Healthy BBQ Sides to Switch Up at your Summer Gatherings
I have to say that my one of my favorite things about summer is cooking outside. The summer breeze, a cool drink in your hand?
What is not to love? BBQs and picnics are a great way to get outside, enjoy the weather and spend time with friends and family. Traditional BBQ dishes can range anywhere from salad, baked beans, potato salad, and plenty of desserts.
I asked our dietitians to tell me what their favorite healthy BBQ sides were when planning for their summer festivities, check out their responses!
Take a look at our 12 Healthy BBQ Sides
1. Guac and Homemade Chips
Guac is an awesome heart healthy fat and a source of fiber. You can also serve alongside some home tortilla chips!
2. Buffalo Cauliflower with Ranch Greek Yogurt
Buffalo Cauliflower with Ranch Greek Yogurt Dip is a surprisingly delicious way to enjoy cauliflower. Lightly battered, baked, and tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce, this will be a crowd pleaser and a fun alternative to the regular veggie platter.
3. Chickpea Tomato Salad
Chickpeas are another great source of fiber, and are the main ingredient in hummus! Our taste side dish uses chickpeas, tomatoes and cucumbers to make a delicious, mediterranean side dish. Chickpea tomato salad recipe.
4. Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Black Bean and Corn Salsa is great to serve with tortilla chips for scooping. It could also be a delicious topping for grilled proteins like a grilled chicken breast or fish.
5. Quinoa Apple Salad
Quinoa Apple Salad is a tasty side dish full of flavor and heart healthy fiber. We love the crunch of the sweet apple paired with the savory green onion. Add your favorite grilled protein to round it out as a meal.
6. Homemade Hummus
Hummus is a tasty spread to pair with crunchy veggies, chips, or pita bread. Take a look at our recipe here.
7. Cucumber Noodle Greek Salad
Cucumber Noodle Greek Salad is a fun way to serve salad. Long strips of cucumber, tossed in Greek vinaigrette, tomato, olives, feta, and artichokes.
8. Caesar Salad Summer Rolls
Summer rolls are typically fresh ingredients like veggies, avocado, shrimp, etc. rolled up into a rice paper wrapping. Our Caesar Salad Summer Rolls are a spin off of traditional summer rolls by wrapping the ingredients of traditional caesar salad up into rice paper, for a convenient hand held salad!
9. Lentil Salad
Lentils are a common ingredient in many different cuisines across the world and are a great source of protein. Our lentil salad uses tomatoes and cucumbers, both which are in season during the summer! Top with some feta cheese for a yummy salad. This recipe is so easy:
Grab a package of cooked lentils from Trader Joe’s, and toss with cucumber, tomato, and feta cheese. Finish off with a drizzle of olive oil and champagne vinegar, and fresh cracked black pepper.
10. Greek Yogurt Cole Slaw
Another BBQ favorite, but can often be high in saturated fat and sodium! Our version uses greek yogurt, which cuts down on the fat, and increases the protein! Here is our easy homemade recipe.
11. Healthy Baked Beans
Who doesn’t love a good helping of baked beans with a hamburger? Beans themselves are a great source of fiber, which can help keep your regular, and keep your cholesterol down. However, canned baked beans can often be high in sugar and salt. Check out our version, that features a surprising ingredient! See recipe here.
12. Watermelon Feta Salad
This delicious watermelon salad recipe is and refreshing salad comes together in minutes, and pairs well with almost anything! Serve with grilled chicken and fish for a light summer meal.
Do you want more ideas on healthy BBQ side dishes to make for your next BBQ?
Check out our searchable recipe database by ingredient, meal, condition, cooking method and cuisine! Click here for RECIPE DATABASE.
Need dessert ideas? Grilling fruit is a great option! We love grilled peaches topped with yogurt.
If you would like help planning your next meals for your next BBQ, make an appointment with one of our dietitians by clicking here or calling 301-474-2499.
Blog reviewed and updated April 2021.
Klara Knezevic has over a decade of experience in the nutrition field and currently serves as the CEO and co-owner of Rebecca Bitzer and Associates. Klara is passionate about sharing practical nutrition tips to help you feel confident in the choices that you make. Coauthor of Cooking with Food Sensitivities Survival Guide and Nourished: 10 Ingredients to Happy, Healthy Eating.
