Side Dishes You Can Make on the Grill
These side dishes you can make on the grill are simple, easy, and packed with flavor. The best part? You don’t have to heat up your entire house to cook them!
Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious barbecued meals with friends and family. While we often focus on the main course, the side dishes play a crucial role in enhancing the overall dining experience.
Grilling side dishes not only adds a unique smoky flavor but also keeps the kitchen cool and allows you to enjoy the outdoors while preparing a complete meal.
When it comes to grilling sides, veggies make for the easiest side dishes! Here are a few things to keep in mind when grilling veggies.
How to Grill Vegetables
There are a few ways to grill vegetables to ensure that you cook them evenly and they don’t stick to the grill!
- To prevent your vegetables from sticking to the grill, brush with oil on both sides. Olive oil works best!
- Use a grill pan for indirect grilling! A grill pan works well for veggies that are small or thin and may not sit well directly on the grill.
- For the easiest grilled veggies, throw your seasoned and oiled vegetables into a foil packet! Place on the grill and let them cook while you are grilling your main protein, like grilled chicken or grilled meat.
Now back to the sides! These recipes are quick, simple, and easy to throw together quickly.
Grilled Side Dishes
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter
One of the most beloved summer side dishes is grilled corn on the cob. The smoky charred kernels paired with a zesty chili lime butter create a harmonious balance of flavors. Start by husking the corn and grilling it over medium heat until lightly charred. In the meantime, mix softened butter with chili powder, lime zest, and a hint of salt. Once the corn is done, generously slather it with the flavored butter, and watch your guests savor each juicy bite.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Add a vibrant touch to your grill with colorful vegetable skewers. Gather an assortment of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and onions. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and thread them onto skewers. Grill the skewers until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred. Serve these grilled vegetable skewers as a side dish or even as a vegetarian main course option.
Grilled Potato Wedges with Garlic and Herbs
Upgrade your usual potato dish by grilling potato wedges to perfection. Cut potatoes into wedges, leaving the skin intact for added texture and flavor. Toss them in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs like rosemary and thyme, salt, and pepper. Grill the potato wedges until they develop a crispy exterior and a soft interior. This irresistible side dish pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a standalone treat.
Smoky Grilled Eggplant Salad
Eggplant lovers will relish the smoky flavor of this grilled eggplant salad. Slice the eggplant into thick rounds, brush them with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Grill the slices until tender and grill marks appear. Let them cool slightly before cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Toss the grilled eggplant with cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. This refreshing and hearty salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
For a satisfying vegetarian side dish, try grilling stuffed portobello mushrooms. Remove the stems and scrape out the gills from the mushroom caps. Brush the caps with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Fill the mushrooms with a flavorful stuffing, such as a mixture of breadcrumbs, chopped vegetables, herbs, and cheese. Grill the stuffed mushrooms until the cheese is melted, and the mushrooms are tender. Serve them alongside your grilled main course.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan
Asparagus lovers rejoice! Grilling enhances the natural sweetness of this vibrant green vegetable. Trim the tough ends of the asparagus spears and toss them with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Grill the asparagus over medium heat until tender and lightly charred. Remove from the grill, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the spears, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. This simple yet elegant side dish pairs well with grilled fish or chicken.
Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful and flavorful, grilled stuffed bell peppers are a showstopper on any barbecue spread. Slice bell peppers in half, remove the seeds and ribs, and brush them with olive oil. Fill the pepper halves with a delicious stuffing of cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, herbs, and cheese. Place the stuffed peppers on the grill and cook until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. These vibrant stuffed peppers are both visually appealing and scrumptious.
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon and Honey
End your barbecue on a sweet note with grilled pineapple. Cut a fresh pineapple into rings and brush them with a mixture of melted butter, cinnamon, and honey. Grill the pineapple rings over medium-high heat until caramelized and slightly charred. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful tropical dessert.
Grilling side dishes is an excellent way to infuse flavors and creativity into your summer barbecues. Fire up those grates, experiment with different ingredients, and impress your guests with these tantalizing accompaniments to your main courses. Get ready to enjoy a memorable and flavorful outdoor dining experience!
