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What to Serve With Grilled Vegetables: 15 Best Side Dishes

Grilled vegetables shine best with side dishes that boost their flavors and textures. Classic potato salad, with its creamy dressing and tender potatoes, is a must-have. Creamy coleslaw offers a invigorating crunch and mix of flavors. Watermelon feta salad balances sweetness and tanginess, while baked beans bring a smoky sweetness. For comfort food, macaroni and cheese never fails. Dill pickles and cucumber salad add a tangy, crisp contrast. Vegan collard greens and Texas caviar are nutritious, colorful options. Cornbread casserole and grilled okra complement smoky flavors perfectly. Discover more delightful pairings to elevate your BBQ experience.

Classic Potato Salad

traditional picnic side dish

Classic potato salad, with its creamy mayonnaise base and tender baby potatoes, stands as a quintessential barbecue side dish.

This classic potato salad, featuring a rich and creamy dressing, perfectly complements the smoky flavors of grilled meats.

Easy to prepare and ideal for summer cookouts, it offers a invigorating and satisfying contrast, making it an essential addition to any barbecue spread.

Creamy Coleslaw

tasty picnic side dish

Creamy coleslaw, with its invigorating contrast and versatile flavors, is a staple barbecue side dish.

This classic barbecue favorite combines shredded red and green cabbage with apple cider vinegar, mustard, honey, and dill, all enveloped in a creamy mayonnaise base.

Perfect for a summer cookout, creamy coleslaw balances the richness of BBQ sides, making it an essential addition to your spread.

Watermelon Feta Salad

refreshing summer salad choice

Watermelon Feta Salad is an invigorating and flavorful summer side dish that effortlessly combines sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and fresh mint.

This watermelon salad offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, creating a light and satisfying dish ideal for hot weather gatherings.

The addition of fresh mint enhances the overall taste, making it a quick and easy option for barbecues.

Baked Beans

tasty vegetarian side dish

Baked beans, with their smoky and slightly sweet flavors, are a quintessential side dish for any barbecue gathering. Typically made with beans, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar, they offer a hearty and comforting addition to your meal.

These delicious beans can be customized with bacon or onions and are convenient to prepare ahead, making them an excellent choice for any BBQ spread.

Macaroni and Cheese

comfort food for all

Macaroni and cheese, with its rich and gooey texture, consistently stands out as a beloved comfort food that pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables.

This classic side dish features small chunks of cheddar and Colby cheeses, offering a creamy and indulgent complement.

The breadcrumb topping adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch, making mac and cheese a delightful addition to any meal.

Dill Pickles

crisp and tangy snack

While macaroni and cheese offers a creamy indulgence, dill pickles provide a tangy and crisp contrast that can elevate the flavors of any grilled vegetable dish.

These low-calorie side dishes, known for their sour and slightly sweet taste, are perfect for BBQ meals.

Dill pickles, rich in probiotics, add a delightful crunch, making them an excellent companion for grilled vegetables.

Buttermilk Cornbread

warm fluffy cornbread recipe

A quintessential Southern side dish, buttermilk cornbread offers a delightful combination of light, fluffy texture and slightly sweet, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables.

Made with cornmeal, it has a slightly gritty texture that complements the softness of grilled vegetables.

Traditionally baked in a cast-iron skillet, it can be customized with jalapeños, cheese, or herbs to enhance any vegetable side dish.

Vegan Collard Greens

healthy plant based soul food

In addition to the delightful buttermilk cornbread, vegan collard greens offer a nutritious and flavorful side dish that pairs excellently with grilled vegetables.

This Southern classic, cooked with vegetable broth, garlic, and onions, is perfect for summer meals.

Rich in vitamins and fiber, vegan collard greens support digestive health and can be customized with ingredients like coconut milk or smoked paprika for added depth.

Succotash

summer vegetables in stew

Succotash, a vibrant medley of summer vegetables such as corn, lima beans, and bell peppers, epitomizes the essence of Southern cuisine.

This dish, rich in summer produce, pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables. Its sweet corn and tender beans harmonize beautifully alongside Corn Salad, Avocado Salad, and Grilled Okra, adding a pop of color and flavor to any BBQ spread.

Poblano Pasta Salad

delicious pasta with poblano

Poblano Pasta Salad delivers a delightful fusion of smoky roasted poblano peppers, sweet corn, and creamy cotija cheese, creating a vibrant side dish perfect for any barbecue.

This salad combines pasta with fresh veggies, offering a unique twist on traditional dishes. Its versatile nature allows it to be served warm or cold, making it an ideal companion to grilled veggies.

Cucumber Salad

refreshing summer cucumber recipe

Following the hearty and flavorful Poblano Pasta Salad, a light and invigorating Cucumber Salad offers a perfect contrast, complementing grilled vegetables with its crisp texture and tangy dressing.

Made with fresh cucumbers, red onions, and dill, this salad can be dressed with a creamy yogurt-based dressing. Ideal for summer BBQs, it pairs wonderfully with grilled corn, providing a rejuvenating, crowd-pleasing option.

Texas Caviar

bean and corn salad

Texas Caviar is a vibrant and zesty bean-based dip or salad that brings a burst of flavor and color to any table. It features a mix of black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all enhanced with a tangy dressing made from vinegar, lime juice, and spices.

Perfect as a side for grilled vegetables, Texas Caviar is both invigorating and satisfying.

Grilled Okra

unique grilled vegetable option

Why not elevate your summer cookout with grilled okra, a nutritious and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any array of grilled vegetables?

This quick and easy summertime hit brings a smoky flavor to the table, enhanced by lemon pepper seasoning for a zesty kick.

Grilled okra's unique preparation can even turn non-okra lovers into fans, making it a healthy addition to your meal.

Corn Bread Casserole

comfort food with cornbread

To complement the smoky flavors of grilled vegetables, consider adding a comforting Corn Bread Casserole to your summer cookout menu. This side dish combines the sweetness of cornbread with a creamy, savory texture, making it a hit at gatherings.

Easy to make and highly customizable, you can enhance it with cheese, jalapeños, or bacon, ensuring a hearty and satisfying accompaniment.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Grilled Vegetables Also Suitable for Serving with Delicata Squash?

When serving grilled vegetables or delicata squash, the best side dishes for delicata squash are also suitable. Options like quinoa salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or sautéed kale complement the natural sweetness and earthy flavors of the grilled veggies or delicata squash. Experiment with different flavors and textures to find the perfect pairing.

Avocado Salad

healthy and delicious meal

Avocado salad is a revitalizing and nutrient-dense side dish, perfect for complementing grilled vegetables at summer gatherings. Featuring juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy avocado, this dish shines with a zesty salsa verde dressing.

Ideal for hot summer days, avocado salad is light yet satisfying, packed with vitamins, and easy to customize with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.