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Whether you’re planning a laid-back family garden BBQ, or you’ve been asked to “just bring a side”, this BBQ sides round-up has plenty of simple, make-ahead ideas to keep everyone happy.

Collage of BBQ side dishes featuring pasta salad, coleslaw, potato salad, and flatbread with text reading 16 Barbecue Sides.

Nicky’s Notes

A woman with long brown hair and a black top smiles at the camera, sitting indoors with a brick wall and some greenery in the background.

When the sun’s out and the BBQ’s fired up, the side dishes are just as important as the mains (don’t tell Chris I said that!).

These BBQ side dishes are the ones I come back to again and again – easy salads, creamy potatoes, crunchy slaws, perfect flatbreads and a few crowd-pleasing extras that always disappear fast.

I’ve also included some bonus sauces for dipping and drizzling!

creamy coleslaw in a bowl. Cheese and cherry tomatoes in the background
4.93 from 13 votes

Homemade Coleslaw Recipe

A quick and easy creamy coleslaw with plenty of crunch – just like those luxury supermarket versions. Made at home in 5 minutes.
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Creamy potato salad in a blue bowl on a wooden table. Chopped vegetables in the background.
5 from 17 votes

Creamy Potato Salad Recipe

Easy Creamy Potato Salad – My dad’s recipe that I’ve been eating (and making) for over 30 years!
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A bowl of tabbouleh salad with bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, and lemon wedges. Wooden salad are nestle in the bowl. The bowl sits next to an orange napkin, on a wooden table.
No ratings yet

Tabbouleh Recipe

A fresh and vibrant salad with bulgur wheat, lots of fresh herbs and tomatoes.
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A square, closeup shot of Asian Slaw. The Asian Slaw is in a large light grey bowl, with a wooden spoon sticking out of the dish. In the top right of the image, you can slightly see a clear glass dish with the remaining dressing in it. This is all set on a dark grey background.
5 from 3 votes

Asian Slaw Recipe

This Asian slaw is my take on a fresh coleslaw with Chinese-inspired flavours. Fresh veggies tossed together in a simple tangy dressing, makes a great side dish for meaty dishes and especially BBQ. Perfect for people who don't like creamy coleslaw.
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Marinated sliced red onions in a glass jar with a metal spoon sticking out. The jar is on a vintage steel surface.
5 from 5 votes

Marinated Onions

Sliced red onions, marinated in red wine vinegar, olive oil and oregano make a fantastic side dish for salads and grilled meats. They're tangy, with a bit of crunch and a lovely silky coating.
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Overhead close-up image of a seasoned baked potato, sliced down the middle. The inside of the potato has been fluffed and there's a knob of melting butter inside. The potato is on a black textured plate.
5 from 3 votes

Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

Did you know you can make baked potatoes in an Air Fryer? Super crispy on the outside and tender and buttery on the inside.
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Square image of two folded flatbreads on a wooden table next to a blue napkin
4.89 from 59 votes

Homemade Flatbread Recipe

Soft, fluffy Greek Pita style flatbreads that are foldable, even when cold. Perfect for homemade Gyros or to serve with souvlaki kebabs.
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Bowl of Tzatziki with a spoon in
5 from 2 votes

Homemade Tzatziki

A refreshing Greek meze or dip, this Tzatziki is easy to make and goes great with grilled meats and pita bread. A must for any barbecue.
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5 from 11 votes

Greek Potato Hash

Greek Potato Hash – A quick and simple dish to serve as a main course or as a side.
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Square, close-up, overhead image of cowboy beans in a white casserole dish with a metal spoon sticking out.
4 from 2 votes

Cowboy Beans

These cowboy beans are hearty, smoky, and packed with flavour. Whether you're cooking over an open fire or in your kitchen on the stovetop, these cowboy beans are sure to hit the spot.
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5 from 3 votes

Panzanella Salad with Saganaki

Panzanella Salad with Saganaki – Italy meets Greece in this juicy Tuscan tomato salad with crispy fried Greek cheese.
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5 from 2 votes

Peach and Pineapple Salsa

Peach and Pineapple Salsa with a Jalapeño kick.
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5 from 1 vote

Guacamole Recipe

Homemade guacamole is creamy and delicious. How to make guacamole? A few ingredients are all you need for this simple guacamole recipe.
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Large bowl of green salad on a wooden surface. Blue napkin and jar of salad dressing is next to the bowl.
5 from 3 votes

Simple Green Salad and Vinaigrette dressing

A simple, vibrant crunchy green salad with easy vinaigrette dressing. A great go-to side dish to serve with dinner.
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Large bowl filled with pasta salad on a light background
5 from 2 votes

Pasta Salad Recipe with Italian Dressing

A simple pasta salad with mozzarella and veggies plus an easy Italian dressing. Customize with whatever you've got in!
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A black bowl filled with crispy potato wedges and a small dish of special sauce for dipping. The bowl is on a dark surface with a blue cloth nearby.
5 from 4 votes

Crispy Potato Wedges

These crispy potato wedges are my go-to when I want proper golden crunch without deep frying. Fluffy inside and crunchy edges.
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Welcome to Kitchen Sanctuary

Hi, I’m Nicky, bestselling author, award-winning recipe creator and food photographer. I love to cook comforting, delicious and easy recipes and share them with you.

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