11 Side Dishes for Kabobs to Complete Your BBQ
Kabobs shine at any BBQ. Side dishes make them even better. This post shares 11 easy recipes. Each one pairs well with grilled kabobs.
Fresh flavors and simple steps keep your meal fun. You get salads, veggies, and hearty bites. Prep times stay short. Ingredients stay basic.
Your guests will love the variety. These sides turn a good BBQ into a great one. Pick your favorites and start cooking. Enjoy a complete, tasty spread today.
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1. Grilled Corn on the Cob
About
Grilled corn on the cob brings sweet, smoky flavor to your BBQ. This side dish pairs well with kabobs. Fresh corn gets a quick brush of butter and a sprinkle of salt. It cooks fast on the grill. The charred kernels burst with taste. Friends and family will love this easy addition. It needs little prep and delivers big on satisfaction. Serve it hot off the grill for the best bite. This classic keeps your BBQ simple and fun.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of fresh corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush melted butter over each corn ear.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on corn.
- Place corn directly on grill grates.
- Grill corn for 10-12 minutes.
- Turn corn every 3 minutes for even charring.
- Remove corn from grill when kernels look golden.
- Serve corn hot with extra butter if desired.
2. Cucumber Tomato Salad
About
Cucumber tomato salad adds a cool, crisp bite to your BBQ. This light side dish balances the rich flavors of kabobs. Fresh cucumbers and juicy tomatoes mix with a tangy dressing. It takes minutes to make. The bright colors look great on the table. Guests will enjoy the refreshing taste. This salad stays simple but packs a punch. Perfect for hot days, it keeps everyone happy.
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, sliced
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers and place them in a bowl.
- Chop tomatoes and add them to the bowl.
- Dice red onion and mix it in.
- Whisk olive oil, vinegar, salt, and sugar in a cup.
- Pour dressing over vegetables.
- Toss salad until everything mixes well.
- Chill salad in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Serve salad cold for maximum freshness.
3. Garlic Butter Mushrooms
About
Garlic butter mushrooms bring earthy flavor to your BBQ. This warm side dish complements kabobs with its rich taste. Fresh mushrooms soak up garlic and butter on the grill. They cook fast and smell amazing. Everyone will want seconds. This recipe keeps prep easy and cleanup quick. Serve these juicy bites straight from the foil. It’s a cozy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mushrooms, cleaned
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Clean mushrooms and place them in a bowl.
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and salt in a cup.
- Pour mixture over mushrooms and stir well.
- Lay a large sheet of foil on the counter.
- Spread mushrooms evenly on foil and fold it closed.
- Grill foil packet for 15 minutes.
- Open foil, sprinkle parsley, and serve hot.
4. Potato Salad
About
Potato salad offers creamy comfort at your BBQ. This hearty side dish matches kabobs perfectly. Tender potatoes mix with a tangy dressing. It’s a crowd favorite that feels like home. Prep it ahead to save time. The flavors get better as it sits. Serve it cold for a cool contrast to grilled food. This dish keeps your guests full and smiling.
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes, peeled
- 2 eggs, boiled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Boil potatoes in a pot for 20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and let them cool.
- Chop cooled potatoes into cubes.
- Peel and chop boiled eggs.
- Mix mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add potatoes, eggs, and celery to the bowl.
- Stir everything until well coated.
- Chill salad in the fridge for 1 hour before serving.
5. Grilled Zucchini
About
Grilled zucchini adds a light, smoky touch to your BBQ. This simple side dish works great with kabobs. Fresh zucchini slices grill fast and taste delicious. A splash of oil and seasoning brings out the flavor. It’s healthy and easy to make. Guests will love the tender texture. Serve it warm for a quick, tasty bite. This veggie keeps your meal bright.
Ingredients
- 3 zucchinis, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Slice zucchinis into thick rounds.
- Toss zucchini slices with olive oil in a bowl.
- Sprinkle salt and garlic powder over zucchini.
- Place zucchini slices on grill grates.
- Grill zucchini for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Remove zucchini when grill marks appear.
- Serve zucchini warm with kabobs.
