Summer barbecues often conjure images of sizzling meats, juicy burgers, and maybe a hot dog or two. But what truly rounds out the feast are the side dishes. While creamy potato salads, mayonnaise-heavy coleslaws, and cheesy pasta bakes are traditional crowd-pleasers, they can sometimes leave you feeling sluggish rather than refreshed on a warm day. The good news? Packing your picnic table with vibrant, nutritious, and utterly delicious sides is easier than you think. It’s all about embracing fresh ingredients, bright flavors, and maybe a few clever swaps.
Forget the notion that healthy means boring. Summer’s bounty offers an incredible palette of colors, textures, and tastes to play with. Think crisp vegetables, sweet fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins, all combined in ways that complement those smoky grilled mains perfectly. Let’s move beyond the usual suspects and explore some fantastic ideas that will have your guests reaching for seconds (and thirds!) without the post-meal slump.
Reinventing the Classics: Lighter, Brighter Salads
Many traditional BBQ salads get weighed down by heavy dressings. With a few simple adjustments, you can transform them into lighter, more nutrient-dense options that still deliver big on flavor.
Next-Level Potato Salad
Instead of drowning boiled potatoes in mayonnaise, try a vinaigrette-based approach. Use small, waxy potatoes like fingerlings or new potatoes – they hold their shape better. Boil or roast them until tender. While they’re still slightly warm, toss them with a zesty dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs (dill, parsley, chives are fantastic), and plenty of black pepper. You can add crunch and nutrients with finely chopped celery, red onion, or even some capers. For a creamy element without the mayo overload, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or using mashed avocado in the dressing.
Vibrant Pasta Salad
Swap refined white pasta for whole wheat, chickpea, or lentil pasta for an extra boost of fiber and protein. Ditch the creamy Italian dressing for a simple mix of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Load it up with colorful vegetables: cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers (all colors!), Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and thinly sliced red onion. Crumbled feta cheese or small mozzarella balls add a savory touch. Fresh basil or parsley stirred in just before serving elevates the freshness.
Crunchy, Refreshing Coleslaw
Move away from the super-sweet, mayo-drenched slaws. Start with a base of finely shredded green and red cabbage and grated carrots. The magic is in the dressing. Try a tangy vinaigrette using apple cider vinegar, a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness (much less than traditional recipes!), olive oil, celery seeds, and Dijon mustard. Another fantastic option is an Asian-inspired dressing with rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce (or tamari), ginger, and a hint of lime juice. Toss in some chopped cilantro, scallions, and maybe even some toasted sesame seeds or slivered almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
Watch Out for Hidden Sugars! Many store-bought dressings and even some homemade recipes for classic sides like coleslaw or baked beans can contain surprisingly high amounts of added sugar. Opting for vinaigrettes, using fruit for natural sweetness, or consciously reducing sugar in recipes helps keep your sides genuinely refreshing. Always check labels if buying pre-made components.
Grilled Vegetables: More Than Just an Afterthought
The grill isn’t just for meat! Grilling vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delicious smoky char. They can be a stunning side dish all on their own or incorporated into other salads.
Simple Grilled Veggie Platter
This is incredibly versatile. Thick slices of zucchini and yellow squash, bell pepper wedges, asparagus spears, red onion wedges, whole mushrooms, and even thick slices of eggplant work beautifully. Toss them lightly in olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe some garlic powder or dried herbs (like oregano or thyme) before grilling. Grill over medium heat until tender-crisp and nicely charred. Arrange them on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. You can also add grilled halloumi cheese for a salty, satisfying addition.
Grilled Corn Salad
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic, but taking the kernels off the cob opens up new possibilities. Grill several ears of corn until lightly charred. Once cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob. Combine the kernels in a bowl with diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, black beans (rinsed and drained), chopped cilantro, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Dress it simply with lime juice, olive oil, a pinch of chili powder, and salt. It’s smoky, sweet, savory, and incredibly fresh.
Grilled Romaine Salad
Yes, you can grill lettuce! Cut heads of romaine lettuce in half lengthwise, brush lightly with olive oil, and grill cut-side down for just a minute or two until slightly wilted and charred. Serve immediately, drizzled with your favorite Caesar dressing (a lighter, yogurt-based one works well) or a simple lemon vinaigrette, and topped with shaved Parmesan cheese and maybe some toasted croutons or nuts.
Fabulous Fruit-Focused Sides
Summer fruits add sweetness, acidity, and beautiful color to the BBQ spread. They pair surprisingly well with savory grilled dishes.
Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad
This is the epitome of refreshing summer sides. Cube seedless watermelon and toss it gently with crumbled feta cheese (use a good quality block feta), fresh mint leaves (torn or roughly chopped), and a drizzle of lime juice and olive oil. Some thinly sliced red onion or cucumber can be added for extra crunch. The combination of sweet, salty, and herbaceous is irresistible on a hot day.
Grilled Pineapple or Peaches
Grilling fruit caramelizes its sugars and intensifies its flavor. Core and slice pineapple into rings or cut peaches in half (removing the pit). Brush lightly with a neutral oil or even a mixture of melted butter/coconut oil and a touch of cinnamon or brown sugar. Grill for a few minutes per side until grill marks appear and the fruit softens. Serve warm as is, or chop the grilled fruit and add it to a salsa with red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice – perfect with grilled chicken or fish.
Berry and Spinach Salad
Combine fresh baby spinach with a mix of summer berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Add some toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and perhaps some goat cheese crumbles for creaminess. Dress it with a light balsamic vinaigrette or a poppy seed dressing. It’s packed with antioxidants and looks stunning.
Dips, Spreads, and Grain Salads
Offer variety with flavorful dips served with fresh veggies or whole-grain crackers, and consider hearty grain salads.
Healthy Dips
Instead of heavy cheese dips, offer lighter options. Hummus (classic, roasted red pepper, or beet), guacamole (packed with healthy fats), or a white bean dip (blended cannellini beans with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and rosemary) are all fantastic choices. Serve with an array of colorful crudités like carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas.
Quinoa or Farro Salad
Whole grains make for satisfying and nutritious salads. Cook quinoa or farro according to package directions and let it cool. Toss with chopped vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers), chickpeas or black beans, fresh herbs (parsley, mint), and a lemon-tahini dressing or a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette. Add toasted nuts or seeds for texture. These salads hold up well and are perfect for making ahead.
Embrace the Freshness
Ultimately, creating healthy and delicious BBQ sides is about celebrating the season’s produce. Focus on fresh ingredients, simple preparations that let the natural flavors shine, and lighter dressings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs, spices, and different combinations. By offering a variety of colorful, nutrient-rich options alongside your grilled mains, you ensure a balanced, satisfying, and memorable summer feast for everyone.
