When it comes to hosting a barbecue party, it’s not just about the sizzling grilled meats and burgers. The selection of side dishes for bbq can truly elevate the overall dining experience and leave your guests satisfied and impressed. If you’re looking to offer healthier options that are equally delicious, incorporating nutritious barbecue or bbq side dishes into your party menu is a great idea.
Healthy side dishes for bbq can provide a balance to the heartier main courses while offering a variety of flavors, textures, and colors. By focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and utilizing smart cooking techniques, you can create dishes that are not only nutritious but also packed with vibrant flavors. In this guide, we will explore a collection of healthy barbecue side dish recipes that are perfect for parties.
These dishes are designed to be both delicious and satisfying, while also offering a range of essential nutrients and wholesome ingredients. From vibrant and refreshing salads to grilled vegetables, homemade salsas, and flavorful grain-based dishes, these recipes will add depth and variety to your barbecue spread.
■ Here are some tips on how to make party foods, specifically BBQ side dishes, healthier:
A. Incorporate more vegetables: Include a variety of colorful vegetables in your side dishes. Grilling vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or corn can bring out their natural flavors. You can also make vegetable skewers or create flavorful vegetable salads with a mix of greens and other veggies.
B. Choose lean protein options: Instead of heavy, fatty meats, consider lean protein alternatives like chicken breast, turkey burgers, or fish for your BBQ party. Marinate them with flavorful herbs and spices to enhance the taste. If you have vegetarian guests, offer plant-based protein options like grilled tofu, tempeh, or veggie burgers.
C. Offer whole grain options: Incorporate whole grains into your side dishes. For example, opt for whole grain burger buns or serve a quinoa salad or whole wheat pasta salad. Whole grains provide more fiber, nutrients, and sustained energy compared to refined grains.
D. Control portion sizes: Be mindful of portion sizes for side dishes, especially those that are higher in calories or fats. Encourage your guests to fill their plates with a variety of options, including lighter and healthier choices.
E. Limit processed ingredients: Minimize the use of processed ingredients like store-bought sauces and dressings that can be high in added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Instead, opt for homemade marinades, dressings, and salsas, allowing you to control the ingredients and reduce unnecessary additives.
F. Emphasize fresh and seasonal ingredients: Choose fresh, seasonal produce for your side dishes. Fresh fruits and vegetables offer vibrant flavors, nutritional benefits, and can be a refreshing addition to your BBQ spread.
G. Reduce added sugars: Cut back on added sugars by using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or fresh fruit in your sauces, dressings, or desserts. This helps to keep the overall sugar content lower while still adding a touch of sweetness.
21. Crack Corn Salad Recipe
If you are looking for a delightful addition to your BBQ side dishes, look no further than the mouthwatering Crack Corn Salad Recipe. This incredible dish combines a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
The salad begins with crisp, sweet corn kernels that provide a refreshing and satisfying crunch. As you take a bite, you’ll be greeted by the savory notes of smoky bacon, adding a delightful hint of saltiness to each mouthful.
The creamy dressing, infused with tangy ranch and zesty spices, coats the ingredients, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. To enhance the overall texture, diced bell peppers and crunchy celery are added, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
The Crack Corn Salad Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, boasting a combination of sweet, savory, and tangy elements that will leave you craving for more.
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20. Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with the refreshing and healthy Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion. This BBQ side dish is a culinary delight that bursts with freshness and tantalizes your palate with each bite.
The salad starts with crisp and cooling cucumbers, providing a refreshing base. Juicy tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, while the sharpness of onions adds a pleasant tangy kick. The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious medley of flavors and textures.
A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of zesty lemon juice perfectly complement the ingredients, enhancing the overall taste. With every mouthful, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that transport you to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean.
This Mediterranean Salad is not only delicious but also a healthy choice, making it a perfect addition to your BBQ spread.
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If you are salad lover, make these high protein salads, keto salads, lettuce salads for meal prep.
19. Lebanese Spicy Potatoes
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with the fiery Lebanese Spicy Potatoes, also known as Batata Harra. This BBQ side dish is a flavor-packed delight that will leave you craving for more.
The dish features perfectly cooked potatoes that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. What sets it apart is the irresistible spice blend that coats each potato, infusing them with a delightful heat.
A combination of aromatic spices such as cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder gives these potatoes a bold and savory kick. The spices are perfectly balanced with a squeeze of zesty lemon juice, which adds a tangy and refreshing element to the dish.
Each bite of these Lebanese Spicy Potatoes is a flavor explosion that will add a fiery flair to your BBQ experience.
