35 Vegetable Side Dishes for A BBQ

The finest vegetable side dishes for a barbecue are always those that can be served as a meal in and of themselves. They should be made ahead of time so that you have enough time to grill or bake them and serve them at the proper temperature.

Grilled corn on the cob is a favorite vegetable side dish for a barbeque. Corn is one of the simplest crops to prepare, and the grill imparts a great smokey taste. If you want a vegetarian version, make a vegetable medley using cauliflower, peppers, mushrooms, and other vegetables.

When I think of barbecue side dishes, I always think of veggies.

They offer a lovely splash of color, crunch, and taste. They also pair nicely with most barbecue sauces, particularly those with a tomato basis.

And don’t worry, these veggie side dishes don’t need to be cooked before serving. They’re fantastic since they can be prepared ahead of time!

So take your barbecue tongs and start grilling. Here’s a list of the greatest veggie side dishes for a barbecue!

Why Consider Serving Vegetable Side Dishes for A BBQ?

Cooking beef with veggies results in a delicious supper.

There’s something attractive about a beef meal with vegetables.

Not only are they less expensive, but they are also more nutritional than meat alternatives.

Many individuals are unaware that veggies really help the meat with which they prepare.

This implies that by combining the two, you will be able to save money while also improving the nutritious worth of your meals.

Vegetables, on the other hand, do not necessarily have to be coupled with meat.

For example, you may offer them as a side dish with the meat.

There are several vegetable side dishes that may be served with a barbeque.

Potato salad, coleslaw, and bean dip are some of the most popular selections.

Many of these side dishes are simple to prepare, so you won’t have to spend too much time in the kitchen.

If you want to make your side dish as appetizing as possible, add the proper seasonings.

You may add some lemon or lime juice for a touch of zing, and you can even experiment with various flavors by adding a new spice every now and again.

Try adding a few dashes of onion powder to potato salad, for example.

This will provide flavor without dominating the other veggies’ flavors.

35 Vegetable Side Dishes for A BBQ

Lots of sides, I believe, are the key to a terrific barbeque. It not only makes the whole dinner more pleasurable, but it also ensures that everyone receives something different. This is fantastic!

There are several veggie sides that are ideal for a barbeque.

So I decided to compile a list of all the vegetable side dishes that can be readily cooked ahead of time and frozen, giving you a quick dinner for your next barbeque.

Here are 35 easy vegetable side dishes for a BBQ:

1. Coleslaw

If you want to provide a side dish with your barbeque, coleslaw is the way to go. I always top mine with a dollop of plain yoghurt for some tangy flavor and shredded cabbage, carrot, and red onion.

If you want to be really creative, add pieces of cucumber, apple, and tomato and serve it with homemade mayonnaise.

2. Potato Salad

I like potato salad. It’s a bit messy to cook, but it’s so wonderful that I’d rather eat a little mess than not have any at all! Potato salad doesn’t need many ingredients; all you need are some boiled or fried potatoes, some oil, vinegar, spice, and sometimes a splash of mustard.

You may also add bacon, ham, or chicken to this dish and serve it with fresh fruit.

3. Jalapeño Popper Grilled Corn Salad

This one doesn’t need any special ingredients or a recipe! All you need are some red jalapeos and a bag of corn on the cob! Serve it with a variety of sides such as potato salad, slaw, and coleslaw. They will adore it!

4. Quick Collard Greens

Collards are a mainstay in my diet, and I often prepare them ahead of time so that I can eat them later in the week. It’s an excellent choice for side dishes to offer with a barbeque, and it’s also tasty on its own!

5. Green Beans

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When cooking outside, serve a meal that calls for canned green beans since they hold up nicely in the heat and humidity!

I suggest purchasing them peeled and pre-cut so they can be cooked fast. You may also offer them as a side dish with your barbeque or as a starter with your roast meal.

6. Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are an excellent choice for a fast and simple side dish to accompany your grilled meat. You can cook them yourself in the oven or microwave, so they won’t take long to create.

However, be sure to choose a high-quality potato, since they may be rather tasteless on their own.

7. Microwave Corn on the Cob

Microwave cooking is ideal for crisping up vegetables like corn on the cob without using a lot of oil. To produce a steamy atmosphere that yields perfectly cooked corn, all you need is a microwave safe container and a little amount of salt and water.

You can serve the corn as a side dish on its own or add it to a salad for a little crunch.

8. Green Salad with Apples and Cranberries

A green salad is a great side dish for a barbecue, and this one has a lot going for it. It’s loaded with nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Make sure you use a fresh variety of greens and avoid dressings or sauces with a lot of salt. You may simply leave out the bacon or substitute it with smoked salmon or chorizo if you like.

