Painless Summer Barbecue Side Dish Recipes

Last week, I took a food-trip around Seattle and met many delightful, inspiring foodies and food writers at Foodportunity. Special thanks to the ever lovely Alice of Savory Sweet Life and Miss Lorna Yee for their extended hospitality. I’m condensing my trip into a delicious video so stay tuned.

My heart skipped a beat to see my video featured on Andrew Zimmern‘s blog, captioned Ahh…. A woman after my own heart. I’ve watched every Bizarre Food episode to date so I’m a tad flushed and giggly school-girly. Looks like the Zen Chef has some competition ;)

Oh right. You’re here for the food, not to hear me blab about my life.

I love to entertain but somehow dread when friends ask for recipes, especially when I make a big batch of something for a barbecue or potluck. They don’t believe me when I tell them I just throw things together, taste, adjust, and serve.

Well here it is. Painless Barbecue Side-Dishes: Photos = 1000 words. Me = 0 recipe.

Mango Pineapple Salsa

Shallots, Pineapple, Cilantro, Minced Ginger, Mango, Lime juice and zest, Grapeseed Oil, Salt

Pesto Pasta Salad

Penne, Japanese Cucumber, Red Onion, Cherry Tomatoes, Sauteed Fennel

Pinenuts, Garlic, Basil, Lemon juice and zest, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pasta-cooking water, S&P

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Roasted Vegetable Salad

Eggplant, Zuchinni, Bell Peppers, Onion, Fennel, Red Potatoes

Balsamic Vinegar, Grainy Mustard, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Minced Garlic, Honey, S&P, Green Onion

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http://breadplusbutter.blogspot.com jenn

Mel, that’s fantastic that your were features ON AZ’s blog. I love bizarre foods. Congrats!!! I can just imagine how you felt when you found out.

Awesome salsa, too. ;-)
http://cheapappetite.com CheapAppetite

interesting video. But I don’t condone eating live animal:) Anyway, it’s your choice. The mango pineapple salsa looks great. Perfect for summer bbq. Would you serve it chilled or room temp?
http://www.elinluv.blogspot.com elin

that was 3 beautiful and delicious bbq sides and thanks for sharing . I love that pineapple mango salsa and the roasted veg salad.
http://www.bouchonfor2.com/ Mel (admin)

I would serve it chilled to start but all of the sides are just as good after sitting out. No dairy (apart from P.Cheese), all veg, so good to go :)
http://tastyeatsathome.wordpress.com Alta

Wow, on AZ’s blog! That rocks. I love Bizarre Foods. And that mango pineapple salsa is yum, but I particularly like the roasted veggie salad! Would love that alongside some ribs!
http://www.cookincanuck.com Cookin’ Canuck

These side dishes look fantastic – so full of flavor and color. Your friends must be thrilled whenever you bring a dish to a potluck bbq.

I love that shrimp video. As soon as I saw it on your blog, I brought my kids over to watch. My 7-year-old said, “Ewwww!” and turned his head away. My 5-year-old giggled madly and asked to see it again. It was a big hit!
http://www.antoniaeats.blogspot.com Antonia Eats

I haven’t heard of Andrew Zimmern as I don’t htink he’s made it over the pond to the UK yet, but his website looks great. Congrats on being featured! Mmm your mango pineapple salsa looks delicious…Cheers, Antonia
http://simplyscrumptiousfoodie.com Jessie

congrats on being featured on andrew zimmern’s blog! I’m loving all three dishes by the way, everything looks very tasty
http://www.sainttigerlily.blogspot.com Saint Tigerlily

Just found your site yesterday and have been reading through. Very fun and great recipes.
http://curiousdomestic.wordpress.com curiousdomestic

Way to be a bizarre foodie! Love the pineapple-mango salsa. So pretty!
Danimal

Hot damn! Congratulations on getting a post on Zimmern’s blog. That moves you into the bigtime, you foodie goddess!
http://www.nynyeateat.com NYNYEATEAT

Hey, is that shot of the Seattle market from Matt’s? we had the BEST sandwiches there on our last trip to Seattle. Followed by some great Salmon jerky for the road…
http://wasabiprime.blogspot.com wasabi prime

Way to go on being featured on Mr. Z’s blog! I love that man. And you are a brave soul! The blog is beautiful and I’m jealous you got to spend time with the amazing Lorna Yee while in Seattle! I love Vancouver; I feel so fortunate to live in Washington and be able to drive up there so easily.
http://www.foodnfit.wordpress.com/ Dawn (foodnfit)

Wow congrats! Everything looks amazing!
http://tanglednoodle.blogspot.com Tangled Noodle

After I saw your video of eating live shrimp, I read that a local law was passed somewhere in Australia (sorry to be so vague) that such dishes have been banned after some squeamish diners vociferously complained on the grounds of animal cruelty and general lack of adventure. 8-(

Thank goodness it’s still very much bbq season even though it’s nice a rainy today. I love these sides!
http://zencancook.com zenchef

Competition from Zimmern!?? Damn it!!
But i saw you sucking on the shrimp first! Does that count? And i have more hair! :)

Congrats anyway. [Grrr.. mumbling sounds]