25 Keto Side Dishes for BBQ: Ultimate Summer Recipes

We all know that there’s nothing quite like gathering around the grill with friends and family during the warm summer months. But what are some keto-friendly BBQ sides for summer? Well, you’re in luck. Here is a mouthwatering list of low carb, keto friendly side dishes that will not only make your BBQ feast a crowd-pleaser but also keep you on track with your ketogenic lifestyle.

Some of the recipes include: Cauliflower Potato Salad, Brussels Sprouts and Green Beans, Creamy Avocado Deviled Eggs, Tangy BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, and Grilled Parmesan Zucchini.

Whether you’re new to the keto diet or a seasoned veteran, sometimes finding delicious and easy-to-prepare low carb recipes can be a challenge, especially when it comes to the traditional BBQ parties that we all love. The good news? BBQ and keto can coexist, and in fact, they can be a match made in culinary heaven. From fresh salads to grilled veggies and creative takes on classics, these keto side dishes will make your summer BBQs both healthy and spectacularly tasty. Ready to meet your new favorite BBQ companions?

The Basics of Keto and BBQ

The keto diet is more than just swapping out your favorite dishes with low-carb recipes. It’s about promoting a healthier lifestyle and transforming your relationship with food. By reducing your intake of carbs and increasing fats, your body enters a metabolic state known as ketosis, which promotes fat burning for energy.

A great summer BBQ has always been about the feast, the people, and, most importantly, the food. It’s also the perfect way you can enjoy this feast on a ketogenic diet. With the right recipes and ingredients, your usual BBQ can turn into a healthy, keto-friendly gathering. No freaking out or breaking your diet required!

Transforming Traditional BBQ Parties with Keto-Friendly Side Dishes

One of the best parts of a BBQ meal is the side dishes. For your next BBQ party, consider swapping out those traditional high-carb ingredients with low-carb substitutes. There are plenty of flavorful and satisfying keto-friendly alternatives that will delight your taste buds and keep you feeling full without going over your daily carb limit.

Traditional side dishes like pasta salads, French fries, and potato salads are staples at any BBQ feast. But they are often loaded with carbs. So, what’s a keto dieter to do? This is your chance to get creative and offer a delicious range of low-carb side dishes that are a welcome addition to any BBQ meal and will be a hit with the whole family.

The Best Keto Side Dish Recipes for Your Next BBQ

1. Cauliflower Potato Salad

A healthy twist on the traditional potato salad, this cauliflower version is just as creamy and satisfying, without all the carbs.

Here’s how to make it: Steam one head Cauliflower until tender + let it cool. In a large bowl, combine Cauliflower + ½ cup Mayonnaise + ¼ cup Sour Cream + 1 tablespoon Mustard + chopped Celery + diced Red Onions + fresh Dill. Stir in a few hard-boiled Eggs and season with Salt + Pepper to taste. Chill for an hour before serving, your low-carb answer to the potato salad is ready.

2. Brussels Sprouts and Green Beans

Bring some freshness and char to your BBQ with these grilled Brussels sprouts and green beans.

First, prepare your veggies: halve Brussels Sprouts + toss with Olive Oil + Salt + Pepper. Similarly, mix Green Beans with Olive Oil + Lemon Zest + Sea Salt. Grill both on medium heat until they’re charred and tender – a fresh, low-carb side dish packed with nutrients and flavors.

3. Air Fryer Asparagus

Your Air Fryer and Instant Pot can also serve up some fantastic keto-friendly sides.

For a delicious Air Fryer Asparagus, simply toss Asparagus in Olive Oil + Salt + Pepper, then air fry until crispy.

4. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

For an Instant Pot Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, cut 1 large head Cauliflower into florets + Steam in your Instant Pot with 1 cup water + Remove cauliflower and set aside + Prepare cheese sauce by setting Instant Pot to saute + Mix 2 ounces Cream Cheese + 2 cups Cheddar Cheese + 1 cup Heavy Cream + ½ cup Parmesan Cheese + 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard + ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder + ½ teaspoon Onion Powder + Stir in steam cauliflower – it’s a low-carb alternative to the classic mac and cheese.

5. Cream Cheese Cauliflower Rice

For a comforting side dish that’s rich and creamy but still low on carbs, try this Cream Cheese Cauliflower Rice.

Sauté riced Cauliflower in a skillet with Olive Oil until tender. Season with Salt + Pepper + a touch of Garlic Powder. Stir in 1 ounce Cream Cheese until it melts and mixes evenly with the cauliflower. Top it off with chopped Fresh Herbs, and you have a low-carb, creamy side dish ready in minutes.

