Oh, summer BBQs! There’s just something magical about that smoky aroma, the sizzle on the grill, and all your favorite people gathered around. But let’s be real, the mains get a lot of the glory, right? That’s why having killer bbq side dishes is, like, *super* important. Forget boring potato salad that’s been sitting out too long! This Smoked Sausage and Corn Salad? It’s my absolute go-to. It’s ridiculously easy, bursting with this amazing smoky-sweet-savory combo, and honestly, it disappears faster than ice cream on a hot day. I remember bringing it to a potluck last year, and people were practically fighting over the leftovers. It’s just that good!
Why This Smoked Sausage and Corn Salad is a Top BBQ Side Dish
So, why has this Smoked Sausage and Corn Salad become my absolute jam for any barbecue? Let me break it down for you:
- Seriously Easy Peasy: We’re talking minimal fuss here. Most of the work involves chopping and a quick grill session. You can totally throw this together while the burgers are still chilling in the fridge!
- Flavor Explosion!: You get that fantastic smoky flavor from the sausage, a pop of sweetness from the grilled corn, a little zing from the red onion and bell pepper, and a fresh burst from the cilantro. It’s the whole package!
- So Versatile!: This isn’t just for burgers and hot dogs. It’s amazing alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even just on its own as a hearty salad. It’s the perfect companion for whatever you’ve got cooking on the grill.
- Outdoor Party Perfect: It travels well, holds up great in a cooler, and doesn’t get weirdly mushy if it sits out for a bit (though it usually doesn’t last that long anyway!). It’s just made for picnics and backyard hangs.
- Complements Everything: Honestly, it cuts through the richness of grilled meats beautifully. That little bit of tang and freshness just makes everything else taste even better.
Gathering Your Ingredients for the Best BBQ Side Dishes
Alright, let’s get our game faces on and gather up everything we need for this flavor-packed salad. When you’re putting together great bbq side dishes, the quality of your ingredients really shines through, so a little attention here goes a long way!
First up, the star of the show: smoked sausage. I always grab a good quality one, usually kielbasa or a nice savory smoked sausage, and slice it into about half-inch thick rounds. You want it substantial enough to hold its own on the grill! For the corn, you’ve got options: fresh off the cob is fantastic, especially in the summer, but good quality frozen corn works like a charm too. If you’re using fresh cobs, look for ones with plump kernels – that usually means they’re nice and sweet. Then we’ve got the supporting cast: a bright red bell pepper, diced up for a little sweetness and crunch, and about half a cup of finely chopped red onion. Don’t be shy with the red onion, but if you’re not a huge fan, you can always chop it super fine so it’s just a whisper of flavor, or even skip it if you prefer.
And for that zesty dressing that ties it all together? It’s super simple: good olive oil (don’t skimp here!), some tangy apple cider vinegar, a little Dijon mustard for oomph, and your basic salt and pepper. Oh, and a good handful of fresh cilantro, chopped up nice and fine. It just brings everything to life!
Here’s your quick shopping list:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your BBQ Side Dishes
Alright, let’s get down to business and whip up this amazing salad! It’s honestly pretty straightforward, and if you just follow along, you’ll have the most delicious addition to your BBQ spread in no time. Think of it as building flavor, step by step!
Preparing the Sausage and Corn
First things first, let’s get that grill fired up to a nice medium heat. While it’s preheating, lay out your smoked sausage slices on the grill grates. You want them to get those lovely grill marks and a little bit of char, which adds so much depth. About 3 to 4 minutes per side should do the trick. Now, for the corn! If you’re using fresh corn, toss those cobs on the grill too. Give them a turn every ten minutes or so until they’re lightly charred all around – it makes the kernels taste so much sweeter! If you’re looking for other grilling inspo, check out these juicy grilled chicken fillets or maybe even a perfectly cooked beef striploin steak. Once they’re done, let them cool just enough so you can handle them, then carefully slice those kernels right off the cob. If you’re using frozen corn, you can skip the grilling for the corn itself, but you could even give it a quick toast in a dry skillet if you want a little more depth.
