As the weather warms up, we’re ready to dust off the barbecue and live on a steady diet of burgers, steaks, chicken and grilled veggies. Don’t forget about the sides, though! Below, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite side dishes that pair perfectly with grilled mains, from healthy salads to vegetable sides and keto-friendly options. Read on for a great collection of BBQ side dishes perfect for your next cookout.
Grilled Corn Avocado Tomato Salad
We love pairing grilled meats with something fresh and light, like this summery corn salad from Oh, Sweet Basil. Corn on the cob is lightly grilled, then paired with ripe tomatoes and avocados. Topped off with a zesty cilantro vinaigrette, your whole crew is going to love this one. Click here to get the recipe.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes aren’t just for Thanksgiving! Take a cue from Gimme Some Grilling and grill up sweet potato slices alongside your other dishes. To get the details on how it’s done, click here.
Vegetable Kebabs
Via Veggies Save the Day, this might just be the ultimate side for your summer barbecues—and it's hearty enough to be a main dish if you’re serving vegans or vegetarians. An herby olive oil coating gives the vegetables an extra dose of flavor. Get the recipe by clicking here.
Broccoli Slaw Salad
Expand your salad horizons with this simple recipe from Wendy Polisi. Grilled chicken or burgers pair perfectly with crunchy, tangy broccoli slaw. To grab the recipe, click here.
Pineapple Salsa Fresca
This pineapple salsa from Good Noms, Honey! is super versatile. Use it as a topping for tacos or as a dip with tortilla chips, or pair it with grilled chicken or pork—the sweet and savory flavors work together so well. Click here to get the recipe.
No-Mayo Potato Salad
As much as we love traditional potato salad, it can be tricky to serve in the summer heat when there’s mayo involved. This mayo-free version from My Modern Cookery is just as delicious, with a tangy, herby dressing that pulls it all together. To get the recipe, click here.
Watermelon Berry Fruit Salad
Take your fruit salad to the next level with this recipe from Caitlin Cooking. Her version has feta cheese for a hint of saltiness, plus a light lemony vinaigrette to finish it off. Click here to see the recipe.
Texas Caviar
Served as a side or a chip dip, this dish from Dinner Then Dessert is the perfect fresh accompaniment for grilled meats. Black-eyed peas and black beans are mixed with lots of summer veggies and spices—let it marinate for an hour or two for the best flavor. Click here to grab the recipe.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Everyone loves a pasta salad, especially when it’s as beautiful as this one from The Cookie Rookie. Mix in your favorite summer veggies, like radishes, tomatoes and corn. Get the recipe by clicking here.
Calabacitas
This tasty Mexican side dish from Isabel Eats pairs well with anything from grilled chicken to steak to pork. It’s a great way to make use of all those summer veggies, like zucchini, summer squash and corn. The light cheese sauce makes it a kid-favorite, too. To get the recipe, click here.
Classic Macaroni Salad
This macaroni salad from Kevin Is Cooking is a classic for a reason—it goes great with all kinds of grilled main dishes and takes us right back to childhood barbecues in the backyard. Kevin’s version is lightened up with a Greek yogurt-based dressing. Click here to get the recipe.
Salsa Roja
Homemade salsa is always a hit, and this fire-grilled red salsa from This Is How I Cook is no exception. Grilling the tomatoes brings out a ton of flavor, even if they’re not the ripest. To get all the details on how it’s done, click here.
Fresh Corn Fritters with Cheddar Cheese
Here’s a fun way to use up all that fresh summer corn, via Marilena’s Kitchen. Fritters are always a hit with the kids, and these have sharp cheddar cheese to make them even more irresistible. To get the recipe, click here.
—Susie Foresman
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