3 Healthy Barbecue Sides

Published on June 23, 2023

4.5 min read

Written by Leah Rosenfield

Searching for easy-to-prepare, flavor-packed healthy BBQ sides? Look no further

As the long days of summer come calling, so do the irresistible aromas of sizzling barbecues, an undoubted centerpiece of backyard gatherings and sunset soirees. While we all love the comfort of a cookout, the classic side dishes that typically accompany barbecues often pack a heavy punch of preservatives, cholesterol and hydrogenated oils.

Luckily, nourishing your body doesn't have to mean compromising on taste. In this spirit, we've put a new spin on the quintessential BBQ menu and reimagined our favorite sides and salads with some fresh alternatives. The result? A lineup of healthy BBQ sides that are not just easy to prepare, but also align with your nutrition goals without skimping on the flavor factor.

Today, we're leaving the mayo-heavy potato salads and bottled dressings behind. Instead, we're delving into the world of vibrantly healthy side dishes that you'll be proud to serve next to your grill masterpieces.

Sesame’s coleslaw

Traditional coleslaw often hinges on sugar for sweetness and mayonnaise for its creamy texture, both of which contribute to its high saturated fat and empty calorie content. These ingredients, when consumed in excess, can lead to weight gain, elevated cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease. But worry not, coleslaw lovers - the addition of greek yogurt and agave to this coleslaw recipe make for a creamy, sweet and tangy coleslaw that doesn't sacrifice flavor for nutrition.

Greek yogurt adds a creamy, tangy note while significantly lowering the coleslaw’s saturated fat content. Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, probiotics and calcium, supporting gut health, bone health, and muscle maintenance. It also contains less lactose than traditional dairy products, making it easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance. If you’re lactose-intolerant, you can sub the yogurt for a mayonnaise alternative like avocado mayonnaise; avocado oil is typically less processed and refined, meaning it has more nutritional value.
Agave syrup, derived from the agave plant, boasts a lower glycemic index than sugar, meaning it doesn't spike blood sugar levels as dramatically. This makes it a more suitable option for those trying to manage their blood sugar levels or simply aiming for a more balanced diet.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Slaw

5 cups shredded green cabbage
1.5 cups shredded red cabbage
3/4 cup shredded carrots

Dressing

1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or avocado mayonnaise
3 tbsp cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tsp agave syrup
1 tsp garlic clove minced
Salt and black pepper (about ¼ tsp each)

Instructions

Add slaw ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and stir to combine.
Pour dressing over slaw and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to enjoy!

Summer squash and herb salad

If you haven’t had raw zucchini or raw summer squash - the two main components of this salad- you’ve been missing out. When sliced thinly, these veggies have a mild, sweet flavor with a refreshing crunch similar to cucumber - and they’re packed with nutrients:

Zucchini is high in fiber, which can aid in digestion and reduce constipation, and is full of vitamin B6, which research suggests may help with regulating blood glucose.
Summer squash is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, folate, potassium and manganese.

Together, these summer vegetables make for a low-calorie, nutrient-dense salad that serves as a perfect compliment to the citrusy, herbaceous dressing. You can also spruce this salad up with a dusting of grated parmesan cheese.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 2 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients:

2 zucchinis
2 summer squash
3 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp parsley, minced
1/2 cup of basil, roughly torn
Chives, thinly chopped
1 bunch scallions, thinly chopped
1 tsp salt
Black pepper to taste
Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Using a mandolin or kitchen knife, thinly slice your summer squash and zucchini into coins about 1.5 mm thick. Place into a large bowl.
To the bowl, add lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, basil, chives, scallions, salt and pepper. Toss all ingredients together until squash and zucchini are well-coated.
Refrigerate until ready to eat. Sprinkle with parmesan before serving (optional) and enjoy!

Black bean and corn salsa

This black bean and corn salsa features a powerful combination of ingredients, including black beans, tomato, jalapeño and avocado. Not only do they blend together to create a fantastic culinary experience, but each one also brings a unique set of health benefits to the table:

Black beans are high in protein and fiber, making them a fantastic choice for anyone interested in maintaining a healthy digestive system or managing their weight. Additionally, they are packed with a range of beneficial nutrients, including antioxidants, calcium, iron, and magnesium. As a result, incorporating black beans into your diet can contribute to stronger bones, lower blood pressure and improved heart health.
Tomatoes, which are packed with vitamin C, potassium, folate and vitamin K, also contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its potential in reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Jalapeños contain capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to help boost metabolism, reduce hunger and promote healthy blood flow.
Avocado, with its creamy texture and subtle flavor, is an extraordinary source of monounsaturated fats — the heart-healthy kind.

Together, these ingredients create a dish that is not only high in flavor but also packed with nutrients that support overall health.