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Home » Kitchen Tips and Info

16+ Healthy Summer BBQ Side Dishes

Last Modified: Oct 9, 2024. Originally Published: Jun 23, 2025 by Janessa.

Are you looking for some healthy BBQ side dishes that are perfect for grilling and cookouts? I've got you covered with these wholesome recipes including flavorful favorites and fresh new ideas to complement any summer BBQ.

Jump to:
  • Sides
  • Slaws
  • Pasta Salads
  • Potato Salad
  • Vegetable Salads
  • Comments
Barbecued beef burger on a bun with a barbecue grill in the background.
Simple Homemade Barbecued Beef Burgers

I love the season of summer barbecues.

Grilled burgers, pulled pork and friendly gatherings in the sunshine are some of my favorite ways to celebrate the warmer months.

And while the main dishes often take center stage, the side dishes are what really complete a cookout.

When I’m planning a grilled summer meal, I like to include side dishes that are not only delicious but also made with wholesome ingredients.

If you're looking to do the same, I hope that this collection will give you plenty of inspiration! You'll find healthier spins on classics like baked beans or potato salad and more.

Sides

Greek Yogurt Ranch + Crudite
Creamy, tangy and perfectly seasoned, this ranch is a healthier twist on a favorite dressing and dip. It has a protein boost from Greek yogurt, is made without mayo, sour cream or buttermilk and is ready in minutes. Pair it with an assortment of fresh cut vegetables for an easy side.
Greek Yogurt Ranch Recipe
Ranch dip in a bowl garnished with green onions.
English Cucumber Refrigerator Pickles
All you need is an English cucumber, a few simple pantry ingredients and five minutes to make your own dill pickles. Crispy and crunchy, salty and sour, these are the easiest (and best) pickles you'll make!
Fridge Pickles Recipe
English cucumber pickles in a mason jar.
From Scratch Baked Beans with Less Sugar
Savory, smoky and just sweet enough, these healthy baked beans can be cooked on the stovetop, in the oven or the crockpot. The perfect side for a summer cookout!
Healthy Baked Beans Recipe
Baked beans in a bowl topped with green onions.
Cajun Honey Butter Corn
A little sweet, a little spicy and a whole lot delicious, this corn is an easy and tasty side dish!
Cajun Corn Recipe
Bowl of corn with a wooden spoon.

Slaws

Lemon Tahini Slaw
No mayo dressing in this coleslaw recipe! Bright lemon, creamy tahini and crunchy vegetables combine for a quick and delicious slaw.
Lemon Tahini Slaw Recipe
Lemon tahini slaw in a glass serving bowl.
Chimichurri Slaw
Swap out your classic coleslaw recipe for this chimichurri version! The Chimichurri flavor is a natural pairing to a variety of grilled meats.
Chimichurri Slaw Recipe
Bowl of sliced carrots and cabbage topped with a green sauce and fresh parsley.

Pasta Salads

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
Pasta, chicken and vegetables are tossed with a simple Mediterranean vinaigrette and sprinkled with feta, this is sure to be a hit at barbecues and potlucks.
Greek-Inspired Pasta Salad Recipe
Greek chicken pasta salad in a large bowl.
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
A fresh and flavorful take on a classic, this pasta salad is quick and easy to make. The chicken can be left out when serving it as a side.
Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Bowl of pasta salad topped with a pesto dressing.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Featuring crispy bacon, tender chicken and a creamy Greek yogurt-based homemade ranch dressing, this salad is always a hit.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Chicken bacon ranch pasta salad in a bowl garnished with carrots and green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Classic pasta salad gets a spicy twist with this Buffalo chicken version. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed with a creamy Greek yogurt-based Buffalo ranch dressing for a delicious summer cookout side.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Buffalo chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
This is the perfect summer side dish! Fresh and flavorful, it is made without mayo and ideal is for picnics, BBQs, or meal prep.
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe
Cilantro lime pasta salad in a serving bowl.

Potato Salad

Greek Yogurt Potato Salad
Topped with a flavorful, creamy dressing and filled with crunchy celery and fresh herbs, you won't miss the sour cream or mayo in this version!
Greek Yogurt Potato Salad Recipe
Bowl of creamy potato salad topped with herbs.

Vegetable Salads

Mediterranean Salad
Full of an array of crunchy vegetables and topped with a simple vinaigrette, this fresh salad is a nice complement to a variety of grilled dishes.
Mediterranean Salad Recipe
Mediterranean salad topped with roasted chickpeas in a glass bowl.
Berry Spinach Salad
An tasty and easy way to add some greens to your meal, this salad is fresh, crunchy, creamy and a touch sweet.
Berry Spinach Salad Recipe
Dished out bowl of berry spinach salad.
Santa Fe Salad
Filled with a rainbow of vegetables and topped with an easy and creamy Santa Fe Ranch dressing, this fresh salad really is a satisfying side dish.
Santa Fe Salad Recipe
Bowl of Santa Fe salad topped with avocado and tortilla chips.
Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
All it takes is a handful of high quality and flavorful ingredients to make this Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad. Juicy cherry tomatoes are accompanied by creamy bocconcini and fresh basil in this simple yet fresh and impressive summer favorite.
Caprese Salad Recipe
Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes and a spoon in a bowl.
« 8+ of the Best Ways to Use an Abundance of Cherry Tomatoes
5+ Tasty Ways to Use Chimichurri (Besides Grilling) »

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Janessa

Hi, I'm Janessa and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that are made with wholesome ingredients, are quick and easy and most importantly, delicious!

More about me →

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