10 Irresistible Keto Summer BBQ Side Dishes That Are Both Delicious and Healthy

Summer barbecues are a fantastic way to savor delicious food and warm weather with loved ones. If you're following a keto lifestyle, you don't have to miss out on the fun. Keto BBQ sides are all about using wholesome ingredients that keep you feeling satisfied, from fresh salads to savory grilled veggies. The best time to try these recipes is at your next summer cookout, backyard gathering, or even a casual weekday dinner.

The Keto Advantage: Benefits of a Low-Carb Diet

Before diving into specific recipes, it's helpful to understand the benefits of a keto diet. A ketogenic diet can benefit individuals who are diabetic or insulin-resistant, as it reduces blood sugar and insulin levels. Eating more healthy fats, like in the keto diet, can lead to higher HDL levels (high-density lipoprotein). A keto diet can aid in weight loss. The higher protein and fat meals can make you feel fuller for longer, reducing the amount of snacking. Plus, fatty foods take a longer time to break down in the body. A low-carb diet can aid in weight loss and hormone balance, which are two common symptoms of PCOS.

Key Principles for Keto BBQ Sides

To create the perfect keto-friendly BBQ sides, keep these principles in mind:

Focus on Fresh Veggies: Non-starchy vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and leafy greens are perfect for keto sides.
Use Healthy Fats: Dress your salads with olive oil, avocado, or homemade mayo.
Skip the Sugary Sauces: BBQ sauces and dressings often contain hidden sugars.
Incorporate Cheese and Nuts: Cheese and nuts add texture, flavor, and healthy fats to your sides.

Delicious Keto Summer BBQ Side Dish Recipes

Here are some specific recipes to elevate your next BBQ while staying true to your keto goals:

Stuffed and Dips

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers: Packed with flavor, combining juicy steak, sautéed onions, garlic, and melted mozzarella all nestled in vibrant bell peppers. Each bite is a delicious blend of savory goodness and cheesy indulgence.
Keto Jalapeño Poppers: Spicy jalapeños are stuffed with creamy, cheesy goodness and baked to perfection. Keto Jalapeño Poppers are a simple, low-carb appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion! In this version, you’ll fill your jalapenos with a mixture of cream cheese and sharp cheddar. No breading. Pair this dish with steak or a bun-less burger. One popper contains 13 grams of fat and five grams of protein.
Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip: Hearty and delicious, Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip is the ultimate snack for any occasion. Perfect for family get-togethers, game nights, or whenever you crave something tasty. This creamy, spicy dip is sure to be a hit. You can also use this cheese dip as a condiment on your hamburger or hot dog. You can enjoy this with keto chips or veggies, or layer over chicken breasts for additional protein.
Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip: It combines cream cheese, cheddar, chicken, buttermilk, hot sauce, flour, and spices to create a rich and spicy mixture. If you're looking for a low-effort recipe that will have your guests coming back for seconds, try this crockpot buffalo chicken dip.
Easy Keto Deviled Eggs: Easy Keto Deviled Eggs are the perfect low-carb snack or appetizer, with just 0.5 grams of net carbs per egg half. Made with only 3 simple ingredients. They’re quick to prepare, creamy, and delicious. How Many Carbs in Deviled Eggs with Mayo?
Smoked Shrimp: Transform your next steak night into a surf-and-turf dinner with a side of smoked shrimp. The shrimp are lightly coated in Cajun seasoning and then coated with a delicious garlic butter sauce and cooked to perfection in the smoker. One serving of shrimp contains only one carb and 19 grams of protein.
Moutabal (Smoked Eggplant Dip): With eggplants in season, now’s the perfect time to enjoy Moutabal, a smoky and savory eggplant dip similar to baba ganoush. This easy-to-make dish is bursting with rich flavors and makes a fantastic appetizer or side.
Parmesan Crisps: Upgrade your side of chips with these simple parmesan crisps. Impress your guests with this recipe for a combination of chips-meets-spicy nachos.
Low-Carb Guacamole: For chunky, traditional guacamole, use this low-carb recipe.