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18. Homemade Baked Beans Recipe
If you are looking for a classic and comforting addition to your BBQ side dishes, you won’t be disappointed with the delectable Homemade Baked Beans Recipe. This dish offers a mouthwatering combination of flavors that will leave you wanting for seconds.
The beans are slow-cooked to perfection, allowing them to become tender and creamy while absorbing the rich and savory flavors of the sauce. The sauce itself is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, with a smoky undertone that adds depth to each bite.
The combination of molasses, brown sugar, and tangy tomato sauce creates a luscious glaze that coats the beans, infusing them with a rich and satisfying sweetness. Every spoonful of these Homemade Baked Beans is a comforting taste of nostalgia, making them an essential and irresistible part of any BBQ spread.
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Try high protein vegetarian recipes & BBQ ideas for lunch meal.
17. Cowboy Caviar
Indulge in the zesty and colorful flavors of Cowboy Caviar, a healthy and vibrant party food that is sure to please your taste buds. This delicious dish combines a medley of ingredients that create a burst of flavor in every bite.
The base of the dish is a mix of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, providing a hearty and satisfying texture. The addition of crisp bell peppers, zesty red onions, and creamy avocado adds layers of freshness and crunch.
The dressing, a tangy blend of lime juice, vinegar, and spices, perfectly complements the ingredients, tying everything together with a zingy and refreshing taste.
Cowboy Caviar is a true crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
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16. Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Prepare your taste buds for a sweet and savory delight with Honey Butter Skillet Corn, the perfect addition to your party foods or side dishes for BBQ. This dish takes the natural sweetness of corn and elevates it to new heights.
As you take your first bite, you’ll experience the rich and creamy flavors of butter, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of honey. The corn, cooked in a skillet, becomes beautifully caramelized and slightly charred, adding a hint of smokiness to each kernel.
The combination of butter and honey creates a luxurious glaze that coats the corn, making it irresistibly flavorful and indulgent. With every bite, you’ll savor the delightful contrast between the sweet and savory elements, leaving you craving more.
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is a mouthwatering treat that will have your guests coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe.
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15. Watermelon Salad with Fresh Mint & Feta
If you are looking for a refreshing and healthy addition to your BBQ side dishes, the Watermelon Salad with Fresh Mint & Feta is a taste sensation that will leave you utterly satisfied.
This vibrant salad is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With the first bite, you’ll be greeted by the juicy and succulent watermelon, offering a burst of refreshing sweetness.
The fresh mint leaves add a cool and aromatic element, perfectly complementing the fruit. The crumbled feta cheese provides a creamy and salty contrast, adding depth to the salad.
A drizzle of tangy lime juice pulls all the flavors together, creating a delightful balance. Each forkful is a perfect combination of textures, with crisp watermelon, creamy feta, and fragrant mint.
The Watermelon Salad with Fresh Mint & Feta is a delightful and healthy choice that will keep you coming back for more on those warm summer days. But you also try fruit desserts too for summer days.
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14. Best Potato Salad
Indulge in the classic and comforting flavors of the Best Potato Salad, a BBQ side dish that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. This timeless dish combines perfectly cooked potatoes with a creamy and tangy dressing, resulting in a flavor explosion with every bite.
The potatoes are tender and velvety, providing a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing. The dressing, a combination of mayonnaise, mustard, and a hint of vinegar adds a zesty and tangy kick that cuts through the richness.
Additional ingredients like crisp celery, crunchy pickles, and diced onions add a refreshing and flavorful crunch. The Best Potato Salad is a beloved favorite that never fails to bring comfort and satisfaction to any BBQ gathering, making it an essential addition to your spread.
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13. Carrot Salad with Sesame Maple Vinaigrette
Prepare your taste buds for a healthy and flavorful experience with the Carrot Salad with Sesame Maple Vinaigrette. This BBQ side dish offers a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
The salad begins with crisp and vibrant carrots, shredded to perfection, providing a satisfying crunch. The star of the show is the Sesame Maple Vinaigrette, which combines the nuttiness of sesame oil with the sweetness of maple syrup, creating a luscious and addictive dressing.
The vinaigrette coats the carrots, infusing them with a delightful blend of savory and sweet notes. To enhance the texture and complexity, a sprinkling of sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch.
Each bite of this Carrot Salad is a delightful combination of textures, with a refreshing and tangy taste that will make it a standout on your BBQ spread.
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You must try mango desserts for summer holiday.
