As the sun shines brighter and the grill sizzles, the heart of any summer feast is the side dishes. This collection of summer grilling side dish recipes offers a variety of flavors and textures. They are perfect for making your outdoor cooking experience even better.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a picnic, or a patio gathering, these sides will impress. They include refreshing salads, grilled vegetable masterpieces, creative dips, and decadent desserts. These dishes will perfectly match your summer grilling favorites.
Get ready to wow your friends and family with these summer grilling side dish recipes, BBQ sides, outdoor cooking delights, and grilled vegetables. Everyone will want seconds. Let’s explore these delicious options and take your outdoor cooking to new heights!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Explore a variety of refreshing salads, grilled vegetables, unique dips, and more to complement your summer grilling menu.
- Discover creative flavor combinations and healthy options that cater to diverse dietary preferences.
- Elevate your outdoor cooking experience with easy-to-prepare side dish recipes that will impress your guests.
- Indulge in a harmonious balance of textures, from crunchy to creamy, and flavors, from savory to sweet.
- Find inspiration in traditional and international-inspired side dish recipes to expand your culinary horizons.
Refreshing Salads to Complement Your Grilled Feast
Summer grilling isn’t complete without refreshing salads. They balance the rich flavors of grilled dishes. Try classic potato salad, vibrant quinoa salad, and creamy coleslaw for a perfect outdoor meal.
Classic Potato Salad
Potato salad is a summer favorite. It’s creamy, tangy, and has tender potatoes, crunchy celery, and herbs. It’s easy to make ahead, so you can enjoy your grilled food more.
Quinoa Salad with Fresh Vegetables
For a healthier choice, try a quinoa salad with fresh veggies. It’s packed with quinoa, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing. It’s refreshing and pairs well with grilled meats or veggies.
Creamy Coleslaw
A summer BBQ isn’t complete without coleslaw. It’s creamy, crunchy, and has shredded cabbage and carrots in a tangy dressing. It’s a cool contrast to the smoky flavors of your grilled food.
| Salad Recipe | Key Ingredients | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Potato Salad | Potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onions, herbs | 6-8 servings |
| Quinoa Salad with Fresh Vegetables | Quinoa, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, vinaigrette | 4-6 servings |
| Creamy Coleslaw | Cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar | 8-10 servings |
These salads are great with grilled food. Make them ahead and let the flavors mix. Serve them with burgers, steaks, and veggie skewers for a complete meal.
Grilled Vegetables: A Perfect Addition
Make your summer barbecue better with grilled vegetables. Try marinated zucchini or bell pepper skewers. They add flavor and nutrition to any meal.
Marinated Grilled Zucchini
Zucchini gets tender and flavorful when marinated and grilled. Slice it, mix with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices, then grill. It tastes sweet and smoky, perfect for summer.
Colorful Bell Pepper Skewers
Add color to your grill with bell pepper skewers. They look great and taste sweet and smoky. Marinate, thread, and grill until tender. Serve as a side or in salads.
Grilled vegetables are great for summer barbecues. Choose zucchini or bell pepper skewers for flavor. Try different veggies and sauces for more tasty options.
Unique and Flavorful Dips
Make your summer grilling better with tasty dips. Enjoy creamy yogurt dips and protein-rich hummus. These flavors will make everyone want more.
Herbed Yogurt Dip for Veggies
This herbed yogurt dip is cool and refreshing. It’s great with fresh or grilled veggies. Greek yogurt, dill, chives, and parsley make it vibrant and versatile.
It’s perfect with carrots, celery, and zucchini. Try it with grilled corn on the cob for a tasty appetizer.
Spicy Black Bean Hummus
Spice up your party with this black bean hummus. It’s got protein-rich black beans, garlic, and chili peppers for a spicy kick. Enjoy it with pita chips, grilled bread, or grilled corn on the cob.
Make these dips ahead of time for easy summer grilling. They’re great with grilled meats, veggies, and breads. Your guests will love them.
