10+ Side Salad Recipes for BBQ That Everyone Will Love

10+ Side Salad Recipes for BBQ That Everyone Will Love

ByCook Fanatic Team Reading Time: 9 minutes

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy delicious food outdoors. A refreshing side salad can complement your BBQ dishes and add a burst of flavor. The right side salads can enhance your meal, providing balance and freshness that everyone will love.

A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables arranged on a white plate, with a drizzle of vinaigrette dressing and a sprinkle of herbs

Many options are available when it comes to side salads for a BBQ, from classic favorites to exciting new flavors. Preparing these salads is often quick and easy, making them a great choice for busy cooks. With a variety of ingredients, these side salads can cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring there is something for everyone.

1) Grilled Zucchini Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

Grilled zucchini slices arranged on a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with lemon-herb vinaigrette, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges

This Grilled Zucchini Salad is a fresh and tasty addition to your BBQ. The lemon-herb vinaigrette brings bright flavors that pair well with grilled dishes. It’s simple to make and looks great on the table.

To start, slice the zucchini and grill it until tender with nice grill marks. The char adds depth to the flavor. Let the zucchini cool before adding it to your salad mix.

Top it off with toasted pine nuts and shaved Parmesan or Romano cheese for extra crunch and creaminess. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint will give it a lovely finishing touch.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
  • ¼ cup Parmesan or Romano cheese, shaved
  • Fresh parsley and mint, chopped

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  2. Slice the zucchinis lengthwise.
  3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Grill zucchini for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  5. Let cool, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Mix lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and remaining olive oil in a bowl.
  7. Toss zucchini with the vinaigrette, pine nuts, cheese, and herbs.
  8. Serve at room temperature. Enjoy!

2) Chicken and Chickpea Salad

A colorful bowl of chicken and chickpea salad surrounded by fresh vegetables and herbs on a wooden picnic table

This Chicken and Chickpea Salad is a delicious choice for your BBQ side dish. It’s packed with protein and fresh flavors that everyone will enjoy. The combination of grilled chicken and chickpeas makes it filling and nutritious.

To start, you’ll need some ripe tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers. These add great texture and taste. Mixing in a few spices can enhance the flavor, too.

You can prepare this salad quickly using leftover rotisserie chicken, saving you time. Olive oil and lemon juice work nicely as a light dressing.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 4 oz grilled chicken, diced
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients by dicing the chicken, cucumber, and tomatoes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, chicken, cucumber, and tomatoes.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
  4. Toss everything together gently. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

3) Simple Summer Chopped Salad

A wooden cutting board with vibrant red tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh green lettuce, surrounded by a scattering of colorful bell peppers and a drizzle of vinaigrette

This Simple Summer Chopped Salad is perfect for your BBQ. It features fresh, vibrant ingredients that are easy to prepare. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures.

Start with cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. Add cucumbers for crunch, and sprinkle in some sweet corn for a bit of deliciousness. You can also include jalapeño for a touch of heat and avocado for creaminess.

Finish with garbanzo beans and feta cheese for added protein. Toss everything together with a light vinaigrette to make it refreshing.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or canned)
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 can garbanzo beans, drained
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, corn, jalapeño, and avocado.
  2. Add the garbanzo beans and feta cheese.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Toss gently to combine and serve fresh.

4) Caprese Pasta Salad

A colorful bowl of Caprese Pasta Salad surrounded by fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes, sitting on a wooden picnic table at a BBQ

Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for your BBQ. It combines pasta, juicy tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil. This colorful salad is simple to make and great for hot summer days.

You’ll need a few key ingredients. The dressing is made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, adding a bright flavor. You can serve it as a side dish or enjoy it on its own.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound short pasta (like penne or casarecce)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix gently.

5) Broccoli Salad with Crispy Bacon

A colorful bowl of broccoli salad topped with crispy bacon, surrounded by fresh side salad ingredients, ready for a BBQ

This Broccoli Salad with Crispy Bacon is a tasty side dish. It combines fresh broccoli with crunchy bacon for a fun twist. You can easily bring it to a barbecue or picnic.

To make this salad, start by blanching fresh broccoli until it’s bright green and tender. Let it cool before mixing with crispy bacon, red onion, and dried cranberries.

For the dressing, mix mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar for a sweet and tangy flavor. Toss everything together, and you’re ready to serve!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 6 slices crispy bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Cooking Instructions

  1. Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes.
  2. Drain and cool the broccoli.
  3. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
  4. Combine broccoli, bacon, red onion, and cranberries in a large bowl.
  5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Serve chilled.

