4 Sides for Your Next BBQ

Summer is in full swing! That means beach days, BBQs, pool time and summer cocktails! If you are hosting or attending a BBQ this summer, you need more than meat! The CGS Team is sharing a few easy recipes for sides to bring to your next BBQ. Everyone will remember your chef skills with these tasty side dishes.

Jalapeno Ranch Coleslaw

Put a kick in your traditional coleslaw by trying this Jalapeno Ranch Coleslaw recipe from Country Living. This dish takes 25 minutes to make and prep, and yields 8-10 servings.

Ingredients

1/4 c. mayonnaise

1/4 c. sour cream

2 tbsp. fresh lime juice

1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped

1 garlic clove, finely grated or pressed

8 c. shredded cabbage (from 1 head)

1/2 c. thinly sliced red onion

1/3 c. Chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 c. sliced fresh chives

1/4 c. fresh flat-leaf parsley

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, jalapeño, and garlic in a bowl. Add cabbage, onion, cilantro, chives, and parsley and toss to combine.

Season with salt and pepper. Let stand 5 minutes. Serve immediately or cover and chill up to 4 hours.

Creamy Potato Salad with Bacon

Switch up the traditional potato salad by creating a healthy and delicious alternative. This Creamy Potato Salad with Bacon recipe from Real Simple will be a hit at the BBQ. This recipe takes about 30 minutes and serves 8.

Ingredients

3 pounds small red new potatoes (about 24)

kosher salt and black pepper

8 slices bacon

1/2 c. mayonnaise

1/4 c. sour cream

3 tablespoons white wine vinegar

4 stalks celery, thinly sliced

1/2 c. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1/4 c. chopped fresh tarragon

Directions

Place the potatoes in a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover and bring to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt, reduce heat, and simmer until tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to cool. Cut into quarters.

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool, then break into pieces.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Add the potatoes and celery and toss to coat. Fold in the parsley, tarragon, and bacon before serving.

Hatch Pineapple Salsa

Forget the ketchup and mustard for your hot dogs and opt for a tangy hatch pineapple salsa! This recipe will take regular hot dogs up a notch and only takes 10 minutes!

Ingredients

1 1/2 c. fresh pineapple

2 (4-oz.) Hatch Chiles, diced

1/4 c. Red Onion, finely chopped

1/4 c. fresh cilantro

1 to 2 seeded Fresno chiles

2 tbsp. fresh lime juice

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Toss together pineapple, Hatch Chiles, red onion, fresh cilantro, Fresno chiles, and lime juice. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Serve on grilled hot dogs with cooked bacon and melted pepper Jack cheese.

Mojito Watermelon

A BBQ is not a BBQ without something sweet at the end. Watermelon is the perfect summer fruit, but no one will expect mojito watermelon! This recipe takes 15 minutes to make and covers one whole watermelon.

Ingredients

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 strips lime zest, sliced, plus 2 tbsp juice

1 tsp. sugar

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 small watermelon, rind discarded and sliced

1/3 c. torn mint

Flaky sea salt

Directions

Whisk together oil, lime juice, and sugar in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve watermelon topped with dressing, lime zest, mint, and sea salt.

Related: 8 Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas

How yummy do those side dishes look and sound? Just bringing one of the dishes listed above to your next BBQ will have everyone’s mouth watering! Do you attend BBQs in the summer? What items do you typically have on the menu? Share your BBQ recipes and tips by leaving a comment below!

-The CGS Team