Summer is here, and for most of us, it means spending time outdoors with family and friends. Grilling and having a barbecue party is a favorite summer activity for many of us.
And what’s a barbecue party without kabobs? They’re easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. But, while we may spend hours marinating and grilling our meats and veggies, we often forget about the side dishes.
Side dishes can make or break your barbecue party. So, here are 42 easy kabobs side dish ideas that will elevate your summer grilling and take it to the next level.
42 Easy Kabobs Side Dish Ideas
1. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Brush the corn with butter, sprinkle some salt and pepper, grill for 10-12 minutes, and you have yourself a delicious and easy side dish. You can also try these 37 corn-on-the-cob recipes.
2. Mediterranean Salad
This refreshing salad is a perfect side dish for kabobs. It’s light, healthy, and packed with flavors. Mix some arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese in a bowl. Drizzle some olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper, and voila!
3. Grilled Zucchini
Cut the zucchini into chunks, brush with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and grill for 6-8 minutes until tender and browned.
4. Caprese Salad Kabobs
Who doesn’t love caprese salad? Take toothpicks and skewer cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze or olive oil and sprinkle some salt and pepper.
5. Grilled Asparagus
Clean and trim the asparagus and brush it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes until browned and tender.
6. Pineapple Salsa
This sweet and tangy salsa is an excellent complement to your savory kabobs. Mix diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt and pepper in a bowl.
7. Grilled Eggplant
Cut the eggplant into rounds, brush with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and grill for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and soft.
8. Caesar Salad
Toss some fresh romaine lettuce with homemade caesar dressing (or a store-bought one), shaved parmesan, and croutons.
9. Grilled Bell Peppers
Roasting bell peppers on the grill brings out their sweetness and adds a smoky flavor. Cut the peppers into chunks, brush them with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and grill for 8-10 minutes.
10. Greek Yogurt Dip
Mix Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make a creamy and tangy dip.
11. Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Peel and slice sweet potatoes into rounds, brush them with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and grill for 5-6 minutes on each side.
12. Pasta Salad
Cook some pasta, and mix it with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, feta cheese, and Italian dressing.
13. Grilled Mushrooms
Brush the mushrooms with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and grill for 5-6 minutes on each side.
14. Watermelon Feta Salad
Cut watermelon into cubes, mix it with crumbled feta cheese and mint leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze or lime juice.
15. Grilled Tomatoes
Cut the tomatoes in half, brush them with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side.
16. Cucumber Salad
Peel and slice cucumbers, mix them with sliced red onions, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Sprinkle some chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
17. Grilled Onions
Cut the onions into rounds, brush them with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and grill for 4-5 minutes on each side.
18. Roasted Chickpeas
Drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, toss them with olive oil, spices, and salt. Roast them in the oven at 400F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
19. Grilled Squash
Cut the squash into rounds, brush them with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side.
20. Bruschetta
Toast some bread, and top it with diced tomatoes, basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic glaze.
21. Grilled Broccoli
Cut the broccoli into florets, brush them with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and grill for 5-6 minutes on each side.
22. Cilantro Lime Rice
Cook white rice and fluff it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty and aromatic side.
23. Roasted Garlic Potatoes
Roast baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs until they are golden and tender.
24. Coleslaw
Toss shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions with a creamy coleslaw dressing for a refreshing side.
25. Baked Beans
Serve up some classic baked beans, homemade or canned, to add a comforting and savory element to your meal.
26. Tzatziki Sauce
This creamy Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce with dill, garlic, and lemon is perfect for dipping your kabobs.
27. Ratatouille
Make a flavorful vegetable medley with tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, seasoned with herbs and garlic.
28. Lemon Orzo Salad
Cook orzo and mix it with fresh lemon zest, chopped herbs, and cherry tomatoes for a zesty pasta salad.
29. Spinach Strawberry Salad
Toss fresh spinach with sliced strawberries, candied nuts, and a vinaigrette dressing for a light and sweet side.
30. Quinoa Salad
Cook quinoa and toss it with diced cucumbers, red bell peppers, black beans, corn, and a lime-cilantro dressing.
31. Sautéed Spinach
Quickly sauté spinach with garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a healthy and simple side.
32. Tabouli Salad
Combine bulgur, chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, lemon juice, and olive oil for a refreshing Middle Eastern salad.
33. Grilled Artichokes
Grill artichokes until they are tender and smoky, then serve them with a dip, such as aioli or lemon butter.
34. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roast Brussels sprouts with olive oil and balsamic glaze until they are caramelized and crispy.
35. Sweet Cornbread
Bake a batch of sweet and fluffy cornbread to complement the flavors of your kabobs.
36. Roasted Red Potatoes
Roast red potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
37. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Grill corn on the cob, then spread it with a mixture of mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice for a Mexican-inspired side.
38. Mediterranean Rice
Cook long-grain rice with sautéed onions, garlic, and a blend of Mediterranean spices for a flavorful rice dish.
39. Greek Roasted Potatoes
Roast potatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano for a zesty and savory side.
40. Red Cabbage Slaw
Create a colorful slaw with shredded red cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
41. Roasted Carrots
Roast whole or sliced carrots with honey, olive oil, and thyme for a sweet and earthy side dish.
42. Homemade Pickles
Make your own pickles using cucumbers, vinegar, dill, and spices for a tangy and crunchy accompaniment to your kabobs.
Final Thoughts,
From grilled veggies and fruits to refreshing salads and dips, these 42 easy kabobs side dish ideas will make your summer grilling an extraordinary experience. And the best part?
You don’t have to spend hours preparing them. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavors. So, next time you’re hosting a barbecue party, impress your guests with these delicious and colorful side dishes. Happy grilling!
