Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      Here are the popular flavors we think will be big this year, plus recipes to try these trends at home. Read More
    • 22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      When you're short on time, you can still make a quick, healthy lunch that will help you power through the afternoon. Whether you prefer a simple grain bowl with lots of veggies, a slice of loaded avocado toast or a delish salad, there's something for you in this mix. You need just 10 minutes in the kitchen to pull together recipes like our Egg Tartine and Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Read More
    • What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      Learn about the Greek practice of shipping adult children Tupperware containers of food, plus get their recipes to make at home. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Cooking Methods & Styles
  4. Healthy BBQ & Grilling Recipes
  5. Best Side Dishes to Bring to Your Next Summer BBQ

Best Side Dishes to Bring to Your Next Summer BBQ

August 27, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Pin
5143673.jpg
Want to steal the show at your next summer cookout? Make one of EatingWell's quick and easy side dishes, including recipes for coleslaw, colorful fruit salad and sweet and spicy baked beans.
Start Slideshow

1 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

5143673.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Classic broccoli salad, the perfect dish for a potluck, is updated with cauliflower, bacon and a sprinkle of crunchy sunflower seeds in this so-easy recipe that's sure to be a new picnic favorite.

  • Watch Video

1 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caprese Zucchini Casserole

Caprese Zucchini Casserole
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A summertime favorite--zucchini casserole--gets an Italian spin in this delicious and healthy side dish with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. You can use zucchini or summer squash in this caprese-style casserole, or a combination of the two. A sprinkling of fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar just before serving brightens up the flavors. Serve with grilled or roasted chicken and some quinoa, rice or couscous to soak up the juices from the casserole for a satisfying and easy dinner.

2 of 31

3 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vinaigrette Coleslaw

5485666.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you prefer, make this salad with broccoli slaw mix instead of the coleslaw mix.

3 of 31

Advertisement

4 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spinach & Strawberry Pasta Salad

6417949.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This simple pasta side dish combines sweet strawberries and creamy avocado with a tart balsamic vinaigrette. You can make the dressing ahead and keep it separately, tossing with the pasta salad just before serving. Make this salad even more special by adding crumbled feta or goat cheese.

  • Watch Video

4 of 31

5 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spiralized Rainbow Carrots

5634000.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Spiralized carrots come together quickly in this simple lemony side dish. Don't have a spiralizer? Use a julienne vegetable peeler to create the carrot strands.

5 of 31

6 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Greek Potato Salad

4473531.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this healthy potato salad recipe, a white-wine vinaigrette dresses the potatoes, tomatoes, feta and olives. Waxy potatoes, such as red and yellow, make the best potato salad because they hold their shape when cooked. Keep the potato skins on for more fiber and potassium.

6 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spiralized Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

4500248.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Save time and spiralize crisp cucumber instead of chopping it for this easy, healthy vegetable side. Want to make it a meal? Just add grilled chicken, shrimp or canned chickpeas.

  • Watch Video

7 of 31

8 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Herbed Tomato Gratin

4526616.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Vegetable gratin recipes often have a crunchy breadcrumb or crouton topping. But summer tomatoes are too gorgeous to hide, so we tucked crusty cubes of bread underneath them instead. Plus, the bread soaks up all the juicy tomato goodness. If you can't find marjoram, fresh basil or oregano makes a good substitute.

  • Watch Video

8 of 31

9 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Orzo Chicken Salad with Avocado-Lime Dressing

<p>The creamy quick-blend dressing is just the thing to top this inspired Southwest pasta salad. Both can be made a day ahead.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The creamy quick-blend dressing is just the thing to top this inspired Southwest pasta salad. Both can be made a day ahead.

9 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Antipasti Pasta Salad

3758283.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This Italian pasta salad recipe has all the flavors of antipasto--salami, Provolone and pepperoncini-- tossed together with a tangy vinaigrette and whole-wheat pasta. This healthy antipasti pasta salad is perfect for a light dinner. For the best flavor, combine the pasta salad with the dressing about 1 hour before serving.

