BBQ Keto Side Dishes, 50+ delicious ideas
Summer’s here and the grill’s fired up! But keeping it keto doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. This post is your guide for incredible low-carb side dishes and finger foods that’ll keep everyone happy – keto or not!

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Keto BBQ Side Dishes
From flavorful salads to creamy dips, mouthwatering sauces, and refreshing drinks – I’ve got everything you need to create a keto BBQ feast that’s delicious and satisfying for the whole family.
So grab a plate, fire up the grill, and let’s get this BBQ party started!

Marinated Grilled Vegetables

Let’s start with my personal favorite! These marinated grilled vegetables are my secret weapon for any BBQ, it is a perfect side dish that complements any grilled protein, be it meat, fish, or even cheese.
The Secret? Marinating after grilling. This allows the vegetables to develop beautiful char marks while ensuring the marinade infuses for maximum flavor.
Instructions: Slice your chosen fresh vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, eggplants, asparagus, onions, etc.). Heat the grill and grill the vegetables on each side until softened and nicely charred. Meanwhile, make the marinade: while the vegetables on the grill, combine 4 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp. lemon juice, 2 garlic cloves (pressed), 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp. paprika, salt, and pepper in a jar. Give it a good shake to emulsify the dressing.
Once the vegetables are cooked, transfer them back to a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss gently to coat all the pieces. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor.
Mashed cauliflower is a creamy, fluffy, warm, buttery, and comforting keto-friendly side dish. This delicious recipe requires only three ingredients: cauliflower and butter, plus some salt, and comes together super easily and quickly.
Cauliflower rice is a perfect BBQ side for those watching carbs! It’s flavorful, and light, and absorbs smoky BBQ flavors beautifully. Plus, it’s readily available pre-riced in most stores for extra convenience.
Other traditional side dishes for BBQ include:
Htipiti is a creamy, vibrant, and savory feta dip that brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to the table. Super simple but amazing recipe, a healthy and easy low carb appetizer, a delightful dish, and an ultimate crowd pleaser.
Baba ganoush is a flavor-packed, smoky, and creamy eggplant dip. Ideal dish for a low carb diet and an excellent hummus alternative. Enjoy it as a delightful side dish or pair it with fresh cucumber slices for your next party.
TIP: use the grill instead of the oven to cook the eggplants. Slice the eggplants in half, and brush with olive oil. Grill for 10-15 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly collapsed, then follow the instructions in the post.
Green Goddess Cottage Cheese Dip
This Creamy Cottage Cheese Dip features a cottage cheese base bursting with fresh herbs and a hint of garlic. Enjoy it with fresh veggies or spread on crackers for a healthy and easy snack or a delicious appetizer.
If you’re eager for more , check out these 3 delicious recipes for keto dips:
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: Spicy shredded chicken in a tangy cream sauce – dip with fresh veggies, and keto crackers, or just spoon it down!
- Keto BLT Dip: Bacon, lettuce, and tomato in a creamy dip? Yes please! Crunchy bacon bits add a fun texture.
- Keto Spinach Artichoke Dip: Warm, cheesy magic with spinach & artichoke hearts – perfect for dipping or spreading on keto crackers.
You’ll also need some keto chips for spreading the dip like these healthy flaxseed crackers, flavourful keto garlic bread, and crispy tortilla chips.
These homemade flaxseed crackers are salty, crunchy, high in fiber, and low in carbs. Whether you choose to pair them with your favorite dip, spread them with butter and cheese, or simply enjoy them on their own as a snack, these flaxseed crackers are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Greek salad is a delightful combination of freshness and crunchiness, where each vegetable is covered in creamy feta cheese and a flavorful dressing.
This is my favorite recipe for Greek salad that I often prepare for my family and friends. Healthy, low-carb, nutrient-packed, and bursting with flavor – it’s simply the best Greek salad!
This keto Caesar salad is high in protein, low in carbs, and absolutely delicious—a fantastic choice for your BBQ table.
Tip: use grilled meat to make it!
These keto tuna salad wraps are bursting with flavor, protein, and healthy fats, making them a guilt-free crowd-pleaser.
Here are more low carb salad recipes for your BBQ gathering:
- Coleslaw
- Cauliflower potato salad (great alternative to traditional potato salad)
- Creamy Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream
- Broccoli Salad
- Caprese Salad
- Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad (omit honey)
- Arugula Salad with parmesan
- Cobb Salad
- Italian Tomato salad
KETO TIP: If the recipe uses sugar/honey, etc. – substitute it with low-carb sweetener (erythritol, monk fruit, etc.) or omit completely.
Quick pickled red onions are an immediate flavor booster, a super easy and fast way to level up any dish by adding bright taste, flavor and vibrant pink color. You will need several simple basic ingredients and one jar to make it.
Forget boring peppers! Grill your own & infuse them with herbs & garlic. This delish, low-carb recipe is perfect as a dairy-free appetizer, salad topper, or creamy dip. Keto-friendly & bursting with flavor!
TIP: Skip the oven and make them on the grill. For this, wash & prep your peppers (halve/quarter or keep whole). Brush with oil, and grill on medium-high heat (whole: 10-15 mins/side, halved/quartered: 5-7 mins/side). Let them get nice char marks then flip. Once done, follow the instructions in the post.
If you’re looking for easy keto side dishes, that don’t require cooking and you can just buy at your local grocery store, consider these options:
- Fresh Vegetables: peppers, cauliflower, tomatoes, celery sticks, cucumbers, avocado, etc.
- Leafy Greens
- Pickles
- Sauerkraut
- Olives
- Nuts and smoked nuts
Remember to check the labels! While these options are generally keto-friendly, it’s important to read the ingredients list to avoid hidden carbs or sugars, especially in pre-packaged or pre-seasoned choices.
Tomato Sauce
Rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make quick keto tomato sauce. This sauce is a great ketchup alternative, you just need several basic ingredients and less than 20 minutes to make it!
This homemade keto ranch dressing is easy to make in just a few minutes.
Enjoy its creamy texture and fresh herb flavor as a salad dressing, veggie dip, or sauce for your favorite meats.
More low-carb recipes to try:
Alternatively, use these store-bought options that are generally keto-friendly (check the labels):
- Dijon mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
Stuffed mushrooms
Keto Stuffed Mushrooms: A flavorful blend of ham, cream cheese, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for gatherings and baked the best way without any sogginess!
Grilled brie/camembert
Grilled brie is the easiest and extremely delicious appetizer or main dish you can make for the BBQ season!
These pulled pork lettuce wraps are the perfect finger food for your next BBQ party, offering smoky, savory goodness in a low-carb package.
Eggplant pizzas
Mini eggplant pizzas: Juicy, cheesy, low-carb, and made with 4 ingredients in 40 minutes. Explore 2 easy preparation methods.
Mushroom pizzas
Portobello Mushroom Pizzas: A guilt-free pizza option for keto and gluten-free diets. Flavorful, juicy, and ready in 40 minutes. Satisfy your pizza cravings without the carbs!
Deviled eggs
Deviled eggs are naturally low in carbs, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Enjoy them as a healthy easy snack packed with protein or a delicious appetizer for any gathering.
Eggplant rolls with walnut filling
Skip the boring and embrace the exciting with these keto eggplant rolls! This recipe packs a double punch: satisfyingly savory walnut filling and melt-in-your-mouth roasted eggplant. Your taste buds will thank you for this one!
TIP: you can use the grill to make the eggplant slices!
More keto-friendly bbq sides
Haven’t found what you are looking for? Here are more delicious side dishes:
- Salmon Cucumber Bites: elegant & refreshing! Layer salmon, cream cheese, & herbs on cucumber slices for a light & flavorful appetizer.
- Grilled Halloumi Cheese: Smoky, salty, keto vegetarian appetizer or even a main course that pairs wonderfully with colorful veggies like marinated grilled vegetables, marinated roasted peppers, or any other vegetables you like.
- Caprese skewers: Simple but delicious! Combine mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, & basil drizzled with olive oil for a light & flavorful bite.
- Jalapeno Poppers: a party classic with a keto twist!
- Cream cheese stuffed peppers: bell peppers filled with a savory cream cheese mixture – simple & satisfying!
Low-Carb Drinks for a Summer BBQ:

