Grilled food is great. But when you add the right side dish, it gets even better. You need something that tastes great and takes only a few minutes to make. No need to overthink it because these 19 sides do just that. Some are light, some are filling, but all of them are yummy and easy. Pick one while your grill is heating up, and your meal will be ready before you know it.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
This easy side dish brings a fresh twist to plain potatoes, making it a smart pick for anything hot off the grill. The creamy spinach adds flavor and helps sneak in extra veggies without making a big deal out of it. Whether you’re serving burgers, chicken, or skewers, this is the kind of side that pulls the whole meal together.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative that satisfies your cravings. Indulge in their natural sweetness and addictive crunch for a guilt-free snacking experience. Taste the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Garlic Sesame Kale
This garlic sesame kale brings bold flavor and a nice crunch to the table, making it more than just another leafy side. The mix of garlic and sesame oil gives the fresh kale a rich, savory taste that goes great with grilled chicken, steak, or even fish. It’s a simple way to add something green to the plate without it feeling like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Sesame Kale
Vegan Couscous Salad
Couscous is so often forgotten, but it is a great way to incorporate so many flavors. This version has tons of veggies mixed in and is robust enough to be a main course or fits perfectly alongside anything you pull off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Veggie Pasta Salad
Savor the taste of summer with this mayo-free pasta salad. This refreshing and light salad combines al dente pasta with fresh veggies like corn and tomatoes, plus tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a satisfying side dish.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. But sometimes, the classic mac and cheese can be a bit too bland. That’s where this grown-up baked mac and cheese with tomato and bacon comes in. This recipe takes the classic dish to the next level by adding some tomatoes and crispy bacon.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Mashed Potatoes
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with our Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Creamy, velvety-smooth potatoes, seasoned to perfection, prepared in a fraction of the time using the Instant Pot. Get ready to savor this classic side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Spinach and Parmesan quinoa is a hearty and flavorful side that pairs well with anything coming off the grill. The mix of tender quinoa, fresh spinach, and salty cheese gives it a rich taste that doesn’t overpower the main dish. It’s easy to make ahead and holds up well, which makes it a smart choice for busy nights or backyard dinners.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
While bacon-roasted Brussels sprouts might steal the spotlight, this shaved Brussels sprouts salad makes a strong case for keeping things fresh and crisp. It’s light, crunchy, and full of bold flavors that are nothing like the Brussels sprouts you grew up avoiding. Topped with simple ingredients and tossed in a tangy dressing, this salad holds its own next to grilled meats and brings something unexpected to the table.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Spinach Orzo Salad
This simple side dish takes pasta salad to a whole new level, offering a savory twist with every bite. The orzo is tossed with fresh spinach and other delicious ingredients, creating a light but satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with grilled chicken, steak, or veggies, this side is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Bok choy is such a fun vegetable, but it is definitely underused. It’s absolutely delicious when you toss it on the grill for just a few minutes after mixing it with an easy Asian marinade. It pairs well with anything from burgers to chicken and more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Spanish Rice
Spanish rice is a flavorful side that pairs perfectly with grilled dishes, adding a savory, spiced touch to every bite. It’s quick to prepare and easily beats the rice you typically find at a restaurant, thanks to its rich flavors and tender texture. This simple yet satisfying side is a great addition to grilled chicken, steak, or any BBQ dish you have on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice
Baked Kale Chips
Baked kale chips are a healthy and crispy snack that’s perfect for any meal. Fresh kale leaves are seasoned and baked to perfection, giving you a crunchy, guilt-free treat. It’s a nutritious side that pairs wonderfully with grilled dishes, adding a satisfying crunch without the extra calories.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Lemon Kale Salad
Forget the old idea of kale being tough and bland—this dish shows just how delicious it can be. With a tangy lemon dressing and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, the fresh kale takes on a whole new flavor, making it a side everyone will enjoy. It’s a simple yet flavorful way to prepare kale, and the balance of tartness and cheese makes it the perfect complement to any grilled dish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad
Spinach Caprese Salad
Delight in the classic combination of spinach and caprese flavors in this refreshing and vibrant salad — a perfect choice for hot weather when salads make a delicious and satisfying meal. Experience the symphony of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and prosciutto with every forkful.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Caprese Salad
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Mediterranean cucumber salad combines the freshness of crisp cucumbers with juicy tomatoes, creating a light and refreshing dish. Infused with Mediterranean flavors like olives, feta cheese, and a simple dressing, this salad is the perfect balance of savory and tangy. It’s an easy and cool side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled recipes, adding a burst of flavor to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
This chipotle grilled corn recipe is a bold and flavorful side dish that stands out next to any grilled meal. Each ear of corn is coated in a smoky chipotle-compound butter, creating a sweet and spicy combination that’s perfectly balanced. Grilled to perfection, the corn develops a rich, smoky flavor that makes it a memorable addition to your next BBQ or grilled dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Enjoy a nutritious and flavorful combination of tomatoes, cucumber, and quinoa in this wholesome salad — a great way to use up fresh produce from your garden and enjoy a satisfying summer meal. Experience the harmony of this tasty salad you can make ahead.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad
This goat cheese and dried cherry salad offers a refreshing change from the usual boring greens, bringing a delightful mix of flavors in every bite. The creamy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet dried cherries, creating a tasty contrast that makes this salad stand out. It’s quick to make, and once people taste it, they’ll definitely be asking for the recipe to make it themselves.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad