Grilled Side Dish Recipes - Cooking Light

1305 Italian Grilled Zucchini and Red Onion

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

If you've got your grill going for your main dishes, why not grill your sides, too? Plenty of fruits and vegetables are improved with a bit of char, giving them an entirely new taste you and your cookout guests will love. Vegetables that are stuffed or put on skewers get beautiful grill marks, but benefit most from the smokiness added through the cooking process. Fruits also can be grilled, with the high heat caramelizing the natural sugars for an irresistible side or dessert.

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Grilled Peaches with Honey Cream

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Grilled Peaches with Honey Cream

Whether fruit, vegetable, or meat, pretty much anything can be improved by grilling. Adding a deep smoky flavor to recipe ingredients, like salad or dip components, results in dynamic dishes that are sure to please. Or just choosing more unusual foods to grill (pineapple, anyone?) can provide an interesting side that will leave guests talking.

Grilling brings out the sweetness in peaches, and the caramelization created by the fruit on the searing hot grates adds a bittersweet bite you'll never forget. You can use apricots or nectarines instead of peaches if you have those. Garnish with mint, if desired.

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Charred Bean Salad

Photo: Caitlin Bensel

View Recipe: Charred Bean Salad

If you can find long beans at a farmers or Asian market, cook them directly on hot grill grates. Otherwise, put string beans in a grill basket set over high. The salad will keep for 2 days in the fridge. Make a weekly stash of this vinaigrette, a sweet, sour, salty, spicy, smoky condiment to spoon over grilled veg, fish, and pork.

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Grilled Tempeh Skewers

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

View Recipe: Grilled Tempeh Skewers

The salty-sweet glaze complements the nutty, slightly tangy flavor of the tempeh. If you've never experimented with this soybean cake before, this is a good recipe to start with.

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Crab-Stuffed Grilled Bell Peppers

Photo: Erin Kunkel

View Recipe: Crab-Stuffed Grilled Bell Peppers

This fast appetizer combines stuffed mini bell peppers and creamy crab dip into one pretty, portable bite. Use multicolored peppers for extra pop.

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Andrew Zimmern's Grilled Corn and Snap Pea Salad

Photo: Christopher Testani

View Recipe: Grilled Corn and Snap Pea Salad

You can assemble this salad the day before you plan to serve it, but toss in dressing just before serving to keep Zimmern's salad as crisp as he intended.

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Grilled Eggplant Planks With Miso Aioli

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Grilled Eggplant Planks With Miso Aioli

Grilling eggplant allows its flavor to really shine, but our four simple toppings take this speedy side to the next level. Top it with Miso Aioli, Sherry Vinaigrette, Creole Salsa, or Creamy Lemon-Garlic Dressing. Be sure to choose smaller eggplants; they'll be easier to slice and easier to handle on the grill.

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Grilled Baba Ghanoush

Photo: Erin Kunkel

View Recipe: Grilled Baba Ghanoush

Grilling the eggplant adds a charred note to this classic Middle Eastern dip. Let the slices steam after cooking so the flesh becomes even more tender. Serve with toasted pita, slices cucumber, or fennel.

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Garlic-Lime Grilled Corn

Photo: Randy Mayor

View Recipe: Garlic-Lime Grilled Corn

A garlic and lime sauce adds delicious flavor to grilled corn, making for a perfect barbecue side.

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Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños

Photo: Jennifer Causey Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

View Recipe: Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños

Ditch the deep-fryer for the grill in this lightened version of the typically breaded and fried party favorite. While our recipe cuts calories, fat, and sodium, we’ve still managed to sneak in crumbled bacon and plenty of cheesy goodness.

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Prosciutto-Wrapped Grilled Okra

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Prosciutto-Wrapped Grilled Okra

A sweet-tangy balsamic glaze makes this summertime appetizer irresistible. Using two skewers for the wrapped okra makes it easier to flip on the grill.

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Grilled Green Onions with Corn and Tarragon

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Grilled Green Onions with Corn and Tarragon

This combo goes well with grilled chicken or flank steak. Or serve with grilled zucchini planks.

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Grilled Corn on the Cob With Roasted Jalapeño Butter

Photo: Anna Williams

View Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cob with Roasted Jalapeño Butter

Charring the pepper eases the heat, yielding a versatile, not-too-spicy butter.

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Smoky Red Pepper Dip with Grilled Crudités

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Smoky Red Pepper Dip with Grilled Crudités

Step aside, boring crudités—enter deliciously crunchy, lightly charred fennel and broccoli paired with grilled bread and juicy tomatoes.

