15 Must-Have Summer BBQ Sides

The Ultimate Guide to 15+ Easy & Healthy Summer BBQ Side Dishes: Perfect for Potlucks, Cookouts & Family Gatherings

As the weather warms and the sun shines brighter, it can only mean one thing: grilling season is officially here! This beloved time of year brings with it the joy of backyard barbecues, lively summer potlucks, and relaxed cookouts with friends and family. While the main course often takes center stage, the unsung heroes of any successful summer gathering are undoubtedly the side dishes. They add color, texture, flavor, and much-needed balance to your grilled masterpieces. To ensure your next outdoor feast is a resounding success, we’ve compiled a collection of our absolute best BBQ side dishes, all conveniently located in one comprehensive guide.

This curated list of over 15 incredible summer BBQ side dishes offers something for every palate and dietary need. You’ll discover a delightful array of refreshing summer salads, ranging from hearty pasta salads and classic potato salads to crisp Caesar salads. Beyond salads, we feature grilled corn recipes and savory baked potatoes designed specifically for the grill. We understand that healthy eating is a priority for many, which is why you’ll find plenty of lighter side dish options, including delicious recipes that are Weight Watchers friendly, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Whether you’re hosting at home, looking for a crowd-pleasing dish to take to a potluck, or simply want to elevate your weeknight summer meal, these easy and delicious BBQ sides are guaranteed to impress.

From holiday celebrations like Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and Labor Day, to the excitement of the Fourth of July, or simply any sunny afternoon, these popular BBQ side dishes are versatile and always a hit. They are designed to be simple to prepare, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings or for preparing ahead of time. Dive into our collection and discover your new favorite summer staple!

Spooktacular Halloween Potluck Delights

Unforgettable Halloween Potluck Recipes: Spooky, Simple & Seriously Delicious Treats for Your Next Party As Halloween approaches, the excitement of spooky celebrations fills the air. If you’re planning to attend or host a potluck party, finding the perfect Halloween-themed dishes can be both fun and challenging. Look no further! We’ve meticulously curated an incredible collection … Read more

Easy Beef Borscht with Canned Beets

Quick & Easy Ukrainian Beef Borscht: The Ultimate Shortcut Recipe with Canned Beets

Craving a hearty, comforting bowl of homemade Ukrainian Borscht but short on time? Look no further! This incredible **Shortcut Ukrainian Beef Borscht** recipe, featuring the convenience of canned beets, is your answer. It’s a quick, easy, and healthy dinner solution that comes together in just 30 minutes. Forget tedious chopping – this delicious, low-fat beet soup is designed for busy weeknights, yet tastes as authentic as if it simmered all day.

Ukrainian Beet Borscht Recipe| shortcut - foodmeanderings.com

Imagine walking in the door after work and having a warm, nourishing bowl of this traditional Ukrainian soup ready to serve in less than half an hour. It’s perfectly achievable with our shortcut method! If you’re looking to adapt this recipe, ground chicken or turkey can easily substitute the beef for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. For a completely vegetarian borscht, simply omit the meat and opt for a rich vegetable broth. Even with extra lean ground beef, this **easy beef borscht** is remarkably Weight Watchers friendly, making it a guilt-free pleasure. It’s the ultimate comforting soup for any season!

Delicious & Healthy Chocolate Greek Yogurt: A 5-Minute, 3-Ingredient Guilt-Free Treat

Craving something sweet but want to stick to your healthy eating goals? Look no further! This homemade **Chocolate Greek Yogurt** recipe is a game-changer. In just 5 minutes, with only 3 simple ingredients, you can create a truly satisfying, non-fat, gluten-free, and low-calorie dessert that perfectly curbs those chocolate cravings without any guilt. Despite its healthy profile, it boasts a rich, creamy, and indulgent flavor that will surprise you!

Rich chocolate Greek yogurt in a clear glass dessert dish, garnished with a spoon, highlighting its creamy texture.

