When gathering for a BBQ, don’t forget the cool and crunchy salads. They bring a fresh feel to the heavy, smoky dishes. With a balance of flavors and textures, these 15 salads can surprise your guests. Whether it’s a light, leafy base or a hearty addition, these options fit in perfectly. They provide a pleasing side to complement any grilled meal.
Wild Rice Salad
Packed with texture and flavor, wild rice salad is a must-try alongside BBQ. It’s a great mix of chewiness and crunch, making each bite interesting. You’ll enjoy the nutty taste paired with the fresh, green vegetables. Its slightly tangy dressing brings everything together in a harmonious way. Perfect for those who are looking to add a bit of variety to their plate. Enjoy it with your BBQ for a nice contrast.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Mediterranean chopped salad adds a burst of fresh flavors to your BBQ spread. The mix of crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing make it a winner. Its vibrant colors make your plate more appealing, and it’s refreshing on a warm day. Plus, you’ll appreciate the simple, clean flavors that pair well with grilled foods. Also, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require much prep time. A solid choice when you’re grilling.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl
Chicken lovers will find the copycat Taco Bell cantina chicken bowl perfect for BBQ. It brings together a variety of textures and flavors that complement grilled meats well. From the tender chicken to the crunchy vegetables, each bite is satisfying. Its combination of flavors is both familiar and exciting. You’ll enjoy adding this to your BBQ lineup for a change of pace. A winning option for any outdoor feast.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl
Horiatiki Salad
Greek flavors take the stage with horiatiki salad, an excellent BBQ partner. It offers a mix of fresh vegetables with a distinct, tangy dressing. You’ll love the burst of flavors that contrast nicely with smoky grilled meats. This classic salad is simple yet flavorful and pairs wonderfully with BBQ. Plus, it’s a great way to bring some Mediterranean flair to your table. A refreshing choice to balance the richness of BBQ dishes.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
This spring salad comes with asparagus, peas, and potatoes, making it hearty enough for a BBQ side. The veggies add a mix of crunch and softness that’s very pleasant. Its refreshing and light feel balances out the richer tastes of BBQ. You’ll find that the mix of green and yellow veggies adds a pop of color to your plate. Plus, this salad is easy to prepare ahead of time. A fantastic option for a sunny BBQ day.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican street corn salad offers a flavorful twist that works great with BBQ. Its blend of grilled corn and seasonings brings a smoky, spicy kick. This salad is a favorite because it’s hearty yet still fresh. The mix of textures keeps it interesting from the first bite to the last. You’ll enjoy how well it complements the taste of grilled meats. Ideal for adding a bit of excitement to your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Shirazi Salad
Fresh and vibrant, shirazi salad makes a great BBQ companion. It features a simple mix of diced vegetables that are both crunchy and juicy. You’ll enjoy the light, tangy taste that freshens up your palate between bites of BBQ. This salad is easy to put together and shines with clean, straightforward flavors. It’s a quick, delightful addition to any BBQ spread. Something great for those hot summer days.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Try the Mediterranean couscous salad with smoked tomatoes for a light yet filling BBQ side. It brings together fine grains and smoky bursts with each bite. You’ll appreciate the mix of textures and mild flavors in this salad. Perfect for those who want something different yet familiar. This salad is a great way to add some Mediterranean vibes to your grilling session. Ideal for those who like a bit of everything on their plate.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Tabouli salad with smoked tomatoes offers a fresh and savory boost to any BBQ feast. The chewy grains and smoky tomato pieces create an interesting flavor mix. It’s light, refreshing, and a nice palate cleanser between hefty BBQ bites. You’ll enjoy the herbal notes that make each bite fresh. This selection is great if you want something not too heavy but big on flavor. An excellent choice for varied BBQ tastes.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Grilled asparagus and potato salad is a performer when it comes to BBQ sides. It combines tender potatoes with charred, flavorful asparagus. The slightly smoky taste from grilling pairs well with BBQ meats. You’ll appreciate its hearty yet refreshing profile. This salad offers a nice balance between savory and fresh elements. A wonderful way to boost your grilling experience.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Yellow bean and potato salad brings a unique twist to your BBQ menu. The mix of tender beans and hearty potatoes is both comforting and fresh. It’s a simple salad but offers complex flavors that pair well with BBQ. You’ll appreciate how well it complements the smoky flavors of grilled meats. Easy to prepare and enjoyable to eat, it’s a versatile side option. Perfect for rounding out your BBQ spread.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Seafood lovers will enjoy Mediterranean orzo salad with shrimp as a BBQ side. It blends tender shrimp with small pasta and fresh mix-ins. This salad is both filling and refreshing, making it a versatile choice for many. You’ll enjoy the slightly briny flavor that pairs well with grilled meats. The small pasta grains create an interesting texture that enhances every bite. A great pick for a bit of seafood in your BBQ spread.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Pesto Orzo Salad
Pesto orzo salad brings a fresh, herby twist to your BBQ table. The small pasta grains mixed with herbaceous sauce are both light and satisfying. You’ll love how it complements the deeper, smoky flavors of BBQ meats. This salad is easy to whip up and adds a pop of color to your plate. Its simple yet flavorful profile makes it a crowd-pleaser. A nice addition to balance out the heaviness of grilled foods.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
For a classic BBQ side, potato salad with herbs and green garlic fits the bill. It combines tender potatoes with a mix of fresh herbs for a flavorful bite. You’ll enjoy the familiar yet fresh taste that pairs effortlessly with BBQ. The herb and garlic dressing adds a nice depth without overpowering other dishes. Easy to prepare and always a favorite, it’s a great old-school choice. Perfect for any BBQ gathering.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Try easy salmon pasta salad for something different at your next BBQ. The mix of salmon and pasta makes it both hearty and refreshing. You’ll appreciate the fresh taste that balances well with grilled items. Perfect for fish lovers, it adds diversity to your BBQ menu. This salad is quick to make and serves as a great side dish. A good option when you want to offer something unique.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad