There’s so much to love about eating outside in the summer.
Backyard BBQs mean good company, good food, good weather and good vibes. And while your focus might be on grilling the perfect burger or fish tacos, it’s easy to miss out on some of summer’s best flavors if you don’t whip up some fabulous side dishes as well.
A guaranteed favorite is grilled fruits and veggies, but if you want to try something new (or if the main dish is taking up most of the grill space!) consider other easy-to-make, colorful sides that are just as nutritious. Even better, offer to bring them to your next backyard bash. That way you’re sharing a better-for-you option everyone can feel good about.
Not sure what to make? Here are two of our favorites that will keep you and your family fueled for summer fun:
Sweet Potato Poblano Salad
Makes 6 (1/2 cup) servings
This take on a traditional potato salad uses sweet potatoes for additional nutrients, like vitamin A, while offering a natural sweet flavor everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 2¼ cups peeled, diced fresh sweet potatoes
- ⅓ cup seeded, diced fresh poblano chili peppers and/or large sweet red peppers
- ⅓ cup sliced scallions
- ¼ cup diced celery
- Dressing (recipe follows)
Directions:
- Cook sweet potatoes covered in ½ inch boiling water until tender. Drain. Chill.
- Combine chilled sweet potatoes, poblano pepper, scallion, celery and dressing.
- Toss to coat. Cover. Keep chilled.
- Dressing: In bowl, combine 2 tbl. vegetable oil, 2 tbl. lemon juice, 2 tbl. honey, ¾ tsp. chili powder, ½ tsp. salt, ½ tsp. cumin, ¼ tsp. black pepper and ¼ tsp. hot pepper sauce. Whisk until well blended.
Chopped Chickpea Feta Salad
Makes 6 (1/2 cup) servings
There are plenty of ways to make a summer salad, but this Chopped Chickpea Feta Salad uses garbanzo beans as a base instead of salad greens for some added protein.
Ingredients:
- 2¼ cups rinsed, drained garbanzo beans
- ½ cup diced red tomato
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup sliced fresh green scallions
- 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ⅛ tsp dried oregano
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients. Toss to coat. Cover.
- Keep chilled until serving.
Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.
Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.