6. Low-Carb Veggies Skewers

Vegetable skewers are a fun, colorful way to incorporate more veggies into your BBQ.

Cut 2 medium Zucchinis + 2 medium Yellow Squashes + 2 Bell Peppers into chunks + then thread onto skewers with 1 pint of Cherry Tomatoes + 8 ounces Button Mushrooms + Brush with a mix of ¼ cup Olive Oil + 3 cloves minced Garlic + 1 teaspoon each of dried Oregano, Thyme, and Rosemary + Grill until tender and slightly charred – a delightful addition to your BBQ feast.

7. Creamy Avocado Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are always a crowd-pleaser, and this keto-friendly version is no exception.

Here’s how to prepare them: Boil 8 Eggs until hard, cool, and peel. Cut in half lengthwise + scoop out yolks into a bowl. Combine yolks + 1 Avocado + 1 teaspoon Lime Juice + Salt + Pepper. Fill each egg white half with the avocado mixture and garnish with Paprika and Chives.

8. Cheddar-Stuffed Jalapenos Wrapped in Bacon

For a spicy, smoky, and cheesy side dish, these bacon-wrapped jalapenos are the way to go.

Slice 12 Jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Fill with 1 cup Cream Cheese + 1 cup shredded Cheddar. Wrap each jalapeno half with a slice of Bacon. Grill until the bacon is crisp and the peppers are tender.

9. Keto-Friendly Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This creamy, cheesy spinach and artichoke dip is perfect for a summer BBQ.

In a bowl, combine 10 ounces thawed and drained Frozen Spinach + 1 can chopped Artichoke Hearts + 8 ounces Cream Cheese + ¼ cup Sour Cream + ¼ cup Mayonnaise + ½ cup Parmesan + 1 cup Mozzarella + 2 minced Garlic cloves + Salt + Pepper. Bake until bubbly and golden brown.

10. Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

These stuffed mini peppers are a colorful, tasty side dish.

Slice 1 pound Mini Bell Peppers in half and remove the seeds. Fill with a mixture of 8 ounces Cream Cheese + 1 cup shredded Cheddar + ¼ cup sliced Green Onions + 2 minced Garlic cloves. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

11. Keto-Friendly Cauliflower Hummus

This cauliflower hummus is a great low-carb dip for veggies or low-carb pita.

Steam 1 head Cauliflower until tender. Blend with ¼ cup Tahini + ¼ cup Olive Oil + Juice of 1 Lemon + 2 minced Garlic cloves + ½ teaspoon Cumin + Salt to taste. This cauliflower hummus is creamy, tangy, and perfect for dipping.

12. Easy Keto Guacamole

This guacamole is a simple, delicious side dish that’s perfect for a summer BBQ.

Mash ripe 3 ripe Avocados. Mix with 1 medium diced Tomato + ¼ minced Onion + handful of Cilantro + Juice of 1 Lime + 1 minced Garlic clove + Salt + Pepper. This guacamole is creamy, tangy, and perfect for dipping or topping your favorite BBQ dishes.

13. Mozzarella Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for a summer BBQ.

Slice 8 oz fresh Mozzarella + 3 ripe Tomatoes, then arrange them on a plate with ½ cup fresh Basil leaves. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons Olive Oil + 1 tablespoon Balsamic Reduction, then sprinkle with Salt + Pepper. It’s a refreshing, low-carb side dish that pairs well with any main course.

14. Refreshing Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad is a refreshing, creamy side dish perfect for a hot summer day.

Slice 2 Cucumbers thinly, then toss with ½ cup Red Onion slices. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup Sour Cream + 1 tablespoon White Vinegar + 1 teaspoon Sugar-Free Sweetener until smooth. Pour over the cucumbers and onions, toss to combine, and chill before serving – a delicious way to cool down this summer.

15. Cauliflower Casserole

For Cauliflower Casserole, combine 1 large head of steamed Cauliflower + 8 oz Cream Cheese + 1 cup shredded Cheddar + ½ cup Sour Cream + ¼ cup chopped Green Onions + 6 slices crispy Bacon, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly – delicious, satisfying, and perfect for a BBQ feast.

16. Keto Broccoli and Bacon Salad

This hearty, flavorful broccoli and bacon salad is perfect for a BBQ.

Combine 4 cups fresh Broccoli Florets + 6 slices crispy Bacon + ¼ cup chopped Red Onion + ¼ cup Sunflower Seeds + 1 cup shredded Cheddar. Toss with a dressing of ½ cup Mayonnaise + 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar + 1 tablespoon Sugar-Free Sweetener.

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