Summer has arrived, and who doesn’t love a BBQ get together? Sharing delicious food that’s been prepared on a grill from Buydig.com on the patio or deck with good friends and family is hard to resist. Just because you’re firing up the grill to prepare dinner doesn’t mean your side dishes can’t be both healthy and tasty. Here are some simple, quick and easy recipes that won’t weigh you down at your next outdoor BBQ.
Tomato Salad with Basil and Goat Cheese
Tis the season for home grown tomatoes, and this yummy recipe is made using a variety of tomato colors and is around 100 calories per serving.
Ingredients:
3 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 TBSP white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
2 TBSP chopped fresh basil
4 medium heirloom tomatoes, cored and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges (about 2 pounds)
1/3 cup small basil leaves
1.5 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (about 1/3 cup)
Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add chopped basil and tomato wedges; toss to coat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour, tossing occasionally. Top with basil leaves and goat cheese.
Sweet Corn, Cherry Tomato & Zucchini Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing
Everyone looks forward to fresh fruits and vegetables at a summer cookout. So why not create a salad that consists of several of these in the same bowl.
Ingredients:
2 medium zucchini’s
2 ears of sweet corn
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1 small avocado, diced
1 cup almond milk
2 TBSP ranch seasoning
½ tsp salt
Spiralize zucchini using the medium blade and add to a large bowl.
Add tomatoes.
Cut corn from the ear. Add to bowl with zucchini. Toss well.
In a blender, add avocado and almond milk. Puree until smooth. Add ranch seasoning and salt.
Toss salad with avocado dressing and serve immediately.
Balsamic Green Bean Salad
Try this fresh and delicious alternative to the usual BBQ side dish- pasta salad.
Ingredients:
1 lb. green beans
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/2 small red onion
Feta cheese
{For the dressing}
2 TBSP balsamic vinegar
2 TBSP lemon juice
2 TBSP olive oil
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt/pepper
Make the dressing: in a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.
Trim ends off green beans and rinse. Steam (or boil) for about 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. In a colander, rinse well with cold water to stop cooking, then pat dry. Cut green beans into 1 to 2 inch pieces.
Dice red onion and halve cherry tomatoes.
Place onion and green beans in a bowl. Drizzle dressing over top and toss to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to marinate.
When ready to serve, add in tomatoes and feta and lightly toss.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
No cookout would be complete without the traditional corn on the cob. This healthy take on summer’s favorite is prepared right on the grill you can find at Buydig.com for around 74 calories per cob.
Simply preheat the grill to medium-high. Brush husked corn with 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until some kernels char a little and others are light brown, 6 to 10 minutes.
These sides are the perfect accompaniment to your grilled foods and outdoor get-togethers. So whether you’re grilling in your backyard for family, picnicking with a loved one, celebrating at a family reunion or needing a dish for a pot-lock party, these healthy side dishes will be the hit of the party this summer.
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