Health, Recipes

13 Fresh & Flavorful Side Dishes Perfect for Your Outdoor BBQ

The 4th of July conjures up images of sparkling fireworks, lively BBQs, and bountiful tables of yummy eats! Let’s celebrate the day with some vibrant and flavorful dishes that are loaded with fresh produce, packed with nutrients and boasting some zesty flavors!

These are 13 fresh and flavorful side dishes that are perfect for your outdoor BBQ created by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Expect to get compliments and be ready to share the recipe!

Quinoa Edamame Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Healthy Inspiration, Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD

 

Epic Kale Salad with Grapes, Toasted Walnuts and Blue Cheese

Healthy Inspiration, Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD

 

Citrus Asian Coleslaw

Healthy Inspiration, Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD

 

Roasted Roma Tomatoes with Feta and Basil

Healthy Inspiration, Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD

 

Broccoli Hummus Snack Bites

Healthy Inspiration, Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD

 

Wild Rice and Kale Salad

Liz’s Healthy Table, Liz Weiss, MS, RDN

 

Cherry Caprese Pasta Salad

Byte Sized Nutrition, Kara Golis, RDN

 

Corn and Black Bean Salad

Erica Julson, RDN

 

Citrus Quinoa Salad with Prunes

Amy Gorin Nutrition, Amy Gorin, RDN

 

Watermelon Feta Salad

Marisa Moore Nutrition, Marisa Moore, MBA. RDN. LD.

 

Creamy Spring Pea Guacamole

One Hungry Bunny, Katie Pfeffer-Scanlan, RDN

 

Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon

The Real Food RDS, Jessica Beacom, RDN & Stacie Hassing, RDN, LD

 

Cauliflower Tabbouleh Salad

The Real Food RDS, Jessica Beacom, RDN & Stacie Hassing, RDN, LD

As you plan your menu for your picnic or gathering, remember…

Healthy is not a size…it’s a lifestyle.

When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, even on the holidays, the easiest way to set yourself up to make the choices you will feel good about is to make food that is delicious and good for you!  Treats aren’t off limits.  But a whole plate of “treats” and heavy foods is probably not necessary.  Agree?  

You get to steward your physical, emotional and mental well-being every single day.  Consider what treats you want to enjoy and what treats just aren’t worth it.  Read more about how to Fill Up on Fun, Not Food Guilt at You Summer BBQ to determine how you want to celebrate. There is no right or wrong answer…only your answer.  But the ones we are most happy with are the ones we make, not the ones that make us.