Place the tortillas on the grill and cook for 2 minutes on each side until they are lightly charred. Remove them from the heat and let them cool while you prepare the filling of chicken, peppers and onions in a large bowl or pan (you can also cook this in an outdoor skillet).
Top each tortilla with some cheese then spread some of the filling over half of it before folding into a half-moon shape so that both sides have some meat and veggies inside them.
Place back on grill for 3 minutes per side until cheese is melted completely through all layers of tortilla, flipping once halfway through cooking time so that both sides get evenly heated up again with no burnt spots anywhere on surface area where food sits directly against heat source for extended periods which could result in burning off toppings before fully cooking inside layers; serve immediately after removing from heat source so nothing gets cold!
Grilled appetizers make for the perfect starters to any BBQ feast. Impress your guests and tickle their taste buds with our ultimate guide on Grilled Appetizers that includes a variety of mouthwatering options that are sure to satisfy any palate.
Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and Crispy Panko
This is a recipe that takes advantage of eggplant’s natural affinity for the grill. You can use any type of eggplant, but we prefer it to be small, with a soft texture and a thin skin.
If you don’t have roasted peppers in your fridge (or if you want a change from the usual red bell pepper), try our grilled eggplant with roasted red pepper sauce and crispy panko instead!
This dish is perfect for vegetarians or vegans looking for an easy way to make their BBQ more exciting. It also does double duty as both an appetizer and side dish!
Grilled Fiesta Gouda Dip
If you’re looking for a dip that’s easy to prepare and tastes amazing, look no further than this cheesy recipe. It’s the perfect choice for your next backyard BBQ!
Serve it with tortilla chips or sliced veggies. You can also serve it over pasta, or even spread it on sandwiches. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days; reheat by placing in a small saucepan and stirring over low heat until melted again (just make sure not to scald).
Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing
- Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, which is good for your eyesight.
- They’re also high in fiber and potassium, which help keep your colon healthy.
- The antioxidants in sweet potatoes can help lower blood pressure and increase circulation to the brain, leading to better thought processing skills.
Every great cookout starts with a clean grill. Did you know cleaning your grill is just as important as cooking on it? Don’t compromise the quality of your food, learn more about the importance of grill sanitation in our article on Why Cleaning Your Grill is Just as Important as Cooking On It and improve your grilling game today.
Cilantro Lime Corn Salad
This is a fresh, cool and sweet side dish that will go great with chicken or fish. It’s a family favorite!
1 cup grated Mexican cheese blend
Corn kernels from 2 ears of corn (2 cups)
2 green onions chopped (white and green parts)
1 jalapeno pepper seeded and minced
| Recipe Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Grilled Cilantro Lime Corn Salad | Fresh, juicy ears of corn grilled and tossed with diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and a tangy lime and olive oil dressing. |
| Cilantro Lime Shrimp and Corn Salad | A light and refreshing summer salad made with juicy corn, succulent shrimp, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner on a hot day. |
| Avocado Cilantro Lime Corn Salad | This creamy and flavorful salad combines ripe, diced avocados with kernels of tender corn, chopped cilantro, and a zesty lime dressing. |
| Southwestern Cilantro Lime Corn Salad | This colorful salad features fresh corn, red and green bell peppers, black beans, and a cilantro lime dressing with a southwestern twist. |
| Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken and Corn Salad | Grilled chicken breast served on a bed of mixed greens and sweet corn, all tossed in a cilantro lime dressing for a healthy and delicious salad. |
Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Spring rolls are a classic appetizer that can be served with a variety of sauces. These delicious Vietnamese treats are much more than just lettuce and carrots wrapped in rice paper you can fill them with almost anything!
If you’re looking for something vegetarian or vegan, try filling your spring rolls with shredded cabbage, cucumber, bell pepper and carrot. For an Asian-inspired version, add tofu for protein (and extra flavor).
If you’ve never made spring rolls before and don’t want to get creative with the ingredients, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the classics: shrimp paired with fresh lettuce makes an exquisite combination that’ll make your guests swoon.
But if you want to play around a little bit more…well…we won’t stop you. Just remember: fresh herbs like basil make everything taste better! And just because we said “don’t forget” doesn’t mean we’re going soft on these guys—the peanut sauce could make anyone jealous!
No matter what kind of eater you are at heart or how many people are coming over this weekend (or both!), one thing is certain: these spring rolls will be delicious no matter how they’re rolled up!
Grilled Mixed Vegetables with Lemon Basil Marinade
What you’ll need: 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved crosswise; 1 bell pepper (any color), seeded and cut into strips; 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, chopped; 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 3 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, more as needed.
How to make it: Prepare a hot grill or heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Whisk together the basil, lemon zest and juice, oil and salt in a small bowl.
Brush the vegetables with about half of the vinaigrette mixture in a grill basket or on skewers. Grill over direct heat for 4 minutes per side until tender but still crisp (if using skewers) or charred in spots (if cooking on skewers). Serve drizzled with remaining dressing
Grilled Potato Salad with Roasted Peppers and Arugula
This is a great side dish to serve at your next backyard barbecue. It’s easy to make, and it goes well with just about anything—burgers, hot dogs, or even steak. And if you’re like me, it will be the first thing you eat!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes
- 2 large sweet peppers (I used yellow bells)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt (or more/less depending on how salty you like your food)
Grilling is both an art and a science, and understanding the science behind it can help you achieve perfect results every time. Check out our in-depth guide on The Science Behind Grilling that explains the chemical reactions that occur during the grilling process and how to use that knowledge to create delicious meals that are sure to impress.
Broccoli Potato Tots
To make Broccoli Potato Tots, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, mash the potatoes with a fork and mix in broccoli until you get a nice green color.
Add salt and pepper for seasoning, then shape into tots and bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown on top.
Conclusion
If you were looking for some new ideas to spice up your barbecue, then look no further. These 15 sides are the perfect complement to any grilled dish and will help you be the star of your next cookout.
Further Reading
If you enjoyed these grilled side dishes here are some articles you might want to read for more inspiration and recipe ideas:
BBQ Side Dishes – The Pioneer Woman offers creative twists on classic BBQ side dishes.
Grilled BBQ Side Dishes – Taste of Home puts a focus on grilled side dishes that are sure to please.
Summer BBQ Salads – Delish offers a variety of refreshing salads that are perfect for BBQ feasts.
FAQs
Q: What are some good side dishes for a BBQ?
A: There are many fantastic side dishes that are perfect for BBQs, such as grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, and potato salad.
Q: Can you prepare side dishes ahead of time for a BBQ?
A: Yes, many side dishes can be prepared ahead of time to save you time on the day of the BBQ. Dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, and pasta salad are great options to make ahead of time.
Q: Do I need to serve cold side dishes cold and hot side dishes hot?
A: Yes, it is important to serve cold side dishes cold and hot side dishes hot to ensure food safety and optimal taste. Use an insulated container to keep hot dishes hot and put cold dishes on ice to keep them cool.
Q: How do I ensure there are enough side dishes for everyone at a BBQ?
A: A good rule of thumb is to prepare at least two side dishes per person. This ensures that there will be plenty of food for everyone and also allows for a variety of options.
Q: Can I serve vegetarian and vegan side dishes at a BBQ?
A: Absolutely! There are many delicious vegetarian and vegan side dishes that are perfect for BBQs. Grilled vegetables, vegetarian baked beans, and a variety of salads are all great options that will satisfy all guests, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James, and I’m a grilling enthusiast. I’ve been grilling for years, and I absolutely love it. I love how it brings people together and how you can feed your family with just a few minutes of work.