Summer is here and it’s time to fire up the grill! Grilled dishes are a staple of any barbecue or outdoor gathering, but no meal is complete without the perfect side dish. Whether you prefer classic barbecue sides or want to try something new, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we will explore the best side dish pairings for grilled dishes that will take your meal to the next level.
Key Takeaways:
- Grilled dish pairings are essential to elevate your barbecue experience.
- There are a variety of side dishes that complement grilled dishes, from refreshing salads to smoky grilled veggies.
- Avocado, watermelon, grilled corn, pasta salad, potato salad, grilled vegetables, cucumber salad, watermelon salad, grilled mushrooms, and coleslaw are some of the best side dishes to serve with grilled dishes.
- Easy bbq side dishes can be prepared quickly and add a delicious touch to your meal.
- With the right pairings, you can impress your guests and make your next cookout or barbecue gathering unforgettable.
Elevate Your Grilled Favorites with Avocado and Watermelon
When it comes to grilled dishes, avocado and watermelon are the perfect side dish pairings. Combining creamy avocado with juicy watermelon is a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of the grill. These easy bbq side dishes are simple to prepare and will add a burst of flavor to any barbecue.
Avocado: This rich and creamy fruit is a perfect complement to grilled dishes. Whether you add sliced avocado to your burger or serve guacamole on the side, the buttery texture adds depth and flavor to your barbecue. For a grilled side dish, try slicing avocados in half, removing the pit, and grilling them face down until char marks appear.
Watermelon: The refreshing sweetness of watermelon is a perfect balance to the smoky flavors of grilled dishes. Serve chilled watermelon slices on the side or incorporate them into a salad with feta cheese, mint leaves, and a light vinaigrette dressing. For a grilled watermelon side dish, simply slice the fruit into wedges and grill until char marks appear.
Avocado and watermelon are versatile ingredients that pair well with a variety of grilled dishes. Try these easy bbq side dishes at your next cookout or barbecue for a delicious and refreshing addition to your meal.
Delicious Grilled Corn: An Essential BBQ Side Dish
Grilled corn is a classic barbecue side dish that brings a sweet and smoky flavor to your meal. The slightly charred kernels provide a tasty contrast to the juicy meat or grilled veggies. Plus, it’s an easy bbq side dish that you can prepare while the grill does most of the work.
If you want to serve grilled corn on the cob, start by removing the husks and silk. Brush the corn with butter or olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the corn over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until lightly charred, turning occasionally. Alternatively, you can wrap the corn in aluminum foil with butter, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 4 ears of corn | 1. Preheat the grill to medium heat. 2. Remove the husks and silk from the corn. 3. Brush the corn with butter or olive oil. 4. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Grill the corn for 10-15 minutes or until lightly charred, turning occasionally. |
If you prefer to serve grilled corn off the cob, you can cut the kernels and mix them with other ingredients, such as grilled veggies, herbs, and dressing, to create a tasty corn salad.
Grilled corn is one of the easiest and most satisfying barbecue side dishes. It’s a versatile ingredient that you can serve in many ways, from a simple corn on the cob to a flavorful corn salad. Add it to your next cookout or barbecue spread, and see how it brings a sweet and smoky taste to your meal.
Savory Salad Delights: Pasta Salad and Potato Salad
Pasta salad and potato salad are must-have barbecue sides that everyone loves. They both provide a refreshing balance to the smoky flavors of grilled dishes.
Tip: Add grilled vegetables to your pasta or potato salad to create a delicious and healthy side dish.
| Recipe: | Classic Macaroni Salad |
|---|---|
| Ingredients: | macaroni, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, sweet pickles, salt, pepper |
| Instructions: | 1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, celery, red onion, sweet pickles, salt, and pepper. 3. Mix in cooked macaroni and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. |
Potato salad can be made with a variety of ingredients such as bacon, eggs, or pickles. You can also add a little tang by mixing in some mustard or apple cider vinegar.
| Recipe: | Classic Potato Salad |
|---|---|
| Ingredients: | potatoes, mayonnaise, sour cream, celery, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, dill pickles, salt, pepper |
| Instructions: | 1. Boil potatoes until tender and chop into small pieces. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, celery, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, dill pickles, salt, and pepper. 3. Mix in chopped potatoes and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. |
With these classic barbecue sides, your guests will be impressed with the variety and deliciousness of your spread.
