Are you tired of serving the same old potato salad and coleslaw at your barbecues? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of 10 unique barbecue side dishes that will wow your guests and elevate your outdoor dining experience. From grilled corn with chili lime butter to avocado and strawberry salad, these dishes are bursting with flavors and will add a refreshing twist to your next cookout. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends with these delicious and inventive side dishes.
Grilled Corn Salad
Grilled corn salad is a delightful summertime dish that combines the smoky flavors of grilled corn with the freshness of vegetables and herbs. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. To make the salad, start by grilling fresh corn on the cob until it is nicely charred. Once the corn is cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to carefully remove the kernels from the cob. In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels with chopped bell peppers, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle the salad with lime juice and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined, and serve immediately. The combination of flavors in this grilled corn salad is absolutely delicious, and it pairs perfectly with any barbecue dish.
Jalapeno Popper Dip
If you’re a fan of spicy food, then you’ll love this jalapeno popper dip. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of heat. To make this dip, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and finely diced jalapeno peppers. Stir everything together until well combined. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, and top it with cooked and crumbled bacon and bread crumbs. Bake the dip in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This jalapeno popper dip is the perfect appetizer for any barbecue or gathering, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with spicy food lovers.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a mouthwatering side dish that combines the tender crunch of asparagus with the smoky goodness of bacon. To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of bacon, starting from the bottom and working your way up to the tip. Place the wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet, and drizzle them with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake the asparagus in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. The combination of flavors in this dish is absolutely divine, and it’s the perfect side for any grilled meat or seafood.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular French fries, and they’re incredibly delicious. To make sweet potato fries, start by preheating your oven to 425°F. While the oven is heating up, peel and slice the sweet potatoes into long, thin strips. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato strips with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated. Spread the sweet potato strips in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other. Roast the fries in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. These sweet potato fries are the perfect side dish for any barbecue, and they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are a refreshing and simple appetizer that is perfect for summer barbecues. To make caprese skewers, start by threading cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mini mozzarella balls onto skewers or toothpicks. Drizzle the skewers with balsamic glaze, and season with salt and pepper to taste. These skewers are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. The combination of the sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, creamy mozzarella, and tangy balsamic glaze creates a delightful taste experience. Caprese skewers are not only delicious but also a great option for those who are looking for a lighter and healthier side dish.
Grilled Vegetable Foil Packs
Grilled vegetable foil packs are a convenient and delicious way to cook a variety of vegetables on the grill. Start by gathering an assortment of your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated. Divide the vegetables evenly among sheets of aluminum foil, and fold the foil into tightly sealed packets. Place the packets on a preheated grill over medium heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Once they’re done, carefully open the foil packets and serve the grilled vegetables as a flavorful and healthy side dish. Grilled vegetable foil packs are not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to showcase the natural flavors of the vegetables.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon feta salad is a refreshing and summery combination of juicy watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and fresh mint. To make this salad, start by cutting a ripe watermelon into bite-sized chunks. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon chunks with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh mint leaves. Drizzle the salad with lime juice and honey, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together until well combined. The sweetness of the watermelon, the saltiness of the feta cheese, and the freshness of the mint create a harmonious flavor profile that is both unique and satisfying. This watermelon feta salad is a fantastic side dish for any barbecue, as it provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of grilled meat.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cucumber tomato salad is a light and refreshing side dish that complements any barbecue meal. To make this salad, start by slicing cucumbers and cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice some red onion and chop fresh dill. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh dill. Drizzle the salad with white wine vinegar and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined, and let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This cucumber tomato salad is packed with fresh and vibrant flavors, making it the perfect accompaniment to any grilled meat or seafood.
Mexican Street Corn
Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular and delicious side dish that is often enjoyed during barbecues. To make this dish, start by grilling corn on the cob until it is slightly charred. Once the corn is cooked, spread mayonnaise all over the corn, and sprinkle it with crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice. The combination of the creamy mayo, salty cheese, spicy chili powder, and tangy lime creates a flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more. Mexican street corn is a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic addition to any barbecue spread.
Honey Butter Biscuits
Honey butter biscuits are a sweet and savory treat that is perfect for rounding out any barbecue meal. To make these biscuits, start by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on the biscuit dough package. While the oven is heating up, roll out the biscuit dough into small rounds. In a small saucepan, melt butter and honey together until well combined. Brush the honey butter mixture over the biscuits, and sprinkle them with a pinch of sea salt. Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven according to the package instructions, or until they are golden brown. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. These honey butter biscuits are incredibly delicious and will satisfy any sweet and savory cravings.
In conclusion, these 10 unique barbecue side dishes are sure to elevate your next outdoor gathering. From the refreshing watermelon feta salad to the spicy jalapeno popper dip, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of grilled vegetables or indulgent bacon-wrapped asparagus, these dishes offer a variety of flavors and textures that will complement any barbecue spread. So next time you fire up the grill, don’t forget to prepare one or more of these mouthwatering side dishes. Your taste buds will thank you!