Salads

Shepherd's Salad (Çoban Salatası): Offers a refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors that make it a beloved staple from the rural kitchens of Turkey. Perfect for warm summer days.
Broccoli Salad: Broccoli Salad features crisp broccoli, salty bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a tangy dressing. This delicious combination is perfect for potlucks.
Cilantro Lime Slaw: Cilantro Lime Slaw is incredibly easy to make! With a bag of coleslaw mix, fresh cilantro, and limes, you can whip up a tangy, refreshing slaw in just 5 minutes.
Broccoli Crunch Salad: Broccoli Crunch Salad is a delightful mix of fresh broccoli, crunchy almonds, flavorful bacon, and bits of onion, all tossed in a creamy dressing that's perfectly sweet and tangy.
Tomato Zucchini Salad: Tomato Zucchini Salad is a light, refreshing dish full of vibrant flavors. Packed with nutrition, it’s quick and easy to make in less than 10 minutes. The crisp zucchini and juicy tomatoes blend perfectly, making this salad a great addition to any meal.
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing, quick, and easy dish to prepare. Made with just a handful of fresh ingredients, it’s bursting with vibrant flavors.
Healthy Cobb Salad: Healthy Cobb Salad with blue cheese, boiled eggs, and crispy bacon, tossed in a delicious dressing, is a classic American favorite that never disappoints. You can add or omit ingredients based on personal taste or dietary restrictions. This restaurant-style salad features juicy chicken, fresh greens, and bold flavors.
Kalyn’s Keto Coleslaw Recipe: Kalyn’s Keto Coleslaw Recipe is the perfect low-carb side dish to pair with any protein. Even in a family where most don’t watch carbs. This coleslaw will be a hit! This low carb coleslaw takes just a handful of ingredients and it’s so simple!
Loaded Cauliflower Potato Salad: Loaded Cauliflower Potato Salad is a low-carb twist on the classic that’s so delicious, you won’t miss the potatoes! Packed with flavor-enhancing ingredients, it’s creamy, satisfying, and perfect for any gathering. This cauliflower potato salad is loaded with grated cheddar and crispy bacon. The cauliflower is roasted and combined with mayo, mustard, pickles, hard-boiled eggs, celery, and green onion. It's a delicious lighter version of a summertime classic and makes the perfect side dish for your next grill out.
Cucumber Dill Salad: Cucumber Dill Salad is a refreshing mix of crisp cucumber slices, tangy red onions, and plenty of fresh dill, all coated in a flavorful homemade dressing. Dressed with a light, tangy oil-and-vinegar mixture and seasoned with herbs, these cucumber slices make a cool summer side dish. This Greek cucumber salad is so light and refreshing. This cool and creamy cucumber salad recipe is made with fresh cucumbers, red onions, garlic, and sour cream.
Avocado-Chopped Salad: If you're craving something light and refreshing, try this avocado-chopped salad recipe. All you need to do is chop and combine your avocado, bell peppers, cucumber, zucchini, and tomatoes, and assemble your vinaigrette dressing. It takes about 10 minutes and requires minimal cleanup.
Cucumber Caprese Salad: This cucumber caprese salad is loaded with minerals and light enough to eat in the summer heat.
Artichoke Salad: This quick and easy artichoke salad calls for less than 10 ingredients and takes only 15 minutes to make. It uses spinach, char-grilled artichokes, tomatoes, and fresh burrata cheese, and is served with a simple vinaigrette dressing. Pair this salad with salmon or tilapia for a refreshingly light meal.
Broccoli and Bacon Salad: This broccoli and bacon salad is so creamy and flavorful, you might just forget that you're eating vegetables. It combines broccoli florets with smoked bacon lardons, sunflower seeds, red onion, cheddar cheese, and mayo. This low carb broccoli salad is the perfect side dish for any barbecue.
Cold Cauliflower Salad: This cold cauliflower salad is packed with fresh veggies, salami, and pepperoni.
Kale Salad with Blueberries and Almonds: This light and tangy salad is full of low-carb fruits. It's a solid choice for you to enjoy before dinner or as a side to a protein-rich entree. Plus, it suits many diets, such as gluten-free, vegan, and whole30. All you need is kale, red cabbage, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, green onion, an apple, and sliced almonds.
Fresh Vegetable Salad with Homemade Dressing: This fresh and colorful low carb side dish is delicious served warm or cold. I get lots of compliments on the homemade dressing.