I frequently prepare this delightful Greek Chocolate Yogurt as a stress-free, guilt-free dessert or a quick, healthy snack. It’s an incredibly satisfying and smart alternative to reaching for less healthy options. Plus, it’s an excellent choice for a back-to-school lunch box treat, perfect for kids or adults on the go. For those tracking their intake, this recipe comes in at a mere 2 Weight Watchers points, making it a truly smart choice.

Delightfully Healthy Zucchini Bars: Your New Favorite Wholesome Snack & Dessert Recipe Discover a truly irresistible treat that seamlessly blends nutrition with incredible flavor: these Healthy Zucchini Bars. Far from being just a wholesome option, they are genuinely addictive, offering a satisfying sweetness that will have everyone asking for more. Packed with nourishing ingredients such … Read more

The Ultimate Chicken Breast Burger

Healthy Diced Chicken Breast Burger with Mushrooms, Cheese & Ranch: The Famous “Tree Burger” Copycat Recipe Craving a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make chicken burger that stands out from the rest? Look no further than this incredible Chicken Breast Burger recipe, lovingly recreated from the iconic “Tree Burger” of the beloved Joshua Tree restaurant. This isn’t … Read more

Weight Watchers Cowboy Caviar Dip

Weight Watchers Cowboy Caviar Dip: A Fresh, Healthy, and Flavorful Fiesta! Looking for a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly satisfying dip that won’t derail your health goals? This fresh and delicious Weight Watchers Cowboy Caviar Dip is your answer! It’s a remarkably quick and easy recipe to prepare, primarily using convenient canned ingredients like corn, black … Read more

Tuscan Panzanella Pasta Soup

Hearty Vegetarian Panzanella Pasta Soup in Sourdough Bread Bowls: The Ultimate Cozy Comfort Food There’s a special kind of warmth that only a comforting bowl of soup can bring, especially on a chilly winter’s day. But elevate that experience by serving your soup in a rustic sourdough bread bowl, and you’ve unlocked peak coziness! This … Read more

Feathered Frenzy

Quick and Easy Chicken in a Hurry: Your Ultimate Weeknight Meal Solution Welcome to your new favorite weeknight savior! This Chicken in a Hurry recipe, affectionately known as “Hurry Chicken” in many households, stands out as a beloved family meal due to its incredible simplicity and speed. Requiring just a handful of everyday ingredients like … Read more

Extra Tender Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Melt-in-Your-Mouth 4-Ingredient Whipped Shortbread Cookies with Cornstarch: The Ultimate Easy Holiday Treat

There are certain tastes and textures that instantly transport you back to childhood, and for me, it’s the unparalleled delight of **Whipped Shortbread Cookies**. These delectable, pillowy confections, made with just **4 simple ingredients** and a touch of **cornstarch**, have always been my absolute favorite. Their unique ability to literally melt in your mouth is nothing short of magical, a quality I find irresistible even today.

I recall Christmas gatherings as a child, filled with the warmth of a 1970s-style wood-paneled rec room, the joyful chaos of kids running everywhere, and an incredible, seemingly endless spread of party food. For one glorious night, we had unrestricted access to treats that felt like they were beyond our wildest dreams. Side tables groaned under the weight of triple-decker serving trays, overflowing with olives, savory meats, crisp crackers, and an assortment of cheeses.

4 ingredient whipped shortbread piled on a plate with red background

Yet, amidst this bountiful feast, it was always the sweets table that truly captivated my attention. Carousels of festive treats showcased everything from classic sugar cookies and spicy gingerbread to dainty bars, tarts, and squares of every imaginable kind. It was a true Christmas “gluttenousganza” of desserts! But without fail, it was the **Whipped Shortbread Cookies** that consistently captured my heart. Their delicate texture and rich buttery flavor made them the star of every holiday spread. While they are particularly popular during the festive season, these delightful cookies are truly perfect for any time of year and are an essential addition to your holiday cookie tray.

The secret to their ethereal texture lies in two key elements: the intensive whipping process and the clever inclusion of cornstarch. This combination creates an extraordinarily light and tender cookie that seems to vanish the moment it touches your tongue. They’re not just a holiday tradition; they’re a timeless testament to how simple ingredients, when prepared with a bit of care, can yield truly extraordinary results.