30 Delicious Low Carb Side Dishes for Your Next Barbecue

30 Delicious Low Carb Barbecue Sides for Your Next Cookout

When the weather warms up, it's time to fire up the grill! But traditional barbecue fare is often packed with carbs from starchy sides like potato salad, baked beans and buttery rolls. If you're following a low carb or keto diet, you don't have to miss out on these tasty treats. There are plenty of delicious and easy low carb sides that are perfect for pairing with your grilled meats this summer.

Low Carb Vegetables

Vegetables naturally make fantastic low carb sides. Get creative with different seasonings and cooking methods to liven them up. Here are some tasty options:

Grilled Vegetables

Almost any vegetable takes on delicious flavor when grilled. Try thick slices of zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, eggplant and more. Toss them in a little olive oil, season as desired, then grill until tender. Lemon pepper, garlic powder, oregano, chili powder and cumin are all tasty seasoning options.

Veggie Kebabs

Making colorful veggie kebabs lets you conveniently grill a variety of vegetables at once. Use any combination of your favorites - tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, onions, squash, bell peppers. Slide them onto skewers, brush with oil, then grill. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and fresh herbs.

Cauliflower "Potato" Salad

This fresh take ditches the starchy potatoes for chopped cauliflower florets. Toss them with mayo, mustard, chopped celery, onions, parsley, vinegar and spices. Chill before serving for a cool, creamy dish the whole family will love.

Balsamic Green Beans

In a bowl, toss trimmed green beans with good olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Arrange in a grill basket or pan, then grill over medium high heat until beans begin to char. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.

Tasty Salads

Cool, crisp salads are the perfect accompaniment to saucy barbecue dishes. Whip up flavorful low carb salads with bright vinaigrettes and quality ingredients.

Keto Coleslaw

A creamy, tangy keto coleslaw can easily be made low carb by using thinly sliced cabbage and carrots versus higher carb options like sugar-loaded store-bought kinds. Toss shredded cabbage and carrots with mayo, apple cider vinegar, mustard, erythritol or stevia, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Chill before serving.

Broccoli Bacon Salad

Chopped raw broccoli, bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese and sunflower seeds are tossed in a creamy dressing of mayo, vinegar and sweetener. The crunch of this flavorful salad is irresistible.

Greek Salad

Fresh chopped cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, red onion, olives and feta cheese are tossed with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Add some chicken or shrimp if desired. This Mediterranean favorite is full of garden flavors.

Savory Low Carb Dips

What's a cookout without dips? These flavorful low carb dip options are great with fresh vegetables or pork rinds.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

This cheesy crowd-pleaser can easily be made keto-friendly. Skip the flour and mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, Parmesan, garlic and seasonings until smooth and creamy. Bake until hot and serve with sliced vegetables.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, ranch and cheddar cheese make for the perfect spicy and creamy keto buffalo chicken dip. Serve with celery sticks and peppers.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

All the flavors of the classic appetizer in dip form. Cream cheese, cheddar, chopped bacon, jalapenos, garlic and seasoning baked to gooey perfection. Enjoy with pork rinds or veggie dippers.

Guacamole

Whip up some fresh guacamole in minutes with hass avocados, lime juice, diced onion, tomato, cilantro and spices like garlic, cumin and chili powder. It's a much healthier dip option than many store-bought kinds.

Zesty Low Carb Side Dishes

These flavorful side dishes add excitement to the usual barbecue spread. Plus they're made low carb by using vegetable or cauliflower rice instead of grains.

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Riced fresh cauliflower is tossed in lime juice and zest, olive oil, cilantro and seasoned with salt, garlic and jalapeno for a quick and easy low carb side. Serve chilled or at room temp.

Mexican Street Corn

Traditional elotes get a keto makeover by using riced cauliflower instead of corn. Mix riced raw cauliflower with mayo, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime and spices. Top with bacon crumbles for even more smoky flavor.

Veggie Fried Cauliflower Rice

For a heartier side, saut riced cauliflower with olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil and mix in stir fried veggies like onion, carrots, bell pepper and cabbage. Top with green onions.

