We all know that there’s nothing quite like gathering around the grill with friends and family during the warm summer months. But what are some keto-friendly BBQ sides for summer? Well, you’re in luck. Here are some mouthwatering list of low-carb, keto-approved side dishes that will not only make your BBQ feast a crowd-pleaser but also keep you on track with your ketogenic lifestyle.
Some of the recipes include: Cauliflower Potato Salad, Brussels Sprouts and Green Beans, Creamy Avocado Deviled Eggs, Tangy BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, and Grilled Parmesan Zucchini.
Whether you’re new to the keto diet or a seasoned veteran, we understand that finding delicious and easy-to-prepare low-carb recipes can be a challenge, especially when it comes to the traditional BBQ parties that we all love. The good news? BBQ and keto can coexist, and in fact, they can be a match made in culinary heaven. From fresh salads to grilled veggies and creative takes on classics, these keto side dishes will make your summer BBQs both healthy and spectacularly tasty.
Ready to meet your new favorite BBQ companions? Read on and let’s dive into the flavors of summer, the keto way.
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The Basics of Keto and BBQ
Understanding the Keto Diet: More than just Low-Carb Recipes
The keto diet is more than just swapping out your favorite dishes with low-carb recipes. It’s about promoting a healthier lifestyle and transforming your relationship with food. By reducing your intake of carbs and increasing fats, your body enters a metabolic state known as ketosis, which promotes fat burning for energy.
Why a Summer BBQ is the Perfect Way to Feast on a Ketogenic Diet
A great summer BBQ has always been about the feast, the people, and, most importantly, the food. And the good news is, it’s also the perfect way you can enjoy this feast on a ketogenic diet. With the right recipes and ingredients, your usual BBQ can turn into a healthy, keto-friendly gathering. No freaking out or breaking your diet required!
Transforming Traditional BBQ Parties with Keto-Friendly Side Dishes
The Good News about Low-Carb BBQ: Keeping Taste Buds Happy
One of the best parts of a BBQ meal is undoubtedly the side dishes. For your next BBQ party, consider swapping out those traditional high-carb ingredients with low-carb substitutes. The good news is, there are plenty of flavorful and satisfying keto-friendly alternatives that will delight your taste buds and keep you feeling full without going over your daily carb limit.
Keto vs. Traditional Side Dishes: The Best Part of a BBQ Meal
Let’s face it, traditional side dishes like pasta salads, French fries, and potato salads are staples at any BBQ feast. But they are often loaded with carbs. So, what’s a keto dieter to do? Don’t fret. This is your chance to get creative and offer a delicious range of low-carb side dishes that are a welcome addition to any BBQ meal and will be a hit with the whole family.
The Best Keto Side Dish Recipes for Your Next BBQ
1. The Whole Family’s Favorite: Cauliflower Potato Salad
A healthy twist on the traditional potato salad, this cauliflower version is just as creamy and satisfying, without all the carbs.
Here’s how to make it: Steam one head Cauliflower until tender + let it cool. In a large bowl, combine Cauliflower + ½ cup Mayonnaise + ¼ cup Sour Cream + 1 tablespoon Mustard + chopped Celery + diced Red Onions + fresh Dill. Stir in a few hard-boiled Eggs and season with Salt + Pepper to taste. Chill for an hour before serving, your low-carb answer to the potato salad is ready.
2. Brussels Sprouts and Green Beans: A Fresh Take on BBQ Sides
Bring some freshness and char to your BBQ with these grilled Brussels sprouts and green beans.
First, prepare your veggies: halve Brussels Sprouts + toss with Olive Oil + Salt + Pepper. Similarly, mix Green Beans with Olive Oil + Lemon Zest + Sea Salt. Grill both on medium heat until they’re charred and tender – a fresh, low-carb side dish packed with nutrients and flavors.
3. and 4. From Air Fryer to Instant Pot: Easy Low-Carb Recipes for Your Next Cookout
Your Air Fryer and Instant Pot can also serve up some fantastic keto-friendly sides.
For a delicious Air Fryer Asparagus, simply toss Asparagus in Olive Oil + Salt + Pepper, then air fry until crispy.
For an Instant Pot Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, steam Cauliflower in your Instant Pot, then mix with Cream Cheese + Cheddar Cheese + a splash of Heavy Cream – it’s a low-carb alternative to the classic mac and cheese.
5. Cream Cheese Cauliflower Rice: A Delicious Side Dish with Fewer Carbs
For a comforting side dish that’s rich and creamy but still low on carbs, try this Cream Cheese Cauliflower Rice.
Sauté riced Cauliflower in a skillet with Olive Oil until tender. Season with Salt + Pepper + a touch of Garlic Powder. Stir in Cream Cheese until it melts and mixes evenly with the cauliflower. Top it off with chopped Fresh Herbs, and you have a low-carb, creamy side dish ready in minutes.