12. Best Hasselback Potatoes
If you are looking for show-stopping BBQ side dishes or side dishes for bbq, look no further than the Best Hasselback Potatoes. These culinary marvels are a feast for the senses, boasting a combination of crispy edges and tender interiors that will leave you speechless.
Each potato is meticulously sliced with precision, creating thin and delicate layers that fan out while baking. As they roast, the edges turn golden and delightfully crisp, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
The center remains soft and fluffy, creating a texture that is simply irresistible. The potatoes are generously seasoned with herbs, garlic, and melted butter, infusing them with a savory and aromatic flavor profile.
With each forkful, you’ll savor the perfect balance between crispy and tender, making the Best Hasselback Potatoes a true culinary masterpiece that will elevate your BBQ experience to new heights.
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11. Grape Salad
Embark on a journey of delightful flavors with the refreshing Grape Salad, a healthy recipe that will captivate your taste buds. This salad showcases the natural sweetness of grapes in a unique and delicious way.
With each bite, you’ll experience a burst of juicy and succulent grapes, offering a delightful explosion of flavor. The combination of red and green grapes adds a vibrant visual appeal to the dish.
The creamy dressing, made with a blend of Greek yogurt and honey, complements the grapes beautifully, imparting a subtle tang and a hint of sweetness.
A sprinkling of crunchy toasted almonds adds a delightful textural contrast, making each bite satisfying.
The Grape Salad is a light and refreshing treat that offers a harmonious balance of flavors, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and delicious snack or side dish.
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10. Grilled Chili Lime Butter Corn on the Cob
Prepare for a flavor explosion with Grilled Chili Lime Butter Corn on the Cob, BBQ side dishes that will take your taste buds on a tantalizing journey. This dish combines the smoky char of grilled corn with a zesty and spicy twist.
As you take your first bite, you’ll be greeted by the sweet and juicy corn kernels, perfectly cooked on the grill to bring out their natural flavors.
The chili lime butter, slathered generously over the corn, adds a fiery kick and a tangy zest that enhances the overall taste. The combination of smoky, spicy, and citrusy flavors creates a harmonious blend that is nothing short of sensational.
Each bite of this Grilled Chili Lime Butter Corn on the Cob is a burst of flavor, making it an unforgettable and irresistible addition to any BBQ feast.
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Make these salmon bowl recipes for meal prep and shrimp appetizers for parties.
9. Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Chimichurri
Prepare your taste buds for a mouthwatering experience with Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Chimichurri, BBQ side dishes that are bursting with flavors. This dish offers the perfect combination of smoky and earthy sweet potatoes paired with a vibrant and herbaceous cilantro chimichurri sauce.
The sweet potatoes, cooked on the grill, develop a beautiful char that enhances their natural sweetness. With each bite, you’ll savor the creamy and tender texture of the sweet potatoes, which perfectly complements the bold and refreshing flavors of the chimichurri sauce.
The chimichurri, made with fresh cilantro, garlic, tangy vinegar, and zesty lime juice, adds a zingy and aromatic punch to the dish. The combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors creates a delightful symphony that will leave you craving more.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Chimichurri is side dishes for bbq that will take your taste buds on a delicious and unforgettable journey. Also, you can try sweet potato recipes for more ideas.
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8. Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with the irresistible Loaded Baked Potato Casserole, BBQ side dishes that will have you coming back for seconds. This plant based casserole dish takes all the classic flavors of a loaded baked potato and transforms them into a heavenly casserole.
With each forkful, you’ll savor the creamy and velvety texture of the mashed potatoes, which serve as the hearty base. The dish is then generously loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and vibrant green onions, adding layers of savory and indulgent flavors.
A dollop of sour cream on top adds a tangy and creamy finish that ties all the components together. The combination of creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors creates a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more.
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole is a crowd-pleasing side dishes for bbq that will comfort and satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
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7. Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
If you are looking for a delectable and healthy addition to your BBQ side dishes, the Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots will surely tantalize your taste buds. This dish combines the natural sweetness of carrots with a caramelized and slightly sticky glaze that will leave you craving more.
As you take your first bite, you’ll experience the tender and perfectly cooked carrots, offering a satisfying crunch.
The glaze, made with brown sugar, butter, and a hint of cinnamon, coats the carrots, creating a luscious and irresistible sweetness. Each carrot is infused with a rich and caramel-like flavor that enhances its natural earthiness.
The combination of sweet and savory notes creates a harmonious taste that is both comforting and indulgent. The Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a healthy yet decadent choice that will add a delightful touch to your BBQ spread.
