Side Dishes for BBQ So Good They Steal the Show

You’ve got the grill going, drinks are on ice, and the sun is dipping just right. But let’s be honest—no BBQ is complete without unforgettable side dishes. The kind that guests pile high on their plates, come back for seconds, and ask for the recipe before dessert. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a rut with the same old coleslaw and potato salad, get ready to level up your next outdoor feast.

This list is your BBQ sidekick—packed with bold flavors, easy prep ideas, and a few creative surprises. Whether you’re grilling on a mountaintop, lakeside campsite, or in your own backyard, these side dishes bring serious flavor—and a little wanderlust—to the table.

Grilled Vegetable Side Dishes That Sizzle With Flavor

There’s something magical about vegetables cooked over an open flame. Whether you’re BBQing in your backyard or parked by a mountain view, these grilled veggie sides bring color, flavor, and that irresistible smoky char to your plate.

1. Grilled Street Corn with Lime & Feta

Ingredients:

• 4 fresh corn cobs, husks removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Optional: fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Brush corn cobs with olive oil on all sides.
2. Grill over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning often, until nicely charred.
3. Remove from grill and drizzle with lime juice.
4. Sprinkle with crumbled feta, paprika, salt, and cilantro if using.
5. Serve hot on a platter or skewer for easy sharing.

Tip: A corn grilling basket helps keep the cobs steady and evenly cooked.

2. Charred Zucchini with Garlic & Herbs

Ingredients:

• 2–3 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss zucchini slices in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side until tender with grill marks.
3. In a small bowl, mix garlic, parsley, and lemon juice.
4. Drizzle over grilled zucchini before serving.

Use a nonstick grill tray to prevent the zucchini from falling through the grates—especially handy when grilling on the road.

3. Smoky Bell Pepper Skewers

Ingredients:

• 2 red bell peppers
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut peppers and onion into bite-sized chunks.
2. Toss in olive oil, oregano, and salt.
3. Thread onto metal BBQ skewers with heat-proof handles.
4. Grill over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred.

Serve them straight from the skewer or slide onto a platter for a colorful side.

Cold & Fresh BBQ Sides That Keep Things Crisp

When the grill’s hot and the sun is even hotter, nothing beats a cool, refreshing side. These easy-prep dishes are crisp, colorful, and travel-friendly—ideal for beach BBQs, picnics, or campsite feasts.

4. Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Mint

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp honey (or agave for vegan option)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, and mint.
3. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.

Pack it in a leak-proof travel salad bowl to keep it fresh and mess-free.

5. Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 ripe avocado
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based alternative)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mash avocado in a bowl. Add yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
2. Toss pasta with cherry tomatoes, onion, and the avocado dressing.
3. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Use a large insulated food container to keep it cool on hot BBQ days.

6. Crunchy Apple Slaw with Poppyseed Dressing

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 apple, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup store-bought poppyseed dressing or homemade

Instructions:

1. Combine cabbage, apple, carrot, and sunflower seeds in a bowl.
2. Toss with poppyseed dressing just before serving.

A compact mandoline slicer makes slicing apples and shredding veggies a breeze.

7. Creamy Cucumber Salad

This classic BBQ side dish is light, refreshing, and full of nostalgic flavor. Think summer afternoons, smoky grills, and that creamy, tangy crunch you always go back for.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place sliced cucumbers and red onion in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over cucumbers and toss until coated.
4. Chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle. Garnish with dill if you like.

This salad tastes even better cold—so make it ahead and store it in a seal-tight glass bowl with lid for grab-and-serve ease.

👉 Want more summer salad inspiration like this one? Check out the full recipe on our sister site: thekeystojoy.com

Warm Comfort Sides for That Cozy BBQ Vibe

Some sides just feel like a hug on your plate. These warm and hearty dishes pair perfectly with smoky mains—and they’re guaranteed to keep guests coming back for seconds.

8. Cast Iron Skillet Baked Beans

Smoky, rich, and just a little bit sweet—this baked bean recipe belongs in every BBQ spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of navy or pinto beans, drained
• ½ onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a heavy-duty cast iron skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Stir in beans, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thick and bubbling.

Serve straight from the skillet—it keeps warm longer and looks rustic-chic on the table.

9. Cheesy Grilled Potato Packets

Crispy on the edges and soft inside, these foil packet potatoes are fun to make and easy to share.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss sliced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Divide into 4 portions and place each on a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
3. Top with shredded cheese. Fold the foil into sealed packets.
4. Grill over medium heat for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Carefully open and top with chopped green onions.

