Salad Recipes for the Backyard
On December 30, 2024
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From classic sides to fresh grilled favorites, these salad recipes are the perfect companion for your smoked meats at any backyard gathering.
BBQ Salad Recipes Perfect for the Backyard
When you need to balance out your BBQ spread, there’s nothing like a light, crisp salad to complement your rich, heavy meats. That’s where I come in with a whole menu of salads, so you can rock the potluck. I’ve got all the classic salads you want, as well as some new favorites (like potato salad with a smoky twist). Whether you’re looking for something fresh to balance your rich meat, or even something that combines them both for a delightful main dish, I’ve got a recipe for you here. With all these fresh and flavorful options, you’re sure to find something you love so you can be hero of your next neighborhood gathering or cookout.
Classic BBQ Side Salad Recipes
Every BBQ pro needs a few tried-and-true side salads to offer guests a refresher between bites of smoked or grilled meat. These bold classics are crowdpleasers your guests will polish off as quickly as the main course you serve them alongside.
Classic Macaroni Salad
A blend of tangy, savory flavors, tender noodles, and crisp vegetables create this Classic Macaroni Salad. I’m a self-proclaimed mac salad connoisseur, so trust me when I tell you this goes with anything.
German Potato Salad
This rich, velvety German Potato Salad comes together in under an hour. It’s great hot or cold, so it’s perfect alongside any BBQ meat for a familiar, yet totally unique side dish.
Red Potato Salad with Bacon and Caramelized Onion
Crispy bacon meets sweet caramelized onions in this crowd pleasing Red Potato Salad. The creamy potatoes with crispy bacon and onions will bring a tear to your eye. It’s that good.
Grilled Potato Salad
Adding a smoky char to this Potato Salad creates an irresistible twist on a classic. The crispy grilled potatoes bring extra texture to this creamy, satisfying side.
The Best Pasta Salad
This quick and simple Pasta Salad works for any occasion. Made with homemade Italian dressing, it’s light and refreshing while still hearty. I don’t call it the best for nothing.
Protein-Packed Salad Recipes
These aren’t your average garden salads. Each one features expertly grilled protein for a complete and satisfying meal. These hearty salads deliver that signature smoky flavor while keeping things light. You can customize every salad here for your favorite meat, and each one makes for a perfect main course.
Chicken Orzo Salad
Tender pasta meets juicy grilled chicken in this vibrant Chicken Orzo Salad, perfect for a weeknight meal. Simple but packed with zesty flavors, it’s a favorite at our house.
Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad
Tender BBQ chicken, loads of fresh veggies, and roasted corn come together in this creamy Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad. Each bite brings a new combo of flavors.
Grilled Chicken Salad with Jalapeño Lime Ranch
Beautifully seasoned chicken pairs with a subtly spicy jalapeño ranch for a Grilled Chicken Salad that satisfies. This recipe turns basic grilled chicken into something truly memorable.
Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad
A lemony twist makes this Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad stand out from the common Caesar. Quick to make but impressive to serve, it’s an easy win for family dinner or guests.
Steak Salad with Jalapeño Lime Dressing
Savory sirloin meets garden fresh veggies in this main course-worthy Steak Salad. The zesty jalapeño lime dressing ties everything together with a kick of spicy flavor.
Sandwich Filler Salad Recipes
Take your sandwich game to the next level with these hearty, homemade fillings. I’ve added a signature, smoky twist to these creamy classics, making them perfect for everything from quick lunches to indulgent potluck salads.
Smoked Egg Salad
A smoky spin on the classic that’ll make you rethink Egg Salad. Make it ahead for easy meals or outdoor gatherings where you want something a little different.
Smoked Chicken Salad
Tender chicken, fresh herbs, sweet grapes, and crunchy pecans create the ultimate Smoked Chicken Salad (or sandwich filling). Serve it on buttery croissants for an over-the-top lunch.
Grilled Lobster Salad
All the buttery goodness you want from Lobster Salad with an extra hint of grill smoke. Serve it on rolls or by itself for a luxurious take on the New England classic.
