BBQ Side Dishes: What to Serve When You Didn’t Plan for Sides

The grill is heating up. You’ve got drinks in the cooler and maybe a friend or two already lingering by the patio door. Everything looks ready…until you notice there’s not a single BBQ side dish in sight. Meanwhile, the clock’s ticking and folks are starting to get hungry. At this point, you don’t have time to roast vegetables or marinate anything. Luckily, this article has a bunch of BBQ side dishes you can quickly make with what’s in your pantry or fridge.

🥕 When You Need Crunch and Can’t Chill Anything

These quick BBQ side dish recipes use raw vegetables, so you won’t need to cook anything or wait for them to cool. They only require tools and ingredients most kitchens already have.

Shaved Cucumber with Lime and Olive Oil: Use a peeler or a sharp knife to make thin cucumber slices, then toss them with lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. If you like, sprinkle on chili flakes or fresh mint.

Raw Corn Salad with Feta and Cilantro: Cut raw corn straight off the cob and toss it in a bowl with olive oil, lime juice, and salt. Add crumbled feta and chopped cilantro or green onions if you have them.

Carrot Ribbons with Apple Cider Vinegar: Peel carrots into thin strips and toss them with vinegar, sugar, and salt for a tangy, fast-prep side. Garlic powder or poppy seeds also work if they’re on hand.

🍅 If the Grill’s Busy and the Stove’s Off-Limits

When you can’t use heat, stick to ingredients you don’t need to cook. These next few BBQ side dishes use raw produce or canned staples you can prep fast. Just rinse, chop, or season your fruits or veggies and serve right away.

White Beans with Lemon and Torn Greens: Rinse canned white beans and toss with lemon juice, olive oil, and cracked pepper. Add soft greens like arugula or spinach. Grated parmesan or Dijon mustard can go in if you have them.

Cherry Tomatoes with Pickled Onion Brine: Slice cherry tomatoes and stir in about a teaspoon of brine from pickled onions. You can also chop the onions and mix them in. Add olive oil and a few torn basil leaves if you have extra.

Watermelon Cubes with Chili Salt and Lime: Cut watermelon into cubes and season with chili powder, flaky salt, and lime zest. You can also add Cotija cheese or Tajín for extra flavor.

🌿 When the Main Is Too Heavy and You Need Something Fresh

Grilled meat can feel rich or greasy without something fresh next to it. These BBQ sides use a little vinegar, lemon juice, or fresh herbs to add tang and help balance out greasy food.

Chickpeas with Capers and Parsley: Rinse chickpeas and toss with lemon juice, olive oil, capers, and chopped parsley. Add red pepper flakes or grated garlic if you want a stronger flavor.

Stone Fruit with Vinegar and Herbs: Slice peaches or plums and put them in a bowl. Add red wine vinegar and a pinch of salt. Tear a few basil or mint leaves and mix them in. If you want a bolder taste, add sliced red onion or a little black pepper before serving.

Tomato Wedges with Salt and Vinegar: Cut tomatoes into wedges and dress with oil, vinegar, and salt. You can also add sliced shallots or a splash of balsamic for more bite and extra acidity.

BBQ Side Dish Problem, Solved

You noticed the table was missing a side dish and fixed it. Even without using heat, you made a side that works with the rest of the meal. That’s how you save a cookout! So, what are you serving first?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s a good BBQ side if I only have canned goods?
   White beans with lemon and herbs work well with pantry staples.
2. Can I make these sides without any fresh herbs?
   Yes. Most recipes still work with just acid, oil, and salt.
3. Do I need to chill these sides before serving?
   No. They’re meant to be served immediately at room temperature.
4. What can I serve if I forgot to buy vegetables?
   Use canned beans, tomatoes, or fruit like watermelon or peaches.
5. How long do these sides take to make?
   Each one takes about five to ten minutes.
6. Can I make these ahead of time?
   They’re best made just before serving but can sit for a short while.
7. Are these sides good for vegetarians?
   Yes. All are meat-free and easy to adapt.
8. What if I don’t have vinegar or citrus?
   Try pickle brine or a splash of jarred olive juice for acidity.
9. Do I need special tools?
   Just a knife, cutting board, and a bowl.
10. Can I mix and match these ingredients?
    Yes. They’re flexible and designed for quick substitutions.