Flavorful Side Dishes to Complement any Barbecue 

When it comes to barbecue, the star of the show is usually the tender, smokey meat, but any true BBQ lover knows that the sides can elevate the entire meal. 

Whether it's a refreshing cold dish or a warm, savory accompaniment, like Norma Jeans Beans [link], the right side dish adds balance, texture, and flavor to complement those smoky, grilled flavors. 

Fourth-generation grillmaster Barrett Black, who loves exploring in the kitchen, shows how to make two cold side dishes to compliment your next barbecue in this episode of Goodtaste with Tanji Patton.

“Roast cauliflower is one of my favorite things,” Barrett said, highlighting how even the simplest ingredients can become BBQ staples with the right twist.

In this post, we’re sharing two easy-to-make side dishes that are perfect for your next BBQ spread. 

A refreshing Curried Cauliflower Apple Salad and a colorful Roasted Sweet Potato dish — both packed with flavor and texture. These recipes not only add variety to your table but are simple enough to prepare at home, offering an exciting twist on traditional sides. 

Ready to up your BBQ game? These sides are not only delicious but designed to be easy for anyone to whip up at home, so let’s get started!

Watch Here [https://www.goodtaste.tv/recipes/blacks-barbecue-sides-beyond-beans/]

Curried Cauliflower Apple Salad: A Refreshing Twist

If you’re looking for a side that’s light, tangy, and full of unexpected flavors, this Curried Cauliflower Apple Salad is just the thing. Cauliflower, especially when roasted, brings a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with a creamy yogurt dressing, while the crisp apples provide a refreshing crunch. 

What makes this dish stand out is the balance of flavors. The Greek yogurt-based dressing, flavored with curry powder, lemon juice, and honey, brings a mix of creaminess, tang, and a hint of sweetness. It’s light but flavorful, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier BBQ meats. Adding chopped Pink Lady apples to the mix introduces a crisp, slightly tart element that plays well with the roasted cauliflower. A sprinkle of chives and a few drops of Black's Pepper Sauce add that finishing touch of complexity.

This salad is not only delicious but incredibly easy to prepare at home. With a quick roast of the cauliflower and a simple whisking of the yogurt dressing, you’ll have a vibrant, healthy side dish that’s ready to impress. It’s perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a cool complement to smoky BBQ flavors

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pomegranate Seeds: A Burst of Color and Flavor

Sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient, and as Barrett Black says, they’re “meant for more than just the Thanksgiving table.” 

This Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pomegranate Seeds dish takes sweet potatoes from a holiday side to a vibrant, everyday BBQ companion. Roasting them at a high temperature gives the potatoes a caramelized, crispy exterior, while the inside remains tender, creating the perfect texture for this side.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Toss the sweet potatoes with oil, salt, and ground cumin, and let the oven do the work. The cumin adds an earthy, warm flavor that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Once roasted, fresh cilantro and finely chopped white onion are added for brightness and crunch, while a generous handful of pomegranate seeds elevates the dish with a burst of color and juicy sweetness. The contrast between the savory roasted potatoes and the fresh, tart pomegranate seeds is what makes this side exciting.

This dish is as visually appealing as it is flavorful, and it’s easy to make at home. With minimal prep and just a few minutes in the oven, you can create a colorful, flavorful side that will steal the spotlight at your next BBQ. Whether paired with smoked ribs or grilled chicken, this roasted sweet potato recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite!

Recipes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pomegranate Seeds

Ingredients 

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½-inch pieces
• salt, to taste
• oil, for tossing
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup white onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds

Instructions

For Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pomegranate Seeds

1. Preheat the oven to a high temperature of 550?.
2. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch pieces.
3. Season the sweet potatoes with salt and toss them with oil to ensure even coating.
4. Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes, adjusting the time based on the desired level of roasting for the outer layer. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
6. Once removed from the oven, transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl.
7. Toss the hot sweet potatoes with ground cumin, freshly ground black pepper, chopped fresh cilantro, and finely chopped white onion. The residual heat will enhance the flavors.
8. Garnish the roasted sweet potatoes generously with vibrant pomegranate seeds. The burst of color and juicy sweetness will complement the savory roasted potatoes.
9. Serve the Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pomegranate Seeds as a vibrant and flavorful side dish alongside your favorite main courses.

Notes

For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pomegranate Seeds:

• The high oven temperature ensures a quick roast, creating a delightful contrast between the caramelized exterior and the tender interior of the sweet potatoes.
• The addition of cumin, black pepper, cilantro, and white onion adds layers of savory complexity.
• Pomegranate seeds provide a burst of freshness, visually elevating the dish while adding a sweet and juicy element.

 

Curried Cauliflower Apple Salad

Ingredients 

• 1 head purple cauliflower, broken into small florets (you can use a white cauliflower if desired)
• 1 apple, chopped
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp honey
• ½ tsp salt
• chopped chives, for garnish
• a few drops of Black's Pepper Sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a high temperature of 550?.
2. Break down the head of the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets.
3. Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes, adjusting the time based on the desired level of roasting. Allow the roasted cauliflower to chill.
4. Chop the apple into bite-sized pieces.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, curry powder, lemon juice, honey, salt, chopped chives, and a few drops of Black's Pepper Sauce. Whisk together until the dressing is smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Once the roasted cauliflower has chilled, combine it with the chopped apple in a large mixing bowl.
7. Pour the prepared dressing over the cauliflower and apple mixture.
8. Gently toss the salad until the cauliflower and apple are evenly coated with the flavorful curry yogurt dressing.
9. Serve the Curried Cauliflower Apple Salad immediately, showcasing the vibrant colors and enticing aromas of this unique and flavorful dish.

NOTES

• The high oven temperature imparts a quick roast to the cauliflower, preserving a delightful crunch while enhancing its nutty flavor.
• The Greek yogurt-based dressing with curry powder, lemon juice, and honey provides a harmonious blend of creaminess, tanginess, and subtle sweetness.
• Chopped chives and a few drops of Black's Pepper Sauce add a finishing touch, elevating the salad with depth and complexity.

Discover Black's BBQ in Texas

Elevate your BBQ experience by pairing it with fresh, flavorful sides that bring out the best in every bite. And while you’re at it, make sure to visit one of Black’s BBQ locations to enjoy some of the finest barbecue in Texas. Stop by today and taste why we’re the best in the business!