“These unique dips are the perfect way to elevate your summer grilling spread and keep your guests coming back for more.”
Breads and Rolls to Savor
No summer grilling feast is complete without the perfect bread or roll. They soak up juices and flavors. From grilled bread to cornbread with jalapeños, these sides will delight your taste buds.
Grilled Garlic Bread
Turn a simple loaf into grilled garlic bread. Brush thick slices with melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Grill until golden brown and crispy outside, soft inside. Serve hot for a garlicky flavor in every bite.
Cornbread with Jalapeños
Add spice to your grilling with jalapeño cornbread. This cornbread has diced jalapeños for sweet and heat. Bake in a cast-iron skillet for a crusty exterior and moist interior. Serve warm as a side or for sopping up sauces.
These bread options are great with your summer grilling feast. They offer different flavors and textures. Whether it’s grilled bread or cornbread, your guests will love every bite.
Flavor-Packed Rice and Grain Sides
Side dishes can be the stars of summer grilling. Rice and grain sides are perfect with grilled meats, veggies, and seafood. Try cilantro lime rice or couscous for a taste boost to your BBQ.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is a refreshing side that goes great with grilled foods. It’s made with cilantro, lime juice, and white rice. This mix is light yet full of flavor. It’s great with grilled chicken, fish, or as a base for veggie bowls.
Mediterranean Couscous
Mediterranean couscous is a light and tasty option. It’s made with couscous, veggies, feta, and herbs like parsley and mint. This side is perfect with grilled meats and seafood.
| Recipe | Cooking Time | Servings | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cilantro Lime Rice | 25 minutes | 4-6 | California |
| Mediterranean Couscous | 20 minutes | 6-8 | Greece |
“These rice and grain sides are not only delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile. They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for outdoor dining and summer gatherings.”
Looking for a zesty side or a light grain dish? These rice side dishes and Mediterranean flavors will make your grilling menu shine. Your guests will be impressed.
Savory Potatoes for a Crowd
Potatoes are a key side dish for summer grilling. They come in crispy grilled potatoes and tasty roasted potatoes. You can also try sweet potato wedges for a healthier option.
Tuscan Roasted Baby Potatoes
Our Tuscan roasted baby potatoes are a hit with everyone. They’re tossed in garlic-herb marinade and roasted until crispy. The mix of earthy Tuscan flavors and smoky grill marks is amazing.
Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potato wedges are a nutritious and tasty choice. They’re cut into wedges, seasoned lightly, and grilled until tender. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs well with the grill’s char, making it a satisfying side dish.
Both Tuscan roasted baby potatoes and sweet potato wedges can be prepped ahead. Just grill them for that smoky flavor and crispy texture. Impress your guests with these delicious potato dishes!
Zesty Salsas for a Fresh Kick
Make your grilled dishes pop with homemade salsa! Enjoy the sweet and spicy mango salsa or the classic pico de gallo. These salsas add a fresh kick to your summer grilling. Use them as dips, toppings, or mix them into salads for extra flavor and texture.
Mango Salsa
This mango salsa is full of juicy mango sweetness and a touch of jalapeño heat. It’s great with grilled chicken, fish, or as a topping for grilled fruit salad. It serves 6 and is ready in just 15 minutes, making it a tasty summer addition.
Each serving of this mango salsa has 227 calories, 36g of carbs, 3g of protein, and 10g of fat. It’s also rich in 8g of fiber and 25g of sugar from fresh fruits like pineapple and mango.
Pico de Gallo
For a classic taste, try the pico de gallo. It’s a tomato-based salsa with a bright, zesty flavor. It’s perfect with grilled meats, fish, or as a dip for tortilla chips. The secret is using the freshest, ripest tomatoes.
To keep your pico de gallo fresh, eat it within 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Use a sharp knife to cut the fruits and veggies for a long-lasting taste.
Whether you’re grilling steak, chicken, or making a grilled fruit salad, these salsas are great. They add vibrant flavors and a fresh kick to your summer meals.
