When the warm weather arrives it’s time to kick off barbecue season. So, dust off the grill and get ready for good food and great company. But let’s be honest, no one wants to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is outside enjoying a drink in the sunshine and soaking up the good vibes.
That’s where these easy make-ahead BBQ side dishes come in. They take the stress out of hosting allowing you to enjoy the day and to get the food ready on time.
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These easy to prepare side dishes for BBQ are a total game changer. Not only are these BBQ sides simple to prepare, but they’re also full of flavor. Whether served chilled, at room temp or quickly reheated they are designed to be made ahead of time and to store.
From colorful salads and zesty salsas to vibrant veggie dishes from around the world, this roundup covers it all. And the best part? These sides are just as perfect for a picnic or to bring along to a potluck gathering.
Scroll down to discover 17 easy make-ahead BBQ sides that will make your next summer cookout a breeze, so when the day arrives you can fire up the grill, grab your favorite drink and kick things off with a delicious appetizer.
Tabbouleh is a refreshing Lebanese herb salad made with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, mint and bulgur, all tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing for a vibrant mix of flavors and textures. A perfect summer side dish for a BBQ.
This Mediterranean spelt salad is a hearty and refreshing dish made with nutty spelt grains, crisp vegetables and a bright olive oil and lemon dressing. Its bold flavors and sturdy texture make it an ideal make-ahead option for your next barbecue.
This cucumber watermelon salad with feta is a crisp and juicy summer dish, combining sweet watermelon, crunchy cucumber and salty feta with fresh basil. It’s a refreshing option to prep in advance for any summer barbecue.
This dill pickle potato salad is a creamy, tangy dish loaded with crunchy pickles and onions. Its bold, hearty flavors with crunchy texture make it the perfect BBQ side.
No barbecue is complete without a classic Caprese salad as a side dish, thanks to its fresh and vibrant flavors. It's easy to make ahead and store in the fridge.
This endive salad with egg combines crisp endives and creamy eggs in a sweet tangy honey mustard dressing. It’s our family favorite that we always prepare as a BBQ side and so easy to make ahead of time.
Garlic mushrooms or champiñones al ajillo, are a flavorful Spanish tapas dish that makes a great side for any BBQ cookout. They’re quick to prepare and can be stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
Korean bean sprout salad, or Sukju Namul Muchim, is a light and refreshing side with soft subtle flavors. Tossed in a nutty, savory dressing, it is quick to make and adds a fresh crunchy touch that complements any grilled meats and fish.
This vibrant Spanish tomato salad brings out the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes. Quick to make and bursting with zesty flavor, it’s a perfect BBQ side dish for warm summer days.
This Spanish chickpea salad is a refreshing mix of chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and olives. It’s quick to prepare in advance, full of flavor and makes a hearty vibrant BBQ side dish.
The more salads the better when grilling, so have a look at this salad recipe list for more inspiration.
You will want to serve some finger food for your guests while the grill is heating up either from this appetizer list or go for more festive appetizers.
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Hi there, I'm Sabine, passionate foodie and avid traveller. Over the years I have combined my love for food, travel and photography and this is what The Tasty Chilli is all about. So please browse around and enjoy my recipes and cooking inspiration!