These are also a hit when made ahead and reheated on the grill.

10. BBQ Mac & Cheese Cups

Mac & cheese—made travel-friendly. These baked muffin-style cups are crispy on the outside and creamy inside. Perfect for little hands or stylish serving.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked macaroni
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix cooked macaroni with cheese, egg, milk, salt, and pepper.
2. Spoon into a non-stick muffin tin and top with breadcrumbs mixed in melted butter.
3. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes until golden.

Serve warm, or pack them up in a reusable thermal food carrier to bring to the BBQ hot and ready.

Sweet & Savory Surprises Everyone Will Rave About

These aren’t your average BBQ sides. They’re the kind that guests gush over, snap pics of, and ask, “What’s in this?!” From caramelized flavors to bold contrasts, these dishes are designed to delight.

11. Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad

Juicy, warm peaches paired with creamy burrata and a tangy drizzle? Yes, please. This side brings elegance and adventure to your table.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• 1 ball burrata cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Handful of arugula or mixed greens
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Brush peaches with olive oil and grill cut-side down for 3–5 minutes.
2. Arrange greens on a plate. Add grilled peaches and tear burrata on top.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Serve on a beautiful wooden serving board for a rustic, wow-worthy presentation.

12. Honey-Butter Grilled Carrots

Carrots on the BBQ? Absolutely. These beauties caramelize on the grill and shine with a buttery glaze.

Ingredients:

• 6–8 medium carrots, peeled
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp butter (or plant-based)
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss carrots in olive oil and grill over medium heat for 15–20 minutes until tender.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter and stir in honey, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Brush glaze over hot carrots and serve immediately.

Use a veggie grill basket to keep them evenly cooked and easy to turn.

13. Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa

Sweet pineapple meets spicy jalapeño in this refreshing salsa that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, chips, or even tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• ¼ red onion, diced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Handful of cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
2. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed.

Serve chilled in a colorful ceramic dip bowl next to your grill for a pop of flavor and color.

BBQ Side Dish Planning Tips (Save Time & Stress Less!)

Planning a BBQ feast should feel exciting—not overwhelming. Whether you’re feeding two families at a campsite or hosting a sunset gathering in your backyard, these tips help you stay organized and keep the good vibes rolling.

📝 How Many Side Dishes Should You Make?

Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

• 4–6 guests: 2–3 side dishes
• 6–10 guests: 4–5 side dishes
• 10+ guests: Go for variety—6+ dishes, especially a mix of cold, warm, and grill-friendly

Try to balance:

• 1–2 fresh or cold dishes (like salads or slaws)
• 2 warm comfort sides (like grilled potatoes or baked beans)
• 1 surprise or signature dish (like peach burrata salad!)

⏰ What To Prep Ahead (and Save Time on BBQ Day)

Do this the day before:

• Slice veggies and store in stackable food storage containers
• Make salad dressings or marinades
• Mix dry ingredients for rubs or spice blends
• Pack cold sides in a portable cooler bag with reusable ice packs

If you’re traveling or camping, pre-chop and pre-measure everything at home. You’ll thank yourself when you’re relaxing by the grill instead of dicing onions in the wind.

🧺 Essential BBQ Serving Tools That Make Life Easier

Don’t underestimate the power of the right tools. With the right gear, your side dishes stay fresher, serve easier, and look way more Pinterest-worthy on the table.

🔥 Must-Have BBQ Side Dish Helpers:

• Reusable grill-safe skewers for colorful veggie kebabs
• Leak-proof salad bowls with locking lids for easy travel
• Insulated casserole carriers to keep mac & cheese warm
• Collapsible serving trays that pack flat for camping trips
• Colorful dip bowls for salsa, spreads, and sauces

And for the ultimate hosting win: a tiered serving stand to display sides vertically on small picnic tables—because BBQ food should look as fun as it tastes.

✨ Keep the BBQ Vibes Going

Your side dish game is officially leveled up—now let’s make the whole BBQ unforgettable.

From sizzling mains to dreamy desserts and summer-ready drinks, we’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect outdoor feast or campfire night.

👉 Pair these sides with one of our most-loved campfire recipes:
The Skillet Cookie That Changed Our Campfire Nights

👉 Need something refreshing to sip while the grill’s on?
Check out The Best Watermelon Smoothie Recipe & Fun Twists 💕

👉 Planning a full camping menu? You’ll love:
Premade Camping Meals That Save Time & Taste Amazing 🚐