Healthy Options for Guilt-Free Grilling
Summer grilling is here, and it’s time to balance rich barbecue with healthy sides. Two great picks are grilled asparagus with balsamic glaze and a spinach and strawberry salad. They taste amazing and are good for your health.
Grilled Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze
Asparagus is packed with nutrients and gets even better when grilled. With a tangy balsamic glaze, these grilled asparagus spears are a tasty, low-calorie side. The charred edges and sweet-tart glaze make a perfect flavor mix that everyone will love.
Spinach and Strawberry Salad
A spinach salad with fresh strawberries is a refreshing healthy BBQ sides choice. It combines nutrient-rich spinach, sweet berries, and a light dressing. This salad adds color and flavor to your meal, making it a great way to eat more greens.
These healthy sides show you can enjoy summer grilling without feeling guilty. With a bit of creativity, you can have both delicious barbecue and nutritious sides.
Creative Slaws to Add Crunch
Make your summer grilling spread more exciting with tasty and crunchy coleslaw variations. These slaws not only go well with grilled meats but also add a nice texture to your meal. Try out sweet-tart apple and cabbage slaw or spicy carrot slaw to wow your guests.
Apple and Cabbage Slaw
This apple slaw mixes crisp apples, shredded cabbage, and tangy vinaigrette. It’s a sweet and tart mix that adds a refreshing crunch. Pair it with grilled burgers or barbecue chicken for a flavorful meal.
Spicy Carrot Slaw
This carrot slaw puts shredded carrots in the spotlight, with a spicy kick. Its crunchy texture and bold flavors are perfect with smoky grilled meats.
| Slaw Variety | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Apple and Cabbage Slaw | Apples, cabbage, vinegar, oil | Sweet-tart, crunchy |
| Spicy Carrot Slaw | Carrots, spices, vinegar, oil | Zesty, crunchy |
These crunchy side dishes can be made ahead of time. This lets the flavors mix and the textures get better before serving. Try adding grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or tofu for a heartier meal. Add fresh herbs, nuts, and dried fruits to make your slaw even more interesting and nutritious.
“Slaws are the perfect summer side dish – they’re fresh, crunchy, and the perfect complement to grilled meats and vegetables.”
Simple and Delicious Pasta Dishes
Pasta salads are a hit for summer grilling side dishes. They’re easy to make and can be served chilled or at room temperature. This makes them perfect for outdoor dining. Let’s look at two tasty pasta dishes that will go great with your grilled food.
Caprese Pasta Salad
This Caprese pasta salad captures the summer vibe. Mix al dente pasta, fresh mozzarella, and juicy cherry tomatoes with basil leaves. Add a tangy balsamic vinaigrette for a classic Italian taste. This pasta salad is light and refreshing, perfect with your grilled dishes.
Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Our pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes offers herbal aroma and zesty flavors. Toss cooked pasta with homemade basil pesto and colorful cherry tomatoes. This dish is a summertime favorite, blending well with grilled proteins and side dishes.
“Pasta salads are the perfect canvas to showcase the vibrant flavors of summer produce.”
Choose between the classic Caprese or the fragrant pesto pasta salad. Both are great for your grilling spread. Make them ahead and chill until serving. They’re easy and add flavor to your outdoor meal.
Dessert Pairings to End on a Sweet Note
Sweet endings are key to your BBQ menu. Grilled peaches with honey bring out summer’s sweetness in a caramelized way. Strawberry shortcake skewers are a fun, portable dessert. These light treats are perfect after a big barbecue feast.
Grilled Peaches with Honey
Grilled peaches get a caramelized flavor and are drizzled with honey. This dessert shows off the natural sweetness of summer fruits. Enjoy them warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a special BBQ ending.
Strawberry Shortcake Skewers
Make strawberry shortcake fun with these skewers. Layer biscuits, strawberries, and whipped cream for a tasty dessert. The mix of buttery biscuits, sweet strawberries, and creamy topping is a hit with guests.