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10 Delicious and Unexpected Salad Recipes for Your Next BBQ

Summer is upon us, and that means BBQ season is in full swing! If you're looking to impress your guests with side dishes that go beyond the usual fare, you're in for a treat. Salads can be bursting with flavors, vibrant colors, and intriguing textures, transforming your BBQ into a feast for the senses. Here are ten delightful salad recipes that are sure to wow your friends and family at your next cookout.

1. Watermelon and Feta Salad

Watermelon and Feta Salad

This refreshing salad brings together the juicy sweetness of watermelon and the rich saltiness of feta cheese. It's a perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day and makes for an eye-catching dish.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of cubed watermelon

  • 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese

  • 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the watermelon cubes and feta cheese together.

  2. Add the chopped mint and lime juice. 

  3. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently.

This standout salad not only tastes delicious but also adds a striking red and white presentation to your table.


2.Grilled Peach Salad

Grilled Peach Salad

Grilling peaches may sound unusual, but this salad showcases the delightful sweetness of peaches, perfectly paired with savory elements.

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted

  • 4 cups of arugula

  • 1/2 cup of goat cheese, crumbled

  • 1/4 cup of balsamic reduction

  • Olive oil, for grilling

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brush peach halves with olive oil and grill them cut-side down for about 4-5 minutes until grill marks appear.

  2. In a large bowl, combine arugula, grilled peaches, and goat cheese.

  3. Drizzle balsamic reduction over the top and season with salt and pepper before serving.

The combination of warm, grilled peaches and peppery arugula creates a flavor explosion that surprises and delights.


3. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

This protein-packed salad is loaded with nutrients and boasts a colorful medley that’s visually appealing.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of cooked quinoa

  • 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 1/2 cup of corn (canned or fresh)

  • 1/4 cup of cilantro, chopped

  • Juice of 2 limes

  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine cooked quinoa, black beans, red bell pepper, and corn in a large mixing bowl.

  2. Add chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.

  3. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until well combined.

This quinoa and black bean salad not only satisfies but also offers a filling dish for everyone at the BBQ, vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.


4. Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

Take your pasta salad to the next level with fresh ingredients inspired by a classic Caprese salad.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of cooked pasta (fusilli or penne work well)

  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 8 oz of mozzarella balls, halved

  • Fresh basil leaves, torn

  • Balsamic vinaigrette to taste

  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

  2. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette and olive oil over the salad. 

  3. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well before serving

This vibrant salad bursts with flavor and provides a beautiful way to enhance any BBQ spread.

5. Thai Mango Salad

Introduce a tropical twist to your BBQ with this sweet and spicy Thai mango salad.

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe mangos, julienned

  • 1/2 red bell pepper, julienned

  • 1 carrot, julienned

  • 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce or soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon of honey

  • Red chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix together the mango, red bell pepper, carrot, and cilantro in a bowl.

  2. In another bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce or soy sauce, honey, and chili flakes.

  3. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve.

The mix of sweet mango with crunchy veggies and zesty dressing makes this salad a standout dish at any BBQ.

6. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Chickpeas are not just for hummus! This salad showcases their heartiness and flavor beautifully.

Ingredients

  • 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained

  • 1 cucumber, diced

  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped

  • 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta in a large bowl. 

  2. Add lemon juice and olive oil. 

  3. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until combined.

This Mediterranean chickpea salad offers a burst of flavor that’s sure to complement your grilled meats and enhance the overall dinner experience.

7. Cabbage and Apple Slaw

Put a fresh spin on traditional coleslaw with this version that includes sweet apples.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of green cabbage, shredded

  • 1 apple, julienned

  • 1 carrot, grated

  • 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons of honey

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine shredded cabbage, apple, and grated carrot in a large bowl.

  2. Whisk together apple cider vinegar and honey in a separate bowl.

  3. Pour the dressing over the slaw, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.

This slaw brings vibrant colors and a burst of flavor that elevates your BBQ spread.

8. Spinach and Strawberry Salad

Fruity salads are always a crowd-pleaser, and this combination of spinach and strawberries creates a refreshing dish perfect for summer.

Ingredients

  • 5 cups of fresh spinach

  • 1 cup of strawberries, sliced

  • 1/4 cup of sliced almonds

  • 1/4 cup of feta cheese, crumbled

  • Balsamic vinaigrette to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, sliced almonds, and feta.

  2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss to combine.

This sweet and tangy salad complements any grilled fare and provides a delightful burst of flavor.

9. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

This elegant salad combines earthy roasted beets and creamy goat cheese for an unexpected taste combination.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium beets, roasted and sliced

  • 4 cups of mixed greens

  • 1/2 cup of goat cheese, crumbled

  • 1/4 cup of walnuts, toasted

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil

  • Balsamic glaze to drizzle

Instructions

  1. Arrange mixed greens on a large platter.

  2. Top with roasted beets, goat cheese, and walnuts.

  3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving.

This visually striking salad adds a touch of sophistication to your BBQ, making it a memorable dish.

10. Asian Noodle Salad

This Asian-inspired noodle salad serves as a flavorful side dish or can even stand alone as a main course.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz of thin rice noodles, cooked

  • 1 red bell pepper, julienned

  • 1 carrot, julienned

  • 1/2 cucumber, julienned

  • 1/4 cup of sesame oil

  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice

  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Toss the cooked rice noodles with the vegetables in a large bowl.

  2. Whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, and lime juice in a separate bowl, then pour over the salad.

  3. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

This unique salad is a refreshing twist that will leave your BBQ guests craving more.

Elevate Your BBQ Experience

These ten unexpected salad recipes are sure to elevate your next BBQ from ordinary to extraordinary! With a variety of flavors, textures, and stunning presentations, these salads will not only complement your grilled dishes but also shine as the highlight of the meal. Feel free to add your own personal touch to these dishes. Enjoy your BBQ, and happy eating!


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