9. Pea Salad With Bacon Bits

If you’re having a BBQ on a hot day, a pea salad with bacon pieces is the perfect side dish! Peas have a high iron, vitamin C, and protein content. They also contain folate, which aids in the prevention of heart disease.

It’s not too late to make one for your next barbecue. Just be sure to properly boil and drain the peas before serving. If you want to add more flavor and nutrients to the salad, sprinkle some feta cheese on top!

10. Pickles

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When hosting a BBQ, having a jar of pickles in the fridge will come in useful, particularly if you have any vegans in your company. They’ll like the crunch and acidity that these delectable delights provide.

If you don’t have time to create your own, you can always buy a jar of pre-made mixed pickles, but don’t add vinegar since it will make them mushy and unpleasant.

11. Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad is one of my favorite ways to consume it! It’s highly adaptable and simple to make. Simply cut your broccoli into bite-sized florets, add some sliced or chopped red onion, and toss with a couple of handfuls of fresh, whole spinach leaves.

Your salad is finished with a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds. You may also add any additional vegetables you choose, such as peppers and tomatoes.

12. Oven-Baked Tomatoes

I love how fast and simple oven-baked tomatoes are to make, and they’re ideal for serving at a BBQ or picnic since they can be made ahead of time. Scoop the insides of ripe, overripe, and unripe tomatoes and top with tomato sauce.

Simply store them in the fridge until you need them, then throw them into the oven for a few minutes before serving!

13. Pan-Fried Zucchini

A zucchini is a versatile vegetable that mixes well with a range of foods, making it an excellent choice for a BBQ. Simply cut it into thick, bite-sized pieces and season with spices to give some more flavor. I like grilled zucchini on the grill, and it goes especially nicely with a sweet rub.

14. Sweet Potato Fries

If you plan on eating a lot of meat at your next barbecue, consider cooking Sweet Potato Fries as a side dish! These are really easy to make and taste fantastic. Simply boil the potatoes until soft, then drain and cut into fries.

Cook them in the oven or on the stovetop. The toppings you may use here are also almost limitless, so be creative!

15. Parmesan Potato Wedges

Parmesan cheese is one of the most delicious substances you can use to enhance the flavor of potatoes.

Wedges are very useful when cooked in the oven since they don’t take up much room and can simply be served with your main course if you’re hosting a BBQ. They are also quite fast to make, making them ideal for hectic days!

16. Pan-Fried Broccoli

Broccoli is a fantastic vegetable side dish to offer to friends and family since it is delicious, healthful, and simple to prepare.

Simply steam broccoli for three to five minutes until soft, then sauté it in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s that easy!

17. Steamed Green Beans with Lemon

Green beans are one of my favorite veggies, and nothing beats fresh cooked green beans with lemon as a side dish. They’re fast and simple to make, and they’re high in antioxidants because to the folate they contain.

Simply blanch them for two minutes in boiling water, then drain and serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkling of sea salt.

18. Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another very nutritious veggie that goes well on the grill. It’s one of those vegetables that requires minimal prep time but yet looks stunning when presented.

Simply set it in a roasting pan and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes. If desired, top with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of sea salt.

19. Parmesan Baked Asparagus

This is the dish for you if you like the crisp of roasted asparagus. The cheesy topping is very delectable and makes this side dish a certain hit!

You may change up the flavor by adding whichever cheese you choose, but I believe Parmesan is the best! You may even use a combination of cheeses.

20. Sauteed Spinach

Spinach is a very versatile vegetable. It’s wonderful steamed or sautéed, and it goes well with spaghetti, lasagna, and pizza. This recipe for sautéed spinach is one of my favorites since it preserves the flavor of the cooked spinach while keeping it wonderfully green and fresh.

The secret to sautéing spinach is to cook it for just enough time to keep the greens bright and fresh while not overcooking and becoming brown.

21. Sauteed Mushrooms

Mushrooms are an extremely adaptable veggie that may be consumed fresh or cooked. They’re also fantastic as a side dish with a barbeque since the smokey flavor really stands out.

Serve sautéed mushrooms in a salad, a stir fry, or just on their own in a skillet with salt and pepper. It’s also a terrific addition to spaghetti sauces!

22. Sauteed Kale

If you’re having a BBQ, I believe a side plate of sautéed kale is a must! It complements any BBQ chicken dish and may be served with beef, pig, lamb, or even vegetarian choices!

Cook the kale in stages since it likes to steam up and get mushy if you cook it all at once.

Cut them into strips or coarsely chop them into big pieces. Season with salt and pepper and toss with a little olive oil. Just be careful not to keep them on the flame for too long, as they may quickly overcook.