6) Easy Black Bean Dip

A picnic table with a bowl of black bean dip, surrounded by colorful side salads, next to a sizzling bbq grill

This Easy Black Bean Dip is perfect for your BBQ. It’s tasty and simple to make. You’ll impress your guests with this flavorful dip that pairs well with chips or veggies.

To make it, combine black beans, lime juice, garlic, and seasonings in a blender. Blend until smooth. If you like a little heat, add some jalapeños.

You can serve it immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for a short while. It tastes even better after the flavors blend together!

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: diced jalapeños for spice

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a blender, add black beans, lime juice, garlic, and cumin.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. For extra heat, mix in jalapeños.
  5. Serve with chips or fresh veggies.

7) Shrimp and Edamame Salad

A colorful bowl filled with cooked shrimp, edamame, mixed greens, and vibrant vegetables, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette

Shrimp and edamame salad is a light and tasty choice for your BBQ. This dish combines succulent shrimp with protein-packed edamame. The mix of fresh veggies adds color and crunch to your plate.

You can make it in minutes. Start by grilling shrimp until they are pink and tender. Then, mix in cooked edamame and your favorite veggies. A drizzle of soy sauce or lime juice brings everything together.

This salad is perfect as a side or light main dish. It’s healthy and easy to prepare, making it a great addition to any summer gathering.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb shrimp, cooked and shelled
  • 1 cup edamame, cooked and shelled
  • 3-4 green onions, sliced
  • ½ lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Grill shrimp over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C) until pink, 1-2 minutes per side.
  2. In a bowl, combine shrimp, edamame, and green onions.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to mix. Serve fresh!

8) Roasted Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad

A colorful bowl of roasted pumpkin and quinoa salad surrounded by fresh ingredients like spinach, cherry tomatoes, and avocado, with a grill in the background

This Roasted Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad is a delicious addition to your BBQ. It combines sweet roasted pumpkin with nutty quinoa for a hearty dish. The flavors are boosted with fresh herbs and a tangy dressing.

To make this salad, start by roasting diced pumpkin. You will want to roast it at 400°F (200°C) until it’s tender and slightly caramelized.

Mix the roasted pumpkin with cooked quinoa, arugula, and feta cheese for a satisfying meal. Drizzle with balsamic dressing for extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups diced pumpkin
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 2 cups arugula
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the diced pumpkin with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, combine quinoa, arugula, feta, and roasted pumpkin.
  5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving. Enjoy!

9) Grilled Sweet Potato and Scallion Salad

A colorful grilled sweet potato and scallion salad on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by barbecue tools and fresh ingredients

This grilled sweet potato and scallion salad is a delicious and healthy option for your BBQ. The combination of smoky sweet potatoes and charred scallions brings great flavor to your meal.

To start, wash and slice your sweet potatoes.

Preheat your grill to high, about 450°F (232°C).

Brush the potatoes and scallions with olive oil before placing them on the grill.

Grill the potatoes for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until they are tender. Once cooked, let them cool slightly, then chop.

Mix the grilled vegetables in a bowl. You can add extra seasoning or a dressing of your choice for more flavor!

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 5 scallions
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to high (450°F/232°C).
  2. Wash and slice the sweet potatoes.
  3. Brush sweet potatoes and scallions with olive oil.
  4. Grill sweet potatoes for 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
  5. Let cool, then chop and mix in a bowl.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.

10) Corn Salad with Fresh and Canned Ingredients

A wooden bowl filled with fresh corn, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and canned black beans, topped with a light vinaigrette dressing

Corn salad is a simple and tasty choice for your BBQ. You can use fresh corn or canned corn for this recipe. Mixing both gives it a nice texture and flavor.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll want to include bell peppers, onions, and some fresh herbs for extra taste. For a little kick, add jalapeños or chili powder.

To prepare, drain the canned corn and combine it with the fresh ingredients in a bowl.

Toss everything together with a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of lime juice.

This salad is best when chilled for a bit. It’s a refreshing side that complements grilled meats perfectly.

Ingredients

  • 1 can of corn, drained
  • 1 cup fresh corn, cooked
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • Fresh herbs (like cilantro or parsley)
  • Olive oil
  • Lime juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Drain the canned corn.
  2. Cook fresh corn if needed.
  3. Dice bell pepper and chop onion.
  4. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
  5. Drizzle olive oil and lime juice over the mixture.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Chill before serving.

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