BBQ Side Dishes Easy Recipes

Summer is here, and it’s time to fire up the grill. Get ready for a delicious BBQ!

But what’s a great barbecue without amazing side dishes? From classic coleslaw to innovative fruit salads, the right sides can make your outdoor gathering unforgettable.

I’m excited to share my favorite easy recipes for BBQ sides. They’re sure to please both kids and adults! Whether you’re looking for something quick, refreshing, or adventurous, I’ve got you covered.

Key Takeaways

• Discover simple and delicious BBQ side dish ideas
• Learn how to make classic coleslaw and other favorites
• Explore innovative fruit salads and grilled vegetables
• Get tips on preparing quick and refreshing sides
• Find inspiration for your next BBQ gathering

Introduction to Easy BBQ Side Dishes

The right BBQ side dishes can make a BBQ great! When planning your next outdoor gathering, don’t forget the side dishes. They’re as important as the grilled main courses.

Simple BBQ sides can really make a difference. They’re not just extras; they enhance the flavors and textures of your grilled food. They add variety and depth to your BBQ spread.

The Importance of Side Dishes at BBQs

Side dishes are key to a great BBQ. They offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of grilled meats. They also let you get creative with different flavors and ingredients.

The best BBQ side dishes balance with the main courses. For example, a cool coleslaw or a refreshing salad can contrast nicely with smoky meats.

How to Choose the Right Side Dishes

Choosing the right side dishes for your BBQ is easy if you think about a few things. First, consider the main courses you’ll serve. Pick sides that complement their flavors.

Here’s a simple guide to help you choose:

By thinking about the flavors and textures of your main courses, you can pick simple BBQ sides that make your BBQ better. Whether it’s classic coleslaw, grilled veggies, or a tasty potato salad, your guests will thank you for a delicious meal.

Classic Coleslaw Recipes

Coleslaw is a must-have at any BBQ. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and goes well with many foods. You can choose from creamy coleslaw for grilled meats or vinegar-based slaw to balance richness.

Creamy Coleslaw with a Twist

A classic creamy coleslaw is always a crowd-pleaser. But, adding a twist can make it even better. Try adding grated ginger or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra kick. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together.

Apple Cider Vinegar Coleslaw

For a lighter, refreshing slaw, use apple cider vinegar as the base. This slaw is great for summer BBQs because it’s light. Here’s how to make it:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat. This slaw is best served fresh, so make it just before your BBQ.

Both of these coleslaw recipes are sure to be a hit at your next BBQ. They offer a delicious and refreshing side dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you prefer creamy or vinegar-based slaw, these recipes are perfect for adding a tasty element to your delicious BBQ sides.

Grilled Vegetables for the Perfect Complement

Grilled vegetables can turn a BBQ into a memorable feast. They add a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Plus, they’re a healthy option and can be seasoned in many ways.

Zesty Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a BBQ favorite. It’s easy to prepare and always a hit. Try slathering it in a mix of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice for a zesty twist.

Marinated Grilled Zucchini

Marinated grilled zucchini is a delicious and quick option. Slice the zucchini, marinate it in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, then grill until tender. It’s a flavorful side dish that goes well with many main courses.

Grilled vegetables can be customized to fit your taste. Whether you prefer something spicy, tangy, or herby, there’s a marinade or seasoning for it.

Grilled Vegetables at a Glance:

Grilling vegetables is simple but yields great flavor. Adding grilled vegetables to your BBQ brings variety and health to your menu. It makes for a more engaging dining experience for your guests.

Flavorful Potato Salads

Make your BBQ better with a tasty potato salad. It’s easy to make and great for big groups. You can change it up with different ingredients to please everyone.

Herb-Infused Potato Salad

Try a fresh twist on potato salad with herbs. Mix tender potatoes with parsley, dill, or chives. Add a tangy dressing for flavor and color.

Start by boiling potatoes until they’re soft. Then, mix them with herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add garlic for more flavor. This recipe is easy to scale up for big BBQs.

Easy Mustard Potato Salad

For a zingy potato salad, try mustard. It pairs well with potatoes. You’ll need boiled potatoes, a mustard dressing, and chopped onions or pickles.

• Boil your potatoes until they’re tender.
• Mix the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl.
• Combine the potatoes with the dressing and add chopped onions or pickles.

This salad is delicious and easy to make in large quantities. Adjust the mustard to your liking. Add eggs or capers for more flavor.

These potato salad recipes are perfect for any BBQ. They’re simple to prepare, great for big groups, and taste amazing with grilled foods. Add one (or both!) to your BBQ menu next time.

Refreshing Pasta Salad Variations

Pasta salads are a great choice for BBQ side dishes. They offer a light and satisfying contrast to grilled foods. You can mix and match ingredients to match your BBQ’s theme.