Grilled Vegetable Medley: The Perfect Summer Side
A colorful assortment of grilled vegetables is the perfect addition to any BBQ spread. Not only do they add a vibrant and healthy element, but the smoky and charred flavors perfectly complement grilled dishes.
Some of the best vegetables for grilling include potatoes, zucchini, peppers, and summer squash. Simply brush with olive oil and season with your favorite spices before tossing on the grill.
| Grilled Potatoes | Grilled Zucchini |
|---|---|
| Start by slicing your potatoes into 1/4 inch rounds. Boil for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. | Slice zucchini lengthwise into 1/4 inch thick slices. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear. |
| Grilled Peppers | Grilled Summer Squash |
|---|---|
| Start by cutting peppers into strips and removing the seeds. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until charred and slightly softened. | Slice summer squash into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear. |
Once grilled, arrange the vegetables on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for an eye-catching and delicious side dish.
- Best for: BBQ sides, barbecue side dishes, summer side.
- Flavor profile: Smoky, charred, and savory.
- Pair with: Grilled meats, burgers, or as a vegetarian main dish.
Tip: For a unique twist, try grilling vegetables with a balsamic glaze for added sweetness and complexity.
Cool and Tangy: Cucumber Salad and Watermelon Salad
When it comes to summer side dishes, cucumber salad and watermelon salad are two refreshing options that are perfect for balancing out the smoky flavors of grilled dishes. The cool and tangy flavors of these salads provide a light and fresh complement to any barbecue.
For a twist on the classic cucumber salad, try adding some grilled green beans and a zesty vinaigrette. The smoky flavor from the grill adds depth to this dish, and the tangy dressing brings it all together. And for a fun and unexpected addition, try including chunks of juicy watermelon in your salad. The sweet and refreshing taste of watermelon pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing and crisp cucumber.
To make a delicious watermelon salad, simply combine cubed watermelon with feta cheese, mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This savory and sweet combination will have your taste buds singing.
Grilled veggies also make a great addition to these salads. Grilled zucchini, peppers, and eggplant add smoky flavors that complement the tangy dressings of these salads perfectly. And don’t forget to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Smoky and Savory: Grilled Mushrooms and Grilled Eggplant
For a side dish that’s both smoky and savory, look no further than grilled mushrooms and eggplant. These grilled veggies pack a delicious punch and will complement your grilled dishes perfectly.
The key to a delicious grilled mushroom and eggplant dish is proper preparation. Make sure to brush the vegetables with oil and seasoning before grilling to ensure they are packed with flavor.
Grilled mushrooms and eggplant absorb the smoky flavors of the grill and develop a rich, meaty taste that will leave your taste buds wanting more. You can even experiment with different seasonings and marinades to create a unique flavor profile that works for you.
These grilled vegetables are also a great option for vegetarians and vegans who are looking for a savory and satisfying side dish.
| Ingredients: | 1 pound mushrooms | 1 eggplant | 2 tablespoons olive oil | Salt and pepper to taste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directions: | 1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. | 2. Slice mushrooms and eggplant into bite-sized pieces. | 3. Brush vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. | 4. Grill vegetables for 8-10 minutes, or until tender and lightly charred. |
Grilled mushrooms and eggplant are a great addition to any barbecue spread and will impress your guests with their savory and delicious flavor.
So next time you fire up the grill, try adding these smoky and savory grilled vegetables to your barbecue side dishes. Your taste buds will thank you!
