The July 4th BBQ is a classic American tradition, where friends and family gather to celebrate Independence Day and enjoy delicious food. While the main course may steal the show, the side dishes are equally important in creating a memorable culinary experience. Here are the top 5 side dishes that will take your July 4th BBQ to the next level!
Classic Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy coleslaw is a must-have side dish for any BBQ. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, it complements grilled meats perfectly. For a tangy twist, try adding a sprinkle of our LEMON ZEST FLAKE SEA SALT. Coleslaw can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, making it a convenient choice for busy hosts.
Watermelon Goat Cheese Salad: Beat the summer heat with our marketing gal's favorite dish, a light and refreshing watermelon goat cheese salad. This vibrant dish combines juicy watermelon chunks, diced English cucumbers, crumbled goat cheese (or feta), fresh mint leaves, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and topped with our NORWEGIAN FLAKY SEA SALT. The sweetness of the watermelon pairs beautifully with the goat (or feta) cheese and flaky sea salt, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. It's a simple and elegant salad that will wow your guests.
Baked Beans: No BBQ is complete without a hearty serving of baked beans. This classic American side dish is a crowd favorite for a reason. Slow-cooked with bacon, onions, molasses, and a hint of barbecue sauce (or dare we say, grape jelly, IYKYK), baked beans offer a sweet and savory flavor profile that complements grilled meats perfectly. Sprinkle with Amy's favorite, DOUBLE ONION + ROASTED GARLIC, serve warm and watch them disappear from the plate!
Grilled Vegetables: Take advantage of the abundance of seasonal vegetables and fire up the grill to create a colorful and nutritious side dish. Bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes and mini corn cobbs are great choices for grilling. Toss them in a marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and our ZESTY PICKLE before grilling to enhance the flavors. Grab a few onions and toss them in a marinade of olive oil and our ESPRESSO FLAKE SALT.... yes, espresso. Trust us. 😉 Grilled vegetables add a burst of flavor to the meal and are loved by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
SALT LADY CULINARY TIP: Mushrooms and eggplant are great on the grill, but you'll want to salt them right before serving. Adding salt to them before you grill will draw out the moisture and they'll steam instead of crisp up and char. Let the flames do their part, and finish with a sprinkle for flavor right at the end.
These top 5 side dishes are sure to elevate your July 4th BBQ and will leave your guests impressed. From the classic grilled corn on the cob to the flavorful baked beans, these dishes embody the spirit of summer, celebration and everything Salty Provisions! So, fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and indulge in these delectable sides to make your Independence Day BBQ a memorable one!