Caprese Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto

A Caprese pasta salad is a tasty twist on the classic Italian salad. It’s perfect as a filling side dish. Here’s what you need:

• 1 cup of pasta (such as bowtie or penne)
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz of fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup of basil pesto
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Start by mixing cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella in a big bowl. Add basil pesto and top with chopped basil. It’s easy to make and looks great, making it a fantastic BBQ side.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Orzo is perfect for a Mediterranean pasta salad. Here’s a simple recipe:

1. Cook 1 cup of orzo as the package says.
2. Combine cooked orzo with 1 cup of chopped cucumber, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
3. Drizzle with a mix of 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, and 1 tsp of dried oregano.

This orzo salad is refreshing and flavorful, perfect for a summer BBQ. It’s a hit with its mix of textures and tastes!

Both pasta salad recipes are delicious and easy to make ahead. They’re great for BBQs. With fresh ingredients and bold flavors, you’ll have delicious BBQ sides that go well with your grilled foods.

Quick and Easy Bean Dishes

Summer BBQs need sides that are light and simple. Bean salads are perfect for this! They’re tasty and versatile, making them great for any summer event.

Bean salads are healthy and full of flavor. Plus, they’re super easy to make. You can prepare them before your BBQ. They’re great for a quick snack.

Southwestern Black Bean Salad

A Southwestern Black Bean Salad adds excitement to your BBQ. It’s a mix of black beans, tomatoes, onions, and cumin, all in a zesty lime dressing. You can add your favorite ingredients to make it your own.

Three-Bean Salad with a Balsamic Glaze

Try a Three-Bean Salad with Balsamic Glaze for a classic BBQ side. It has kidney beans, green beans, and lima beans in a sweet balsamic glaze. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any summer BBQ.

Both bean salads are ideal for summer BBQs. They’re refreshing, easy to make, and full of flavor. So, try them out at your next BBQ!

Savory Bread and Rolls

No BBQ is complete without the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked savory bread and rolls. These delicious additions can elevate your BBQ side dishes for a party. They make your gathering feel more like a special occasion.

Garlic Herb Butter Rolls

Garlic herb butter rolls are a simple yet impressive choice for your BBQ. They are made with a soft, fluffy dough. This dough is infused with the richness of garlic and herbs.

These rolls are sure to be a hit. To make them, you’ll need ingredients like active dry yeast, all-purpose flour, garlic, and a mix of fresh herbs such as parsley and thyme.

Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup garlic herb butter (see below for recipe)

Garlic Herb Butter Recipe:

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

Cheesy Cornbread Muffins

Cheesy cornbread muffins are another crowd-pleaser. They are not only delicious but also easy to make. They are perfect for grabbing off the grill.

The addition of cheese gives them an extra burst of flavor. This flavor complements BBQ favorites well.

By incorporating savory bread and rolls like garlic herb butter rolls and cheesy cornbread muffins into your BBQ, you’ll be serving simple BBQ sides. These sides are both satisfying and memorable.

Dips and Spreads to Enhance Your Meal

BBQ gets even better with the right dips and spreads. They add flavor and make dining fun for everyone. Serving different dips and spreads is a great way to keep things interesting.

Dips and spreads can be anything you want. You can choose classic comfort or something new and exciting. There’s a perfect dip or spread for every taste.

Classic Hummus Recipe

Hummus is a must-have at any BBQ. It’s simple to make and loved by all. You need chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Just blend them until smooth, then add salt to taste.

Tips for the perfect hummus: Use top-notch tahini for a deeper flavor. Feel free to adjust the garlic to your taste!

Tangy Spinach and Artichoke Dip

For a richer dip, try spinach and artichoke. It’s creamy, tangy, and made with spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Bake it until it’s golden and bubbly.

The best part? It’s super easy to make and can be ready ahead of time. This makes your BBQ stress-free.

To make your dips and spreads even better, serve them with different dippers. Try pita chips, carrot sticks, or grilled bread. The choices are endless, and you’ll find the perfect match for your guests!

Creative Fruit Salads to Sweeten the BBQ

As we wrap up our exploration of delicious BBQ side dishes, let’s not forget the sweet treats that can elevate your outdoor gathering. Fruit salads are a refreshing and healthy option that’s perfect for large crowds. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or a casual get-together, a creative fruit salad can be the ideal BBQ side dish for a crowd.

Tropical Twists and Berry Delights

For a tropical twist, consider a fruit salad featuring a mix of juicy pineapple, mango, and kiwi, topped with a zesty lime dressing. This BBQ side dish for summer is sure to be a hit! On the other hand, a berry-based salad with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, paired with a hint of mint and a drizzle of honey, makes for a delightful and refreshing side dish.

These creative fruit salads are not only delicious but also easy to prepare in large quantities, making them perfect for your next BBQ. So, get creative and add a splash of color and flavor to your outdoor gathering with these tasty and revitalizing fruit salads!