Classic Favorites: Macaroni Salad and Coleslaw
If you’re looking for reliable and tasty sides to serve at your next barbecue, look no further than macaroni salad and coleslaw. These classic favorites offer a tangy contrast to the rich and smoky flavors of grilled dishes, and are perfect for a summer picnic or cookout.
Macaroni salad is an easy side dish to whip up and can be customized to your taste. Add summer produce like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or corn to give it a fresh twist. For a tangy flavor, consider mixing in some pickle juice or apple cider vinegar.
Coleslaw is another classic barbecue side that never disappoints. The creamy and crunchy texture pairs well with grilled meats and adds a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors. Mix in some shredded carrots or red cabbage for a pop of color, and try using Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a healthier twist.
Macaroni Salad Recipe
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 1 pound elbow macaroni | 1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. |
| 1 cup mayonnaise | 2. In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, pickle juice, and mustard. |
| 1/4 cup pickle juice | 3. Add chopped celery, red onion, and any additional veggies of your choice to the bowl. |
| 1 tablespoon mustard | 4. Mix in cooled macaroni and stir until everything is combined. |
| Salt and pepper to taste | 5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. |
Coleslaw Recipe
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 1/2 head of green cabbage, shredded | 1. In a large bowl, mix together mayo, vinegar, honey, and celery seed. |
| 1/2 head of red cabbage, shredded | 2. Add in shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and sliced red onion. Mix together until well combined. |
| 1/2 cup mayonnaise | 3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. |
| 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar | |
| 2 tablespoons honey | |
| 1 teaspoon celery seed | |
| 1 cup grated carrots | |
| 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced |
With these delicious and easy-to-make recipes, you can elevate your barbecue spread and impress your guests with classic favorites. These sides are perfect for any summer occasion, from a family picnic to a backyard barbecue.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect side dish to serve with your grilled dishes can take your next cookout to the next level. With so many delicious options to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start! But by exploring the suggestions provided in this article, you can find recipes that suit your taste and impress your guests.
Whether you prefer refreshing salads, smoky grilled vegetables, or classic side dishes, there is a perfect side out there for you. With a little creativity and some experimentation, you can find the perfect pairing for your next barbecue or backyard gathering. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring and discover your next delicious side dish!
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FAQ
What are the best side dishes to serve with grilled dishes?
The best side dishes to serve with grilled dishes are avocado and watermelon, grilled corn, pasta salad and potato salad, grilled vegetable medley, cucumber salad and watermelon salad, grilled mushrooms and grilled eggplant, and classic favorites like macaroni salad and coleslaw.
How can avocado and watermelon elevate my grilled favorites?
Avocado adds a creamy texture that contrasts with the smoky flavors of the grill, while watermelon provides a juicy sweetness that complements the charred taste.
Why is grilled corn an essential BBQ side dish?
Grilled corn brings a sweet and smoky flavor to your meal and can be enjoyed on the cob or in a corn salad.
What makes pasta salad and potato salad great pairings for grilled dishes?
Pasta salad and potato salad are savory salads that pack flavor and provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky char from the grill.
How can a grilled vegetable medley enhance my barbecue experience?
A colorful assortment of grilled vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, peppers, and summer squash adds a smoky and charred element to your meal.
What are refreshing options to balance the smoky flavors of grilled dishes?
Cucumber salad and watermelon salad provide cool and tangy flavors that complement any barbecue and can incorporate grilled veggies and a zesty vinaigrette.
How can grilled mushrooms and grilled eggplant add smoky and savory flavors to my grilled dish pairings?
Grilled mushrooms and grilled eggplant absorb the grill’s flavors and develop a rich and meaty taste that enhances the overall dish.
Why are macaroni salad and coleslaw classic favorites for grilled dishes?
Macaroni salad and coleslaw are creamy and tangy side dishes that are easy to prepare and provide a hearty accompaniment to your barbecue favorites.
How can I find the perfect side dish for my next cookout?
Use these suggestions as inspiration, find recipes that suit your taste, and explore the countless options available to enhance your barbecue experience.
