The summer barbeque is a classic tradition. As soon as it’s warm enough, people can’t wait to break out the old grill and start the good times. But as much fun as grilling the main course can be, no BBQ is complete without some top-caliber side dishes. So whether you’re in charge of making all the food for your party or just need a side to bring along to a BBQ, this list of 15 summer BBQ side dishes is sure to provide more than a few winners.
Mediterranean Bean Salad
With fresh produce and simple ingredients, this Mediterranean bean salad is a satisfying and filling salad that should definitely be served at your next outdoor bbq and picnic. Serve with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp, or simply enjoy as a quick and easy go-to lunch!
You need: 400 g white beans, 1 cucumber, 2 tomatoes, 50 g olives, 50 g feta, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp vinegar.
- Mix beans, vegetables and olives.
- Dress with oil and vinegar.
- Top with feta.
Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad
Watermelon feta cucumber salad is a classic summer BBQ recipe which pairs with any protein. Try this watermelon salad with anything from burgers and hot dogs to steaks, smoked lamb, or anything else you want to grill. It looks pretty and tastes even better.
You need: 400 g watermelon, 1 cucumber, 100 g feta, mint, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 lime.
- Cube watermelon and cucumber.
- Add feta and mint.
- Dress with oil and lime.
Baked Mac and Cheese
There’s nothing like a homemade, baked Mac and Cheese recipe for pure comfort food. This BBQ side dish recipe incorporates egg for an almost custardy filling.
You need: 300 g macaroni, 300 g cheddar, 500 ml milk, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 50 g breadcrumbs.
- Make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk and cheese.
- Mix with cooked macaroni.
- Top with crumbs and bake at 190°C for 25 min.
Fresh Green Bean Salad
This fresh green bean salad is perfect served cold or warmed up. It features green beans, tomatoes, walnuts, and an Italian-style homemade dressing.
You need: 400 g green beans, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 lemon, 30 g almonds, 1 garlic clove, parmesan.
- Blanch beans 4 min.
- Toss with oil, lemon and garlic.
- Top with almonds and parmesan.
Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
Grilled corn on the cob is an obvious choice for any BBQ. It can be cooked along with the main course, so it’s convenient. This post shares many tips for the perfect grilled corn and great garlic butter to give it loads of flavor.
You need: 4 corn cobs, 4 tbsp butter, 1 tsp paprika, lime, foil.
- Spread corn with butter and paprika.
- Wrap in foil.
- Grill 20 min and finish with lime.
Apple Coleslaw
A good mix of hot and cold dishes makes a meal more of an experience. Apples and cilantro give this slaw a fresh flavor that guests won’t expect.
You need: 1/2 white cabbage, 2 apples, 1 carrot, 4 tbsp mayo, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp honey.
- Shred cabbage, apples and carrot.
- Mix mayo, vinegar and honey.
- Toss and chill.
Cucumber Salad
A light, refreshing cucumber salad goes great with any grilled dish. This one adds a few surprising twists while still keeping true to the traditional cucumber salad recipe.
You need: 2 cucumbers, 3 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp dill, 1/2 red onion, salt.
- Slice cucumbers and onion.
- Mix vinegar, sugar and salt.
- Toss with dill and chill 30 min.
Loaded Baked Potato Slices
Baked potatoes are a great, versatile side dish that goes perfectly with a BBQ. However, having an entire baked potato on a paper plate can be a recipe for disaster. This site circumvents that problem by offering potato slices, which are still loaded with everything a baked potato needs.
You need: 4 large potatoes, 100 g cheddar, 4 bacon rashers, 100 g sour cream, chives, oil.
- Slice potatoes and brush with oil.
- Bake at 220°C for 25 min.
- Top with cheese and bacon, bake 5 min and add sour cream.
Red Cabbage and Carrot Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
This awesome red cabbage and carrot salad with lemon tahini dressing recipe is quick, easy to make, and packed with flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and guilt-free.
Get the recipe: Red Cabbage and Carrot Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Veggie kabobs are a great way to complement the main dish at a BBQ. Or, for vegetarian/vegan gatherings, they can be a perfect main dish all on their own. See the post for tips on which ones grill the best and how to get the most flavor out of any grilled veggies.
You need: 2 courgettes, 2 peppers, 1 red onion, mushrooms, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic, skewers.
- Thread vegetables on skewers.
- Brush with oil and balsamic.
- Grill 10 min, turning.
Crisp Pickled Watermelon Rind
Watermelon is another staple food at outdoor summer get-togethers. But you can wow guests by putting out a bowl of watermelon cubes and another bowl of pickled chunks of the watermelon rind.
You need: 500 g watermelon rind, 300 ml vinegar, 200 g sugar, 1 tsp salt, cloves, cinnamon stick.
- Peel and cube rind.
- Boil vinegar, sugar and spices.
- Add rind and simmer 15 min, jar and chill.
Smoked Potatoes
Potatoes at a BBQ are nothing new. But what comes as a surprise is that these potatoes are smoked to add a whole new layer of flavor.
You need: 600 g baby potatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt.
- Toss potatoes in oil and spices.
- Smoke at 120°C for 1 hour.
- Finish at 200°C for 10 min.
Summer Corn Succotash
You can’t get enough corn at a good BBQ party. Serve this summer corn succotash as a unique way to work this vegetable into the menu.
You need: 3 corn cobs, 200 g lima beans, 1 pepper, 1 onion, 2 tbsp butter, parsley.
- Cut corn off the cob.
- Fry onion and pepper in butter.
- Add corn and beans for 8 min.
Old-Fashioned Pea Salad
Sometimes, it’s all about those dishes your parents or grandparents always made for a gathering. This old-fashioned pea salad is a throwback recipe that will have people clamoring for more.
You need: 400 g peas, 4 spring onions, 100 g cheddar, 3 tbsp mayo, 3 tbsp sour cream, salt.
- Thaw peas.
- Mix with onion, cheese, mayo and sour cream.
- Chill 1 hour.
Air Fryer Pasta Chips
Can’t spare any more space on the grill? These pasta chips are unique for two reasons: They are made from actual pasta and are made in the air fryer.
You need: 200 g bow-tie pasta, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp parmesan, marinara.
- Cook pasta, drain.
- Toss with oil, garlic powder and parmesan.
- Air fry at 190°C for 8 min and serve with marinara.
Sour Cream Potato Salad
A good potato salad is another dish that simply must be served at any BBQ. This creamy recipe adds the tang of sour cream for a real treat.
You need: 800 g potatoes, 200 ml sour cream, 3 tbsp mayo, 3 boiled eggs, 1 celery stalk, 1 tbsp mustard.
- Boil and cool the potatoes.
- Mix dressing of sour cream, mayo and mustard.
- Fold in chopped egg and celery.
Fried Okra
You simply can’t go wrong serving fried okra. Those who have tried it already know, and those who haven’t will quickly come around. Follow this summer BBQ side dish recipe for perfectly fried, crispy, delicious okra.
You need: 400 g okra, 100 g cornmeal, 1 egg, 100 ml milk, oil, salt.
- Slice okra and soak in egg and milk.
- Coat in cornmeal.
- Fry until golden.
Zucchini Cakes
Fried zucchini is another superstar dish that will have guests raving. These zucchini cakes present a new way of preparing the popular vegetable.
You need: 2 courgettes, 1 egg, 50 g flour, 50 g parmesan, 1 spring onion, oil.
- Grate and squeeze the courgettes.
- Mix with the other ingredients.
- Fry patties 3 min per side.
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