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Grilled Watermelon and Halloumi Salad with Minty Green Beans

Photo: Hector Sanchez

View Recipe: Grilled Watermelon and Halloumi Salad with Minty Green Beans

If your farmers' market doesn't have slender haricots verts, grab a handful of regular green beans and cook them a couple of minutes longer. Halloumi is a wonderfully salty-nutty cheese that's firm enough to stand up to grilling; if you can't find it, use ricotta salata or queso fresco.

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Grilled Asparagus with Fried Eggs and Pancetta

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Grilled Asparagus with Fried Eggs and Pancetta

Asparagus and fried eggs are a classic springtime combo for good reason—they're delicious together. Medium-thick asparagus spears will char nicely outside while staying crisp-tender within.

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Grilled Zucchini with Sea Salt

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Grilled Zucchini with Sea Salt

For more tender zucchini, leave slices in the pan an extra 1 minute on each side. When the flesh starts to look translucent, the zucchini is done.

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Grilled Eggplant with Freekeh Pilaf

Photo: Jason Varney

View Recipe: Grilled Eggplant with Freekeh Pilaf

Pomegranate molasses brings tartness, and the feta adds a salty finish to this hearty side dish. Find the molasses where you buy Middle Eastern ingredients, or substitute balsamic glaze. Freekeh is a whole-grain cracked wheat with a nutty flavor and texture. If you can't find it, bulgur will work as well.

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Grilled Zucchini Caprese Stacks

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Grilled Zucchini Caprese Stacks

What a showcase for garden treasures! Rainbow layers of veggies benefit from extra basil tucked in between for more flavor. Grilling brings out earthy tones that are balanced out by the tangy-sweet balsamic glaze.

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Lemony Grilled Potato Salad

Photo: Romulo Yanes

View Recipe: Lemony Grilled Potato Salad

Grilling the vegetables brings unexpected smokiness to a familiar picnic staple.

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Grilled Baby Eggplants with Green Onion Salsa

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Grilled Baby Eggplants with Green Onion Salsa

If you can't find Indian eggplants, as we used here, go for small, slender Japanese eggplants instead.

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Miso Grilled Vegetables

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Miso Grilled Vegetables

Miso adds worlds of savory depth to fresh grilled vegetables.

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Spicy Grilled Mango with Chiles and Crema

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Lindsey Lower

View Recipe: Spicy Grilled Mango with Chiles and Crema

Grilled mango is a charred sweet treat, and here we top the gently charred slices with chiles, cilantro, and tangy Mexican crema. This quick dish is a study in balance: Sweet, spicy, sour, and salty flavors come together harmoniously and for maximum effect. Look for Mexican crema in the supermarket dairy section or in ethnic markets, or substitute crème fraîche.

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Grilled Sweet Potato and Napa Cabbage Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Grilled Sweet Potato and Napa Cabbage Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

To save time, you could also cook the pumpkin seeds in a skillet directly on the grill.

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Grilled Eggplant with Moroccan Spices

Photo: Iain Bagwell

View Recipe: Grilled Eggplant with Moroccan Spices

Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and mint provide North African flavor for the tender grilled eggplant. A tangy spiced yogurt sauce complements each sweet and smoky slice.

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Grilled French Bread

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Grilled French Bread

With only 3 ingredients, our healthier version of French bread delivers a simple and flavorful accompaniment to the table—fast.

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Grilled Peppers and Lentil Salad

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Grilled Peppers and Lentil Salad

Tender, savory lentils paired with cooked peppers and cilantro converts this dish from a bland bean salad to a delectable and healthy meal. Use any combination of sweet bell peppers you like: green, red, yellow, and purple.

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Indian-Spiced Grilled Shrimp and Okra

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Indian-Spiced Grilled Shrimp and Okra

Here's a fun way to cook okra; it retains some crunch and doesn't even think of getting slimy. The fresh serrano chile and curry powder offer a good bit of heat; seed the chile or omit it for a milder dish.

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Grilled Pineapple-Avocado Salsa

Photo: Levi Brown

View Recipe: Grilled Pineapple-Avocado Salsa

Grilled pineapple brings a delicious layer of irresistible flavor—not to mention, a bed of bold color on which to pile the rest of your favorite taco fillings or a topping for your favorite chicken recipe.

