Joanna James
As barbeque weekends and backyard parties make a triumphant return each summer, it's time to consider healthier side dish options to replace less-than-wholesome classics. Here are 6 side dish ideas that can serve as perfectly delicious alternatives this holiday season.
In addition to looking colourful and fresh on the plate, this crunchy avocado salad takes only minutes to assemble and a handful of ingredients to prepare. Summery and nutritious, fresh avocados are tossed into a mixture that includes canned black beans and quinoa seeds to provide a side dish that's not only heart-healthy but also potent in dietary fibre. Garnished with cilantro leaves and chopped tomatoes, this salad is a great accompaniment for grilled chicken and steaks.
Colourful as it is wholesome, this is a showstopper of a side dish that's fortified not only with fibre but also oodles of flavour and vitamin A. Resembling a rainbow once plated, the sweet potatoes are boiled to perfection alongside radishes for this salad, which features a host of other nutritious veggies including beets and carrots. Throw in a diced apple and a tablespoon of Greek yoghurt to give the salad its creamy texture to create this side dish that pairs well with Inasal menu items from fast food hubs such as Mang Inasal Philippines and similar restaurants.
Although guacamole is not traditionally associated with barbeque dinners, it is a creamy and heart-healthy side dish that can add flavour to any meal, regardless of the time of day. Avocado, the main ingredient of guacamole, contains crucial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and its unsaturated fat content makes it ideal for those struggling with cholesterol. It is important to use ripe avocados, plenty of cilantro, pine nuts, and olive oil when preparing guacamole as the quality of the ingredients will dictate the freshness of the salad.
Swap in conventional Tabbouleh for a cauliflower-infused alternative that is guaranteed to add zest and tanginess to any barbeque spread. Low in carbohydrates, this Cauliflower Tabbouleh also includes cucumber and cherry tomatoes to complete the salad that's seasoned with fresh lemon juice and a few spices. Crunchy and creamy at the same time, this healthy side dish is also a filling appetiser that can be served before the main barbeque dishes.
Corn salad is always a winner at every Sunday barbeque but Charred Corn Salad is a far more flavourful option for those with a love for corn sides. With red chilli tossed in to add some heat, the dish features plenty of queso fresco and lime while the cilantro leaf garnish is what really makes this the perfect summer salad for barbeque gatherings.
Featuring a delectable blackberry vinaigrette, spinach salad can be a refreshing and delicious side dish for those looking to replace collard greens and some of the less appetising side dishes that are high in fibre. Black beans, berries and feta cheese are also incorporated into this salad where cherry tomatoes and onions add texture.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
