6 BBQ Sides to Try This Summer — Scottish Flavours for Your Grill Gatherings

When the Scottish sun finally makes its glorious return - even if it's just for an afternoon - there's nothing quite like firing up the grill and gathering friends and family around for good food and fun. 

While your burgers, sausages, or freshly caught langoustines might steal the spotlight, it's often the array of sides that can truly raise a simple barbecue into an unforgettable feast.

Scotland's larder offers incredible ingredients that deserve a place at your table - indoors or out.

These six BBQ sides celebrate our local bounty while delivering maximum flavour with minimal fuss - perfect for those precious summer moments when you want to spend more time enjoying the sunshine and less time stuck in the kitchen.

1. Charred Leek & Crowdie Salad

Transform humble leeks into something spectacular with this smoky, creamy side that's pure Scottish comfort on a plate. Young leeks develop a gorgeous sweetness when charred, while crowdie's tangy creaminess provides the perfect counterbalance.

Start by trimming your leeks, leaving plenty of the green tops intact. Brush with rapeseed oil and grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they're beautifully blistered and tender. Once cooled slightly, slice them into bite-sized pieces and arrange on your serving platter.

Crumble generous amounts of fresh crowdie over the warm leeks, then finish with lemon zest, chopped fresh dill, and a final drizzle of golden Scottish rapeseed oil. The contrast between the smoky char and creamy cheese creates layers of flavour that'll have your guests asking for the recipe.

Serving suggestion: Perfect alongside grilled langoustines or venison burgers—the smoky sweetness complements rich, meaty flavours beautifully.

2. Isle of Mull Cheddar Slaw

Forget everything you think you know about coleslaw. This Scottish twist brings serious personality to your BBQ spread, thanks to the sharp, nutty complexity of Isle of Mull cheddar. This isn't just a side dish—it's a celebration of one of Scotland's finest cheeses.

Finely shred white cabbage, carrots, and a crisp apple (Granny Smith works beautifully here). The apple adds a subtle sweetness that complements the cheddar without overwhelming it. Coarsely grate a generous portion of Isle of Mull cheddar—the more, the better—and fold it through your vegetables.

For the dressing, whisk together thick Greek yogurt with Dijon mustard, a splash of cider vinegar, and a touch of honey. This creates a tangy, creamy base that lets the cheese shine. Season generously with black pepper and let the slaw sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld.

Serving suggestion: Brilliant with BBQ pork ribs or grilled chicken—the apple and cheese combination cuts through rich, smoky meats perfectly.

3. Smoked Beetroot & Barley Tabbouleh

This earthy, vibrant side puts a distinctly Scottish spin on the Middle Eastern classic. Pearl barley brings a nutty chewiness that's far more satisfying than traditional bulgur, while smoked beetroot adds depth and gorgeous colour to your BBQ table.

Cook pearl barley until tender but still with a slight bite—this usually takes about 25-30 minutes. While it's cooking, prepare your smoked beetroot. If you're smoking your own, wrap whole beetroots in foil with a touch of oil and cook them low and slow until tender. Alternatively, quality pre-cooked beetroot works perfectly for this recipe.

Dice the beetroot and combine with the cooled barley, plenty of chopped fresh parsley and mint, and a simple lemon dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of sumac if you have it. The result is a salad that's both refreshing and substantial—perfect alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread.

Serving suggestion: Pairs beautifully with grilled lamb or beef—the earthy beetroot and nutty barley complement red meat superbly.

4. Potato & Samphire Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

Scotland's coastal waters gift us samphire during the summer months, and this briny sea vegetable transforms ordinary potato salad into something extraordinary. The saltiness of the samphire means you'll need very little additional seasoning, while its crisp texture provides wonderful contrast to creamy new potatoes.

Use the smallest, waxiest new potatoes you can find—Scottish varieties like Rocket or Maris Peer are ideal. Boil them in well-salted water until just tender, then drain and let them cool slightly. While they're still warm, toss with your vinaigrette so they absorb maximum flavour.

For the vinaigrette, whisk together wholegrain mustard, cider vinegar, and Scottish rapeseed oil. The mustard provides gentle heat while the vinegar adds brightness that cuts through the potatoes' richness. Blanch your samphire quickly in boiling water—just 30 seconds—then refresh in cold water to maintain its vibrant green colour and crisp bite.

Serving suggestion: Outstanding with hot-smoked salmon or grilled mackerel—the briny samphire echoes the sea perfectly.

5. Honeyed Neep & Carrot Slaw

This rainbow-bright slaw celebrates the humble turnip (neep) in all its glory. When raw and finely grated, turnips have a wonderful peppery crunch that's completely different from their cooked persona. Combined with sweet carrots and a honey-kissed dressing, this side brings both colour and personality to your BBQ spread.

Peel and coarsely grate equal amounts of turnip and carrot—a box grater works perfectly here. Add finely sliced red onion for colour and bite. The key to this slaw is the dressing: whisk together cider vinegar, Scottish honey, and a pinch of caraway seeds. The caraway adds an unexpected warmth that complements the turnip's natural pepperiness beautifully.

Let the slaw sit for at least 15 minutes before serving—this allows the vegetables to soften slightly and the flavours to marry. The result is a slaw that's both refreshing and substantial, with a sweet-sharp balance that works particularly well with rich, grilled meats.

Serving suggestion: Ideal with rich BBQ pork or duck—the sweet-sharp crunch provides the perfect counterpoint to fatty, caramelised meats.

6. Grilled Oatcakes with Herby Butter

Transform Scotland's most famous biscuit into a BBQ sensation with this simple but inspired side. Grilled oatcakes become wonderfully crispy and take on subtle smoky notes that complement their natural oaty flavour. They're perfect for scooping up dips, accompanying grilled meats, or simply enjoying on their own.

Choose thick, substantial oatcakes that won't fall apart on the grill. Mix softened butter with finely chopped herbs—parsley, chives, and dill work beautifully—along with a hint of crushed garlic. Brush this herby butter generously over both sides of your oatcakes.

Grill quickly over medium heat, just 1-2 minutes per side, until they're golden and crispy. The butter should be bubbling and the herbs aromatic. Serve immediately while they're still warm and crispy.

Serving suggestion: Wonderful with halloumi or veggie skewers, or as a base for creamy dips alongside grilled seafood.

Make the Most of the Moment

Scottish summers might be fleeting, but they're unforgettable when you make them count. These BBQ sides bring together the best of our local ingredients with techniques that maximise flavour while minimising kitchen time. They're about celebrating what makes Scottish food special: quality ingredients, time-honoured techniques, and the joy of sharing good food with people you care about.

Whether you're grilling in your garden, on a beach overlooking the Hebrides, or beside a Highland loch, these sides ensure your BBQ reflects the very best of Scotland's culinary landscape. They're fresh when you want lightness, rich when you need comfort, and always full of the kind of flavour that turns a simple meal into a celebration.

The beauty of these recipes lies in their flexibility—prepare what you can ahead of time, adapt ingredients based on what's available, and don't be afraid to make them your own. After all, the best BBQ sides are the ones that suit your taste, your guests, and the moment you're creating together.

Want more seasonal Scottish recipes and chef-led inspiration? The Chef Stage celebrates Scotland's incredible food scene year-round, from seasonal cooking guides to features on the passionate producers behind our favourite ingredients. Discover recipes that make the most of local flavours, learn from Scotland's top chefs, and join a community that believes great food brings people together.