23. Sauteed Cabbage

Sautéing veggies in oil in a skillet is one of the simplest methods to prepare a side dish. You may use a variety of veggies here, so you can experiment with various flavors. Cabbage, sweet potato, capsicum, and carrot are among examples.

You may also add additional herbs, like as rosemary and thyme, if desired. Just keep an eye on them since they might burn quickly.

24. Crispy Brussels Sprouts

This one is a lot of fun to create and goes excellent with BBQ food! Simply prepare your brussels sprouts as usual, then set them on a baking pan, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill for around five minutes.

They’ll get crispy and tasty, and they’ll go well with grilled meats and sausages.

25. Roasted Vegetables

A side dish of roasted vegetables makes the most of any leftover veggies in the fridge since it is simple to prepare and will remain fresh in the fridge for a few days. Try mixing in some sweet potatoes, courgettes, or butternut squash.

26. Roasted Delicata Squash “Fries”

A crispy roasted delicata squash side dish is a fun and intriguing alternative. You can still prepare these if you don’t have a roasting pan at home; simply use a baking tray instead!

Rub them with lemon juice before sprinkling with salt, black pepper, and a bit of garlic powder to add a lot of flavor.

27. Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese

For a BBQ, I like roasted beets. The sweetness of the beetroot complements the savory flavors of the goat cheese and rosemary well.

The goat cheese also provides a beautiful richness to the meal, which is great if you’re watching your cholesterol!

28. Sauteed Zucchini

It’s wonderful to offer something light at the conclusion of a dinner, but it’s even better if it keeps your guests fuller and more content for a longer period of time. Simply slice up some zucchini and mix it with some olive oil, salt, and pepper.

This is also a good option if you’re in the midst of preparing your main meal since the zucchini cooks rapidly.

29. Sauteed Rainbow Chard

You don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy sautéed rainbow chard as a side dish! This green leafy vegetable is high in iron, calcium, folate, and vitamin C, making it an excellent option for weight loss.

It also includes lutein, a phytochemical thought to lower the chance of getting some forms of cancer. Sauté some finely chopped chard leaves in butter till tender, then add some finely sliced onions and freshly ground black pepper.

Cook for another 5-10 minutes over medium heat, or until the onions are caramelized, before tossing in the grated Parmesan cheese.

30. Roasted Fennel

Fennel has a strong licorice flavor, so a little goes a long way. It goes well with poultry recipes and may be served hot, cold, or pickled, according on your choice. It’s also a great item to have on hand for creating your own homemade stock.

Simply take off the bulb and leave the stalks intact, then roast for 20 minutes at 220°C, or until soft. Allow the fennel to cool before removing the core and seeds, chopping the flesh into big pieces, and storing in the refrigerator for up to a week.

31. Sauteed Carrots

I adore a huge plate of sautéed carrots with my ribs or chicken at the barbecue since they’re so tasty and provide a burst of sweetness to my meal. Choose a bag of tiny carrots for this one since they are incredibly simple to prepare, but you may also use regular carrots if you like.

Simply cut them into batons and steam in gently salted water. They will take around 20 minutes to cook, so don’t hurry! Once steamed, drain and stir with olive oil and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and serve with your main meal.

32. Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots are fantastic because they go with virtually everything. If you want something different from simple steamed veggies, try them with a spicy curry or even a creamy dip like guacamole.

It’s also quite useful if you’re preparing a vegetarian or vegan dish.

Simply cut the carrots into batons and toss them in butter or oil before coating them in a simple combination of sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Allow the carrots to rest out for about 30 minutes before serving for optimal caramelization.

33. Celery Salad with Apples and Nuts

I believe it is essential to have something crunchy in your side dish to balance off the richness of a meaty barbeque, therefore I normally go for something like celery salad. It’s high in fiber, and the crispy texture complements the other flavors.

To make this, chop up some apples, pears, and almonds into bite-sized bits and combine them with some fresh herbs and extra virgin olive oil.

34. White Beans

If you have a large group of people coming over, cook enough white beans to fill a large serving dish.

This easy white bean salad has all the fresh veggies you need for a nutritious side dish, as well as protein, fiber, and critical vitamins and minerals. Mix in some chopped tomatoes and feta, and you’ll be delighted with the results.

35. Sauteed Mixed Vegetables

This is one of the quickest side dishes to make, taking less than 30 minutes. Simply heat some oil in a skillet, add some chopped vegetables (I like to use a combination of mushrooms, peppers, and beans), and stir fried them until they begin to caramelize.

You want soft vegetables that don’t take long to cook through, so stick to ones that are simple to cut up and cook fast. Serve with brown sugar or honey, as well as freshly squeezed lemon juice, for a more flavorful complement.

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