6. Low-Carb Veggies Skewers: A Great Way to Add Freshness to your BBQ Feast
Vegetable skewers are a fun, colorful way to incorporate more veggies into your BBQ.
Cut Zucchini + Yellow Squash + Bell Peppers into chunks, then thread onto skewers with Cherry Tomatoes + Button Mushrooms. Brush with a mix of Olive Oil + minced Garlic + your favorite Herbs, then grill until tender and slightly charred – a delightful addition to your BBQ feast.
7. Creamy Avocado Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are always a crowd-pleaser, and this keto-friendly version is no exception.
Here’s how to prepare them: Boil 8 Eggs until hard, cool, and peel. Cut in half lengthwise + scoop out yolks into a bowl. Combine yolks + 1 Avocado + 1 teaspoon Lime Juice + Salt + Pepper. Fill each egg white half with the avocado mixture and garnish with Paprika and Chives.
8. Cheddar-Stuffed Jalapenos Wrapped in Bacon
For a spicy, smoky, and cheesy side dish, these bacon-wrapped jalapenos are the way to go.
Slice 12 Jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Fill with 1 cup Cream Cheese + 1 cup shredded Cheddar. Wrap each jalapeno half with a slice of Bacon. Grill until the bacon is crisp and the peppers are tender.
9. Keto-Friendly Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This creamy, cheesy spinach and artichoke dip is perfect for a summer BBQ.
In a bowl, combine 10 ounces thawed and drained Frozen Spinach + 1 can chopped Artichoke Hearts + 8 ounces Cream Cheese + ¼ cup Sour Cream + ¼ cup Mayonnaise + ½ cup Parmesan + 1 cup Mozzarella + 2 minced Garlic cloves + Salt + Pepper. Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
10. Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers
These stuffed mini peppers are a colorful, tasty side dish.
Slice 1 pound Mini Bell Peppers in half and remove the seeds. Fill with a mixture of 8 ounces Cream Cheese + 1 cup shredded Cheddar + ¼ cup sliced Green Onions + 2 minced Garlic cloves. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
11. Keto-Friendly Cauliflower Hummus
This cauliflower hummus is a great low-carb dip for veggies or low-carb pita.
Steam 1 head Cauliflower until tender. Blend with ¼ cup Tahini + ¼ cup Olive Oil + Juice of 1 Lemon + 2 minced Garlic cloves + ½ teaspoon Cumin + Salt to taste. This cauliflower hummus is creamy, tangy, and perfect for dipping.
12. Easy Keto Guacamole
This guacamole is a simple, delicious side dish that’s perfect for a summer BBQ.
Mash ripe 3 ripe Avocados. Mix with 1 medium diced Tomato + ¼ minced Onion + handful of Cilantro + Juice of 1 Lime + 1 minced Garlic clove + Salt + Pepper. This guacamole is creamy, tangy, and perfect for dipping or topping your favorite BBQ dishes.
The Perfect Sides for your Main Course: Keto Side Dishes That Shine
13. Mozzarella Caprese Salad: A Welcome Addition to Any BBQ Meal
Caprese Salad is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for a summer BBQ.
Slice fresh Mozzarella + ripe Tomatoes, then arrange them on a plate with fresh Basil leaves. Drizzle with Olive Oil + Balsamic Reduction, then sprinkle with Salt + Pepper. It’s a refreshing, low-carb side dish that pairs well with any main course.
14. Refreshing Cucumber Salad: The Perfect Addition to your Summer BBQ
Cucumber salad is a refreshing, creamy side dish perfect for a hot summer day.
Slice Cucumbers thinly, then toss with Red Onion slices. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup Sour Cream + 1 tablespoon White Vinegar + 1 teaspoon Sugar-Free Sweetener until smooth. Pour over the cucumbers and onions, toss to combine, and chill before serving – a delicious way to cool down this summer.
15. Cauliflower Casserole
For Cauliflower Casserole, combine steamed Cauliflower + Cream Cheese + shredded Cheddar + Sour Cream + Green Onions + crispy Bacon, then bake until golden and bubbly – delicious, satisfying, and perfect for a BBQ feast.
16. Keto Broccoli and Bacon Salad
This hearty, flavorful broccoli and bacon salad is perfect for a BBQ. Combine 4 cups fresh Broccoli Florets + 6 slices crispy Bacon + ¼ cup chopped Red Onion + ¼ cup Sunflower Seeds + 1 cup shredded Cheddar. Toss with a dressing of ½ cup Mayonnaise + 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar + 1 tablespoon Sugar-Free Sweetener.
17. Grilled Parmesan Zucchini
Grilled Parmesan Zucchini is a simple, flavorful side that comes together quickly on the grill.