10 of 31

11 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet & Spicy Baked Beans

4528003.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With heat from chipotles in adobo sauce and sweetness from brown sugar, this healthy stovetop baked beans recipe is a spicy twist on the classic. We slashed more than half the sugar and three-quarters of the sodium--and a few hours of cooking time--as compared to a traditional recipe. Serve at your next cookout or BBQ and be prepared for people to rave.

11 of 31

12 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mexican Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

3759382.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Everyone will love this Mexican-inspired pasta salad recipe. We lighten up the creamy dressing with avocado for a healthier version of a picnic favorite.

  • Watch Video

12 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kale Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

4504765.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The lightly sweet, creamy homemade poppy seed dressing takes this crunchy salad to the next level for a mouthwatering vegetable side dish or light lunch. Top with cooked chicken for a heartier meal.

  • Watch Video

13 of 31

14 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Purple Fruit Salad

4518093.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve this refreshing fruit salad featuring juicy plums, grapes and berries on its own or with other colorblock fruit salads (like red, green and orange) for a fun, crowd-pleasing rainbow side dish.

14 of 31

15 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Watermelon, Olive, Caper & Feta Salad

4526622.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This sweet-and-savory fruit salad recipe is all about the quality of the watermelon: you want its flesh to be really sweet so that all the savory ingredients--the capers, the olives, the feta--shine.

15 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Asparagus

5267665.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Grilling is a simple and fast way to cook asparagus that yields a delicious result every time. Trimming off about one inch of the asparagus yields the best flavor--the ends are tough and hard to chew.

16 of 31

17 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Traditional Greek Salad

5127052.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Called horiatiki, this lettuce-free salad made up of tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives and feta is one of the most popular Greek dishes. It is traditionally served with bread, not pita.

  • Watch Video

17 of 31

18 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Almost Chipotle's Guacamole

Almost Chipotle's Guacamole
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make guacamole at home that tastes just like it came from Chipotle--but don't worry, our version won't be "extra"! This deliciously fresh guac is perfect for topping burrito bowls or tacos, or serve as an appetizer or healthy snack with tortilla chips and veggies.

  • Watch Video

18 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quick Broccoli Slaw

5121288.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Use up unused broccoli stems by making your own broccoli slaw instead of using the bagged slaw in this easy potluck favorite. Trim and peel the stalks with a vegetable peeler, then cut 3 cups of matchsticks with the julienne blade on a mandoline or by hand.

19 of 31

20 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Three-Herb Potato Salad

3759081.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this healthy and creamy potato salad recipe, yogurt replaces half of the mayo and we keep the potato skins on for more fiber and potassium. The herbs give this potato salad a fresh and bright flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.

20 of 31

21 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Corn & Carrot Giardiniera

4502827.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this spicy-sweet marinated vegetable recipe, harissa and jalapeño lend quite a bit of heat, so adjust to your taste. Serve the giardiniera with grilled chicken or steak, or on top of your favorite salad for a vinegary bite.

21 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Carrot & Radish Slaw with Pickled Onions

3759436.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cutting vegetables into long thin strips--a technique called julienning--rather than shredding them gives this healthy slaw recipe a marvelous, crisp texture. You can cut the vegetables by hand, but a mandoline will save you a lot of time. If your radishes still have the greens attached, reserve them and use as a garnish.

22 of 31

23 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette

5238109.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Slicing Brussels sprouts thinly creates the perfect texture for this raw salad that's made even more flavorful thanks to a little bacon. This easy side dish is perfect for a potluck.

23 of 31

24 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Orange Fruit Salad

4518099.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve this refreshing fruit salad featuring juicy melon, clementines and mango on its own or with other colorblock fruit salads (like red, purple and green) for a fun, crowd-pleasing rainbow side dish.

