12 BBQ Sides That Won't Heat Up Your Kitchen (or Your Stress Level)

When planning a BBQ, side dishes are just as important as the main course. These 12 BBQ sides are easy to make and won’t heat up your kitchen. They’re quick to prepare, keeping your stress level low while adding variety to your meal. Enjoy flavorful and refreshing options that complement any BBQ without extra hassle.

A plate of fresh spinach, diced tomatoes, and a ball of burrata cheese drizzled with balsamic glaze. — Tomato Burrata Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded Cauliflower Mash is a creamy side dish ready in just 25 minutes. Made with cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, it tastes rich and satisfying like traditional mashed potatoes but lighter. This dish pairs well with any BBQ without heating up your kitchen. Try it for a comforting, guilt-free alternative to mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Basic Polenta

Baked cheesy mashed potatoes garnished with herbs in a white ramekin and a larger dish in the background. — Basic Polenta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Basic Polenta is a simple, versatile dish made with cornmeal and water, ready in 30 minutes. It tastes slightly sweet and creamy, making it a perfect base for various toppings. This side can be served soft or firm, depending on your preference. Enjoy it as a comforting addition to your BBQ spread.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta

Worcestershire Green Beans

A bowl of cooked green beans seasoned with herbs. — Worcestershire Green Beans. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Worcestershire Green Beans is a savory side dish that takes 20 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are green beans, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic, giving it a rich and tangy flavor. This dish is a simple way to add a punch to your BBQ spread. It’s quick to make and doesn’t heat up your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus Asparagus Couscous is a refreshing side dish ready in 25 minutes. Made with couscous, asparagus, and citrus dressing, it has a light and zesty flavor. This dish is perfect for adding a bright touch to your BBQ. It’s easy to prepare and keeps your kitchen cool.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Honey Garlic Carrots is a sweet and savory side dish that takes 25 minutes to make. The main ingredients are carrots, honey, and garlic, creating a delicious balance of flavors. This dish adds a colorful and tasty element to your BBQ meal. It’s quick to prepare and doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad is a colorful side dish ready in 25 minutes. Made with couscous, bell peppers, cucumbers, and a light dressing, it has a refreshing and crisp flavor. This dish is ideal for a light and healthy addition to your BBQ spread. It’s easy to make and doesn’t heat up your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming Skillet Green Beans is a spicy and tangy side dish ready in 15 minutes. Made with green beans, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice, it has a bold flavor that pairs well with grilled meats. This dish is quick to prepare and doesn’t require much effort. Enjoy it for a zesty addition to your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Greek Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad in a brown bowl, garnished with pita bread. — Greek Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Greek Quinoa Salad is a healthy and flavorful side dish that takes 20 minutes to make. The main ingredients are quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese, offering a fresh and tangy taste. This dish is perfect for adding a nutritious touch to your BBQ. It’s quick to prepare and keeps your kitchen cool.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer orzo pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans. — Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Summer Orzo Salad is a light and refreshing side dish that takes 20 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are orzo pasta, cucumbers, and tomatoes, giving it a fresh and tangy taste. This dish is perfect for a cool addition to your BBQ. It’s quick and easy to make, keeping your kitchen stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

A bowl of green beans with slivered almonds. — Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions is a flavorful side dish that takes 20 minutes to make. The main ingredients are green beans, garlic, and crispy fried onions, creating a savory and crunchy combination. It adds a tasty, fresh element to your BBQ meal. This dish is quick and easy, perfect for stress-free cooking.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad is a healthy and refreshing side dish that takes 20 minutes to make. The main ingredients are zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette, creating a crisp and flavorful taste. This dish is perfect for adding a nutritious touch to your BBQ. It’s easy to prepare and keeps your kitchen cool.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad is a simple yet elegant side dish ready in 15 minutes. Made with fresh tomatoes, burrata cheese, and basil, it has a creamy and tangy flavor. This dish is perfect for a light and refreshing addition to your BBQ. It’s quick to prepare and doesn’t require cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

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12 BBQ Sides That Won’t Heat Up Your Kitchen (or Your Stress Level)