Grilled Side Dish Recipes for Summer BBQs

Grilled side dishes are easier to create than you might think. I grill year-round — even through Midwest snow — and most dishes that cook indoors will work on an outdoor grill. Whether you use gas, charcoal, or a pellet grill, the same basic techniques apply: know your heat zones, use the right tools, and finish with tasty seasonings.

Just like smoking, many recipes that you normally make inside can be adapted for the grill. I do most of my regular cooking on a gas grill, but the same ideas translate to charcoal and pellet grills. Learn your equipment, manage direct and indirect heat, and you’ll be able to grill everything from vegetables to full meals. Some popular grill models I’ve used include the Monument Grills 35633 and a Pitboss pellet unit, but any reliable grill will do as long as you understand its hot and cool spots.

Helpful Tools For Making BBQ Side Dishes

• Grill Mats – Perfect for cooking delicate items like fish fillets or sautéed vegetables without losing pieces through the grates. They make grilling small or fragile foods far easier and reduce clean-up.
• Grilling Baskets – Great for stir-frying or tossing mixed vegetables on the grill. Baskets keep everything contained so you can shake and flip without losing food into the fire.
• Tongs – You can never have too many. Keep an extra pair on hand to avoid cross-contamination and to make handling hot foods safer and more convenient.
• Aluminum Foil – Essential for foil packets: potatoes, mixed vegetables, or cheesy bundles come out tender and flavorful, and clean-up is minimal.

Best Grilled Side Dishes Recipes

These recipes work as sides for a weekend BBQ or a simple weeknight meal cooked entirely outside. I like to make whole meals on the grill when I can, so these side dishes are designed to be simple, flavorful, and easy to prepare alongside your main protein.

Grilled Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Potatoes are a timeless side, and grilling them adds a smoky depth. These twice-baked potatoes are loaded with flavor and pair especially well with beef, steak, or any hearty main.

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Cheese Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

Large portobello caps filled with cheese and seasonings make an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side. They grill quickly and carry a wonderful smoky flavor.

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How To Grill Zucchini

Sliced zucchini brushed with oil and seasoning is one of the simplest grilled sides. Cook over medium heat until tender with nice char marks for great texture and flavor.

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Easy Grilled Watermelon

Grilling watermelon concentrates its sweetness and adds a subtle char. Serve as a refreshing side or a light dessert for summer gatherings.

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Grilled Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Anaheim Peppers

Bacon-wrapped, cheese-filled Anaheim peppers make a smoky, savory appetizer or side. They’re ideal for holidays, tailgates, or any party plate.

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Cheesy Grilled Asparagus Foil Packet

Asparagus bundled in foil with cheese and seasonings is an easy, hands-off side. Foil packets lock in moisture and make clean-up simple — a great match for grilled steak or chicken.

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Foil Packet Potatoes

Foil packet potatoes make a versatile and portable side for camping or backyard meals. Add your favorite vegetables, herbs, and cheeses to customize the dish.

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Cast Iron Grilled Zucchini

Cooking zucchini in a cast iron pan on the grill concentrates flavor and gives even browning. With just a few ingredients, it’s a fresh and simple vegetable side.

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Other BBQ Side Dishes

Smoked Potato Salad

Use smoked baked potatoes as the base for a potato salad to add a subtle barbecue flavor. It’s a great make-ahead side for potlucks and cookouts.

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Pasta Salad

A chilled pasta salad offers bright flavors and make-ahead convenience. Mix vegetables, a dressing you enjoy, and fresh herbs for a versatile side.

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Easy Tomato Caprese Appetizer

Fresh tomato and mozzarella slices with basil make a bright, simple starter or side. Drizzle with oil and balsamic for an elegant touch that complements grilled meats.

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Amazing Grilling Recipes To Check Out

Cooking dinner on the grill is ideal for weeknights and weekend gatherings alike. These easy grilling recipes for sides and mains help you build a full, tasty meal outdoors with minimal fuss. Try mixing and matching sides to complement grilled chicken, pork, beef, or seafood for balanced plates that everyone will enjoy.

• Grilled Side Dish Recipes
• Easy Grilled Chicken Thighs
• How to Grill Chicken Breasts
• Chicken Teriyaki Kabobs
• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Grilled Pork Steaks