15 Healthy Easy BBQ Sides

15 Healthy Easy BBQ Sides! From salad to grilled potatoes, make the side dishes the star of the show at your next barbecue.

It's summer barbecue time, which means that it's time to pull out my favorite easy bbq sides! They are the side dish recipes that I come back to over and over again because they are so good that they often outshine the main dish.

As much as I dislike the 90+ degree F days of summer (that's my Canadian blood speaking), I'm always reminded of all of the good things that summertime brings, including copious amounts of fresh produce.

Strawberry and avocado recipes have been taking a starring role around here, and now we're ready to dive into recipes using blueberries (hello, blueberry goat cheese crostini!), watermelon, sweet corn and heirloom tomatoes.

It's a glorious time of year!

Healthy sides for burgers, sides for grilled chicken or side dishes for ribs or hamburgers…whatever it is you're looking for, these recipes should cover all of those bases.

Healthy Easy BBQ Sides

Below are 15 of my favorite barbecue side dishes. I divided the recipes into four sections.

Click on the category to skip directly to those recipes or just scroll through to see them all.

• Grilled Potato Recipes
• Corn, Zucchini & Tomato Recipes
• Pasta Salad Recipes
• Green & Grain Salad Recipes

What are the best ways to make that produce shine?

• Use fresh herbs generously. Basil, mint, rosemary, thyme…to name just a few…can boost flavor while cutting back on fat. The more herbs I use, the less olive oil or butter I need to add for flavor.
• Acid is where it's at. The food kind, people! A squeeze of lemon or lime, or a couple of teaspoons of vinegar adds brightness and miraculously ties together all of the flavors.
• Spice it up. Take a deep dive into your spice rack and start experimenting with some of those flavors. Use paprika, chili powder, cumin and thyme in my Grilled Spice Rubbed Chicken. Or pull out the smoked paprika for my favorite Grilled Potatoes. Be fearless in trying different spice combinations. It's hard to go wrong!
• Caramelization. Use the grill or roasting pan to caramelize veggies. That process adds a layer of flavor and smokiness that can't be beat.

Grilled Potato Recipes

Grilled Potatoes Recipe with Rosemary & Smoked Paprika

This is the side dish recipe to beat all side dishes. Grilled potatoes in foil are golden brown and tender, and steeped in the flavors of grilled onions, garlic, rosemary and smoked paprika.

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Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Vinaigrette

One taste of these grilled sweet potatoes with cilantro vinaigrette will convince you to make this your go-to summer or fall side dish recipe.

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Corn, Zucchini & Tomato Recipes

Pesto Butter Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn on the cob is made even better with a dollop of pesto butter. The perfect summertime side dish recipe!

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Grilled Zucchini Rolls with Goat Cheese

Grilled Zucchini Roll Recipe with Goat Cheese, Roasted Peppers & Capers is an easy and flavorful vegetarian appetizer.

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Greek Quinoa & Hummus Stuffed Tomatoes

Whip up these healthy and delicious Greek Quinoa & Hummus Stuffed Tomatoes of your next summertime get-together, or as a light lunch.

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Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Little Potatoes

Zucchini noodles with pesto and Little potatoes are the perfect way to use up all of your summertime produce! Healthy, delicious side dish.

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Black Bean and Corn Salad Recipe

10 minute recipe! Once you taste this fresh and flavorful Black Bean and Corn Salad, you'll want to serve it at every summertime barbecue and take it to every potluck and picnic.

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Grilled Eggplant & Zucchini Salad

Serve this salad of grilled eggplant and zucchini, feta, chickpeas and mint as a vegetarian entree, or use it as a side dish at your next barbecue.

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Balsamic Grilled Vegetables

There is nothing better than the simple fresh flavors of grilled vegetables. These ones are drizzled with a garlic balsamic dressing and will be the hit of your bbq!

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Pasta Salad Recipes

Tuna Pasta Salad (without mayo)

Ditch the mayo and bring this Tuna Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette to the next backyard barbecue or family picnic. A lightened-up classic is always a surefire winner!

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Shrimp Pasta Primavera Salad Recipe

Welcome spring with this Shrimp Pasta Primavera Salad! Packed with asparagus and snap peas, it’s perfect for a light dinner or picnic lunch.

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Green & Grain Salad Recipes

Arugula Pasta Salad with Roasted Tomatoes

Get your greens in with this delicious arugula pasta salad with roasted tomatoes! Not only is it healthy and easy to make, but it's also vegan and plant-based. A win-win for your taste buds and your body!

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Greek Rice Salad

The perfect potluck salad! This easy rice salad recipe has all of the flavors of your favorite Greek salad.

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Strawberry Salad Recipe with Feta Cheese & Basil

It doesn't feel like an exaggeration to call this the best Strawberry Salad recipe - at least according to my family! Mixed greens, feta cheese and fresh basil, and a light vinaigrette bring it all together.

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Couscous with Nectarines & Toasted Almonds Recipe

Couscous with sweet nectarines and toasted almonds is an easy and delicious side dish salad for any meal.

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The post was originally published on July 3, 2014 and updated on July 2, 2021.

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