A great barbecue is about more than just the meat. While ribs, burgers, and brisket might steal the spotlight, the sides are what make the meal truly unforgettable. The right accompaniments can elevate your cookout from standard to spectacular, offering bursts of flavor, texture, and freshness to complement your main dishes.
In this guide, we’ll explore creative and gourmet BBQ sides that will wow your guests. From reimagined classics to innovative dishes, these recipes and ideas will make your next cookout the talk of the neighborhood.
Why Sides Matter at a BBQ
Sides do more than fill up the plate—they enhance the entire BBQ experience. Here’s why they’re essential:
- Balance: Smoky, rich meats pair beautifully with light, tangy, or refreshing sides.
- Variety: Offering a mix of flavors and textures keeps guests excited and satisfied.
- Showcase creativity: Sides let you experiment with new ingredients and techniques.
With the right selection of sides, you can take your BBQ to gourmet levels. Let’s dive into the ideas.
Reimagined Classics: Upgrading Traditional BBQ Sides
Gourmet Potato Salad with Herbs and Dijon
Forget the heavy mayo-laden version. This light and flavorful potato salad is a fresh take on the classic.
Ingredients:
- Baby potatoes, halved
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley, dill, and chives
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
- Boil baby potatoes until tender, then drain and let cool.
- Toss with olive oil, Dijon mustard, chopped herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why it works: The zesty dressing and fresh herbs add a sophisticated touch without overpowering the dish.
Smoked Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter
Corn on the cob is a BBQ staple, but this version adds smoky and spicy flair.
Ingredients:
- Corn on the cob
- Butter
- Chili powder
- Lime zest
- Cotija cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Smoke or grill the corn until slightly charred.
- Mix softened butter with chili powder and lime zest.
- Slather the butter onto the corn and sprinkle with Cotija cheese.
Why it works: The smoky, tangy, and creamy combination is a flavor bomb.
Elevated Coleslaw with Apple and Poppyseed Dressing
Add a gourmet twist to coleslaw with fresh fruit and a unique dressing.
Ingredients:
- Shredded cabbage and carrots
- Thinly sliced green apple
- Greek yogurt
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey
- Poppyseeds
Instructions:
- Toss the cabbage, carrots, and apple slices in a large bowl.
- Mix Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppyseeds to create the dressing.
- Combine and chill before serving.
Why it works: The crisp apple and tangy dressing bring a refreshing twist to a BBQ classic.
Innovative and Unexpected BBQ Sides
Grilled Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
Grilled watermelon might sound unusual, but it’s a showstopper.
Ingredients:
- Watermelon slices
- Feta cheese
- Fresh mint leaves
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Grill watermelon slices for 1–2 minutes per side.
- Cube the grilled watermelon and toss with crumbled feta and mint.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Why it works: The smoky, sweet watermelon pairs beautifully with salty feta and fresh mint.
Charred Broccolini with Garlic and Lemon
This elegant side dish is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- Broccolini
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Toss broccolini in olive oil and minced garlic.
- Grill until charred and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Why it works: The slight bitterness of broccolini is balanced by the bright, citrusy finish.
Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
Asparagus gets a gourmet upgrade with smoky bacon.
Ingredients:
- Asparagus spears
- Thinly sliced bacon
- Maple syrup
Instructions:
- Wrap 2–3 asparagus spears in a slice of bacon.
- Grill over indirect heat until the bacon is crispy.
- Brush with a touch of maple syrup before serving.
Why it works: The savory-sweet combination is irresistible.
Sides for Special Diets
Vegan Grilled Vegetable Platter with Lemon Tahini Sauce
This side is a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Tahini
- Garlic
Instructions:
- Toss vegetables with olive oil and grill until tender.
- Blend tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water for the sauce.
- Serve the grilled vegetables drizzled with sauce.
Why it works: It’s flavorful, healthy, and suitable for a variety of diets.
Quinoa and Avocado Salad with Citrus Dressing
This light, gluten-free side dish is packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
- Cooked quinoa
- Diced avocado
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro
- Orange juice
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Combine quinoa, avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro in a bowl.
- Whisk together orange juice and olive oil for the dressing.
- Toss the salad and serve chilled.
Why it works: The citrus dressing enhances the fresh, bright flavors of the salad.
Presentation Tips for Gourmet BBQ Sides
- Use colorful ingredients: Vibrant vegetables and fresh herbs make dishes pop.
- Serve family-style: Large platters encourage sharing and create a relaxed atmosphere.
- Add garnish: A sprinkle of herbs, a drizzle of sauce, or a twist of lemon can elevate the presentation.
Conclusion: Transform Your BBQ with Gourmet Sides
The next time you fire up the grill, don’t let the sides take a backseat. From reinvented classics to innovative creations, these gourmet BBQ sides will elevate your cookout and impress your guests.
Share Your Favorite BBQ Side Ideas!
What’s your go-to BBQ side dish? Share your tips, recipes, and creative ideas in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more BBQ inspiration, recipes, and tips.
Let’s make your next cookout an unforgettable feast—one delicious side dish at a time!
See Also: Converting Your Kettle Grill into a Versatile Smoker