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A colorful array of healthy summer BBQ side dishes on a picnic table

Quick way to grow 3 healthy summer BBQ side dishes healthy summer BBQ side dishes

This recipe offers a quick and easy way to prepare three healthy and delicious side dishes, perfect for any summer BBQ gathering, featuring fresh ingredients and simple steps for a vibrant meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad 1 - Quinoa Salad
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh mint chopped
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp pepper
Salad 2 - Corn and Black Bean Salad
  • 2 cups corn cooked, fresh or frozen/thawed
  • 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • 0.5 tsp salt
Salad 3 - Watermelon & Feta Salad
  • 4 cups watermelon cubed
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • saucepan
  • small bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Quinoa Salad
  1. Cook quinoa according to package directions, then let it cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and fresh mint.
  3. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, then pour it over the salad and toss to combine.
Corn and Black Bean Salad
  1. In a medium bowl, mix cooked corn, rinsed black beans, diced red bell pepper, minced jalapeño, and fresh cilantro.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, and cumin, then pour over the corn and black bean mixture.
  3. Add salt to taste and stir everything together.
Watermelon & Feta Salad
  1. Gently combine cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh basil in a serving bowl.
  2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, prepare the quinoa salad and corn and black bean salad at least 30 minutes in advance to allow flavors to meld. The watermelon salad is best served fresh. Adjust spice levels of jalapeño to your preference. These recipes are easily scalable for larger gatherings. You can substitute ingredients based on availability; for instance, bell peppers come in different colors and flavors.