19 BBQ Side Dishes That Are Easy, Fresh And Delicious
When it comes to BBQs, the sides are honestly just as important as what’s on the grill. I like dishes that are quick to prep, bring some freshness to the table, and make good use of veggies—without needing a ton of effort. That’s exactly what this roundup is all about.
These BBQ side dishes check all the boxes: they’re flavorful, colorful, and most of them don’t even need an oven. From fritters and nachos to dips and deviled eggs, there’s something here for every kind of eater—whether you’re the crunchy salad type or the creamy dip person. You can toss most of these together while the burgers are cooking and still have time to enjoy a drink outside.
I also love that these sides make your table look full without breaking a sweat. They feel fresh but filling, and they’ve all got a little something that makes people come back for seconds. So if you’re hosting or just showing up with a dish, any of these recipes will do the trick.
Zucchini Fritters

This zucchini fritters recipe is golden, crispy, and perfect for cleaning out your fridge. They’re light but satisfying, and go with just about anything. Great warm, but still tasty the next day.
Zucchini Mini Pizza
This zucchini mini pizza is fun, bite-sized, and perfect for BBQ sides. They come together fast and taste great warm or cold. A fun way to get veggies on the plate without it feeling forced.
Carrot Fritters
This carrot fritters recipe is crispy on the edges and soft in the middle. They’re full of flavor and super versatile for lunch or dinner. You can serve them with yogurt sauce or just eat them on their own.
Cottage Cheese Pizza
This cottage cheese pizza is cheesy, crisp, and full of protein. It’s a lighter take on traditional pizza but still tastes amazing. Super easy to prep for weeknights too.
Loaded Tater Tots
This loaded tater tots recipe is crispy, cheesy, and totally comforting. It’s the kind of side that steals the show. You can serve it with dip or just pile it on the plate and dig in.
Lentil And Sweet Potato Fritters
This lentil and sweet potato fritters recipe is hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein. They’re easy to make and great for fall meal prep. Plus, they reheat beautifully.
Air Fryer Carrots
This air fryer carrots recipe is sweet, roasted, and caramelized in all the best ways. They’re so simple but add a great pop of color and texture to your plate. A great option when you want something warm and healthy.
Glazed Salmon
This glazed salmon is sticky, flavorful, and perfect for a BBQ night. It’s fast to prep and tastes like you spent hours making it. Serve it hot off the grill or chilled as a side.
Broccoli Quiche
This broccoli quiche is light, savory, and perfect for BBQs or brunches. It’s great warm or cold and pairs well with pretty much anything. A nice option when you want a veggie side that feels a bit more special.
Blue Cheese Flatbread
This blue cheese flatbread is bold, salty, and super satisfying. It’s an easy way to level up your BBQ spread. Great served warm or cut into small squares for sharing.
Cottage Cheese Lime Dip
This cottage cheese lime dip is zesty, creamy, and packed with protein. It works great with chips, veggies, or even on tacos. Just blend everything and serve—it’s that easy.
Spicy Egg Dip
This spicy egg dip is creamy, punchy, and perfect for scooping with crackers. It’s also a sneaky way to use up leftover boiled eggs. Takes five minutes and always disappears fast.
Egg Tuna Dip
This egg tuna dip is protein-packed and super satisfying. It spreads easily on toast or crackers and makes a fun twist on the usual tuna salad. Great to prep ahead for parties or snacks.
Cajun Prawn Deviled Eggs
This Cajun prawn deviled eggs recipe brings heat and flavor without being too heavy. The prawns make it feel fancy, but it’s actually super simple to make. Ideal for BBQs or bite-sized gatherings.
Tuna Deviled Eggs
This tuna deviled eggs recipe is quick, tasty, and full of protein. It’s a smart little upgrade on the classic version. Great for making ahead and serving chilled.
Honey Mustard Cucumber Boats
This honey mustard cucumber boats recipe is crisp, refreshing, and just a little tangy. It’s a no-cook option that always feels fancy. You can fill and chill them ahead of time too.
Fresh Guac
This fresh guac is simple, creamy, and made for scooping. It’s got the right balance of lime, onion, and avocado. A must-have for any BBQ spread.
Salmon Cream Cheese Pinwheels
This salmon cream cheese pinwheels recipe is fresh, creamy, and totally crowd-pleasing. They’re super quick to assemble and look great on a platter. Light, tasty, and no fuss.
Salmon Guac Pinwheels
This salmon guac pinwheels recipe combines rich salmon and creamy guacamole in a super fun bite. No cooking needed, and they roll up in seconds. Perfect for laid-back gatherings or lunch trays.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.