17 Salads That Outshined the Burgers at Every BBQ

Burgers may be the star of most barbecues, but sometimes the side salads completely take over the spotlight. These fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dishes deliver crunch, tang, and color in every bite. With quick prep times and bold ingredients, they’re just as satisfying as the mains. Once you serve these, you’ll notice the burgers suddenly don’t get all the attention.

Overhead of Moroccan pearl couscous salad. — Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

A white dish filled with kale leaves topped with slices of cheese. A glass of water, a fork, and a napkin are in the background on a dark wooden table. — Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan takes 20 minutes and uses kale, Parmesan, lemon, and olive oil. The kale is massaged until tender, making it far less bitter and more enjoyable. The Parmesan adds salty richness, while lemon keeps the flavor bright. It’s a hearty, refreshing side that pairs with any grilled dish.
Get the Recipe: Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad comes together in under 15 minutes with spiralized zucchini, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The light texture makes it perfect for hot summer barbecues. A simple dressing adds tang while keeping it crisp and hydrating. It’s a low-carb option that still feels filling and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

TikTok Green Goddess Salad

TikTok Green Goddess Salad is ready in 20 minutes with cabbage, cucumbers, and a creamy green herb dressing. The vibrant color and bold flavor make it instantly eye-catching on the table. Crunchy and tangy, it balances heavier BBQ dishes. It’s a fun, viral recipe that actually delivers on taste.
Get the Recipe: TikTok Green Goddess Salad

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of broccoli slaw with a dressing on it. — Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli Slaw Salad takes about 10 minutes with shredded broccoli, carrots, and a creamy dressing. The texture is crisp and refreshing, making it a great contrast to smoky grilled foods. A hint of sweetness balances the crunch. It’s a quick, crowd-friendly dish that always gets scooped up first.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate. — Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green Bean Tomato Salad takes 20 minutes and highlights green beans, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The beans stay crisp while the tomatoes add juicy sweetness. Tossed with fresh herbs, it’s bright and colorful. This salad feels both hearty and refreshing, making it ideal for BBQ spreads.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Greek Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad in a brown bowl, garnished with pita bread. — Greek Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Greek Quinoa Salad is ready in 25 minutes with quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta. It’s protein-packed, so it holds its own against burgers. The tangy feta and briny olives make every bite pop with flavor. It’s a filling yet refreshing dish that travels well for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

A bowl of kale salad on a wooden table. — Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing takes 15 minutes and combines kale, apples, nuts, and a creamy-sweet dressing. The crisp apples balance the earthy greens perfectly. Nuts add crunch while the dressing ties everything together. It’s a fresh, slightly sweet salad that lightens up any BBQ plate.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Faux Potato Salad

A white bowl of potato salad with mayonnaise. — Faux Potato Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Faux Potato Salad, ready in 25 minutes, uses cauliflower instead of potatoes for a low-carb twist. It keeps the creamy, tangy flavors of traditional potato salad without the heaviness. Mustard and herbs brighten the flavor. It’s a lighter option that still feels classic on the BBQ table.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Hot and Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad comes together in 15 minutes with cabbage, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili. The flavor is bold—spicy, tangy, and slightly salty. It brings an Asian-inspired twist to the usual BBQ sides. This one stands out for guests who love a punchy, flavorful bite.
Get the Recipe: Hot And Sour Shredded Napa Cabbage Salad

Red Skin Potato Salad

Red potato salad in bowl with bacon and parsley garnish. — Red Skin Potato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Red Skin Potato Salad takes 30 minutes and uses red potatoes, mayonnaise, and herbs. The potatoes give it a creamy yet firm texture. A little tang in the dressing balances out the richness. It’s a BBQ classic that never disappoints, always earning a spot next to the grill.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is ready in 20 minutes with thinly sliced sprouts, nuts, and cheese. The raw sprouts offer crunch without bitterness when dressed well. Nuts and cheese bring balance with savory and creamy notes. It’s a hearty yet light option that feels different from typical BBQ sides.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Fried Halloumi Salad

Fried Halloumi Salad takes 20 minutes and highlights halloumi cheese, greens, and a simple dressing. The halloumi adds salty, chewy bites that feel almost meaty. Paired with fresh vegetables, it’s both filling and refreshing. This salad is guaranteed to catch attention and compete with the main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Close up on beet cucumber salad with dill. — Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad is ready in 15 minutes using beets, cucumbers, and vinegar. It’s tangy, earthy, and crisp all at once. The bright pink color makes it instantly stand out on the table. It’s a refreshing salad with a balance of sharp and sweet flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad comes together in 25 minutes with couscous, vegetables, and herbs. It’s light but filling thanks to the grains. Fresh vegetables add crunch and color, making it visually appealing. This one’s great for BBQs since it holds up well at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad takes 10 minutes and uses ripe tomatoes, burrata cheese, olive oil, and basil. The creamy burrata balances the juicy tomatoes beautifully. A drizzle of oil ties everything together with richness. It’s simple, quick, and one of the freshest-tasting dishes you can serve at a BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer orzo pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans. — Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Summer Orzo Salad is ready in 20 minutes with orzo pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemony dressing. The small pasta makes it light but satisfying. Fresh vegetables keep it crisp and colorful. It’s a versatile salad that pairs with anything on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad

Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad takes 30 minutes with pearl couscous, dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The combination gives it a slightly sweet, savory, and spiced flavor. It stands out for its unique taste and texture. This one adds an exotic touch to the usual BBQ sides.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad