Side dishes are an important part of a good barbecue menu. They add color, texture and a variety of flavors to grilled meats and complete the menu. The next time you grill, take a break from the usual macaroni and cheese doner kabab or coleslaw.
Opt for delicious recipes with zing – they’ll add flavorful variety and whet your guests’ appetites.
Try these delicious savory side dishes for your next barbecue!
Cucumber salad with zing
What you need:
1 English cucumber
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red bell pepper flakes, more if needed
salt to taste
Combine garlic, cilantro, red wine vinegar and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Slice the cucumber lengthwise, then cut into 1/4-inch slices. Add the cucumber pieces to the prepared bowl. Toss to coat them with the mixture. Add salt to taste.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour or until ready to serve.
Grilled Chili Sweet Potatoes.
What you need:
1/2 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1 lime
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Stone House Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin seeds
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, seasoning, chili powder, and ground cumin to make a marinade. Add the sweet potato slices to the bowl and mix with the marinade. Lightly spray a grill pan with non-stick cooking spray and heat on the grill over medium heat.
Once the grill is hot, place the sweet potatoes in the grill pan and cook for 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from heat and place on a serving platter. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving.
Chili Lime Pineapple
What you need:
1 pineapple, peeled, cored, cut lengthwise into 6 wedges
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
Pinch of salt
Combine brown sugar, olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder and salt in a bowl. Stir until ingredients are well mixed. Brush the pineapple wedges with half of the glaze, saving the other half for brushing.
Grill the pineapple on a preheated grill over medium heat, covered, for 4 minutes per side. Drizzle occasionally with remaining glaze. Remove from heat and serve.
Try these delicious spicy side dishes at your next barbecue!
AAdrian T. Cheng is a food blogger and grilling expert. After years of grilling experience, testing different grilling accessories and trying delicious and unique recipes, he shares his knowledge with everyone on his blog.