24 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Little Gem Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese & Herb Dressing

4473454.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Little Gem lettuce is like a cross between romaine and butterhead. It's perfect for making an updated take on the wedge salad in this healthy recipe. If you can't find Little Gem, use half a romaine heart for each serving. You can order Point Reyes Original blue cheese online from pointreyescheese.com or substitute another raw-milk blue cheese.

  • Watch Video

25 of 31

26 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Broccoli, Chickpea & Pomegranate Salad

7881936.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Simple steps give this broccoli salad recipe a more nuanced flavor: soaking the onion tempers its bite and toasting the cumin enhances its aroma. Serve alongside grilled chicken, pork or fish.

26 of 31

27 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green Bean & Shallot Salad

5147384.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy Asian green bean salad recipe gets a deeply savory flavor from shallots and fish sauce. Part of the reason is time: after it's made, the dish is left at room temp for 20 minutes to allow the green beans to absorb more flavor. Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp.

27 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spiralized Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole

4526615.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you don't have a spiralizer to make this healthy zucchini noodle casserole (aka zoodles), use a vegetable peeler to make long thin strips of the squash and zucchini, stopping when you reach the seedy center. Just a few minutes under the broiler gives these ricotta-and-basil-filled nests a light golden top.

  • Watch Video

28 of 31

29 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green Bean Salad with Feta Dressing

3759407.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Briny feta, tangy buttermilk and fresh herbs combine in a yummy dressing for steamed green beans in this healthy side dish recipe. Serve with grilled chicken, pork or steak for an easy dinner.

29 of 31

30 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Summer Vegetable Salad

4526596.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Enjoy this healthy and simple grilled vegetable salad recipe alongside anything else you feel like throwing on the grill. Or toss it with pasta and plenty of Parmesan and call it dinner.

30 of 31

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 31

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shark Watermelon Fruit Bowl

6343945.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Take a bite out of summer fun with this friendly fruit shark. It's sure to be a hit at baby showers and birthday parties alike. For the fruit basket filling, use any fresh, in-season fruits your guests will love. Cantaloupe, stone fruits like peaches and plums, and even orange segments will work well.

  • Watch Video

31 of 31

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 31 Broccoli Salad with Bacon
    2 of 31 Caprese Zucchini Casserole
    3 of 31 Vinaigrette Coleslaw
    4 of 31 Spinach & Strawberry Pasta Salad
    5 of 31 Spiralized Rainbow Carrots
    6 of 31 Greek Potato Salad
    7 of 31 Spiralized Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
    8 of 31 Herbed Tomato Gratin
    9 of 31 Orzo Chicken Salad with Avocado-Lime Dressing
    10 of 31 Antipasti Pasta Salad
    11 of 31 Sweet & Spicy Baked Beans
    12 of 31 Mexican Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
    13 of 31 Kale Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
    14 of 31 Purple Fruit Salad
    15 of 31 Watermelon, Olive, Caper & Feta Salad
    16 of 31 Grilled Asparagus
    17 of 31 Traditional Greek Salad
    18 of 31 Almost Chipotle's Guacamole
    19 of 31 Quick Broccoli Slaw
    20 of 31 Three-Herb Potato Salad
    21 of 31 Grilled Corn & Carrot Giardiniera
    22 of 31 Carrot & Radish Slaw with Pickled Onions
    23 of 31 Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette
    24 of 31 Orange Fruit Salad
    25 of 31 Little Gem Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese & Herb Dressing
    26 of 31 Broccoli, Chickpea & Pomegranate Salad
    27 of 31 Green Bean & Shallot Salad
    28 of 31 Spiralized Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole
    29 of 31 Green Bean Salad with Feta Dressing
    30 of 31 Grilled Summer Vegetable Salad
    31 of 31 Shark Watermelon Fruit Bowl

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2022 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Best Side Dishes to Bring to Your Next Summer BBQ
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.