Garden Fresh Salad Recipes
The best garden salads are all about letting those fresh ingredients shine. These simple, no-cook recipes feature crisp vegetables and bright flavors that bring a refreshing crunch to any summer meal.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
This Cucumber Tomato Salad is a late summer classic that celebrates fresh produce. Herbs and a light dressing let the vegetables be the stars of this refreshing side.
Marinated Tomato Salad
Ripe tomatoes soak up a honey balsamic dressing while basil and onion add depth to this Marinated Tomato Salad. If you’re looking for something fresh and unique, look no further.
Three Bean Salad
Crisp green beans combine with creamy chickpeas and kidney beans in a bright vinaigrette for this Three Bean Salad. It’s rich in protein, and gets better the longer the dressing settles.
Broccoli Salad
Crunchy, creamy, and ready faster than it vanishes, this Broccoli Salad is a total crowdpleaser. With a combo of crisp, creamy textures and rich, refreshing flavors, this salad won’t last long.
Grilled Fruit & Veggie Salad Recipes
These unexpected grilled creations give produce a whole new, BBQ life. I love how a few minutes on the grates transforms ordinary fruits and veggies into smoky, caramelized bites that make these salads truly special.
Grilled Corn Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
Sweet charred corn meets bright lime vinaigrette dressing in this versatile Grilled Corn Salad. Serve it as a salad or grab some chips for a fresh take on corn salsa.
Grilled Panzanella Salad
This Italian Panzanella Salad gets a smoky upgrade from the grill. Bread and other easy ingredients combine for a side that feels fancy but comes together in a snap.
Grilled Peach Salad
Sweet grilled peaches turn the simple into the unforgettable in this Grilled Peach Salad. It’s quick to make and brings unexpected flavors sure to wow your guests.
Honey Lime Watermelon Salad
Sweet watermelon gets a flavor boost from honey and lime in this refreshing Watermelon Salad. No cooking required, just slice, serve, and keep chilled for a fresh and healthy hit.
Southwest Style Salad Recipes
These zesty sides blend fresh and fiery flavors for your cookout. Whether served with chips, as a taco topping, or alongside grilled meats, these dishes always disappear quick at backyard parties.
Esquites (Mexican Corn Salad)
This Mexican street corn-inspired Esquites (Mexican Corn Salad) brings a bit of spice to your BBQ spread. Simple ingredients combine for big flavor with ease.
Cilantro Lime Corn Salsa
Fresh corn meets jalapeño and garlic for this Cilantro Lime Corn Salsa. A versatile, fresh-Mex essential, you can use it as a dip, topping, or side dish for instant Mexican-inspired flavor.
Cowboy Caviar
This fresh mix of beans, veggies, and avocado of this Cowboy Caviar works as a side, salad, or dip. The bright and zesty dressing brings everything together for a party favorite to feed a crowd.
Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes
No bottled stuff can compare to the tangy, creamy flavor of homemade dressings. These quick-and-easy recipes will boost any salad, and they double as perfect dipping sauces for wings and veggies.
Blue Cheese Crumble Dressing
Creamy, tangy, and loaded with real blue cheese crumbles, this simple Blue Cheese Crumble Dressing is so good even doubters will enjoy it.
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Fresh herbs and real buttermilk make this Homemade Ranch Dressing better than anything from the store. It’s great on salads but try it with anything that needs a cool, creamy touch.
Even More Salad Recipes
If you love these salad recipes, they’re just a taste of what you’ll find in your Recipe Library. You can browse hundreds of BBQ recipes, so you can always keep the menu exciting as you feed the people you love. If you have my Hey Grill Hey App, you can also create a meal plan and a shopping list with just a few taps of your smart phone. Whichever way you go, I’ve got a Hey Grill Hey recipes so you can feel like a total pro.
I’m not just your favorite BBQ recipe resource, you’ve also got a whole Hey Grill Hey community at your disposal. Follow my Instagram and Facebook pages, so you can share some mouthwatering photos of your grill goods, plus, you get to see what everyone else is cooking up. If you want to see me make some of these salads and more firsthand, make sure you’re subscribed to my YouTube channel. With Hey Grill Hey, I’ve got you covered with all the tools you need so you can become a Backyard BBQ Hero.
