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When BBQ season hits, it’s easy to fill the table with heavy sides—but sometimes you want dishes that feel fresh, light, and still full of flavor. These healthy BBQ sides skip the heaviness without skipping the taste.
They’re easy to make, full of color, and perfect for pairing with whatever’s on the grill. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these ideas will brighten up any BBQ spread.
1. Grilled Veggie Platter with Herb Drizzle
A colorful mix of zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and asparagus grilled until tender with nice char marks. Drizzle with a simple olive oil, lemon, and fresh herb mix before serving. It’s fresh, smoky, and pairs with everything.
Olivia’s Tip
Grill the veggies in batches so you get an even cook without overcrowding the grill.
Get the Grilled Veggie Platter with Herb Drizzle recipe.
2. Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Juicy watermelon cubes, crisp cucumber slices, and fresh mint tossed with lime juice. It’s light, hydrating, and balances out smoky grilled mains beautifully.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill all the ingredients before assembling to keep the salad cool and refreshing at serving time.
Get the Watermelon Cucumber Salad recipe.
3. Quinoa Tabbouleh
Quinoa replaces bulgur in this herby salad with parsley, mint, cucumber, and tomatoes, all tossed in lemon juice and olive oil. It’s gluten-free and super fresh.
Olivia’s Tip
Make it a few hours ahead so the quinoa absorbs the dressing and the flavors meld.
Get the Quinoa Tabbouleh recipe.
4. Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter
Corn on the cob grilled until slightly charred, then brushed with a light chili-lime butter. Sweet, smoky, and just a little spicy.
Olivia’s Tip
Cut the cobs in half before grilling for easier sharing and portioning at a potluck.
Get the Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter recipe.
5. Cabbage and Carrot Slaw (No Mayo)
Shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a light vinegar-based dressing with a hint of honey. Crunchy, tangy, and perfect for topping sandwiches or serving on the side.
Olivia’s Tip
Make ahead, but add sunflower seeds or nuts just before serving so they stay crunchy.
Get the Cabbage and Carrot Slaw (No Mayo) recipe.
6. Tomato Basil Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Sliced tomatoes layered with fresh basil and drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Simple but always a hit.
Olivia’s Tip
Use a mix of colorful heirloom tomatoes for extra visual appeal and sweet flavor.
Get the Tomato Basil Salad with Balsamic Glaze recipe.
7. Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
Thick wedges of sweet potato tossed in olive oil and grilled until tender with charred edges. A fun, healthier alternative to fries.
Olivia’s Tip
Par-cook the wedges in the microwave or steam briefly before grilling to speed up cook time.
Get the grilled sweet potato wedges recipe.
8. Black Bean and Corn Salad
A zesty mix of black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro with lime dressing. It’s colorful, filling, and great as a scoopable salad or dip.
Olivia’s Tip
Add avocado right before serving to keep it from browning.
Get the Black Bean and Corn Salad recipe.
9. Roasted Beet and Orange Salad
Tender roasted beets paired with orange segments and a light citrus vinaigrette. It’s earthy, bright, and looks beautiful on a platter.
Olivia’s Tip
Use pre-cooked or vacuum-packed beets to save prep time without losing flavor.
Get the Roasted Beet and Orange Salad recipe.
10. Grilled Zucchini and Halloumi Skewers
Chunks of halloumi cheese and zucchini are threaded onto skewers and grilled until golden. The cheese gets crispy outside and soft inside—so good with grilled meats.
Olivia’s Tip
Brush with olive oil before grilling to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
Get the Grilled Zucchini and Halloumi Skewers recipe.
11. Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Fluffy couscous tossed with lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, and green onions. It’s light, zesty, and pairs well with any protein.
Olivia’s Tip
Fluff the couscous with a fork after cooking so it stays light and doesn’t clump.
Get the Lemon Herb Couscous Salad recipe.
12. Chopped Veggie and Hummus Platter
A rainbow of fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, radishes, and bell peppers served with hummus for dipping. A simple no-cook side that always gets cleaned up.
Olivia’s Tip
Add warm whole-wheat pita wedges to round it out and make it more filling.
Get the Chopped Veggie and Hummus Platter recipe.
13. Garlic Roasted Green Beans
Green beans tossed with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of sea salt, then roasted until tender with crispy edges. A simple side that goes with everything.
Olivia’s Tip
Finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
