Feel great this summer: the ultimate sides for your next BBQ

We’ve raised the stakes for BBQ’s across Britain (no pun intended). We have been BBQing in true Field & Flower style, ready to launch our brand-new range of BBQ must haves.

At our most recent BBQ in Bath a marathon cook off commenced, consisting of delicious meats loaded with an abundance of amazing sides and salads. These not only get top marks for flavour but are also nutritious and healthy, helping you to combat the post summer slump and embrace the season, feeling your best.

During the balmy British summer months, there is nothing better than bringing together friends and family on a warm summers evening for a good old-fashioned British BBQ. We aren’t referring to the hamburger and hot dog movement that took over for a brief stint either… We are referring to the true mastery of gently slow cooking meat, or charring fish and summer vegetables over the hot coals of a BBQ, creating a smoky and succulent flavour that simply cannot be beaten.

It’s a wonderful time or year, with plenty of socialising, sun soaking, catching up with old friends and making the most of some down time. Unfortunately, the lighter evenings often encourage festivities which can compromise our general health and well-being. Because we always feel at our best when we are healthy and energised, we want to take you through 5 of our perfect pairings for some healthy, delicious and nutritious sides to any BBQ!

Pineapple Salsa

Deliciously sweet with a kick of chilli, this pineapple salsa is perfect when paired with charred BBQ chicken or crispy pork belly…

What makes this a great choice? Pineapple is teaming with vitamins, especially vitamin c, which helps to fend off pesky summer colds. In our salsa, we pair it with coriander, which is great for your digestion, green bell pepper (another vitamin c bomb) and chilli, to give the metabolism a bit of a kick start and help you break down heavier meals. Plus, the acidity of the fruit balances the richer meats and oily fish to create a truly balanced dish.

Corn, Feta & Black Bean Salad

A BBQ salad that’s worth being squeezed onto your plate. Mexican style with creamy feta and a kick of chilli, this salad is great alongside sausages, burgers and all the other BBQ classics.

Not only does this salad seriously deliver the flavour with a pop of citrus and a kick of chilli, the beans mean that it is also packed with fibre and protein. The feta additionally boosts the protein content of this dish, alongside probiotic enzymes which aid digestion. Plus, the corn is a wonderful way to enjoy a sweeter and comforting carby hit without the repercussions of spiking blood sugar, being a slower burning, low GI carbohydrate which is also extremely high in fibre.

This salad pairs perfectly with anything from burgers and sausages to marinated chicken drumsticks. It is so versatile and really delivers the goods.

Rainbow Slaw

Our rainbow slaw not only tastes great, it looks beautiful too. You can’t quite beat the vibrant colour of red cabbage, piled into a BBQ bun alongside perfectly tender pulled meat. Bringing sunshine to your BBQ dinner table, even if the real thing is yet to show its face.

With a dressing featuring the likes of Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey sea salt & freshly ground black pepper; this salad has all the makings of a health hit whilst still being immensely satisfying. The balance of apple cider vinegar to help regulate blood sugars, settle digestion and provide a wealth of benefits, combined with the healthy fats of olive oil and antibacterial, stomach easing qualities of honey, leads to a light and satisfying slaw. As a general rule, ‘eating the rainbow’ wherever possible will provide you with a fuller spectrum of vitamins and health benefits.

We love to throw in ½ red cabbage, sugar snap peas, chopped carrots and spring onion for the perfect balance of crunch, colour and fresh flavours.

Goat’s Cheese, Walnut & Cranberry Salad with a Honey Mustard Dressing

Tangy goat’s cheese and sweet dried cranberries pair perfectly in this salad, drizzled with a dressing that is equally sweet and sharp. This dish can be a stand-alone light lunch on a hot day or make for a wicked side to some sizzling steaks or chicken thighs at a BBQ.

It’s oh-so-simple to prepare and teaming with an abundance of nutritious ingredients which greatly contribute to general health and well-being. Goats cheese is a great option for any who struggle with dairy. It is much easier to digest and hosts a multitude of beneficial enzymes, good bacteria and not to forget a decent portion of protein. Walnuts are another nutritional powerhouse, supporting the body’s natural ability to repair and heal itself. Healthy fats are well known contributors to healthy skin, hair and nails, plus they help support brain health and regulate blood sugar spikes which can follow a heavy meal or larger glass of wine.

Crunchy Chickpea Salad

Our chickpea salad is the perfect blend of citrus, spice and crunch. With plump chickpeas tossed through, it’s a substantial one too. A great addition to a medley of leafy green salads, pairs well with BBQ lamb and will feed the last-minute vegetarian you didn’t know was coming too.

With a fabulous flavour, this power salad also promises ultimate satiety and satisfaction. As it is packed with fibre, protein and healthy fats it is a great option to support digestive wellbeing. Plus, in this dish we really utilise a diverse blend of natural seasonings, which means it doesn’t call for salt. This makes our chickpea salad a flavourful, low calorie and filling side that is also low in sodium, perfect to accompany any meat or fish. We spruce up the humble chickpea with crunchy celery, spicy spring onions and fresh mint before stirring through the ultimate British summer salad favourite… vine ripened tomatoes! These add a delicious sweetness and healthy dose of vitamins.

So, feel free to look over these ideas and get inspired for your next gathering. Take our top BBQ balancing tips and get the most out of every summer social, feeling full, happy, healthy and satisfied.

Take always:

• Pair your veggies with healthy fats to add flavour and assist the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

• Eat high fibre low GI carbohydrates to avoid blood sugar spikes and prevent bloating.

• Add healthy fats such as walnuts, avocados, anchovies and good quality oils to help boost the omega content in your dishes which contribute to brain health and repair.

• Eat the rainbow to enjoy a full spectrum of vitamins, micronutrients and benefits.

• Use fresh and natural produce wherever possible to reduce unnatural ingredients, unnecessary salts and sugars. That way you know exactly what’s in them and why you can definitely say yes to a second serving.

• Cut down on the salt and sugar. Salt is high in sodium which makes you dehydrated and prevents your body from feeling full. Plus, it may encourage water retention, leaving you feeling bloated.

• Sugar spikes our blood sugar which is one of the main contributors to the post meal slump you may feel after a larger meal. If you want to add sweetness, try sticking to fruit which only contains natural sugars alongside plenty of fibre, one of the main nutrients which helps to combat spikes in our blood sugar.

• Vegetables are an amazing low calorie and flavoursome way to fill a plate. Eat them till you feel 75% full…. Then you can still have room for a cheeky pudding.