Vegetables

Instant Pot Broccoli: Ready in under 15 minutes, this foolproof method for perfectly steamed Instant Pot Broccoli is great for a BBQ side. Quick, easy, and delicious, it pairs beautifully with grilled dishes, adding a healthy and vibrant touch to your spread.
Vegan Mashed Cauliflower: Creamy, soft, and filling, Vegan Mashed Cauliflower is the perfect lower-carb alternative to classic mashed potatoes. Seasoned with spices and fresh garlic. It’s a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs wonderfully with just about any meal. I couldn’t shake my mashed potato habit-until I tried mashed cauliflower with a similar consistency. I started making my own, and my family loves it. Fortunately, you can use cauliflower for the noodles and this low-carb mac and cheese recipe. You’ll create a keto-friendly version that’s just as - if not more - delicious than your old recipe. Using celery root instead of potatoes gives you the same crunchy-yet-soft consistency of french fries. The good news is low-carb veggies like turnips and cauliflower make incredible faux mashed potatoes.
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Ditch the carbs with this keto-friendly Zoodle recipe! Fresh and light, these zucchini noodles are topped with juicy tomatoes, shredded chicken, creamy goat cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Zucchini Noodles, or Zoodles, are a healthy, gluten-free, and low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Packed with nutrients, they’re light yet satisfying.
Raw Courgette Ribbon Salad: Delicious raw courgette ribbon salad is a refreshing blend of lemon and herbs, offering a light and healthy dish. This easy recipe is perfect whether you're using garden-fresh courgettes or store-bought.
Green Bean Casserole: The best easy Green Bean Casserole recipe requires just 7 fresh ingredients and 30 minutes to make. This healthy, made-from-scratch side dish is perfect for any meal, offering a delicious and wholesome alternative to traditional versions. Fresh green beans are wrapped in bacon and covered in a sweet sauce in this fast and simple side dish. Every time I take these bacon-wrapped green beans to a luncheon or family dinner, people beg me for the recipe.
Roasted Zucchini and Tomatoes: Roasted Zucchini and Tomatoes is a quick and easy side dish that's both healthy and delicious. With just 8 ingredients and 20 minutes. This gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly recipe is perfect for any meal.
Grilled Broccoli Steaks: Broccoli steaks become beautifully charred, tender, and crispy on the grill, making them a standout BBQ side dish. Topped with savory bagna cauda, they’re bursting with flavor and offer a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional grilled sides.
Curried Grilled Cauliflower and Red Peppers: Curry comes alive on the BBQ with this flavorful stir fry of cauliflower and red peppers! The smoky grill enhances the spices, creating a vibrant and delicious dish.
Crunchy Lemon Roasted Crack Broccoli: Addictively delicious, Crunchy Lemon Roasted Crack Broccoli is bursting with tangy, cheesy flavor while being dairy-free, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.
Dry Pot Cauliflower: Dry Pot Cauliflower is a bold and flavorful Sichuan dish that makes an excellent BBQ side. With tender cauliflower, garlic, chili peppers, and savory pork belly slices, it adds a spicy and aromatic kick to your spread.
Celery Sticks with Cream Cheese: Celery sticks stuffed with cream cheese, bacon, herbs, and cheddar cheese are outrageously good! Served as an appetizer or snack.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans: Roasted green beans with parmesan cheese are an easy and delicious side that family members of all ages can enjoy. It only requires a few ingredients and a little prep time, making it a great no-fuss option. All you need is green beans, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oil or butter, and cheese - it's that simple.
Portobello Mushrooms with Ricotta and Spinach: If you're a fan of portobello mushrooms, you'll love this recipe. It's quick and easy, only containing five ingredients. The plump portobello mushrooms are oven-baked with a creamy filling of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, spinach, and fresh garlic. For a higher protein option, you can swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese.
Zucchini Fries: These zucchini fries get so crispy in the air fryer in just 10 minutes. These zucchini fries are as flavorful as the real thing but only contain four grams of net carbs. To make these fries, you only need four ingredients, including zucchini, egg whites, Parmesan, and Cajun seasoning. You can pair these fries with a spicy Cajun aioli and animal-style burgers, or enjoy with a ribeye.
Rutabaga Fries: If you're not a fan of the flavor or texture of zucchini, you might want to try these rutabaga fries. This recipe only takes five minutes of prep time and contains just two main ingredients - rutabaga and avocado oil. Add salt and pepper for a classic fry flavor, or you can get adventurous with salt and vinegar or any other seasonings of your choice.
Braised Kale with Pancetta and Garlic: This healthy side dish is a tasty way to get your greens - and five grams of fiber per serving. The pancetta and garlic give the dish its savory flavor. Plus, braised kale is highly versatile and pairs well with chicken or seafood dishes.
Keto Onion Rings: These keto onion rings have the look, flavor, and texture of the original rings. They're perfect next to a bun-less burger and paired with sugar-free ketchup or ranch. The breading is made from almond flour and Parmesan, giving it a salty flavor and crisp texture. One serving of these rings contains seven net carbs and nine grams of protein.
Broccoli Tots with Keto Ranch Dip: These small bites are filled with fresh broccoli and served with a tasty keto ranch dip. To create the tator-tot-like texture, you'll need to combine your broccoli mixture with almond flour and cheddar. Once all ingredients are combined, roll them into little balls and bake in the oven until light golden brown. You can enjoy these as a healthy game day snack, or pair them with keto burgers or meatloaf.
Roasted Eggplant: This roasted eggplant recipe is simple, easy, and comes out with perfect caramelized flavor every time. It contains minimal ingredients, requiring only eggplant, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Cheesy Garlic Asparagus: This cheesy garlic asparagus is a great easy keto side dish recipe that pairs well with any protein. Tender asparagus is roasted in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper then topped with smoked cheddar and mozzarella cheese. This asparagus comes out so tender and flavorful thanks to the garlic and Parmesan.
Creamed Spinach: This creamed spinach recipe may convert any spinach hater into a fan. The key to nailing this dish is to not overcook the spinach - and use plenty of cream.
Bacon-Filled Garlicky Brussel Sprouts: Upgrade your basic brussel sprouts recipe for this bacon-filled garlicky side dish.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Whether you're hosting a game day or want a fun snack, these buffalo cauliflower bites are sure to be a hit. They're just as flavorful and spicy as wings but are easier to eat and lower in calories. Serve with blue cheese dressing or ranch for extra flavor.
Roasted Green Beans with Parmesan Cheese: Roasted green beans with parmesan cheese are an easy and delicious side that family members of all ages can enjoy. It only requires a few ingredients and a little prep time, making it a great no-fuss option. All you need is green beans, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oil or butter, and cheese - it's that simple.
Simple Citrus-Marinated Olives: You can't go wrong with simple citrus-marinated olives. This recipe only takes 10 minutes, yet is full of fresh flavor and warm spices. With fresh lemon and orange zest, and crushed red pepper flakes, your tastebuds will be bursting with flavor.
Keto Cornbread: This keto cornbread surprisingly has no corn in it, but still tastes like the real deal. Surprisingly, this recipe contains only seven ingredients: coconut flour, butter, heavy cream, eggs, sugar substitute, salt, and baking soda. Bake in a cast iron skillet and top with butter for a mouthwatering low-carb cornbread alternative.

