Looking for fresh and delicious BBQ sides? From cucumber salad to grilled sweet potato fries, we have you covered for your next potluck or outdoor cookout with friends and family.

Collage of three pics with text overlay for 10 healthy BBQ side dishes. Grilled sweet potato fries, broccoli cauliflower salad and coleslaw are pictured. this recipe

The best side dishes for BBQ’s

When it comes to BBQ side dishes, there are so many great options for fresh summer flavor. Whether it’s a creamy and crunchy coleslaw, an amazing potato salad or a simple watermelon salad, this roundup has you covered.

No matter what you’re cooking, you’ll find great options to go with any protein. You can use these sides as:

  • Side dishes for ribs
  • Pulled pork sides
  • Brisket sides
  • BBQ chicken sides

Looking for more? Check out all of our grilling recipes!

What makes a good summer side dish?

A few things define the best side dishes for cookouts and grilling.

  1. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are a must.
  2. It’s versatile and pairs well with a variety of grilled meats.
  3. The dish is easy to make with incredible flavor.

Bonus points if you can prep it in advance, it travels well or makes great leftovers!

Now, here are the BBQ side dishes

Grab a drink, fire up your BBQ and enjoy these delicious side dishes at your next cookout!

1
A white bowl filled with asian cucumber salad—sliced cucumbers, red onion, shredded carrots, and black and white sesame seeds—with a spoon inside.

Asian Cucumber Salad (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)

3.94 from 62 ratings
A simple and flavorful summer salad, this Asian cucumber salad is THE easy side dish for your next BBQ!
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2
pesto potato salad in bowl with a spoon and bacon sprinkled on top vertical image

Pesto Potato Salad

4.88 from 8 ratings
Featuring an easy to make, dairy-free pesto sauce and only 3 other main ingredients, this pesto potato salad is a delicious summer side dish. It's mayo-free so it's light and fresh tasting and can be served warm or cold.
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3
Grilled vegetable marinade tossed with grilled veggies in a bowl.

Marinated Grilled Vegetables (Balsamic)

4.85 from 38 ratings
Marinated grilled vegetables tossed in a balsamic, lemon, and garlic dressing while they're hot from the grill, so they soak up more flavor. Works with any combination of veggies.
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4
A bowl of keto coleslaw with shredded cabbage, broccoli florets, and other veggies mixed in a creamy dressing.

Rich and Creamy Keto Coleslaw

4.88 from 8 ratings
A creamy low carb coleslaw with only 7 ingredients! A simple homemade keto coleslaw dressing pairs with crunchy cabbage, broccoli and jicama.
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5
Close up image of tomato watermelon salad in a bowl with fresh chopped basil on top.

Easy, Fresh Tomato Watermelon Salad

4.83 from 17 ratings
This tomato watermelon salad is like a watermelon salad met a caprese salad and had a baby. Skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese for dairy-free.
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6
A bowl of potato salad with bacon, chopped eggs, herbs, and a sprig of rosemary on top sits on a marble surface next to a wooden spoon.

The Best Potato Salad with Bacon (Paleo + Whole30)

4.50 from 10 ratings
It's like a classic potato salad but better. Loaded with savory bacon, smoked cheddar cheese plus some crunchy celery and green onions, this creamy and delicious potato salad with bacon is sure to be a family favorite!
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7
A grilled cauliflower steak topped with creamy sauce and sprinkled with chopped herbs sits beautifully on a light marble surface.

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)

4.25 from 12 ratings
These Paleo, Whole30 + Keto grilled cauliflower steaks are likely to be your new favorite way to eat cauliflower. Pair them with your favorite protein!
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8
A white bowl filled with colorful cabbage slaw, including green and purple cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped herbs, and sunflower seeds—an Easy Coleslaw Recipe that's as vibrant as it is delicious.

Easy Coleslaw Recipe (Whole30) No Mayo

4.33 from 103 ratings
This Paleo + Whole30 coleslaw has no mayo, is a great make ahead salad for lunches during the work week and pairs well with just about anything. 
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9
Vertical overhead image of grilled sweet potato fries on a grilling pan with ketchup and chipotle aioli on the side.

Easy Grilled Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

4.50 from 4 ratings
These grilled sweet potato fries are salty and sweet, and they are a great hearty side dish to enjoy all summer long!
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10
Overhead shot of creamy keto broccoli & cauliflower salad with bacon bits on top

20 Minute Keto Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad with Bacon

4.88 from 8 ratings
This easy, hearty keto salad recipe combines crispy bacon, red onion, and fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets with a creamy spiced aioli dressing that’s truly irresistible. It’s a terrific low-carb side dish that’s ready within 20 minutes.
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11
Grilled fruit salad skewers with pineapple, peaches, and watermelon are arranged on a white surface, accompanied by a small dish of sauce nearby.

Grilled Fruit Salad (Paleo + Whole30)

4.05 from 21 ratings
Have you tried grilling fruit yet? It is so delicious! Bring this Paleo + Whole30 grilled fruit salad to your next gathering to make you look like a pro!
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Collage with four photos and text overlay for 10 healthy BBQ sides. Photos include grilled fruit, cucumber salad, potato salad and a tomato watermelon salad.
A white bowl filled with asian cucumber salad—sliced cucumbers, red onion, shredded carrots, and black and white sesame seeds—with a spoon inside.
4.77 from 13 ratings
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10 Easy BBQ Sides: Fresh Cucumber Salad

Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
A simple and flavorful bbq side summer salad, this cucumber salad is THE easy side dish for your next BBQ! Plus, if you're looking for more BBQ sides this roundup has you covered for your next potluck or outdoor cookout with friends and family.
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Ingredients

For the salad:

  • 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced, (or sub 6-7 medium pickling cucumbers)
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

For the sauce:

  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated on a microplane
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp fish sauce, (optional but highly recommended)

For topping:

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Prep cucumbers, carrot and onion as noted and place them in a bowl.
  • In a separate small bowl or jar, mix all of the sauce ingredients together.
  • Pour the sauce over the cucumber salad and mix. Serve immediately for best flavor (see recipe notes). Top with sesame seeds for serving.

Last Step:

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Notes

To make this salad in advance, prep the cucumbers, carrot and onion as noted and store them in a bowl. Prep the sauce as noted and store it separately in a small jar or container. When ready to serve, toss the sauce and salad ingredients together and serve immediately.
 
Nutrition facts are an estimate provided for those following a Ketogenic or low-carb diet. See our full nutrition information disclosure here. 
Calories: 43kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Fiber: 1g
Course: Salad
Author: Justin Winn
Cuisine: Asian
Did you make this recipe?Tag @realsimplegood with hashtag #realsimplegood on Instagram. We love to see what you make!
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