Keto Side Dishes for BBQ
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Keto Side Dishes for BBQ: Delicious and Healthy Recipes

Summer is here, and with it comes the season of backyard BBQs and picnics. While BBQ is a great way to enjoy delicious food and good company, it can be challenging to find keto-friendly options that won’t compromise your diet. However, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. In this article, we’ll share some tasty and healthy keto side dishes for BBQ that you can enjoy guilt-free.

1. Grilled Zucchini Salad

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable with many benefits that can be grilled, sautéed, or roasted. This keto-friendly side dish is a great way to add some variety to your BBQ menu while keeping your carbs in check.

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium-sized zucchinis, sliced into rounds
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions:

 Keto Side Dishes for BBQ Grilled Zucchini Salad
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the zucchini rounds to the bowl and toss to coat them in the marinade.
  4. Grill the zucchini rounds for 2-3 minutes per side or until they are lightly charred and tender.
  5. Transfer the grilled zucchini to a serving platter and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil.

2. Cauliflower Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic BBQ side dish, but it’s not keto-friendly due to its high carb content. Fortunately, cauliflower makes an excellent substitute for potatoes in this recipe, without sacrificing any of the flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Steam the cauliflower until it is tender but still slightly firm, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the chopped celery, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs to the bowl and stir to combine.
  4. Add the cooled cauliflower to the bowl and toss to coat it in the dressing.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

3. Grilled Asparagus Spears

Asparagus is a low-carb vegetable that is perfect for grilling. These grilled asparagus spears are a quick and easy keto side dish that pairs well with any grilled protein.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb asparagus spears, trimmed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Grilled Asparagus Spears
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Toss the asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Grill the asparagus spears for 3-4 minutes per side or until they are lightly charred and tender.

4. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeño poppers are a popular appetizer, but they often contain high-carb ingredients like bread crumbs or potatoes. These keto-friendly bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a delicious alternative that won’t derail your diet.

Ingredients:

  • 8 jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded
  • 8 slices bacon, cut in half
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 °F.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture.
  4. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a half slice of bacon.
  5. Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the jalapeños are tender.

5. Broccoli Salad

This creamy broccoli salad is a healthy and tasty keto side dish that’s perfect for BBQs and picnics.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped bacon
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Broccoli Salad

Instructions:

  1. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then rinse them under cold water and let them cool.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey mustard, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the blanched broccoli florets, chopped red onion, chopped bacon, and sunflower seeds to the bowl and toss to coat them in the dressing.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

6. Grilled Avocado Halves

Grilled avocado halves are a delicious and healthy side dish that’s full of healthy fats and flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions:

Grilled Avocado Halves
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Brush the avocado halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill the avocado halves for 2-3 minutes per side or until they are lightly charred and tender.
  4. Serve the grilled avocado halves with lime wedges on the side.

7. Caprese Skewers

Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that combines fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. These caprese skewers are a fun and keto-friendly twist on the traditional salad.

Ingredients:

  • 12 cherry tomatoes
  • 12 small fresh mozzarella balls
  • 12 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Thread a cherry tomato, a fresh mozzarella ball, and a fresh basil leaf onto each skewer.
  2. Drizzle the skewers with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.

Conclusion

With these delicious and healthy keto side dishes for BBQ, you can enjoy the summer season without sacrificing your diet. From grilled zucchini salad to bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, there’s a keto-friendly option for every taste preference. These side dishes are not only low in carbs but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or attending a potluck, these dishes will impress your guests and keep you on track with your keto diet.

FAQs

Can I make these side dishes ahead of time?

Yes, many of these side dishes can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve. This makes them perfect for meal prep or for hosting a party.

Can I substitute any of the ingredients in these recipes?

Yes, feel free to substitute any ingredients to fit your personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Just make sure to adjust the nutritional information accordingly.

Are these side dishes suitable for vegetarians?

Most of these side dishes are vegetarian-friendly, but be sure to check the ingredient list to ensure they align with your dietary needs.

Can I grill these side dishes on a charcoal grill?

Yes, these side dishes can be grilled on a charcoal grill for added flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Can I adjust the spice level in these recipes?

Absolutely, adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less of the spicy ingredients such as jalapeños or chili powder.


Rita Williams

Rita Williams

Hey, it’s me Rita! My love for BBQ began at an early age, learning the art of smoking meats from my dad in their small town in Texas. Weekends were filled with smoky aroma of brisket or ribs as family and friends gathered for backyard cookouts.

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