Vegetarian BBQ side dishes can make a cookout feel more complete without adding too much extra work. This collection includes simple grilled vegetables, fresh salads, corn recipes, potato sides, and easy extras that work well with burgers, skewers, veggie mains, and summer party food.
You’ll find plenty of options for different types of BBQ menus, from smoky grilled asparagus and eggplant to creamy potato salads, bright corn dishes, and fresh vegetable sides. These recipes are useful for family BBQs, potlucks, garden parties, and casual summer meals where you need filling vegetarian sides that are easy to serve with the main dishes.
For outdoor cooking events, a selection of vegetable-based side dishes offers lighter options. These recipes provide grilled vegetables like asparagus, eggplant, and corn. There are also various potato salads and other vegetable salads. Many can be prepared ahead of time, simplifying meal service.
Balsamic Grilled Vegetables
This medley of grilled vegetables, including zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, is coated in a savory balsamic and herb marinade. The grilling process brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky char. It makes a versatile and healthy side dish for any meal.
Get the recipe: Balsamic Grilled Vegetables
Mexican Elotes
Grilled corn on the cob is slathered with a creamy, tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice. It is then dusted with chili powder and Cotija cheese for a smoky, salty finish. This vibrant street food is a satisfying side or appetizer.
Get the recipe: Mexican Elotes
Smoky Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Dill Yogurt Sauce
Smoky, tender grilled eggplant features prominently in this vegetarian dish. It is served with a cool, creamy garlic dill yogurt sauce. The Mediterranean-inspired flavors make it a versatile option as a light main or a flavorful side.
Get the recipe: Smoky Grilled Eggplant with Garlic Dill Yogurt Sauce
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This pasta salad features roasted corn, creamy mayonnaise, and cotija cheese, brightened with a hint of lime. It’s a flavorful side dish, excellent for barbecues or picnics.
Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
The Best Grilled Potatoes In Foil
These Yukon Gold potatoes, cooked in foil, emerge tender and buttery. Ideal for a summer barbecue or a campfire meal, they offer a simple yet delicious side. The Best Grilled Potatoes In Foil experience.
Get the recipe: The Best Grilled Potatoes In Foil
Grilled Vegetables with Lemon Thyme Butter Marinade
Fresh seasonal vegetables are enhanced with a bright marinade of lemon, thyme, and butter. Grilling imparts a char and tenderness, making these vegetables a versatile side dish. They complement any meal with their herbaceous and zesty notes.
Get the recipe: Grilled Vegetables with Lemon Thyme Butter Marinade
Easy Turkish Potato Salad (Patates Salatasi)
This Turkish potato salad is a vibrant side dish, featuring tender potatoes and fresh herbs. A light, zesty dressing coats every bite, perfect for brightening up any meal or picnic. Its Mediterranean flavors offer a refreshing alternative to heavier salads.
Get the recipe: Easy Turkish Potato Salad (Patates Salatasi)
Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
These skewers feature an assortment of colorful vegetables, lightly seasoned and grilled until tender-crisp. A smoky char complements the natural sweetness of the produce. They make a versatile side dish or a light main course, especially enjoyable during warmer weather.
Get the recipe: Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad Recipe
This vibrant salad features sweet, smoky grilled corn kernels mixed with juicy grape tomatoes. Fresh jalapeño and cilantro add a pop of Southwest flavor. It makes a refreshing, healthy side dish, especially enjoyable in warmer weather.
Get the recipe: Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad Recipe
Patates Salatasi
This Turkish potato salad is a vibrant, tangy dish made with tender boiled potatoes, fresh herbs, and green onions. It features a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing with a subtle kick from sumac and chili flakes. Ideal as a light side for grilled meats, a picnic dish, or a refreshing part of a meze spread.
Get the recipe: Patates Salatasi
Spicy Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn is grilled and brushed with a glaze of butter, honey, and chili. The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors makes it an ideal accompaniment for grilled meats or summer picnics.
Get the recipe: Spicy Corn on the Cob
Dill Pickle Potato Salad (with no mayo!)
This potato salad features tender potatoes and a generous amount of dill pickles, creating a tangy and refreshing side dish. It is dressed without mayonnaise, offering a lighter profile that is ideal for summer gatherings. The flavors meld further when prepared in advance.
Get the recipe: Dill Pickle Potato Salad (with no mayo!)
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This vibrant salad transforms classic Mexican street corn into a convenient bowl. Sweet charred corn kernels are tossed with a creamy, zesty dressing, Cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. It makes a bright and flavourful side dish or a light meal, especially fitting for a summer gathering.
Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Crispy Potato Salad with Herby Greek Yogurt
Crispy smashed potatoes are combined with fresh cucumber, radish, celery, and romaine lettuce for a refreshing salad. It is served over a bed of herby Greek yogurt, ideal for scooping with pita or flatbread. This dish works well as a light weeknight meal or a vibrant addition to a summer gathering.
Get the recipe: Crispy Potato Salad with Herby Greek Yogurt
How To Make Green Beans On The BBQ
Fresh green beans are grilled until tender-crisp with a beautiful char. Tossing them in a simple seasoning blend before cooking allows their natural sweetness to shine. These make a versatile side dish for any grilled meal.
Get the recipe: How To Make Green Beans On The BBQ
Corn Salad
This vibrant corn salad combines fresh kernels with bright vegetables and a zesty lime dressing. Crumbly cotija cheese adds a savory, salty finish. It makes a light and refreshing accompaniment to summer meals or a flavorful side for taco night.
Get the recipe: Corn Salad
The Best Easy Potato Salad with Spring Onions
This potato salad is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender potatoes, crisp spring onions, and savory bacon. Finished with fresh dill, it makes a refreshing side for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Get the recipe: The Best Easy Potato Salad with Spring Onions
Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Tender asparagus spears are nestled in foil with simple seasonings, then grilled until perfectly crisp-tender. This method steams the asparagus within its packet, concentrating its earthy flavors. It makes an effortless and delicious vegetable side dish for any grilled meal.
Get the recipe: Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Low-Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad
This low-carb alternative to potato salad features tender cauliflower florets in a creamy, tangy dressing. Served chilled, it makes a refreshing side dish for picnics or barbecues, satisfying cravings with its familiar texture and classic flavors.
Get the recipe: Low-Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad
Grilled Baby Potatoes on Skewers (No Foil)
Baby potatoes are threaded onto skewers and grilled until tender with crispy skins. They are seasoned simply to highlight their natural earthy flavor. This makes a versatile side dish perfect for any grilled meal.
Get the recipe: Grilled Baby Potatoes on Skewers (No Foil)
Elote Salad
This vibrant Mexican-style elote salad features sweet corn kernels, creamy yogurt, and mayonnaise. Tangy lime and smoky spices create a balanced flavor profile. It makes a refreshing side dish for any meal.
Get the recipe: Elote Salad
Oven baked potatoes with mango BBQ sauce – Cook ME free
Crispy baked potato wedges are coated in a sweet and tangy homemade mango barbecue sauce. These flavorful potatoes make a satisfying side dish or a hearty appetizer. Ideal for a summer cookout or a casual weeknight meal.
Get the recipe: Oven baked potatoes with mango BBQ sauce – Cook ME free
Mexican Grilled Onions (Cebollitas Asadas)
These Mexican grilled onions are a tender, charred vegan side dish. Cambray onions are lightly seasoned and grilled until caramelized, making them a flavorful accompaniment to fajitas, tacos, or other Mexican barbecue recipes.
Get the recipe: Mexican Grilled Onions (Cebollitas Asadas)
Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn Recipe
This Mexican street corn features charred corn, creamy cheese, and a tangy sauce. Prepared in an air fryer, it offers a simple and quick side dish with bold flavors. It is ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight addition.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn Recipe
Old Fashioned Parsley Buttered Potatoes (Cartofi Natur)
Tender, steamed potatoes are coated in rich, melted butter and fresh, vibrant parsley. This simple dish highlights the earthy potato flavor, making it a comforting accompaniment to any meal. It’s a quick and easy side that satisfies with its classic appeal.
Get the recipe: Old Fashioned Parsley Buttered Potatoes (Cartofi Natur)
Healthy Grilled Pineapple Slices with Balsamic & Cinnamon
Sweet and juicy pineapple slices are caramelized on the grill. A hint of balsamic and cinnamon adds warmth and tang to the fruit. These grilled pineapple slices are a simple and flavorful side dish for a summer meal or a light dessert.
Get the recipe: Healthy Grilled Pineapple Slices with Balsamic & Cinnamon
The Best Honey Butter Cream Cheese Corn
Sweet corn kernels are simmered with cream cheese, butter, and honey until rich and velvety. This comforting side dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. It is a quick and easy accompaniment to any meal, ready in minutes.
Get the recipe: The Best Honey Butter Cream Cheese Corn
Italian Potatoes and Green Beans Salad
This Italian-style side dish features tender baby potatoes and fresh green beans, tossed while still warm with extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and finely chopped shallot. It comes together quickly, offering a vibrant and savory accompaniment to any meal.
Get the recipe: Italian Potatoes and Green Beans Salad
