10 Healthy BBQ Sides

It wouldn’t be summer without a backyard barbecue and these 10 nutritious barbecue side dishes are the perfect appetisers.

If you’re looking for healthy and easy BBQ sides which are rich in a range of flavours and textures, look no further. These 10 delicious recipes are low in saturated fat and feature a mixture of summer salads, pasta salads, and grilled meats. All of the ingredients can be found at the local supermarket for an inexpensive price.

Every recipe is versatile and easily customisable depending on personal preferences.

Potato salad

Potato salad is a classic side dish for a barbecue. To make the salad healthier, it is better to boil or steam the potatoes rather than grill or fry as this limits the amount of oil used.

It is a good source of:

• Fibre

• Vitamin C

• Potassium

• Antioxidants

The only ingredients you need for potato salad are new potatoes, shallots, capers, and cornichons. Add mayonnaise to bind the salad together and mix in vinegar, olive oil, and parsley.

Grilled beef kebabs

Beef kebabs grilled on the barbecue are a delicious and nutritious side dish. Make sure to use a lean cut of meat such as sirloin, and trim any visible fat, to reduce the saturated fat content.

It is high in:

• Vitamins B12

• Iron

• Zinc

• Selenium

• Protein

For the kebabs, you will need a sirloin steak, red pepper, red onions, and mushrooms that are covered in the marinade made of olive oil, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.

Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad

A Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad is a refreshing and hydrating salad that can be enjoyed by friends and family at the barbecue.

It is packed full of:

• Vitamins A, C, K

• Antioxidants

• Fibre

The ingredients for this dish are tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Prepare the salad and combine everything into a large bowl. Add olive oil, sumac, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for the dressing.

Black eyed pea salad

A black eyed pea salad is an ideal for a BBQ because it is a nutritious and light side dish that is low in fat and cholesterol.

It is rich in:

• Protein

• Fibre

• Folate

• Potassium

• Magnesium

• Iron

• Antioxidants

The ingredients for this dish are simple: canned black eyed peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, celery, red pepper, canned sweetcorn, red onion, and parsley. Once you have assembled the salad, you will need balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil for the dressing.

Caprese skewers

Caprese skewers are a low calorie, Italian-inspired side that is ideal for a BBQ. The bite-sized sizes of this dish make it a healthy choice for those practising mindful portion control.

It is packed full of:

• Vitamin A and C

• Antioxidants

• Protein

• Calcium

• Fibre

• Healthy fats

To make this simple dish, you will only need cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper. Thread the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil onto the skewers, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Grilled sweet potato wedges

Grilled sweet potato wedges are a filling and healthy side dish to serve at a barbecue. Sweet potatoes are a complex carbohydrate and have a lower glycemic index compared to regular potatoes, helping to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

It is rich in:

• Manganese

• Potassium

• Vitamins A and C

• Antioxidants

• Fibre

Before grilling the sweet potatoes on the BBQ, season with paprika, cumin, chilli powder, cayenne pepper, olive oil, salt, pepper, and parsley.

Cowboy caviar

Cowboy caviar is a quick and easy summer side dish to make, making it perfect to serve at a barbecue.

It is a good source of:

• Fibre

• Antioxidants

• Protein

• A range of vitamins and minerals

All that is needed is canned sweetcorn, red onion, any coloured pepper, tomatoes, canned black beans, coriander, and avocado. Drizzle some olive oil and lime juice on top of the dish and it is ready to serve with tortilla chips.

Tuna pasta salad

Tuna pasta salad is a healthy side dish that can be enjoyed by everyone at the barbecue.

It is packed full of:

• Essential amino acids

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Protein

• Fibre

• Vitamins A and C

• Potassium

Whole wheat pasta is a complex carbohydrate with a low glycemic index, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels. It provides a steady release of energy, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

To make the dish, you will need whole wheat pasta, tinned tuna, celery, tomatoes, feta cheese, onions, capers, parsley, basil, and salt. The dressing requires lemon juice, olive oil, agave nectar, and oregano.

Quinoa salad

Quinoa salad is a refreshing and healthy BBQ side dish that is naturally gluten-free. Quinoa is a complex carbohydrate with a low glycemic index, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

It is rich in:

• All the essential amino acids

• Fibre

• Folate

• Magnesium

• Phosphorus

• Manganese

This salad recipe requires tinned chickpeas, quinoa, water, cucumber, red pepper, parsley, and red onion. For the dressing, you will need olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Edamame salad

Edamame salad is the perfect healthy BBQ side dish as it is packed with nutrients and low in calories.

It contains:

• Fibre

• Iron

• Folate

• Magnesium

• Vitamin C and K

• Antioxidants

• All the essential amino acids

• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

To make a traditional edamame salad, you will need edamame, sweetcorn, rice, tinned kidney beans, tomato, red onion. Thinly slice and dice the onion and tomatoes and incorporate all the ingredients into a large bowl. For seasoning, add cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.