Life
15 Barbecue Side Dishes To Amp Up Your Summer Menu — From Unexpected Salads To Upgraded Standbys
Technically it's still spring, but the dramatic switch from freezing cold to undeniably hot has us in summer mode already — and I'm not complaining. One of the best things about warmer temps is eating outside, and the uncovering of barbecues that have been hibernating since last September. Whether your specialty is burgers, kabobs, or something more adventurous, your next BBQ can reach new heights with the right barbecue side dishes. These 15 side dish recipes highlight the best the season has to offer, and from fresh and easy salads to upgraded old standbys, there's definitely a dish (or three) to complement whatever you've got going on the grill. There's something about cooking and eating in the sun (or under the stars) that makes food taste even better, am I right?
Image: How Sweet It Is
Summer Couscous Salad
Tomatoes, mint, lemon, feta, and cucumber lend a little crunch and lots of flavor to this couscous. This will pair well with just about anything you're ‘cue-ing.
Image & Recipe: Blogging Over Thyme
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
LOL at calling this a salad… but I’m not mad. You could also try swapping the mayo and sour cream for Greek yogurt to make it a little healthier.
Image & Recipe: Brown Eyed Baker
Easy Beer Mac And Cheese
If you’re going for classic side dishes, they better be really good. This beer mac and cheese is really good.
Image & Recipe: How Sweet It Is
Easy Summer Herb And Chickpea Chopped Salad With Goat Cheese
This is for when you go crazy at the farmer’s market and want to eat everything at once. And it’s just as amazing as you hoped.
Image & Recipe: Half Baked Harvest
Vegetable Slaw With Mint And Lime
FAR superior to limp mayonnaise-y slaws.
Image & Recipe: Jelly Toast
Slow Cooker Root Beer Baked Beans
Not your grandma’s baked beans. These would work perfectly alongside pretty much any classic BBQ dish.
Image & Recipe: Brown Eyed Baker
Lobster, Corn, And Quinoa Salad With Lime Vinaigrette
Go head and throw some lobster in your quinoa salad. Casual. Fingers crossed you’re eating this at a beach house.
Image & Recipe: Cooking For Keeps
Shredded Sprouts Salad
This is like the slaw of the 21st century, and you and your guests will gobble it up.
Image & Recipe: How Sweet It Is
Shaved Summer Squash Salad With Goat Cheese And Mint
This is just as fresh and tasty as it is pretty. Pair with some grilled shrimp or skirt steak.
Image & Recipe: Blogging Over Thyme
Chili Stuffed Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins
These are almost a meal in themselves, but you could definitely pair them with some BBQ ribs if you’re feeling like a cowboy.
Image & Recipe: Climbing Grier Mountain
Grilled Corn With Bacon Butter And Cotija Cheese
Even if you’re not a corn person, you will be as soon as you taste it fresh off the grill. Also, BACON BUTTER.
Image & Recipe: How Sweet It Is
Sour Cream And Onion Oven Fries
This grown up version of the classic flavor combo will make you wonder why you ever bothered with bagged chips.
Image & Recipe: How Sweet It Is
Grilled Artichokes With Rosemary Lemon Vinaigrette
Never underestimate an artichoke. The deep flavor brought out by the grill is perfectly balanced by a lemony vinaigrette with garden fresh rosemary.
Image & Recipe: Cooking For Keeps
Broccoli And Feta Pasta Salad
So fresh! So easy! And somehow tricolor pasta has the ability to make the whole thing look a little more impressive.
Image & Recipe: The Kitchn
Tabouli
Homemade tabouli is super bright and healthy, and pairs perfectly with some lamb or chicken kabobs. Add a cucumber yogurt or homemade hummus to kick you into all-star status.
Image & Recipe: Jelly Toast
