5 Delicious BBQ Side Dishes to Elevate Your Cookout

Get ready to take your summer cookout to the next level with these mouthwatering BBQ side dishes. From a keto-friendly Bacon-Spinach Dip to a refreshing Grilled Corn with Coconut Curry Butter, these recipes are sure to impress your guests and make your party a hit.

1. Keto Bacon-Spinach Dip:

This crowd-pleasing dip is not only delicious but also keto-friendly, perfect for guests following a low-carb diet. Loaded with crispy bacon, cream cheese, butter, and whipping cream, it's a burst of flavor with a protein-packed twist. Just remember to keep it shaded during your BBQ to maintain its creamy texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup crispy bacon, chopped

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and melted butter until well combined.

• Add the chopped crispy bacon, heavy whipping cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Serve the dip with your favorite low-carb chips or veggie sticks.

2. Healthiest Potato Salad:

No BBQ is complete without potato salad, and this healthier version will win everyone's hearts. By cutting down on excessive mayo and adding a touch of Dijon mustard and white wine vinegar, this tangy and satisfying side dish will be a hit. Your guests won't even miss the extra mayo!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs red potatoes, boiled and cubed

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar

• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

• 1/4 cup chopped celery

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh dill for garnish (optional)

Method:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and white wine vinegar to make the dressing.

• Add the boiled and cubed red potatoes, chopped red onion, chopped celery, and hard-boiled eggs to the bowl.

• Gently toss the ingredients until the dressing evenly coats the potato mixture.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Garnish with fresh dill for an extra burst of flavor.

3. Goat Cheese Salad:

Elevate your BBQ with this refreshing and vibrant salad. With the delightful combination of walnuts, balsamic, pear (or apple), and goat cheese atop a bed of arugula, this side dish might just steal the spotlight and become the main attraction!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups arugula

• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

• 1 ripe pear (or apple), thinly sliced

• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, chopped walnuts, and sliced pear (or apple).

• Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese on top of the salad.

• Drizzle balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil over the salad.

• Gently toss the salad until the ingredients are well mixed.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Roasted Summer Vegetables:

Take a break from the usual BBQ fare and incorporate some healthy and flavorful roasted summer vegetables. Chef Yoshihiro Imai's recipe includes a mix of juicy tomatoes, crisp green beans, savory okra, tender zucchini, and protein-rich edamame. It's the perfect complement to your burgers and hot dogs.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed

• 1 cup okra, halved

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 cup edamame, shelled

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

• In a large mixing bowl, combine all the vegetables.

• Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and add minced garlic and dried thyme.

• Toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

• Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer.

• Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly browned.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

5. Grilled Corn with Coconut Curry Butter:

Give classic corn on the cob a tropical twist with this easy-to-make grilled corn recipe. The coconut curry butter, featuring a tantalizing blend of curry powder, lime zest, and shredded coconut, will transport your taste buds to a paradise of flavors. A simple yet impressive addition to any summer BBQ.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp curry powder

• Zest of 1 lime

• 2 tbsp shredded coconut

• Salt to taste

Method:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

• In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, curry powder, lime zest, shredded coconut, and a pinch of salt to make the coconut curry butter.

• Brush the corn with the coconut curry butter, making sure to coat each ear evenly.

• Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until it's slightly charred and cooked through.

• Serve the grilled corn with extra coconut curry butter on the side for dipping.

With these five delectable BBQ side dishes, your next cookout is guaranteed to be a smashing success. Enjoy the summer vibes and the delightful flavors of these recipes while creating unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Happy grilling!