When hosting a BBQ, the sides play a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience.
BBQ chicken is often the centerpiece, but what you serve alongside it can elevate the meal and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
A well-curated selection of healthy sides can add variety, balance, and nutrition to the menu.
In this piece, I’ll walk you through some of my favorite healthy side dishes that pair perfectly with BBQ chicken, offering fresh, flavorful, and nutritious options.
1. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
Corn on the cob is a classic BBQ side that adds a sweet and smoky flavor when grilled. To keep it healthy, I use a light herb butter instead of heavy creams or oils.
The butter is made with a mix of fresh herbs—such as parsley, cilantro, and chives—along with a squeeze of lemon juice, a touch of garlic, and a pinch of sea salt.
The corn is simply grilled over medium heat until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.
2. Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Black Beans
A quinoa salad is a great choice for a healthy, filling side dish.
I prepare it by cooking quinoa according to the package instructions, then tossing it with black beans, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a handful of fresh cilantro.
To dress the salad, I use a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and a pinch of chili flakes.
Why it works: The quinoa provides a nutritious base full of protein and fiber, while the black beans add extra protein and texture. The avocado gives the salad a creamy richness, and the cilantro-lime dressing ties everything together. This side dish adds a refreshing contrast to the BBQ chicken.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon and Sea Salt
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious, naturally sweet option that pairs wonderfully with BBQ chicken.
I peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then toss them with a bit of olive oil, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt.
I roast them at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until they’re tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
Why it works: Sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory and smoky flavors of the BBQ chicken. The cinnamon and sea salt elevate the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes without making them too heavy or overly spiced.
4. Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta and Red Onion
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This simple, refreshing salad is a great way to cool down the heat from the BBQ chicken.
I combine sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
For the dressing, I mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, a little honey, and some dried oregano.
Why it works: The cucumber provides a refreshing crunch, while the tomatoes add juiciness and acidity. The feta gives the salad a salty, creamy element, and the honey in the dressing offers a slight sweetness that complements the BBQ chicken. This salad is light but full of flavor, making it a perfect side for a summer BBQ.
5. Coleslaw with Greek Yogurt Dressing
Coleslaw is a traditional BBQ side, but I like to make it healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
I shred cabbage and carrots and toss them with a dressing made from Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, a touch of honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
The dressing is creamy but light, and the crunch of the vegetables adds great texture.
6. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Grilled vegetable skewers are an excellent way to add a variety of colorful, nutrient-packed veggies to the meal.
I like to skewer vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
I toss them with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and dried oregano before grilling them on medium-high heat until they’re tender and slightly charred.
Why it works: The grilled vegetables offer a smoky, savory flavor that complements the BBQ chicken. The variety of textures and flavors from the different vegetables makes this side dish both interesting and nutritious. It’s also an easy way to include more plant-based foods in the meal.
7. Cauliflower Rice with Lemon and Parsley
Cauliflower rice is a healthy alternative to traditional rice and adds a light, fresh element to the meal. I pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains.
Then, I sauté the cauliflower rice in olive oil with garlic, adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a handful of chopped parsley at the end.
Why it works: Cauliflower rice is low in carbs and high in fiber, making it a great side for those looking to keep the meal light and healthy. The lemon and parsley add freshness, while the sautéing process enhances the natural flavor of the cauliflower. It pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken without overwhelming the dish.
8. Greek-Style Roasted Eggplant
Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that takes on a rich, savory flavor when roasted.
I slice the eggplant into rounds, brush them with olive oil, and season them with dried oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
I roast the slices at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and tender.
Why it works: The roasted eggplant has a smoky depth that pairs well with the BBQ chicken. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into the meal, and the Mediterranean-inspired seasoning adds a nice touch of flavor without being overpowering.
9. Avocado and Mango Salsa
A bright and zesty salsa is always a hit at a BBQ. I dice fresh mango and avocado and mix them with finely chopped red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
A pinch of chili flakes adds a little heat, but the sweetness of the mango balances it out.
Why it works: The creamy avocado and sweet mango provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky BBQ chicken. The lime and cilantro add brightness, while the slight kick from the chili flakes gives the salsa just enough heat. It’s a fun, fresh side dish that’s perfect for summer.
10. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
For a lighter take on pasta, I use zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles.” I spiralize the zucchini into thin noodles and toss them with a simple pesto made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil.
I serve the zoodles raw or lightly sautéed for a more tender texture.
Conclusion
When hosting a BBQ, the right side dishes can turn a simple meal into a memorable feast.
The sides I’ve mentioned—grilled corn on the cob, quinoa salad with avocado, roasted sweet potatoes, cucumber-tomato salad, coleslaw with Greek yogurt dressing, grilled vegetable skewers, cauliflower rice, Greek-style roasted eggplant, avocado-mango salsa, and zucchini noodles with pesto—are all healthy, vibrant options that will impress your guests while still being nutritious.