Summer BBQ Sides

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

These summer BBQ sides are easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for any backyard gathering. You’ll love how they bring everyone together with minimal effort.

• Quick to prepare: Most recipes take under 30 minutes, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the party.
• Crowd-pleasing flavors: From tangy slaws to creamy salads, there’s something for every taste bud.
• Make-ahead friendly: Many dishes taste even better when made ahead, giving you one less thing to worry about on BBQ day.

Recipe

Summer BBQs are incomplete without delicious sides that complement grilled meats and add variety to the meal. These easy-to-make recipes bring freshness and flavor to any outdoor gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then toss gently.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and cilantro. Mix well and serve chilled.

Notes:

• For extra flavor, grill the corn before adding it to the salad.
• Add diced cucumber or bell peppers for more crunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Serving: 6

Calories: 180 per serving

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Summer BBQ sides are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for a typical serving.

What To Serve With It

I love pairing summer BBQs with fresh summer salads and grilled veggies—they add color and crunch to any plate. A tangy coleslaw or a bright tomato-cucumber salad keeps things light, while smoky grilled zucchini or corn brings that perfect charred flavor. Trust me, these sides make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight from your main dish.

Summer Salads

When I’m planning a summer BBQ, I always think about how salads can be the star of the table, not just an afterthought. I love using fresh ingredients like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers to create something vibrant and invigorating. Playing with flavor combinations is my favorite part—adding sweet strawberries to a spinach salad or tossing tangy feta with watermelon and mint. A good dressing ties it all together, whether it’s a zesty vinaigrette or a creamy avocado lime. Salads can be light yet satisfying, and they’re perfect for balancing out those hearty BBQ mains.

Grilled Vegetables

Even though grilled veggies might seem simple, they’re a game-changer at any BBQ, adding smoky flavor and vibrant color to the spread. I love experimenting with grilling techniques, like slicing zucchini into planks or skewering cherry tomatoes with bell peppers. Veggie marinades are my secret weapon—I’ll toss them in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an hour before grilling. It’s amazing how much flavor they soak up! I always serve them with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of feta, which keeps things fresh and tangy. Trust me, they’ll steal the spotlight alongside your grilled meats!