Ever get stumped for side dish recipes? With this list of 10 Easy BBQ Side Dishes, you’ll never wonder what to bring to a summer grill out again!
10 Easy BBQ Side Dishes
You'll never wonder what to bring to a backyard BBQ again with this tasty list of 10 Easy BBQ Side Dishes. From pasta salads to potato salad to make-ahead and gluten-free recipes, there is something for everyone here.
Tips for perfect pasta salads
No backyard BBQ is complete without a pasta salad recipe. The beauty of pasta salad is that it should be made ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld and develop. Gotta love side dish recipes that can be made in advance!
Always cook your pasta to al dente, which usually means the pasta still has a bit of “bite” or firmness to it. Most packages list cooking times for al dente pasta.
Why cook your pasta to al dente? Pasta likes to soak up whatever dressing you ladle over it which will make it softer the longer it sits.
Also be sure to reserve a bit of the pasta salad dressing when making the salad. Right before serving, add the reserved dressing to the pasta salad and stir to give the dish a fresh face.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe is great for feeding a group! Who can say no to a make-ahead salad filled with bacon, tomatoes, cheese and a creamy ranch dressing?
Easy Orzo and Chickpea Salad
Add an unexpected boost of protein to your backyard BBQ menu with this Easy Orzo and Chickpea Salad recipe. Makes a great side dish for vegetarians, too.
Tomato Feta Pasta Salad
This tangy Tomato Feta Pasta Salad is filled the flavors of the Mediterranean, including fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, salty feta cheese and briny Kalamata olives.
Got dietary restrictions? Try serving Gluten-Free Side Dishes
It’s inevitable that you’ll run across a guest who has a gluten allergy or sensitivity. But what do you serve, especially if you’re not familiar with gluten-free cooking?
Pasta and many grains are out entirely unless you use a specially labeled gluten-free variety. Quinoa is the exception to that rule.
Naturally gluten-free, this grain is also a great source of protein. Or skip grains entirely and opt for a crowd-pleasing meat and cheese salad with a zippy red wine vinaigrette.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This flavorful Mediterranean Quinoa Salad recipe is naturally gluten-free. Leftovers make tasty, protein-packed lunches, too!
Antipasto Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
This Antipasto Salad is packed with Italian meats, cheeses and veggies and is tossed with a zesty red wine vinaigrette. This substantial side dish is a real crowd-pleaser.
Fruit and Vegetable Side Dishes that go beyond the norm
It’s easy to fall back on a bag of potato chips as a side dish to anything off the grill. Or maybe a store-bought fruit tray. We’ve all been guilty of that from time to time.
But since summer is bursting with some of the best produce available any time of year, why not add some variety to your BBQ side dishes?
These five side dish recipes shine the spotlight on fresh-from-the-garden flavors that beat a plain ol’ bag of chips any day.
Fruit Salad with Lime Mint Syrup
Bringing fruit doesn't have to be boring. A hint of lime and mint makes our Fruit Salad recipe with Lime Mint Syrup stand out among other basic fruit salads.
Tomato Feta Salad with Sweet Onion
This 5-ingredient Tomato Feta Salad with Sweet Onion recipe lets the flavor of summer garden tomatoes shine. If you love tomatoes, this side dish recipe is for you.
Watermelon Feta Salad
A perfect combination of salty and sweet, this 4-ingredient Watermelon Feta Salad is a refreshing side dish for any summer BBQ or party.
Tomato, Mozzarella and Grilled Corn Salad
This Tomato, Mozzarella and Grilled Corn Salad gets hit with an extra boost of flavor from the cilantro-lime dressing. Trust us; this is one side dish recipe that always disappears.
Danish Potato Salad
Green onions, capers and parsley give every bite of this Danish Potato Salad major flavor. Plus there is no refrigeration necessary for this mayo-free side dish.
Other vegetable and pasta salads:
Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese
Grilled Side Dishes:
Herbed Grilled Potatoes in Foil
Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan
More Side Dish recipes HERE
Never wonder what recipe to serve at your next BBQ again with this list of 10 easy BBQ Side Dishes!
Anna,
At Thanksgiving, my favorite part of the meal is the sides. I love the idea of a variety of BBQ side dishes to have on hand for meals. Thanks for a terrific round up–I’ve pinned to Rockin’ Recipe Round Ups because this rocks.