This blog contains sponsored content and the following post may contain affiliate links. Samples are sometimes accepted in order to provide valuable content for readers. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure policy here.

It’s the time of the year for swimsuits, flip flops and of course summer barbecues. Let’s face it, many of us have been patiently waiting to eat outdoors and light up the grill since last summer. Unfortunately, healthy side dishes are not synonymous with summer. Popular summer barbecue side dish favorites like creamy potato salad, baked beans, macaroni salad, even many summer salads are laden with fat, sugar and unnecessary salt.

But this summer is going to be different. This is the summer that you’re going to make the most delicious healthy side dishes. If anyone wants a side of guilt with their barbecue, it’s not going to happen on your watch. Here are five healthy side dishes to serve at a summer barbecue. What’s even better, all these dishes are served cold and can be made ahead of time so, that you’re not slaving in a hot kitchen all day.

1. Chesapeake Crab and Avocado Deviled Eggs

Who doesn’t want deviled eggs served at their summer barbecue? If you like crabs and avocado, this deviled eggs recipe is for you.

Virgin Islands Coleslaw

Everyone has their favorite coleslaw recipe but, you probably haven’t had coleslaw like this. The preferred mayonnaise used in this recipe is antioxidant rich safflower mayo and the recipe is also low in sugar.

Cauliflower “Pasta” Salad

You can’t have a summer barbecue without macaroni salad right?

Wrong.

This cauliflower salad is a macaroni salad “fake out” without the empty carbs. Not only does the salad taste good, but cauliflower is not expensive so the dish is pretty affordable to make too.