Simple Summer Picnic and BBQ Recipe Ideas.

Who can resist a BBQ or picnic during the Aussie summer? Take a look at the vibrant, nourishing side dish ideas below, perfect for your next outdoor gathering.

1. Grilled Lemon and Herb Chicken Skewers

• Marinate chicken breast pieces in a mixture of olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. Skewer and grill until golden. Serve with a light tzatziki or yogurt dipping sauce for added freshness and dose of calcium.

  
  

2. Grilled Vegetable Salad with Balsamic Glaze

• Grill a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, capsicums, and red onions. Toss with a drizzle of apple cider vinegar, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Serve warm or cold for a vibrant vitamin A and C rich salad.

  
  

3. Avocado and Mango Salad

• Combine fresh avocado, diced mango, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Toss with a simple lime dressing, fresh coriander, and a pinch of sea salt. It’s the perfect tropical, refreshing salad to boost your body with healthy fats and fibre.

4. Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad

• Combine juicy watermelon cubes with crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint, handful of olives and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Not only is this a cooling, hydrating salad for hot afternoons, it's also packed with fibre, calcium and antioxidants.

  
  

5. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chilli-Lime Butter

• Grill fresh corn on the cob until charred and golden. Brush with a light chilli-lime butter made from olive oil, lime zest, chili powder, and fresh parsley. This simple side dish is high in fiber and perfect for BBQs.

6. BBQ Sweet Potato Wedges with Avocado Dip

• Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with olive oil and paprika, and grill until crispy. Serve with a creamy avocado dip made from mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and garlic.