Looking for low carb backyard bbq food ideas this summer? These 24 easy and delicious recipes are perfect for warm weather and meals with friends. Fire up the grill and make some iced tea — this summer will certainly be fun, delicious, and healthy!
As someone with type 1 diabetes, I can certainly eat carbs. (We need carbs for energy.) But I love at least part of my meal to be low carb so I can enjoy the carbs in other things and not overdo it. So these cookout recipes are great for diabetics.
These recipes are also great if you’re following a keto diet. Many of the options below are also gluten free recipes.
Low Carb Backyard BBQ Food Ideas
Ahh, summer… the long, warm, sunny days that just beg for friends and a summer cookout. It’s definitely grilling season! But what’s on the menu? Also, how can you eat in a balanced and healthy way at a summer bbq or picnic?
These 24 recipe ideas are all easy bbq ideas that are low in carbs. And that’s for good reason. It’s so the only thing you’ll need to do is match up some lean protein with good fiber and healthy fats to balance blood sugar levels. It’s not about avoiding carbs; instead, it’s about balancing all the macros for healthier digestion. (More on that here.)
Happy barbecue-ing!
24 Easy Barbecue Recipes
Whether you’re bringing a dish to a Memorial Day celebration or family reunions, or inviting guests to your 4th of July bash, it’s the perfect time to make these recipes. Although a hot dog and a homemade pie are both delicious, these recipes kick your bbq game up a notch. And they do it while staying balanced and healthy too!
Low Carb Meats for Backyard BBQ Food Ideas
Let’s start with a protein base. I make so many meal plans around meats as my main dishes. That’s probably because I’m trying to focus on getting enough lean protein in each day. Not surprisingly, meat is the star of the show in a picnic or barbecue spread quite often.
So here are five popular bbq meat options that are made low carb and healthy for different types of diabetics. They’re each a good idea for Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, or just because it’s a Saturday in the summer!
1. Pork Chops
Pork chops aren’t exactly a source of lean protein, but every once in a while, they’re seriously delicious! So I’ve included them in this list.
Here’s a great pork chop recipe that’s definitely low carb — only 1g per serving. And there are a whopping 49g of protein! I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple. It’s just the pork chop, a bit of olive oil, and also some basic seasonings. That’s it!
2. Chicken Thighs
Grilled chicken thighs are one of my favorites, if I’m being honest. They basically always turn out juicy. This particular chicken thigh recipe includes only 5g carbs, 13g fat, and 44g of protein.
Also, this recipe comes with various dry rub and marinade options to make the chicken even more delicious. If you’re looking for a delicious sauce, try your hand at making a homemade bbq sauce.
3. Burgers
What’s a backyard bbq party without a burger? Plus, burgers are obviously a safe bet in terms of kid-friendly options. These turkey burgers are delicious and also a great source of lean protein. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat!
This recipe shows them being cooked in a skillet, but an even better way to cook them would be outside on the grill. Grab a whole grain bun or lettuce wrap and dig in!
4. BBQ Ribs
Every once in a while I really enjoy some good ol’ bbq ribs. And these low carb ribs are fall-off-the-bone delicious! Plus, they are also gluten-free and dairy-free.
This main course recipe can cook on a baking sheet in the oven for two hours while you’re prepping all your other backyard bbq food ideas.
5. Slow Roasted Brisket
Now, this guy obviously takes a hot minute. He’s an 8-hour marinade and an 8-hour cook time. But for those who really love brisket, it’s worth the wait!
This brisket recipe has 5g carbs. It’s a great low-carb option as far as backyard bbq food ideas go! If you’re wanting to top it with barbecue sauce, it’s a good idea to watch the sugar content in the one you choose.
BONUS: The Healthiest Ice Cream for Diabetics
Backyard BBQ Food ideas: Combination Foods
There are just certain foods that go together. And that can certainly help the combination of fat, fiber, and protein people watching their blood sugars really need in order to maintain stable glucose levels.
So here are a few fun combination backyard bbq food ideas that you could choose to make this summer.
6. Carne Asada
Carne asada is typically made with a flank steak or skirt steak, but this one was made with pork shoulder. (You could obviously choose to buy steak instead of pork for this recipe.)
Give this recipe a try and turn your backyard bbq into a Mexican fiesta! (Also see the Mexican sides below.)
