12 Best Side Dishes For Bbq [BEST SIDE DISH IDEAS]

For any barbeque cookout, side dishes can really play a key role. Whether you are preparing steaks, ribs, or roasts, the protein-rich food must be balanced out with vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients from fruits and vegetables.

Some of the best side dishes for BBQ are Potato Salad, Classic Coleslaw, Jalapeno & Bacon Corn Salad, BBQ Baked Beans, Corn Salad with Cream, Herb & Garlic Roasted Potato, Shrimp Mango Salad, and various others. The side dishes are either processed raw, baked, fried, or grilled and tossed in mayonnaise, vinaigrette, herbs, and spices to enhance the flavors.

Every barbeque party should have at least two to three side dishes. Having bbq sides also cuts down the portion size of cooked meat required per person, and hence reduces the cost. Continue reading to find out the 12 best side dish ideas that will deliver a complete gastronomic experience to your guests.

1. Potato Salad

No matter what it takes, potato salad is one of the most loved traditional bbq side dishes. When made in the classic style, the Potato Salad has a mildly sweet and tangy taste. The smoothness of the mayo and the boiled potatoes perfectly blend with the crunchiness of the onion and the cherries. Gherkins or any other pickle can be added to enhance the savory and umami flavor of the dish. Here’s how to make the perfect Potato Salad. Calories: 1 cup of serving has 358 calories.

2. Classic Coleslaw

The word ‘coleslaw’ comes from the Dutch word ‘kool’, which means cabbage, and ‘sla,’ which means salad or lettuce. The classic coleslaw is low in calories and can be prepared in less than fifteen minutes. It is prepared by mixing grated cabbage, onion, and carrot with vinegar, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and black pepper. You can also add shredded green apples to enhance the flavor. Here’s the recipe for preparing quick and easy Classic Coleslaw. Calories: 1 cup of serving has 111 calories.

3. Jalapeno & Bacon Corn Salad

There are so many variations of corn salad, but the umami taste of smoked bacon and the hotness of jalapeno tossed in a tangy sauce make ‘Jalapeno & Bacon Corn Salad’ one of the unique BBQ cookout side dishes. The dish requires minimal ingredients, and you can adjust the level of spiciness according to your taste. Both fresh or canned corn and jalapenos can be used to prepare the recipe. Watch how to make the best Jalapeno & Bacon Corn Salad ever. Calories: 1 cup of serving has 309 calories.

4. BBQ Baked Beans

Baked beans are usually prepared in two styles: the ‘Southern Baked Beans,’ which have a dark color and an intensely sweet and savory flavor, and the ‘British Style Baked Beans,’ which have a semi-clear tomato base. For the best flavor, mix the baked beans with some ground beef, molasses, and barbeque sauce, and finish with some mesquite seasoning. Note that BBQ baked beans can be prepared in less than 40 minutes if you are using canned beans; however, the taste may not be as good as freshly baked beans. Here’s the recipe for preparing quick and easy BBQ Baked Beans. Calories: 1 cup of serving has 392 calories.

5. Summer Panzanella

The Italian dish is best prepared in the summer or for festivals like Easter and the 4th of July. Made with leftovers of bread, the dish is an inexpensive meal and is best for bachelors and bbq novices. Summer Panzanella has a rainbow of garden-fresh tomatoes, veggies, and chickpeas, that typically looks and tastes like summer. The ingredients are mixed in an Italian vinaigrette and toasted buttery bread that gives the dish a tangy and crunchy touch. Here’s the recipe for preparing quick and easy Summer Panzanella. Calories: 1 cup of serving has 192 calories.

6. Herb & Garlic Roasted Potato

Now that you are throwing a BBQ party, how can you ever abandon Herb & Garlic Roasted Potatoes from the menu? The potatoes used to prepare the dish should preferably have thin skin with medium starch consistency. The herbs to be used for seasoning are parsley, rosemary, and thyme. You can also try tossing with some garlic, smoked paprika, and turmeric to enhance the flavor of the dish. Watch how to make the best Herb & Garlic Roasted Potato ever. Calories: 1 cup of serving has 189 calories.

7. Shrimp Mango Salad

If your guests love seafood, then you should definitely add this refreshing, mango-flavored dish to the buffet. The dish is protein-rich, loaded with green leaves & other nutritious ingredients, and is super-easy to make. If you do not like shrimp, you can replace them with grilled chicken, pan-fried salmon, or baked tofu. The salad can be made extra crunchy when you use thinly sliced napa, sliced romaine, or endive, and finish by garnishing with roasted peanuts. Here’s the recipe for preparing a quick and easy Shrimp Mango Salad. Calories: 1 cup of serving has 258 calories.

8. Macaroni Bacon Salad

The classic creamy macaroni dressing is a crowd pleaser and has a crunchy and tangy taste. To prepare the side dish, take a large bowl and mix boiled elbow macaroni, bits of smoked and crumbled bacon, chopped vegetables like bell peppers and leeks, sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, pickle juice, salt, sugar, and pepper. Garnish with chopped herbs, and your Macaroni and Bacon Salad is ready to serve! Here’s the recipe for preparing a quick and easy Macaroni Bacon Salad. Calories: 1 cup of serving has 373 calories.

9. Fried Okra

The southern-inspired fried okra is a classic and easy bbq appetizer. The fried okras have an extra crispy and golden crust of seasoned cornmeal. A very low amount of oil is required to prepare the meal. You can also add some fresh ground cayenne pepper and black pepper to enhance the flavor of the dish. Here’s the recipe for preparing Fried Okra quick bites. Calories: 1 cup of serving has 373 calories.

10. Japchae

Japchae is a unique dish prepared with vegetables and glass noodles. Japchae is a Korean dish, and the word literally means ‘mixed vegetables.’ It has a slightly sweet and savory flavor. The glass noodles are made of potato starch, and the dish is an absolute essential for holidays and special occasions in the east. You can pair it with strips of pork or beef, egg, and chopped peanuts for a delectable taste. Watch how to make the best Japchae ever. Calories: 1 cup of serving has 252 calories.

11. Veggie Kebabs

Kebabs have a long history of themselves, and vegetarian kebabs are one of the best add-ons to a traditional barbeque platter. These nutritious kebabs can be prepared with different types of seasonal vegetables like beetroot, cottage cheese, green peas, potato, baked beans, etc. Some veggie kebabs can surprisingly taste similar to meat! You can even try out Grilled Veggie Kebabs. Calories: About 200 calories per serving.

12. Juicy Fruit Salad

A bowl of juicy fruit salad is the healthiest way to finish off a perfect bbq buffet. Cut seasonal fruits and use pure honey, fresh tart orange juice, and a hint of lemon zest to elevate the taste. Strawberries, kiwi, oranges, cherry, blueberries, bananas, blackberries, pineapples, and grapes should definitely be added. We recommend not to use frozen fruits. Here’s the recipe for preparing the juiciest Fruit Salad ever. Calories: 1 cup of serving has 124 calories.

Similar post: How To Bbq Ribs On Gas Grill

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for more bbq side dish ideas, the sky’s the limit. Some of the other dishes that are super easy to make include Grilled Eggplant, Giardiniera, Sesame Noodles, Grilled Zucchini, Grilled Mushrooms, Grilled Green Beans, and many others.