BBQ Side Dishes That Are Just as Exciting as the Main Event

Salad goes with pretty much anything, but a salad with flair is something your guests will rave about for the rest of the season. Enter this bright summer salad of greens, cucumbers, pineapple, red onion and almonds. The secret ingredient is the grilled halloumi, which adds that rich, savoury element you crave in a filling salad. Topped with a fresh lemon vinaigrette, you can pair it with practically anything grilled.

Peaches are the ultimate summer indulgence, yet somehow grilling peaches makes them even juicier and more delicious. This recipe pairs grilled summer peaches with fresh burrata, mint and pistachios for the perfect side dish. Serve it with some crusty bread alongside grilled fish or chicken for a quick but satisfying plate.

Brussels sprouts on the barbecue? You bet with this genius summer side that looks as good as it tastes. The maple balsamic marinade essentially caramelizes the veggies and transforms them into flavourful and easy-to-serve lollipops. Chop and prep your ingredients quickly and efficiently on Napoleon’s Cutting Board With Stainless Steel Bowls while your mains get going. These skewers also get bonus points for being super easy to assemble ahead of time, making them great for entertaining and busy weeknights alike.

This dish is great as a main, but you can also whip it up if you’re trying to increase your veggie intake this summer and want something different. Cauliflower steaks pair well with any protein, but by rubbing them with harissa and wrapping them in foil before grilling, you get tender, charred deliciousness in a matter of minutes.

Related: Grilled Broccoli Steaks with Dukkah

If you’re grilling up tacos, fajitas or other handheld fare this summer, why not elevate your regular old guacamole while you’re at it? Grilled avocado halves are super simple to whip up and pack in a ton of flavour thanks to the tangy ginger miso marinade. Pair them with everything: steak, chicken, burgers, shrimp or pork.

Grilling up fresh corn on the barbecue is practically a summer rite of passage. Who doesn’t look forward to it when headed to an outdoor cookout? The thing that sets this grilled corn apart is the addition of chili butter and a generous drizzle of fresh coconut lime cream, which you may have a hard time not eating by the spoonful.

Is it even a picnic if deviled eggs aren’t involved? This classic summer dish is always a crowd favourite, but now you can elevate it in a whole new way: with your grill. Not only are these parcels of protein delicious and fun to snack on, but with their beautiful grill marks and smoky flavour you’ll be sure to impress. To keep eggs from falling through the grate, try grilling them up on Napoleon’s Cast Iron Reversible Griddle. Just be sure to have seconds ready to go in your fridge, because these are a crowd pleaser.

Eggplant shines from about July through to October, making it a great veggie to grill up when you need a quick but flavourful side. This recipe transforms grilled eggplants into a perfect bed for a fresh summer salad, with bright beans, tomatoes and herbs. Add in a hint of jalapeno and a fresh yogurt dressing, and this is a great salad to pair with burgers, sausages or any grilled main.

Related: Greek Grilled Eggplant Steaks

Zucchini is another veggie that just sings on the grill, particularly when it’s barbecued and stuffed. This recipe could be a delicious vegan main, but it’s also a complete side when served alongside grilled pork or chicken. The vibrant cherry tomatoes and caramelized shallots add that extra burst of flavour, while nutrient-packed brown rice and lentils add even more texture and pizazz.

Why serve regular old fries with your steak, burgers and sausages when you can whip up this root veggie with a summery twist instead? Sweet potato wedges are full of smoky, charred flavour when barbecued on the grill, but when paired with the cilantro-garlic drizzle they really are that next-level hit of summer you’ve been craving.