My two favourite options for a sugar free drinks are just water infused with lemon, grapefruit, thyme and mint or any other low-carb berries and fruits or homemade sugar-free lemonade.
To make the lemonade: squeeze 3-4 lemons and combine the juice in a pitcher with 4 cups (1 L) of cold water, add low-carb sweetener to taste, stir to combine. Add mint, thyme and sliced lemon if desired.
Enjoy refreshing summer drink without sugar overload!
Following a low-carb diet doesn’t mean you have to give up delicious and refreshing drinks. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the beverage world while staying on track with your keto goals.
Non-alcoholic options:
- Sparkling water
- Unsweetened iced tea: Hot tea cooled with ice, with optional lemon or mint garnish.
Alcoholic options:
Keto-friendly cocktails: Explore recipes using sugar-free alcohol mixers, club soda, and fresh herbs, here are some recipes for you to choose from:
Low-carb wines: Opt for dry varieties like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Champagne or extra dry/brut sparkling wine.
BONUS TIPS:
- Read labels carefully: Pay attention to serving sizes and carbohydrate content to make informed choices.
- Mindful Mixers: When making cocktails, use sugar-free mixers like club soda, diet soda, or unsweetened fruit juices.
- Infuse your water: Add slices of cucumber, berries, or citrus fruits to your water for a burst of flavor without added sugar.
- Limit sugary drinks: Avoid sugary sodas, juices, and energy drinks, which can significantly impact your blood sugar levels.

Keto Summer Sweet Treats
Who says keto means skipping dessert? Here are some of my top summer recipes to end your BBQ on a light and delightful note, all without turning on the oven!