16 sides & salads that’ll steal the spotlight at your BBQ

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When it comes to BBQs, the sides and salads can make all the difference. I’ve rounded up incredible sides and salads that are sure to impress your guests and complement your grilled favorites. These dishes are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that will make your BBQ spread unforgettable.

A plate of green beans tossed with cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, accompanied by a fork, on a white surface.
Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Vegan Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spoon.
Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Vegan Mexican Rice is a flavorful and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with any BBQ spread. Combining rice, tomatoes, and spices, this dish brings a touch of Mexico to your table. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy BBQ days. Serve it alongside your grilled favorites for a complete meal. A great way to add variety and flair to your BBQ sides.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks are a simple and flavorful addition to your BBQ. These cabbage slices are seasoned and roasted to perfection, making them a great complement to grilled meats. They’re easy to prepare and cook quickly, fitting perfectly into your BBQ plans. Serve them hot off the grill for a unique side dish. A standout option for your next BBQ gathering.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is a creamy and comforting side dish that’s perfect for any BBQ. This dish cooks slowly in the crock pot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead, saving you time on BBQ day. Serve it warm for a cheesy delight everyone will love. A must-have side for any BBQ feast.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese.
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing is a fresh and vibrant addition to your BBQ. This salad combines mixed berries with a tangy blueberry dressing, offering a burst of flavor. It’s quick to prepare and adds a refreshing touch to your meal. Serve it chilled for a cool contrast to your grilled dishes. A beautiful and tasty way to brighten up your BBQ spread.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli salad with bacon bits on a white oval plate, accompanied by a wooden serving spoon on a linen napkin.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a crunchy and savory side that will enhance your BBQ menu. This salad features fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. Serve it cold for a refreshing contrast to hot grilled foods. A flavorful side that will surely impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Zucchini Bruschetta

Baked zucchini bruschetta topped with chopped tomatoes, herbs, and grated cheese on a parchment-lined tray.
Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Zucchini Bruschetta is a light and flavorful appetizer that fits perfectly into any BBQ setting. This dish features fresh zucchini slices topped with a savory mixture of tomatoes and herbs. It’s quick to prepare and adds a fresh, healthy option to your spread. Serve it as a starter or alongside your main dishes. A refreshing and delicious way to kick off your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of colorful broccoli slaw with shredded purple cabbage and carrots topped with dried cranberries and pine nuts, next to a red-checked napkin.
Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli Slaw Salad is a crunchy and refreshing side that will add a pop of color to your BBQ table. This salad features shredded broccoli and carrots tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead, saving you time on BBQ day. Serve it chilled for a cool and crisp contrast to your grilled dishes. A delicious and healthy addition to any BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Apple Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, air-fried apples, red onions, nuts, and crumbled cheese.
Apple Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Apple Salad is a sweet and crunchy side that pairs beautifully with BBQ dishes. This salad combines crisp apples, celery, and nuts in a light dressing. It’s quick to prepare and adds a refreshing touch to your spread. Serve it cold for a cool contrast to hot grilled foods. A perfect way to add some sweetness and crunch to your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Shrimp macaroni salad in a pink bowl with lemon wedges.
Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp Macaroni Salad is a creamy and flavorful side that’s perfect for your BBQ. This salad combines tender shrimp with macaroni and a creamy dressing, making it a standout dish. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead, saving you time on BBQ day. Serve it chilled for a refreshing complement to your grilled favorites. A great way to add some seafood flair to your BBQ spread.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Red Skin Potato Salad

Bowl of potato salad garnished with fresh herbs and bacon on a white background.
Red Skin Potato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Red Skin Potato Salad is a classic and creamy side dish that’s perfect for any BBQ. This salad features tender red potatoes in a tangy dressing, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead, saving you time on BBQ day. Serve it chilled for a refreshing side. A must-have addition to your BBQ menu.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Easy Radish Salad

A plate of radish salad with diced celery and a creamy dressing, accompanied by a glass of water and salt and pepper shakers.
Easy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy Radish Salad is a fresh and crunchy side that’s perfect for your BBQ. This salad features sliced radishes in a tangy dressing, making it a refreshing complement to grilled foods. It’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead, saving you time on BBQ day. Serve it chilled for a cool contrast to hot dishes. A crisp and colorful addition to your BBQ menu.
Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad

Close-up of a spoon holding seafood pasta salad garnished with parsley, with more salad in the background.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Seafood Pasta Salad is a light and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for BBQs. This salad combines pasta with a variety of seafood in a creamy dressing, making it a standout dish. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead, saving you time on BBQ day. Serve it chilled for a refreshing side. A delicious way to add some seafood to your BBQ spread.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Green Bean Tomato Salad

A plate of green beans tossed with cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, accompanied by a fork, on a white surface.
Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green Bean Tomato Salad is a fresh and vibrant side dish that complements any BBQ. This salad combines crisp green beans with juicy tomatoes and a tangy dressing. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead, saving you time on BBQ day. Serve it chilled for a refreshing side. A great way to add some color and flavor to your BBQ spread.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Crab Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat.
Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that will impress at your BBQ. This dish combines tender crab meat with rice and vegetables, offering a unique and delicious flavor. It’s easy to prepare and cooks quickly, making it perfect for BBQs. Serve it hot for a tasty side. A great way to add some seafood flair to your BBQ spread.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Chopped Greek Salad

A fresh greek salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumbers, olives, and peppers, served with a fork and a glass of water on the side.
Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chopped Greek Salad is a fresh and flavorful side that’s perfect for BBQs. This salad combines crisp vegetables with feta cheese and a tangy dressing, making it a healthy and delicious option. It’s quick to prepare and adds a refreshing touch to your meal. Serve it chilled for a cool contrast to grilled foods. A great way to add some Mediterranean flair to your BBQ sides.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage is a unique and flavorful side dish that will be a hit at your BBQ. These cabbage slices are wrapped in bacon and cooked in the air fryer, making them crispy and delicious. They’re easy to prepare and cook quickly. Serve them hot for a tasty and easy side. A standout option for your BBQ sides.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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