6. Coleslaw
About
Coleslaw delivers crunchy freshness to your BBQ. This classic side dish pairs well with kabobs. Shredded cabbage and carrots mix with a creamy dressing. It’s quick to toss together. The sweet-tangy taste wakes up your plate. Everyone enjoys this cool, crisp option. Make it ahead for easy serving. It’s a BBQ staple that never fails.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Shred cabbage and carrots into a bowl.
- Mix mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and salt in a cup.
- Pour dressing over cabbage and carrots.
- Stir everything until evenly coated.
- Chill coleslaw in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Stir again before serving.
- Serve coleslaw cold with kabobs.
7. Baked Beans
About
Baked beans bring sweet, smoky goodness to your BBQ. This warm side dish matches kabobs with bold flavor. Canned beans get a quick upgrade with bacon and sauce. It cooks fast and fills the air with aroma. Guests will dig into this hearty option. Serve it hot for a cozy bite. This dish keeps your meal satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cans navy beans (15 oz each)
- 4 bacon strips, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook bacon in a pan until crispy.
- Drain beans and pour them into a baking dish.
- Add brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard to beans.
- Stir in cooked bacon and mix well.
- Bake beans in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove beans when sauce thickens.
- Serve beans hot alongside kabobs.
8. Rice Pilaf
About
Rice pilaf offers fluffy, flavorful grains for your BBQ. This side dish complements kabobs with its light taste. Rice cooks with broth and spices for extra punch. It’s simple to make and looks great. Guests will enjoy the warm texture. Prep it on the stove while kabobs grill. Serve it fresh for a filling addition. This dish keeps everyone happy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Dice onion and cook it in butter for 3 minutes.
- Add rice to the pan and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour chicken broth into the pan.
- Sprinkle salt and bring mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork when liquid absorbs.
- Serve rice warm with kabobs.
9. Caprese Salad
About
Caprese salad adds fresh, juicy flavor to your BBQ. This bright side dish pairs well with kabobs. Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil stack up with a drizzle of balsamic. It takes minutes to assemble. The colors pop on the plate. Guests will love the cool taste. Serve it chilled for a refreshing bite. This salad keeps your meal light.
Ingredients
- 3 tomatoes, sliced
- 8 oz mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into rounds.
- Layer tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil on a plate.
- Drizzle olive oil over the stack.
- Add balsamic vinegar on top.
- Sprinkle salt evenly across the salad.
- Chill salad in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Serve salad cold with kabobs.
10. Roasted Peppers
About
Roasted peppers bring bold, sweet flavor to your BBQ. This warm side dish matches kabobs with its smoky taste. Bell peppers roast fast on the grill. A touch of oil keeps them juicy. Friends will enjoy the tender bite. Prep is quick and cleanup is easy. Serve them hot for maximum flavor. This veggie adds color to your spread.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Cut bell peppers in half and remove seeds.
- Brush olive oil on all pepper halves.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over peppers.
- Place peppers on grill, skin side down.
- Grill peppers for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove peppers when skins char slightly.
- Serve peppers warm with kabobs.
11. Pita Bread with Hummus
About
Pita bread with hummus offers a soft, creamy side for your BBQ. This dish pairs perfectly with kabobs. Warm pita dips into smooth hummus for a tasty combo. It’s quick to prep and fun to share. Guests will love the hands-on eating. Serve it fresh for the best texture. This duo keeps your meal lively and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup hummus
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat grill or oven to medium heat.
- Brush olive oil on both sides of pita breads.
- Place pita breads on grill or baking sheet.
- Heat pita for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Spread hummus into a serving bowl.
- Sprinkle paprika over hummus.
- Cut warm pita into wedges.
- Serve pita wedges with hummus alongside kabobs.
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DK Jacks is a passionate food enthusiast, recipe developer, and culinary explorer. With a love for both traditional and innovative flavors, DK brings a fresh perspective to the kitchen. When not experimenting with new ingredients, you’ll find DK capturing food moments through the lens or sharing cooking tips with fellow foodies.🍽️📸✨