Summer is the perfect time for BBQs, and what makes a BBQ even better? The side dishes, of course! In this article together an amazing list of 10 BBQ side dish recipes that will make your mouth water. From a fresh Tomato and Cucumber Salad to a zesty Watermelon Salsa; a flavor-packed Roasted Mushroom and Tomato Pasta Salad to a classic Creamy Coleslaw.
BBQ Side Dishes Recipes
BBQs are all about good food and great company, and while the grill often takes center stage, the side dishes play a crucial role in rounding out the meal. Here are some delicious BBQ side dish recipes that will complement any grilled main course.
Tomato And Cucumber Salad
Tomato and cucumber salad blends ripe, juicy tomatoes with crisp cucumbers. A splash of dressing and a sprinkle of fresh basil or cilantro can turn this simple mix into a colorful, refreshing side dish that complements any main course. Perfect for health-conscious eaters, it's vegan and free from common allergens. Keep it fresh in the fridge and enjoy the easy, flavorful crunch at your next meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber
- Fresh basil leaves
- Handful of tomatoes (plum tomatoes recommended)
Watermelon Salsa
Watermelon salsa brings a sweet twist to your snack time! This quick mix is all about juicy watermelon cubes, a hint of spice from jalapeños, and a zesty lime kick. It's a vibrant, refreshing dip that comes together in just 5 minutes. Scoop it up with chips or pair it with grilled delights. Plus, serve it in a watermelon bowl for a splash of fun at your next BBQ!
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon, diced (about 3 lb watermelon flesh)
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced, optionally different colors
- 1 jalapeño pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup lime juice (from 2 limes)
Roasted Mushroom And Tomato Pasta Salad
Tossed with chickpeas, creamy mozzarella, and pasta in a light, white balsamic dressing, this salad shines at any meal. It blends tender roasted mushrooms with juicy cherry tomatoes, both seasoned to perfection.
Ingredients
Roasted Mushrooms and Tomatoes
- 1 pound fresh baby bella or white mushrooms, sliced
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces dry farfalle or bowtie pasta
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
- 1 (8 ounce) container mozzarella pearls, drained
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Creamy Coleslaw
Crisp shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a rich, tangy dressing make this dish irresistible. It’s easy to whip up, full of fresh flavors, and looks as good as it tastes. Perfect alongside your favorite grilled meats or as a refreshing side, this classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser and keeps well for days in the fridge!
Ingredients
Slaw
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayo
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Mediterranean Corn Salad Recipe
Bright, zesty, and a touch sweet, the Mediterranean Corn Salad brings summer to your table in just 10 minutes. Packed with Libby’s Whole Kernel Sweet Corn, sliced carrots, roasted red peppers, and olives, it balances sweetness with a tangy dressing for a refreshing taste. It easily transforms with add-ins like grilled chicken or avocado, making it versatile for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 can Libby’s Whole Kernel Sweet Corn
- 1 can Libby’s Sliced Carrots
- ⅓ cup roasted red peppers, cut into small pieces
- ⅓ cup parsley, chopped
- ½ cup green olives
Dressing
- ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
The Best Caprese Pasta Salad
Twirl your fork into bowtie pasta mixed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and garden-fresh basil, all brought together with a zingy pesto dressing. This quick, make-ahead dish is a versatile hit for any gathering, easy to tailor for vegetarians or with tasty add-ins for those wanting more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bow tie pasta
- 1 ½ cups fresh mozzarella, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in halves
- 1 cup fresh basil
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
Easy Baked Beans
Straight from a Missouri kitchen, this recipe brings comfort food to your table with nothing more than a skillet, an oven, and everyday ingredients like navy beans, bacon, and a mix of spices. Perfect alongside BBQ favorites or as a uniquely hearty toast topping, these beans are a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 yellow onion (small to medium), diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 8 ounces tomato sauce (one small can)
- 32 ounces navy beans (two cans), drained
Grilled Sweet Potatoes With Cilantro Vinaigrette Recipe
Boiled lightly then grilled to smoky perfection, each slice is a balance of soft warmth drenched in the bright, tangy flavors of lime and cilantro. Simple to cook and stunning on the plate, this recipe elevates the humble sweet potato to a celebration of summer flavors.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium, unpeeled sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
Cilantro Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon agave nectar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Cowboy Caviar Recipe
Cowboy Caviar is a colorful, Tex-Mex inspired dip full of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Dressed in a tangy lime vinaigrette, it's perfect with tortilla chips or as a side salad. Bursting with flavors and textures, it stands out at any gathering, from tailgates to potlucks, making it a year-round favorite. This pantry-friendly delight is not just delicious but also a vibrant, healthy choice packed with fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients
Salad
- 15 ounce can of black beans, well rinsed and drained
- 15 ounce can of black-eyed peas, well rinsed and drained
- 1 ear of corn, kernels removed (can be cooked or raw)
- ⅓ cup minced red onion
- ⅓ cup finely diced green bell pepper
- ⅓ cup finely diced yellow bell pepper
- ⅓ cup finely diced orange bell pepper
- ½ cup finely diced fresh tomatoes
- 1-2 jalapeños, to taste, minced
- ¼ cup chopped green stuffed olives
- ¼ cup chopped black or kalamata olives
- A large handful of fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
Dressing
- 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 large limes
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Air Fryer Tater Tots
This recipe lets your air fryer do the magic, turning frozen hash browns into golden, crispy delights with just a touch of oil. Quick, easy, and a hit with kids, these tater tots bring out the joy of snacking without the guilt. Serve them hot with your favorite dips, and enjoy a healthier twist on deep-fried taste any day.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
