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

Posted by Gwendolyn Richards on May 9, 2019

The talented chefs competing on Fire Masters are up against a clock and others vying for the prize — not to mention the judges — but, thankfully, the rest of us can enjoy grilling without the adrenaline rush. You may have picked out your main dish to throw on the grill, but don’t overlook those side dishes that also benefit with some flaming heat. With these recipes, every part of your meal will be grilled to perfection.

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Grilled Romaine with Balsamic Dressing

Grilling halved heads of romaine adds smoky, summery flavour and texture to an otherwise standard salad. Instead of making a Caesar, though, Valerie Bertinelli tops hers with gorgonzola and balsamic dressing. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-romaine-with-balsamic-dressing/16896/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Grilled Romaine with Balsamic Dressing</a>
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Garlic and Herb Grilled Sweet Potato Fries

Don’t believe in burgers without fries? Chef Bobby Flay has the answer with his recipe for sweet potato fries with herbs and garlic. The best part is you can grill them up at the same time as the burgers for a no-fuss meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/garlic-and-herb-grilled-sweet-potato-fries/15881/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bobby Flay’s Garlic and Herb Grilled Sweet Potato Fries</a>
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Grilled Corn and Bean Salad

A bright and colourful salad is great for dining al fresco. Valerie Bertinelli’s version includes grilled corn, beans, peppers and chickpeas — with a little jalapeno for heat. Lime dressing gives it a tangy zip. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-corn-and-bean-salad/17078/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli’s Grilled Corn and Bean Salad</a>
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Crostini with Grilled Asparagus and Green Peppercorn-Tarragon Vinaigrette

Asparagus, simply grilled with a bit of oil, salt and pepper is a summer treat. But Bobby Flay takes this standard to a new level by setting them atop crostini with a creamy and tangy goat cheese and a lemon-mustard dressing. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/crostini-with-grilled-asparagus-and-green-peppercorn-tarragon-vinaigrette-/16166/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bobby Flay’s Crostini with Grilled Asparagus and Green Peppercorn-Tarragon Vinaigrette</a>
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Grilled Mushroom Skewers

Meaty mushrooms threaded onto a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/fire-masters/photos/vegetable-skewers-kebabs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">skewer </a>are perfect with steak. Just a little thyme, garlic and soy — which bumps up that signature umami flavour — are all that’s needed to make these mushrooms shine. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-mushroom-skewers/21726/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grilled Mushroom Skewers</a>
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Grilled Corn on the Cob

It’s just not summer without corn on the cob. Chef Anna Olson takes this seasonal treat, grills it over the heat and then amps up the ears with herbs and Parmesan. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/herb-grilled-corn-on-the-cob/10065/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Grilled Corn on the Cob</a>
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Grilled Asparagus with Parsley Pesto

Most of us think basil when we hear the word pesto, but playing around with different herbs makes this a versatile sauce. Here, Chef Michael Smith tops roasted asparagus with a bright, summery parsley pesto, rich with almonds and Parmesan cheese. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-asparagus-with-parsley-pesto/7945/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Michael Smith’s Grilled Asparagus with Parsley Pesto</a>
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Great Grilled Vegetables Platter

Take advantage of summer’s bounty with Rachael Ray’s platter of various veggies. Eggplant, peppers, zucchini and more get the grilled treatment, making for a colourful delicious array on the plate. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/great-grilled-vegetables-platter/16055/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rachael Ray’s Great Grilled Vegetables Platter</a>
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Grilled Smashed Potatoes with Toasted Cumin Vinaigrette

This is not your average potato salad. Skip the mayo — and the boiling water — for this version from Chef Bobby Flay which tosses barbecued potatoes with an earthy cumin vinaigrette. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-smashed-potatoes-with-toasted-cumin-vinaigrette-/16186/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bobby Flay’s Grilled Smashed Potatoes with Toasted Cumin Vinaigrette</a>
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Grilled Pineapple Salad

There’s no rule that says a side salad has to be vegetables. Chef Michael Smith’s grilled pineapple version gets a savoury twist with red onion. Lemon and mint add brightness to the dish. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-pineapple-salad/6892/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Michael Smith’s Grilled Pineapple Salad</a>
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Grilled Tomatoes and Burrata

Start the meal with an easy grilled version of a classic Italian caprese salad. Grilling the tomatoes gives them a hint of smoke that goes perfectly with creamy Burrata. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-tomatoes-and-burrata/21940/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Grilled Tomatoes and Burrata</a>
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Grilled Peach and Bacon Salad

Sweet summer fruit and smoky bacon come together in this salad that reaps the rewards of heat from the grill. Letting the peaches barbecue briefly caramelizes their natural sugars and gives them those signature char marks and flavour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-peach-and-bacon-salad/20570/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Grilled Peach and Bacon Salad</a>
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