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6. Bacon Wrapped Potatoes Recipe
Indulge in a mouthwatering treat with the Bacon Wrapped Potatoes Recipe, a BBQ side dish that is also perfect for parties. This dish combines the irresistible combination of crispy bacon and tender potatoes, creating a flavor explosion that will delight your taste buds.
Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures, with the crispiness of the bacon complementing the soft and fluffy potatoes.
The bacon imparts its smoky and savory essence, infusing the potatoes with a rich and indulgent flavor. As you take a bite, the flavors meld together, creating a heavenly experience.
The bacon adds a salty and slightly sweet note, enhancing the natural earthiness of the potatoes. Serve this recipe as picnic food for summer.
The Bacon Wrapped Potatoes Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests craving for more, making it an essential addition to your BBQ or party menu.
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Check out these summer appetizers, brie cheese appetizers, & cucumber appetizers for holiday!
5. Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
If you are looking for mouthwatering and irresistible BBQ side dishes, the Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes will certainly satisfy your cravings. This dish combines the savory goodness of crispy bacon with the sweet touch of honey, resulting in a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
As you take your first bite, you’ll be greeted by perfectly roasted potatoes that are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
The bacon, cooked to perfection, adds a smoky and salty punch, elevating the dish to new heights. The drizzle of honey adds a delightful sweetness that balances the savory elements, creating a delightful contrast.
With each forkful, you’ll experience a delectable combination of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds in awe. The Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes are must-try side dishes for bbq that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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4. Grilled Zucchini With Goat Cheese, Basil & Honey
Indulge in the harmonious combination of flavors with Grilled Zucchini with Goat Cheese, Basil & Honey, BBQ side dishes that will elevate any gathering or party. Each bite offers a delightful burst of textures and tastes.
The zucchini, grilled to perfection, boasts a smoky char that enhances its natural sweetness. As you take a bite, the tender zucchini yields a satisfying crunch.
The creamy goat cheese, with its tangy and slightly salty profile, complements the zucchini beautifully, adding a luxurious and velvety texture. Fresh basil leaves bring a burst of herbal freshness, while a drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness that rounds out the dish.
The combination of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors creates a symphony of taste that will delight your palate and impress your guests.
Grilled Zucchini with Goat Cheese, Basil & Honey is a delectable party food that showcases the best of summer flavors.
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3. Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Get ready to savor a burst of flavors with Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Vinaigrette, BBQ side dishes that will elevate your taste buds. This dish combines the smoky goodness of grilled sweet potatoes with a zesty and herbaceous cilantro vinaigrette.
With each bite, you’ll experience the tender and caramelized sweet potatoes, imparting a rich and smoky flavor. The cilantro vinaigrette, made with fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, and a touch of garlic, adds a refreshing and vibrant kick that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
The combination of smoky, tangy, and herbaceous flavors creates a delightful harmony that will keep you coming back for more. The texture of the sweet potatoes is both creamy and slightly crisp, offering a satisfying contrast.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Vinaigrette is BBQ side dishes that will impress your guests and leave them wanting the recipe.
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2. Strawberry Shortcake Kabob
If you are looking for delightful and eye-catching party foods, the Strawberry Shortcake Kabob will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. This delectable treat combines the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake in a fun and portable form.
Each kabob features luscious strawberries, juicy and bursting with sweetness, threaded onto a skewer with fluffy cubes of angel food cake. The cake provides a soft and airy texture that complements the vibrant berries perfectly.
To add a touch of decadence, a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream can be added. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with the juicy strawberries, light cake, and creamy toppings coming together in a symphony of taste.
The Strawberry Shortcake Kabob is a visually appealing and utterly delicious party foods that will leave your guests wanting more.
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Make these amazing strawberry desserts for holiday celebration.
1. Slow Cooker Barbecued Green Beans
Prepare your taste buds for delightful BBQ side dishes with Slow Cooker Barbecued Green Beans. This dish takes tender green beans and transforms them into a flavorful and savory delight.
As the green beans slowly cook in the savory barbecue sauce, they absorb all the rich and smoky flavors, resulting in a taste sensation. With each bite, you’ll savor the tender and perfectly cooked green beans, offering a satisfying texture.
The barbecue sauce coats the beans, infusing them with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor profile. Additional ingredients like onions, garlic, and spices enhance the overall taste, adding depth and complexity.
The Slow Cooker Barbecued Green Beans are a true crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious alternative to traditional side dishes. Their bold and robust flavors make them the perfect accompaniment to any BBQ feast, leaving you wanting to savor every last bite.
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