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Pinto, Black, and Red Bean Salad with Grilled Corn and Avocado

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House

View Recipe: Pinto, Black, and Red Bean Salad with Grilled Corn and Avocado

This Latin-accented side is studded with guacamole components: jalapeño, cilantro, white onion, lime, and avocado. It’s a three-bean salad with a reason to be—spicy, creamy, beany.

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Grilled Corn, Poblano, and Black Bean Salad

Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: Grilled Corn, Poblano, and Black Bean Salad

Here's a great side for grilled meats and fish. Be sure you don't skimp on the fresh cilantro. It brings an extra dash of fresh flavor.

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Grilled Scallop Scampi Kebabs with Arugula and Herb Salad

Photo: Brie Passano

View Recipe: Grilled Scallop Scampi Kebabs with Arugula and Herb Salad

Loads of flavor come from a simple combo of olive oil, garlic, and reduced white wine that serves as both a basting liquid and a dressing for the herbaceous salad.

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Grilled Green Onions with Lemon and Parmesan

Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Grilled Green Onions with Lemon and Parmesan

Bright green onions get a facelift when they hit the grill. A simple lemony dressing takes them to next-level freshness. Serve with grilled zucchini planks.

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Grilled Watermelon Pizza

Photo: Greg Dupree

View Recipe: Grilled Watermelon Pizza

Get creative at your next cookout with this handheld take on watermelon salad. This all-star melon creates the perfect base for the bold flavors that are highlighted in the toppings.

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Bell Pepper, Tomato, Cucumber, and Grilled Bread Salad

Photo: Gentl and Hyers

View Recipe: Bell Pepper, Tomato, Cucumber, and Grilled Bread Salad

Bread salads put day-old loaves to brilliant use. The crunchy bread (it needs to be good, chewy bread) sops up the dressing, softens, and makes a counterpoint to the vegetables. Toss in grilled shrimp or chicken.

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Grilled Leek and Radicchio Salad with Citrus-Walnut Vinaigrette

Photo: Stephen Devries

View Recipe: Grilled Leek and Radicchio Salad with Citrus-Walnut Vinaigrette

Bitter meets sweet in this warm salad. Leeks gain caramelized sweetness when given a subtle char, and citrus spiked with a touch of honey counters the radicchio's bite. It's important to let the vegetables sit for a bit after they're grilled to allow them to steam and become supple.

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Grilled Apricot Halves

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Grilled Apricot Halves

Brush grilled apricots with a mixture of olive oil, honey, and fresh thyme and serve as a simple side dish, over a bed of greens, or even as a topping for grilled pizza.

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Grilled Asparagus with Caper Vinaigrette

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Grilled Asparagus with Caper Vinaigrette

Briny capers are a lovely addition to Dijon vinaigrette—especially when drizzled on grilled asparagus.

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Plank-Grilled Zucchini with Couscous, Spinach, and Feta Stuffing

Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Plank-Grilled Zucchini with Couscous, Spinach, and Feta Stuffing

Grilling zucchini over a cedar plank gives smokiness that enhances its mildly sweet flavor. Even when time is short, don’t skip the step of soaking the plank beforehand—this will prevent it from burning on the grill. Use the largest zucchini possible to prevent the filling from spilling out while cooking.

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Grilled Side Dishes

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Grilled Peaches with Honey Cream

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Charred Bean Salad

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Grilled Tempeh Skewers

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Crab-Stuffed Grilled Bell Peppers

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Andrew Zimmern's Grilled Corn and Snap Pea Salad

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Grilled Eggplant Planks With Miso Aioli

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Grilled Baba Ghanoush

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Garlic-Lime Grilled Corn

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Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños

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Prosciutto-Wrapped Grilled Okra

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Grilled Green Onions with Corn and Tarragon

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Grilled Corn on the Cob With Roasted Jalapeño Butter

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Smoky Red Pepper Dip with Grilled Crudités

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Grilled Watermelon and Halloumi Salad with Minty Green Beans

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Grilled Asparagus with Fried Eggs and Pancetta

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Grilled Zucchini with Sea Salt

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Grilled Eggplant with Freekeh Pilaf

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Grilled Zucchini Caprese Stacks

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Lemony Grilled Potato Salad

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Grilled Baby Eggplants with Green Onion Salsa

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Miso Grilled Vegetables

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Spicy Grilled Mango with Chiles and Crema

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Grilled Sweet Potato and Napa Cabbage Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

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Grilled Eggplant with Moroccan Spices

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Grilled French Bread

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Grilled Peppers and Lentil Salad

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