Year after year, grilled kabobs remain one of my favorite summer dining options. Whether I’m firing up the grill for a backyard BBQ or heading out on a camping trip with family and friends, kabobs always hit the spot. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, adaptable to any occasion, and let’s be honest – absolutely delicious! However, despite their many charms, kabobs can sometimes leave me feeling a bit peckish.
To round out our meal, I’ve curated a selection of 14 mouth-watering side dishes that perfectly complement the flavors and textures of skewered meats and vegetables. From creamy coconut rice to warm, fluffy dinner rolls, here are the top picks for sides to serve with kabobs.
Lemony Rice Pilaf Recipe Variations
Rich aromas waft from a perfectly cooked white rice dish infused with the depth of a rich broth and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, creating a truly appetizing accompaniment to grilled salmon, chicken, or succulent shrimp. Feel free to keep it straightforward or unleash your culinary creativity by adding scallions, fragrant herbs, or crunchy pistachios to give it an extra boost of flavor. Whatever ingredients you choose, rice pilaf is poised to become your new favorite side dish.
Cool Pasta Salads for Hot Summer Days
Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or just need a quick and easy side dish, pasta salad is an excellent option. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also offers a range of textures and flavors that complement grilled meats perfectly. You can keep things light with olives and Italian dressing for a refreshing twist, or go for a heartier version by adding sausage and cheese for added depth.
Ultimately, the type of noodle you choose will play a significant role in determining the overall character of your pasta salad. I personally enjoy using spiral rotini due to its fun shape and semi-rough texture, which adds visual appeal and interest to each bite.
Sweet Skewered Delights
Escaping the ordinary, kabobs can be elevated by incorporating some sweet treats. In place of traditional veggies, consider adding fruit skewers to your grill. Personal favorites include pineapple, strawberries, melons, and large chunks of kiwi. When grilled, these fruits release their natural sugars, caramelizing them to perfection and making for a delightful dessert option after the barbecue.
Tangy Cucumber & Tomato Summer Delight
Flavors of the Mediterranean come alive in this refreshing cucumber and tomato salad, minus any greens for a lighter twist. Thinly sliced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and slivered red onions provide a perfect canvas for a zesty vinaigrette dressing to shine. This vibrant salad pairs exceptionally well with marinated meats or fishes, and its versatility makes it easy to experiment with tasty variations.
Feel free to add other ingredients such as crumbled feta, mozzarella balls, avocado chunks, or chopped fennel to make it even more interesting and satisfying.
Creamy Potato Salad Options
Lightning up your grilled kabobs with a satisfying side dish is essential to rounding out your meal. A hearty potato salad can do just that, and it’s remarkably easy to prepare. You can keep things simple by boiling potatoes, mixing in some creamy ranch dressing, onions, and celery for a classic and comforting twist.
Alternatively, you can go all out and create a more elaborate potato salad with the addition of mustard, mayonnaise, diced boiled eggs, and a hint of relish for an explosion of flavors that will elevate your grilled kabobs to new heights.
Delicious Sweet Potato Recipes Galore
Undoubtedly one of the most versatile vegetables in our kitchen pantries, sweet potatoes can be prepared in a multitude of ways. They pair well with various combinations of meats and vegetables, especially when grilled or skewered. For instance, baked or boiled sweet potatoes make an excellent accompaniment to any kebab dish, while fried sweet potato wedges provide a crispy alternative to traditional french fries.
Vinegar Crusted Roasted Potato Bites
Rounding out your kabobs with some delicious potato bites is a game-changer. Roast up some potatoes in the oven until they’re tender, then toss them with a mixture of vinegar, olive oil, grated cheese, and a pinch of savory seasonings. The result is a crispy, acidic treat that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. What I love about this combination is that it’s not too overpowering – even if you’re not a fan of salt and vinegar chips, the flavors still work together in harmony.
As I take another bite, my mouth waters at the thought of how easy it is to make and devour.
Leafy Greens to Balance Hearty Kabobs
Rounding out a hearty meat-heavy kabob meal is where a refreshing green salad truly shines. Reach for crisp romaine (or your preferred leafy greens) and add juicy tomatoes, a sprinkle of red onion if desired, and finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a splash of aged balsamic vinegar for a zesty contrast to the grilled meat.
Easy Orzo Recipes for a Quick Meal
Highlighting the versatility of orzo, this Mediterranean staple can easily become a central component of your meal, especially when paired with an abundance of carbohydrates.
Tropical Coconut Rice Recipe
Embracing the spirit of a tropical getaway, grill up some Hawaiian-inspired chicken and pineapple skewers that are sure to transport you to a balmy beach vacation. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will leave you feeling like you’re basking in the sun on a picturesque island. To complement your kabobs, cook your rice in coconut milk instead of water, adding a dash of brown sugar towards the end for a hint of warmth and depth.
Dinner Rolls or Sliders
Unquestionably, bread is an essential component of every meal. Creating fluffy, golden dinner rolls that are perfectly paired with a generous amount of butter can elevate any dining experience. Beyond just serving as a accompaniment to your main course, these rolls can also be transformed into mini sandwiches by adding grilled meats and veggies directly onto the roll.
Taking it to the next level, you could even make sliders – whether it’s ham and cheese, mini hamburgers, or pizza-topped rolls, each option promises to be indulgently delicious when paired with your kabob dinner.
