5x healthy bbq side dishes

No summer is a real summer without BBQ's outside. Who doesn't like to enjoy the sunny weather in their garden by feasting on delcious, freshly grilled foods?! I believe everyone can enjoy a good BBQ as long as they're surrounded by the right people. This means time to gather all your best Fit Girl pals and get eatin'! Now, BBQ's may not seem very healthy but if the sides and the sauces are on point, then the whole BBQ will be. Good news, ay? Today I'm going to show you 5 healthy bbq sides.

1. Tomato & Mozzarella

Source: Little Broken

A very simple AND delicious side? Impossible! Well, not with this phenomenon: Tomato & Mozzarella! Name me a more iconic duo??? Almost isn't possible as this combination of ingredients is on fleek and legendary.

Ingredients (10 people):

• 5 tomatoes
• 2 logs of mozzarella
• Generous bunch of fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Sea salt
• Pepper
• Provincial herbs

2. Pasta salad

Source: The Recipe Critic

Pasta salads are amazing as they are tasty, filling, AND healthy. A BBQ basically requires someone to make a pasta salad. Another plus point is that the larger the quantity, the cheaper it is! That's a serious plus point when it comes to bbq's as the meat alone can be quite expensive.

Ingredients (6 people):

• 450 gr (16 oz) Pasta (farfalle)
• 480 gr (17 oz) Jar of sun-dried tomatoes (drain it)
• 1 Red bell pepper (diced)
• 460 gr (16.5 oz) Jar of olives (drain it)
• 340 gr (1 cup) Spinach
• 85 gr (1/4 cup) Basil (chopped)
• 170 gr (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oregano
• (opitional) Pinenuts

3. Creamy rice salad

Source: Kalyn's Kitchen

This special recipe is actually from our Fitgirlcode Guide! When I was doing the Fitgirlcode Guide I was introduced to very many new recipes and, I gotta say, this one really stuck. I thought it was very tasty and thus continued to follow this particular recipe, even after I finished the Guide.

Ingredients (8 people):

• 510 gr (1 1/2 cup) Brown rice
• 1 can (~170 gr/ 6 oz) Black olives
• 1 Red bell pepper (chopped)
• 160 gr (5 1/2 oz) Cucumber
• 300 gr (10 oz) Cream cheese
• 160 gr (5 1/2 oz) Lettuce
• 160 gr (5 1/2 oz) Spring onions
• Salt
• Pepper

4. Bruschetta

Source: The Garlic Diaries

Okay, if you haven't noticed it yet, I LOVE ITALIAN FOOD! After my article about risottos, I think this became quite clear (lol). But, soooo, you shouldn't definitely add bruschettas to your list! This healthy bbq side dish will please everyone present and doesn't get too messy on your plate (Ay, we've got to think about everything right?!)

Ingredients (8 people):

• 900 gr (2 lbs) Tomatoes
• 3 Garlic cloves
• 5 Basil leaves (sliced)
• 2 tsp Balsamic vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1/2 Baguette
• Butter for the bread

5. Sweet potato fries

Source: Center Cut Cook

Are you a lover of ribs with fries? Yet you don't want the guilt that normal fries give you? Move over and join the sweet potato side! On this side we enjoy all we eat, and most of all our BBQ's with fries. Out of all healthy bbq sides this one has got to be the most traditional healthy bbq dish.

Ingredients (8 people):

• 8 Sweet potatoes
• 8 tbsp Olive oil
• 4 tsp Parpika powder
• 4 tsp Salt
• 4 tsp Pepper
• 4 tsp Rosemary

Barbeques are a great way to unite your family and/or friends! The easiest way to organize a BBQ is to have everyone bring a side dish, and that the organizer handles the meats/grilled goods. Now, we're sure that with at least one of these healthy bbq sides you will be able to impress the whole crowd and help out the hostess lots! Are you also a bbq fan? Tell us what you're favourite side dish is in the comments!

Photo credits (header): Maarten van den Heuvel, via Unsplash

Are you a vegetarian but you also love barbeques? No worries! Try grilling one of these 4 veggie burgers >