What to Bring to a BBQ: Healthy BBQ Edition

Planning to hit up a BBQ and want to keep it healthy? No worries—there are plenty of tasty, good-for-you options to bring along.

From fresh salads to lean proteins, you can enjoy the day without ditching your health goals.

Let’s dive into some simple, nutritious ideas that everyone will love!

Salads are always a hit at BBQs, and they don’t have to be boring. Pack them with colorful veggies, protein, and flavor to make them shine.

Grain-Free Options: Toss together a mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado. Add olive oil and lemon juice for a fresh dressing.
Fruit-Forward Mixes: Bring a watermelon and feta salad topped with fresh mint. It’s refreshing and sweet, with a touch of savory.
Protein-Packed Bowls: A chickpea or lentil salad with chopped parsley, red onion, and a squeeze of lime will be a crowd-pleaser.

Tip: Prep your salad in a big bowl and keep the dressing on the side to avoid sogginess.

Skip the usual fatty sausages and bring something healthier to throw on the grill.

Chicken or Turkey Skewers: Marinate pieces of lean chicken or turkey breast in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and your favorite spices. Slide them onto skewers with bell peppers and onions for an easy-to-eat option.
Fish Fillets: Salmon or tilapia wrapped in foil with herbs, lemon, and garlic makes a flavorful dish without too much effort.
Plant-Based Patties: For veggie lovers, bring black bean or lentil patties. Make them at home or grab a high-protein option from the store.

Sometimes, all you need are fun, snackable sides to keep things light.

Grilled Veggies: Bring pre-sliced zucchini, eggplant, and asparagus. Brush them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and they’re good to go on the grill.
Veggie Platters: Load up a platter with carrot sticks, celery, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips. Serve them with a protein-rich dip like hummus or Greek yogurt mixed with herbs.
Sweet Potato Wedges: Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, season them with paprika and garlic powder, and bake them at home for a crispy treat that travels well.

Sugary sodas and sweetened cocktails can sneak in loads of calories. Bring drinks that refresh without piling on the sugar.

Infused Water: Slice up citrus fruits, cucumbers, or berries and toss them into a jug of water. It’s simple, tasty, and hydrating.
Iced Tea: Brew a batch of herbal or green tea and sweeten it lightly with honey or stevia. Add fresh mint for an extra kick.
Sparkling Water: Grab some sparkling water and pair it with fresh lime or orange slices for a fizzy option everyone can enjoy.

Finish the BBQ with a healthy dessert that doesn’t feel heavy.

Fruit Kabobs: Thread chunks of pineapple, strawberries, and grapes onto skewers. It’s a fun, easy-to-eat option for all ages.
Grilled Peaches: Halve some peaches, brush them with a bit of honey, and toss them on the grill until soft. Serve them with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
Dark Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Dip banana slices or strawberries into melted dark chocolate, then let them cool on parchment paper.

Store-bought sauces are often loaded with sugar and salt. Bring healthier options to keep things flavorful.

Homemade Guacamole: Mash up some avocados with lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. It’s a great dip for chips or veggies.
Greek Yogurt Tzatziki: Mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice for a creamy, refreshing sauce.
Pico de Gallo: Chop up tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro for a fresh salsa that goes great with grilled proteins.

Small, thoughtful touches can make your contribution stand out.

Reusable Serveware: Bring your food in reusable containers to cut down on waste.
Healthy Chips or Crackers: Look for whole-grain crackers or baked chips made with simple ingredients.
Seasonings or Rubs: Pre-mix a jar of spice rub for grilling. A mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin works for almost anything.

Keep these tips in mind to make your healthy BBQ contributions simple and stress-free:

Prep Ahead: Wash, chop, and pack your food the night before to save time.
Label Dishes: Add small labels to your dishes if they’re allergy-friendly, gluten-free, or vegetarian.
Focus on Balance: Aim to bring something fresh, something grilled, and something sweet for variety.

Bringing something healthy to a BBQ doesn’t have to feel like a chore.

From colorful salads and grilled proteins to hydrating drinks and light desserts, there’s no shortage of delicious, good-for-you options to share.

So, next time you’re headed to a BBQ, think beyond the usual heavy dishes and surprise everyone with your tasty, health-focused spread.

Healthy eating doesn’t mean missing out—it’s all about flavor, freshness, and balance.

Get out there and make your next BBQ both fun and wholesome!