33 Tasty Low Carb Sides Perfect for Your Next BBQ or Cookout

Delicious Low Carb Sides Perfect for Your Next BBQ

When firing up the grill for barbecue, you want some tasty low carb sides for bbq to complement the main event without kicking you out of ketosis. Whether hosting a small gathering or large party, these flavorful recipes fit keto, low-carb, gluten-free, and paleo diets.

Veggie Skewers

Vibrant veggie kebabs pair nicely with meats off the grill. Mix and match your favorite low carb vegetables like onions, zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, asparagus, squash, or eggplant. Soak wooden or bamboo skewers beforehand so they don’t burn on the grill.

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

For a simple yet delicious low carb bbq side, cut Brussels sprouts in halves or quarters, coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving. Other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and cabbage work too.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Asparagus spears wrapped in crispy bacon turns this spring vegetable into a crowd-pleasing treat. Grill the bacon-wrapped spears until the asparagus reaches your desired tenderness and the bacon gets brown and sizzly.

Cauliflower Gratin

For an easy substitute to high carb potato dishes, whip up this cheesy cauliflower gratin. Steam bite-size cauliflower florets until just tender then mix with heavy cream, cheese, garlic, and herbs. Top with Parmesan or cheddar before grilling to golden perfection.

Savory Low Carb Salads

Cool, fresh salads balance beautifully when serving hot, juicy barbecue. These low carb sides for bbq salads add heft minus the carbs.

Coleslaw

A touch of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice brightens up the classic summer bbq staple – just ditch the sugary dressing. Shred green and red cabbage along with carrot ribbons. Toss in olive oil, vinegar, mustard seed, salt, and pepper for a tangy kick.

Broccoli Bacon Salad

Chopped raw broccoli florets, crispy bacon pieces, red onion, sunflower seeds, craisins, and shredded cheddar cheese get combined inside a creamy, tangy mayo dressing. The sweet and salty flavors contrast nicely with savory barbecue.

Caprese Salad

Caprese salad truly let’s juicy, ripe tomatoes shine thanks to its simple ingredients of tomato, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. For extra richness, drizzle with pesto sauce or sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the top.

Spice Up Your Grill Game

Who says all the sizzle has to come from the meat? Infuse excitement into your bbq spread by grilling up these unique low carb sides.

Grilled Avocado

Believe it or not, avocados taste fantastic with grill marks! The smoky char contrasts beautifully with the creamy green fruit inside. Slice the avocado longwise, coat the flesh lightly in oil, then grill 2-3 minutes per side.

Mexican Street Corn

Also called elote, this popular Mexican appetizer ditches the corn tortilla for the corn itself. Grill shucked corn cobs over indirect heat, rolling occasionally for even charring on all sides until cooked through. Then coat with spices, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime juice.

Pizza Zucchini Boats

Scoop out zucchini halves or thick cut lengthwise slices to craft little vessels for your favorite pizza toppings. Grill the zucchini bases just long enough to soften. Then fill with tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, cheese, and any other desired toppings before lighting up direct heat to melt everything together.

Lighter Takes on Cookout Classics

You don’t have to forgo comforting cookout staples to stay low carb. Try these healthier substitutes with a fraction of the carbs.

Loaded Cauliflower

All the joy of loaded baked potatoes can get replicated by subbing in cauliflower. Steam riced or mashed cauliflower, then pile on bacon bits, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions. For extra richness, fold in cream cheese, butter, or ranch seasoning.

Grilled Asparagus Fries

Slim green asparagus spears substitute nicely for starchy fries. Toss spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill over direct heat, rolling occasionally until lightly charred and tender. For extra flavor, finish with grated Parmesan cheese or seasoning salt.

Cheesy Squash Bake

Fill your grill’s upper rack with halved zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, and onions tossed in olive oil and minced garlic. Roast indirect heat for 15 minutes until tender. Then mix everything in a casserole dish with heavy cream, cheese, thyme leaves, and crushed pork rinds. Grill the final cheesy veggie bake uncovered just until bubbly.

Keto-Friendly Breads & Crackers

Don’t skip out on biscuits, corn bread, rolls, or bread sticks just because you're avoiding carbs. Bake up these easy low carb alternatives.

Cloud Bread

Light and fluffy cloud bread makes the perfect vessel for juicy bbq sandwiches or dips. Whip eggs whites into stiff peaks then gently fold in cream cheese, sweetener, vanilla, cream of tartar, and salt. Dollop spoonfuls on a parchment lined baking sheet into circle shapes. Grill until puffed and lightly golden.

Cheese Crisps

For quick cracker substitutions, sprinkle shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella over a silicone baking mat in small piles. Bake at 400° until the mounds melt into lacy, crispy rounds. Flavor variations are endless - try everything bagel, ranch, pizza, or Southwest mixes.

Flaxseed Buns

Ground flaxseed combined with egg and seasoning gets shaped into buns for sliding juicy bbq between. Mix the dough, divide into equal pieces, flatten into patties, and grill a few minutes per side until cooked through. Customize flavors with garlic, onion, cheese, or spices.

Sweet Endings

While dessert typically equates to higher carbs, these sweet low carb sides for bbq let you indulge without guilt.

Grilled Peaches

For an easy summer dessert, slice peaches in half, remove pits, brush flesh with melted butter, then grill cut-side down until caramelized char lines appear. The heat intensifies natural sweetness. Drizzle optional melted chocolate over the top for extra decadence.

No Bake Cheesecake

Skip the crust when making cheesecake to pare carbs and prep time. For the filling, blend together cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, sweetener, and lemon until smooth. Chill the thick mixture at least an hour before digging in to rich creaminess.

Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Believe it or not, avocado whips into a lush chocolate mousse when blended with cocoa powder and sweetener. Chill the mix so the healthy fats solidify into a rich, creamy treat. Top with raspberries, almonds, coconut, or sugar-free chocolate sauce.

So go ahead – fire up the grill and savor flavorful barbecue along with these mouthwatering low carb sides for bbq. A keto-friendly cookout lets you skip the carb crash yet still celebrate summer in delicious style.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.