Crafting the Perfect Dressing for Your BBQ Side Dishes
While the grilled goodness cools a bit, let’s whip up that super simple dressing. Grab a small bowl and throw in your olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and that little dollop of Dijon mustard. Now, whisk it all together like you mean it! You want it to get nice and emulsified, meaning it all comes together and doesn’t look like it’s separating. Give it a little taste – this is your chance to add a bit more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Remember, this dressing is designed to lightly coat everything, not drown it, so keep that consistency in mind!
Assembling the Smoked Sausage and Corn Salad
Okay, the moment of truth! Grab a big ol’ mixing bowl. Gently toss in your grilled sausage slices, all those sweet corn kernels, that diced red bell pepper, the chopped red onion, and all that fresh cilantro. Now, drizzle that lovely dressing over everything. The key here is to be gentle! You don’t want to mash the corn or break up the sausage too much. Just give it a good, careful toss with a big spoon or tongs until everything is nicely coated. You can totally serve this right away, but oh my goodness, if you can resist, letting it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes lets all those flavors really meld together beautifully. It’s seriously worth the wait, trust me!
Tips for the Best BBQ Side Dishes
You know, making great bbq side dishes is all about little tricks and knowing how to tweak things for your own taste. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that really make this Smoked Sausage and Corn Salad sing and ensure it’s always a hit! If you’re looking for other awesome sides, you might wanna check out this chipotle corn salsa or even some super speedy grilled asparagus.
Ingredient Substitutions for BBQ Side Dishes
Don’t have smoked sausage? No worries! A good quality pre-cooked chicken or turkey sausage works too, though you might lose a bit of that signature smoky flavor. You could even try grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian twist – it gets deliciously squeaky and golden on the grill! And if peppers aren’t your thing, finely diced cucumber can add a nice fresh crunch. It’s all about playing with what you’ve got!
Making This Salad Ahead of Time
This salad is seriously a lifesaver because you can totally make it earlier in the day, or even the night before. Just keep the dressing separate and toss everything together about 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to serve. This keeps the corn and peppers nice and crisp and stops the sausage from getting too soft. If you do mix it all ahead, just give it a really good stir before serving; sometimes things settle down there while they’re chilling.
Serving Suggestions for Your BBQ Side Dishes
So, you’ve got this incredible Smoked Sausage and Corn Salad ready to go – awesome! Now, what else should be on that picnic table? This salad is like the perfect sidekick. It’s fantastic with anything you’re grilling, from classic burgers and hot dogs (some great ideas for sides to serve with burgers here!) to juicy grilled chicken or even some flaky grilled fish. My personal favorite? I love pairing it with some simple grilled corn on the cob, maybe a big bowl of watermelon, and if I’m feeling fancy, maybe a quick homemade burger bowl without the bun!
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Side Dishes
Got questions about making this killer salad? I’ve got answers! It’s always good to know the little details, especially when you’re planning out your perfect bbq side dishes.
Can I make this BBQ side dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! If you want to keep this salad meat-free, just swap out the smoked sausage for some grilled halloumi cheese. It gets a lovely golden crust on the grill and has a great texture that works wonderfully here. Or, you could pack some seasoned, grilled tofu cubes in there!
How long can I store leftovers of this BBQ side dish?
This salad holds up really well in the fridge! You can keep it covered in an airtight container for about 2 to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better the next day, but I do recommend giving it a good stir before serving, as things can settle a bit.
Nutritional Information Estimate
Just a heads-up, this is an estimate, alright? Like, your exact calorie count can change depending on the brand of sausage you use or how much olive oil you *really* drizzled in. But generally, a serving of this Smoked Sausage and Corn Salad will probably clock in somewhere around 300-350 calories. You’re looking at decent protein from the sausage, some carbs from the corn and veggies, and healthy fats from the olive oil. It’s pretty well-balanced for a smoky, summery side!
Share Your BBQ Side Dish Creations!
Okay, now it’s your turn to shine! I absolutely love hearing about your kitchen adventures. Did you try this Smoked Sausage and Corn Salad? Maybe you tweaked it a bit or paired it with something amazing? Snap a photo and share it in the comments below, or just tell me all about it! And if you enjoyed it, please give it a rating—it really helps other home cooks find these recipes!
Smoked Sausage and Corn Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Grill the sausage slices for about 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly charred.
- If using fresh corn, grill the cobs for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred. Cut the kernels off the cobs.
- In a large bowl, combine the grilled sausage, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve the salad immediately or chill for later.