30 Healthy Barbecue Side Dishes That Taste Like Summer on a Plate

The grilled chicken and burgers are delicious, of course, but the real stars of any backyard barbecue are the sweet, savory, spicy, and everything-in-between side dishes. That said, big buffets of creamy potato salad and sugary baked beans can leave you feeling heavy and lethargic, especially in the summer heat.

But if you’re looking to eat a bit lighter during your outdoor meal, how do you make a barbecue side dish healthy? It’s really all about how you build your meal overall. Enjoy a lean protein on a quarter of your plate, veggie-centric sides on half of your plate, whole grains on another quarter, and top it off with your favorite fruit for something sweet, says Jim White, R.D., a dietitian and ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios.

“Focus on creating a plate with lots of variety of colors and textures,” he says. “All barbecue side dishes are perfectly fine to include on your plate, as long as you are mindful of your portion sizes. You should be watchful for foods that are high in saturated fats, sodium, and refined sugars.”

So, if you’re trying to focus on better-for-you sides while sneaking in some all-time favorites, have a smaller serving of the mac and cheese while loading up the majority of your plate with more nutrient-dense picks.

And that certainly doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice on flavor. For your next outdoor gathering by the grill, we have you covered. Whip up one of these healthy barbecue side dishes for a delicious summer meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.