Other Ideas

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: You can still enjoy your favorite comfort dishes while following a keto diet. This cauliflower mac and cheese is gooey, buttery, and cheesy, and only takes 45 minutes to make over the stove. Extra creamy and cheesy cauliflower mac and cheese! Fortunately, you can use cauliflower for the noodles and this low-carb mac and cheese recipe. You’ll create a keto-friendly version that’s just as - if not more - delicious than your old recipe.
Smashed Cauliflower: Smashed cauliflower serves as an excellent substitute for potatoes. It's gluten-free, vegetarian, and only contains five ingredients. The boiled cauliflower is combined with salt, pepper, sour cream, and fresh chives, creating a delectable side dish.
Hearts of Palm Rice Risotto: You might be surprised to discover this rich and creamy risotto is both dairy and gluten-free. Instead of using risotto, this recipe calls for hearts of palm rice, a light and fluffy, low-carb substitution.
Keto Bread: This keto bread is light, fluffy, and made in just 90 seconds. For this recipe, you'll need almond flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and an egg - that's it. Melt the butter first, then combine the rest of the ingredients and microwave. This recipe contains only 10 carbs and 15 grams of protein per serving.
Almond Flour Tortilla Chips: A homemade, two-ingredient tortilla-like chip that has only two net carbs per serving? Yes, please. The chip is made of almond flour, mozzarella cheese, and whichever spices you prefer to add. You can enjoy these chips as a snack, or pair them with carne asada and guacamole for your next taco Tuesday.
Zucchini Roll-Ups: These zucchini roll-ups are a delicious low-carb snack or meal option you and your whole family can enjoy. The roasted zucchini is filled with a creamy ricotta and parmesan filling, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella. They take about 45 minutes to make and only contain 12 carbs per serving.

The Ease of Keto BBQ Sides

These keto summer BBQ sides are not just about following a diet, they’re about enjoying fresh, vibrant flavors that pair perfectly with your BBQ spread. With minimal prep time and ingredients you’ll love, you can easily create sides that complement any main dish. These KETO SUMMER SIDE DISHES are perfect for hot summer nights or family get-togethers!

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Make it Even Easier: Meal Delivery Options

Sometimes, you might not have the time or energy to cook a creative, nutritious, and delicious keto side dish. If this is the case, let Meal Village do the cooking for you. With Meal Village, there's no more chopping, cooking, or cleaning. Instead, they will deliver fresh, ready-to-go, heat-and-eat meals and apps right to your doorstep. Each recipe is made fresh daily right in Meal Village's Chicago kitchen and delivered within the same day. Plus, there are no commitments or subscriptions, just simply order online or over the phone. Tasty, healthy, low-carb meals and side dishes that will impress your guests just became a lot more attainable.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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