7. Chicken and Veggie Kabobs
Kabobs are just fun, aren’t they? They are a classic recipe for a cookout. I think more foods should be made on a stick. If for nothing else than to just add more fun to your meal.
These chicken and veggie kabobs are a great way to get some lean protein and fiber from veggies at the same time. And if you’re looking to increase the fiber content, throw on some halved brussels sprouts. Plus, they’ll get a delicious smoky flavor on the grill!
8. Nacho Bar
Just go with me on this one. What if your backyard bbq turned into a nacho bar? What a great way to feed larger crowds. This low carb nachos recipe includes tomatoes, avocado, ground beef, and more. And it uses mini peppers in place of tortilla chips, making it a a great option for a low carb party.
Simply dice up some onion, tomato, cilantro, and avocado. Set out the black beans, and peppers. Squeeze some fresh lime juice and sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a kick. Now it’s time for a fiesta!
9. Prosciutto-wrapped apples and brie
In case your celebration is more of a formal affair, this appetizer or side dish would be the perfect way to add some elegance and take it to the next level. These apple slices with brie cheese wrapped in prosciutto are delicious!
Also, this is a low carb recipe with only 6g carbs per serving, 3g protein, and 4g fat. Enjoy!
Veggie-Based Side Dishes for Backyard BBQ Food Ideas
Many bbq events will feature sweet potatoes or bbq baked beans. And you can certainly do that. But what if we thought a bit outside the box and included some veggies that are high in fiber and beans that are high in protein? That would provide a healthy blood sugar level that is more steady than eating carb on their own.
Check out these five low carb vegetable-based side options for your next barbecue.
10. Grilled Asparagus
My absolute favorite way to eat asparagus is on the grill. Hands down. And this recipe is about as easy as it comes! Just rinse, trim, season, and grill.
You can also grill asparagus in foil (as shown in this recipe) to eliminate any mess on the grill grates. And that makes clean up a breeze!
11. Caprese Kabobs
This is one of the most beautiful side dishes for a bbq that I have seen in quite a while. Caprese kabobs are just so colorful, and they just scream summer! This is a twist on a classic caprese salad recipe that has been assembled onto skewers. I think it’s the fresh basil sets it over the top for my taste buds.
With only 3g carbohydrates and 5g protein, these are a super delicious winner in my book!
12. Corn and Black Bean Salsa
A standard red tomato salsa is delicious, but I find a chunky almost-pico-type salsa even better! So how about this corn and black bean salsa? (And aren’t the vibrant colors amazing?! This recipe is equal parts beautiful and delicious.)
Scoop it with a chip or just eat it with a spoon. Either way, it’s super tasty. And with only 8g carbohydrates, it’s also low carb.
You can easily make this salsa in advance, which will help on prep time. And this recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free, so relax and enjoy this yummy and healthy bite!
13. Vegetable Skewers
Pair this up with any of the meats above, and you have a super healthy, well-rounded meal! The beauty of a vegetable skewer is that you can add any veggies you like. Are you not a fan of red onion? Simply don’t include them. Do you love red bell pepper? You can certainly add it in.
The carbs in each skewer would depend on the fresh veggies you used, but they are sure to be low carb as long as you are using non-starchy vegetables.
14. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish. But it’s something that can be tricky because the sauce may or may not be full of sugar. That’s typically due to the dressing and/or added sweeteners. And you don’t know for sure if it’s not a prepackaged deal from the grocery store that you can reference.
But this low carb southern style coleslaw recipe comes in at only 6g carbs per serving. You can also make this side dish ahead. Just don’t leave it out at room temperature for long — keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
Salads as Backyard BBQ Food Ideas
I love a good salad. For me, I think it’s often the best part of a meal. My bbq chicken salad would be great addition to a backyard bbq, for example! But how about other salad recipes as side dishes? And it doesn’t have to be a carby macaroni salad, pasta salad, or fruit salad.
Here are 8 low carb salad ideas that are fantastic for a summer bbq!
15. Broccoli Salad
I’m probably in the minority here, but I absolutely love broccoli. Steamed or in a salad like this, I’ll take it either way!
Salads like this can be full of sugar in the dressing, but this is a low carb broccoli salad that is perfect for a healthy bbq side dish!
16. Potato Salad
Emily Enchanted’s cauliflower potato salad hack is so delicious, and it’s low carb because of the substitution! With only 8g carbs per serving, it’s altogether perfect for picnics and barbecues.
