Welcome to the ultimate guide for spicing up your next outdoor BBQ gathering with some delicious and unique side dishes! From refreshing salads to indulgent loaded potatoes, this article will explore 10 creative and mouth-watering recipes that will impress your guests and elevate your BBQ spread. Say goodbye to boring sides and hello to a whole new world of flavor combinations that will take your BBQ game to the next level. Let’s dive in and get ready to transform your outdoor gatherings into unforgettable culinary experiences!

10 Creative BBQ Side Dishes For Outdoor Gatherings

Are you tired of the same old potato salad and coleslaw at your BBQ gatherings? Want to impress your friends and family with some unique and creative side dishes? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore 10 creative BBQ side dishes that will elevate your outdoor gatherings to a whole new level. From refreshing salads to flavorful grilled veggies, these dishes will add a delicious twist to your next BBQ. Let’s get started!

Grilled Watermelon Salad

Who says watermelon is just for snacking? Grilled watermelon adds a smoky and caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with tangy feta cheese and fresh mint. This refreshing and unexpected salad will be a hit at your next BBQ.

Ingredients:

• Watermelon slices
• Feta cheese
• Fresh mint leaves
• Balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush watermelon slices with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side.
3. Let the grilled watermelon cool, then chop into bite-sized chunks.
4. In a bowl, combine the grilled watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, torn mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
5. Toss gently to combine and serve chilled.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Upgrade your typical grilled asparagus by wrapping it in crispy bacon. This savory and indulgent side dish is easy to prepare and will disappear quickly from the serving platter.

Ingredients:

• Fresh asparagus spears
• Thinly sliced bacon
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Trim the ends of the asparagus spears and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks.
3. Grill the bacon-wrapped asparagus over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
4. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Why choose between a baked potato and a potato salad when you can have the best of both worlds? This loaded baked potato salad is rich, creamy, and loaded with all your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

• Potatoes, boiled and cubed
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Crispy bacon bits
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together boiled potatoes, sour cream, mayonnaise, crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad

Fresh corn kernels and creamy avocado come together in this colorful and vibrant salad. The sweetness of the corn pairs beautifully with the richness of the avocado, making this salad a refreshing addition to your BBQ spread.

Ingredients:

• Fresh corn kernels
• Ripe avocados, diced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Cilantro, chopped
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Grill fresh corn kernels until charred and tender.
2. In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn, diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro.
3. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss gently to combine and serve chilled.

Caprese Pasta Salad

This Italian-inspired pasta salad puts a twist on the classic Caprese salad. With the addition of pasta, this dish becomes a hearty and flavorful side that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• Pasta, cooked and cooled
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Balsamic glaze
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss gently to combine and serve chilled.

Lemon Herb Grilled Vegetables

Take your grilled vegetables to the next level with a bright and zesty lemon herb marinade. This dish is bursting with flavor and is a perfect accompaniment to any BBQ meat.

Ingredients:

• Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, etc.)
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cut assorted vegetables into uniform pieces for even grilling.
2. In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, fresh herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the vegetables in the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill the marinated vegetables over medium-high heat until tender and slightly charred.

Southwest Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads. This Southwest-inspired quinoa salad is packed with protein and flavor, making it a satisfying side dish for any BBQ.

Ingredients:

• Cooked quinoa
• Black beans, drained and rinsed
• Corn kernels
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red bell pepper, diced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine.

Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Add a tropical twist to your BBQ spread with this grilled pineapple salsa. The sweetness of the grilled pineapple pairs perfectly with the heat of the jalapenos, creating a flavorful and refreshing salsa.

Ingredients:

• Fresh pineapple, sliced
• Red onion, diced
• Jalapeno pepper, minced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime juice
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Grill pineapple slices until caramelized and slightly charred.
2. Dice the grilled pineapple and combine in a bowl with diced red onion, minced jalapeno pepper, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Allow the flavors to meld in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Honey Lime Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich alternative to regular potatoes and make a delicious side dish when grilled with a honey lime marinade. The sweet and tangy flavors of this dish will complement any BBQ entree.

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes, sliced into rounds
• Honey
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss sweet potato rounds in the marinade and let sit for at least 20 minutes.
3. Grill the marinated sweet potatoes over medium heat until tender and caramelized.

Cucumber Greek Salad

This light and refreshing salad is a perfect side dish for hot summer days. The combination of cool cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, briny olives, and crisp red onions will add a burst of flavor to your BBQ spread.

Ingredients:

• English cucumbers, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Kalamata olives, pitted
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh dill, chopped
• Red wine vinegar
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, pitted Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh dill.
2. Drizzle with red wine vinegar and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss gently to combine and serve chilled.

Conclusion

There you have it – 10 creative BBQ side dishes that will take your outdoor gatherings to the next level. From refreshing salads to savory grilled vegetables, these dishes are sure to impress your friends and family. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a delicious and memorable BBQ feast!