Cut 2 large Zucchinis into thick slices. Brush with 2 tablespoons Olive Oil + 2 minced Garlic cloves + Salt + Pepper. Grill until tender, then sprinkle with ½ cup shredded Parmesan. Continue grilling until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
18. Coleslaw with a Keto Twist
Coleslaw is a traditional BBQ side dish, and this version keeps it keto-friendly.
Mix shredded 4 cups Cabbage + 1 cup shredded Carrots + 1 cup Mayonnaise + 2 tablespoons Vinegar + 1 tablespoon Mustard + 1 tablespoon Sugar-Free Sweetener. This coleslaw is tangy, creamy, and perfect for your BBQ feast.
19. Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These stuffed Portobello mushrooms offer an upscale, delicious side dish that’s also keto-friendly.
Remove stems from 4 large Portobello Mushrooms. Fill with 8 ounces sliced fresh Mozzarella + 2 medium chopped Tomatoes + handful of Basil leaves. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons Olive Oil + 1 tablespoon Balsamic Glaze + Salt + Pepper. Grill until the cheese is melted and the mushrooms are tender.
20. Grilled Lemon-Pepper Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a classic BBQ side dish that pairs well with any meat.
Toss 1 pound Asparagus with 2 tablespoons Olive Oil + Juice of 1 Lemon + Pepper + Salt. Grill until charred and tender. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh Lemon Zest.
21. Low-Carb Baked Zucchini Fries
These zucchini fries are a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional fries.
Cut 2 large Zucchinis into fry-shaped pieces. Dip in 2 whisked Eggs, then coat in a mixture of 1 cup Almond Flour + ½ grated Parmesan + 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder + Salt + Pepper. Bake until golden brown and crispy.
Or, try these amazing Jicama Fries recipes for the airfryer.
These Best Keto BBQ Sides are Just the Beginning
Expanding your Keto Side Dish Recipes: A Great Time for Flavorful Salads
22. Avocado and Tomato Salad
This simple and refreshing avocado and tomato salad is perfect for a hot summer day.
Dice 2 ripe Tomatoes + 1 ripe Avocado. Mix with ½ of thinly sliced Red Onion + handful of Cilantro + Juice of 1 Lime + 2 tablespoons Olive Oil + Salt + Pepper. It’s a fresh, tangy side that complements any BBQ main dish.
23. Refreshing Greek Salad
A refreshing Greek salad can be the perfect side dish for your summer BBQ.
To make it: chop up 2 medium fresh Tomatoes + 1 medium Cucumber + ½ Red Onion + 1 medium Bell Peppers. Mix with ½ cup Olives + 4 ounces Feta Cheese + 3 tablespoons Olive Oil + 1 tablespoon Vinegar + Oregano. This salad is bursting with fresh summer flavors and goes well with any grilled meats.
24. Creamy Cucumber and Dill Salad
This creamy cucumber and dill salad is a refreshing side dish that’s perfect for a summer BBQ.
Slice 2 medium Cucumbers thinly. Mix with ½ cup Sour Cream + Juice of 1 Lemon + handful of fresh Dill + Salt + Pepper to taste. It’s a light, refreshing salad that pairs well with any grilled meats.
25. My Favorite Tangy BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad
This tangy, protein-rich BBQ Ranch chicken salad is perfect for BBQ lovers. It’s packed with flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds.
Here’s how to make it: 2 cups diced Grilled Chicken + 4 cups mixed Salad Greens (like romaine, arugula, spinach) + 1 cup halved Cherry Tomatoes + ½ cup diced Cucumber + ¼ cup diced Red Onion + ¼ cup shredded Cheddar Cheese + 2 sliced Hard-Boiled Eggs. Drizzle with your favorite Low Carb BBQ Sauce and Ranch Dressing to taste. Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients.
Enjoy this filling and satisfying dish at your next summer BBQ!
Final Thoughts on Keto Sides: Healthy, Delicious, and Perfect for your Next BBQ
Whether you’re a seasoned keto enthusiast or you’re just starting your low-carb journey, these BBQ side dishes are here to make your summer meals more exciting and enjoyable. They’re perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a quiet dinner on your patio.
From the Creamy Avocado Deviled Eggs to the Tangy BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, each dish is loaded with flavors and fresh ingredients that won’t make you miss the high-carb ones. And the best part? These recipes aren’t just low in carbs – they’re also incredibly tasty and satisfying.
Don’t forget, it’s the simple ingredients and the love you put into your cooking that make the food special. With these recipes, you’ll be sure to please both your taste buds and your dietary needs.
So, fire up your grill, gather your loved ones, and get ready to enjoy a delightful, low-carb feast this summer. Here’s to healthy, delicious food and the joy it brings! Happy grilling!
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