Bonus: there are 6g protein in each serving, too!
17. Creamy Cucumber Salad
This creamy cucumber salad can be done in about 10 minutes. And that’s great when you’re planning a bbq, so you can move on to making other dishes.
This sour cream based sauce is both delicious and low carb. Grab the cucumbers from the garden or the market, add in some seasonings and fresh herbs, and you’ve got yourself a delicious salad.
18. Pea Salad
This pea salad recipe reminds me a bit of a seven layer salad. Do you know what I mean? It’s probably the peas and creamy dressing that has me thinking that way. But it’s really delicious. (Both a seven layer salad and this recipe, that is.)
With only 5g of carbohydrates and 8g protein, you can add this to your side dish list for your backyard bbq food ideas for sure! And it also includes crispy bacon. Who doesn’t love bacon?! Slam. Dunk.
19. Antipasto Salad
This low carb antipasto salad is not only beautiful with it’s olives and cherry tomatoes — it’s also delicious. And it also comes with an easy recipe for a homemade dressing. You could always use your own premade choice if you prefer.
With only 6g carbs, this salad recipe is a winner for a low carb bbq menu!
20. Mexican Street Corn Salad
Perhaps your backyard bbq is taking a Mexican spin on things. If so, this low carb street corn salad is the perfect side dish for your fiesta!
Believe it or not, this salad has only 7g carbs per serving because of a brilliant substitution. Give this healthy option a try today!
21. Zoodle Salad
Zoodles are super fun and really delicious. If you’re not familiar, zoodles are zucchini noodles. So it’s spiralized zucchini. This spiralizer is the one I use and it works wonderfully.
We have made several dishes with zoodles. One of my favorites is zoodles and meatballs. It’s like spaghetti and meatballs, but with zucchini noodles.
This zucchini salad is gorgeous and delicious, and it’s low carb too. So it’s a perfect salad for your next backyard bbq.
22. Tomato Cucumber onion Salad
On hot summer days when the tomatoes are fresh off the vine, this tomato cucumber onion salad would be absolutely perfect. Made with simple, fresh ingredients, it’s naturally low carb.
This side dish would be perfect with hot dogs, burgers, brats, pork, chicken, and more!
BONUS: Best Sugar Free Popsicles and Frozen Treats
Backyard BBQ Food Ideas: Dips + Other Things
There are a couple more recipes I want to share with you in this list of backyard bbq food ideas. So without further ado, here are the last two offerings!
23. Cowboy Caviar
For those of you who love cowboy caviar, yes — there is a low carb version as a great alternative! And for those of you who don’t already love this recipe, you’ll soon be in for a treat. What a perfect, easy appetizer for your party.
It’s typically made with some higher-carb foods like black eyed peas, corn, and black beans. But this recipe has made it a little different to lower the carb counts without sacrificing flavor. Give it a try!
24. Deviled Eggs
I remember deviled eggs being at so many get togethers growing up. Someone always made them, and they were my favorite things! They’re on this list because they are super delicious, and they are definitely low carb. You can top them with chives, green onions, or fresh herbs.
In case you’d like my method of hard boiling an egg to perfection, check out the notes in this recipe. I’ve made them for years this way, and the yolks are always fully cooked and bright yellow!
The Ultimate Goal with Backyard BBQ Food Ideas
The ultimate goal in meal planning for a backyard bbq is to provide a variety of healthy foods for your guests. And for people with diabetes, it’s also about counting carbs (fats, fiber, and protein too).
The more we can balance macronutrients, the more stable our blood sugar will be. And that’s a healthier way to live! Remember, you don’t have to sacrifice the delicious foods you love. But you can certainly be strategic on how you plan them together. A little planning ahead and wise decision making can help you to relax and have a great time at your next bbq!
Want more on how to create healthy meals?
- Diabetes Meal Plan Made Easy (with free meal planning templates)
- How to Plan Easy Diabetic Recipes and Healthy Meals (with free meal planning templates)
DID YOU Like This Post?
If enjoyed this post and these recipes, would you please let me know? Which ones were your favorite recipes? What did you make for your backyard barbecue? I would love to hear from you!
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NOTE: I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician. Nothing here should be taken as professional medical advice. Any nutritional information provided should be used as a general guideline and estimate only. For the most accurate information, please calculate based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, as well as any changes you make to the recipe.
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