Barbecue Baked Beans

You can absolutely have baked beans on keto! Use low sugar baked beans and mix with sauted onion, garlic, bacon, mustard, and liquid smoke. Top with cheddar cheese and bake until bubbly.

Seasoned Low Carb Vegetables

For easy sides, simply seasoning up fresh vegetables adds big flavor. Grill, roast or saut these tasty combos.

Lemon Garlic Asparagus

Fresh asparagus roasted with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper is a quick and delicious low carb side.

Rosemary Roasted Radishes

Thinly sliced radishes roasted with olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper become wonderfully caramelized and sweet. So tasty!

Chili Lime Brussels Sprouts

Shredded Brussels sprouts sauted in olive oil with garlic, lime juice, cumin, chili powder and cilantro is a flavorful and low carb side dish ready in minutes.

Cajun Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets baked with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika and garlic powder makes for a spicy and crispy oven-roasted side.

Savory Low Carb Side Dishes

These hearty dishes are nutrition-packed and satisfying sides for your cookout spread.

Cauliflower Casserole

For a comfort food side, make a cheesy cauliflower casserole by roasting cauliflower florets and mixing with sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar and bacon. Top with Parmesan and breadcrumbs then bake until bubbly.

Zucchini Gratin

Thinly slice zucchini, onions and tomatoes then layer into a baking dish. Make a creamy sauce with heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic and nutmeg and pour over vegetables. Top with mozzarella and breadcrumbs then bake.

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Chopped raw broccoli baked in a creamy cheese sauce makes this classic side dish keto friendly. Mix broccoli with heavy cream, sour cream, cheese, onions, garlic, salt, pepper and any other seasonings.

Buffalo Chicken Jalapeno Poppers

Mix shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, herbs and seasonings then fill halved jalapeos. Top with cheddar and bacon bits then bake until cheese is melted and bubbly. Spicy, cheesy and delicious!

Cool Low Carb Sides

Don't forget cool sides that balance out sticky-sweet barbecue dishes! These refreshing options won't kick you out of ketosis.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A simple salad of sliced cucumbers and tomatoes tossed in a vinaigrette of olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasonings, garlic, salt and pepper. Allow to marinate in the fridge before serving.

Jicama Slaw

For a fresh twist, use shredded jicama instead of cabbage in a classic creamy slaw with mayo, lime juice, cilantro and spices. Jicama has a nice crunch!

Caprese Skewers

Bite-size fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes and basil leaves threaded onto skewers make for a tasty side or appetizer. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction.

Zesty Cucumber Salad

Thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion mixed with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, dill, garlic and spices for a light, tangy salad.

Keto-Friendly Breads and Rolls

You don't have to miss out on bread at a barbecue! Make or buy keto-friendly options.

Low Carb Tortillas

High fiber, low carb tortillas with just 3g net carbs are perfect for tacos or making wraps and sandwiches. Warm them on the grill for extra flavor.

Cauliflower Buns

Make bakery-style sandwich buns by blending riced cauliflower with eggs, cheese and seasonings then baking. Sturdy and delicious for burgers and hot dogs.

Almond Flour Biscuits

Homemade keto biscuits made with almond flour, butter, baking powder and cream cheese are ideal for soaking up barbecue sauces.

Low Carb Dinner Rolls

With flax meal, oat fiber and wheat gluten, you can make keto-friendly soft rolls to serve with your barbecue feast.

Keto-Friendly Low Carb Desserts

You always want something sweet after a savory barbecue meal. Enjoy tasty low carb desserts like these.

Mixed Berry Crumble

Berries baked under an almond flour streusel topping makes for a delightful spring dessert. Serve warm with whipped cream.

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Creamy, rich chocolate pudding can be made low carb with avocado! Blend chocolate, avocado, sweetener, vanilla and milk or cream.

Pecan Pie Bars

A keto take on delicious pecan pie. Make a crust from pecans, butter, sweetener and eggs, fill with pecans and sweetener syrup, and bake. Top with whipped cream.

Grilled Peaches

Simple grilled peach halves topped with whipped cream or low carb ice cream make the perfect light, summery dessert.

With all these amazing options, you'll never feel deprived at a barbecue again while sticking to keto. Enjoy tasty grilled meats along with flavorful and satisfying low carb sides.

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.