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Once your burgers and hot dogs are fired up, it’s time to get to work on side dishes. After all, chips and salsa just aren’t going to cut it at every summer cookout and BBQ you host. Pair your meals with fresh new spins on salads, grilled veggies and even corn on the cob. Just make enough for people to have seconds, or maybe thirds, because with these 15 recipes they most definitely will.
1. Black Bean and Corn Salad: If you’re making a Tex-Mex meal, pair it with this bean and corn side salad. It has a sweet and spicy flavor from a honey and cayenne pepper dressing. (via Bowl of Delicious)
2. Skinny Mexican Grilled Corn: If you like your corn on the cob smothered, try this light, Mexican version. Instead of traditional crema, this cob is topped with Greek yogurt and parmesan cheese. (via The Cookie Rookie)
3. Grilled Summer Salad: You can make this eggplant, zucchini and grape tomato salad without ever leaving the grill. You’ll love the fire-roasted flavor of the veggies paired with a fresh Greek vinaigrette. (via Little Broken)
4. Grilled Portobello Pizzas: These mushrooms can be a side or a main depending on your mood. Grill the portobellos and top them with marinara, mozzarella and basil for a carb-free pizza. (via The Hanging Spoon)
5. Heirloom Tomato and Bacon Salad: This salad is almost too pretty to eat. You won’t be able to resist the fresh summer tomatoes, crisp bacon and sweet corn combo. (via In Sock Monkey Slippers)
6. Grilled Avocados With Pico de Gallo: Throw your avocados on the grill, then stuff ’em with a sweet corn and black bean salsa for a fresh and healthy side. (via A Southern Fairytale)
7. Grilled Potato Salad: The only thing not grilled on this salad is the dijon vinaigrette. The dressing tops tasty charred potatoes, peppers and onions. (via Crumb)
8. Bacon Ranch Slaw: Watch out, you’ve just upped the coleslaw game with this recipe. It adds bacon and ranch dressing to the classic cabbage side. (via Plain Chicken)
9. Corn Salad With Feta and Mint: If you haven’t figured it out by now, corn is at its sweetest and freshest in the summer, making it a BBQ staple. Try it in a salad with salty feta and refreshing mint. (via Sweet Peas + Saffron)
10. Pineapple Baked Beans: Baked beans have their merits, but giving the savory side dish a healthy dose of a citrusy pineapple flavor has changed the bean game for us forever. (via Shared Appetite)
11. BBQ Broccoli and Leek Salad: Get a dose of greens with this grill-top salad. You’ll crave the broccoli crunch and oniony leek flavor after trying it once. (via Seven Grams)
12. Homemade Pickles: What’s a plate of burgers and dogs without some pickles? Skip the jar and make your own with this easy overnight recipe. (via Scarborough Food Fair)
13. Summer Orzo Salad: Break tradition and make your summer pasta salad with orzo instead of noodles. Add in fresh, seasonal flavors from produce like tomatoes and cucumbers. And don’t forget some salty feta cheese for a creamy texture. (via Whisking Mama)
14. Bean Salad: Get ready to swoon over this take on BBQ beans. Pintos meet their match with peppers, corn and onion, all mixed in a sweet and tangy dressing. (via Fountain Avenue Kitchen)
15. Cilantro-Lime Watermelon: Who said veggies should have all the fun? Marinating fresh watermelon in lime juice, throwing it on the grill and topping it with fresh cilantro brings out all the best flavors. (via The Stay At Home Chef)
Corn on the cob? Potato salad? Tell us what your fave backyard BBQ side is below or on Facebook.
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Allyson is an editor in Washington, DC. A fan of all things food and travel she's always on the hunt for her next adventure, a good bite to eat and the next best thing to truffles. You can find pics of her delicious travels on Instagram at @allyren.
