9 Keto-Friendly Barbecue Ideas for Summer Gatherings

Summer is the perfect season for outdoor gatherings, and barbecues are a quintessential part of the experience. However, if you're following a keto diet, you might be wondering how to enjoy these gatherings without breaking your dietary commitments. The good news is that there are plenty of delicious, keto-friendly barbecue options that will keep you on track.

In fact, the popularity of keto-friendly recipes has skyrocketed in recent years. According to a survey by the International Food Information Council, 8% of Americans followed a keto diet in 2021. This trend has led to a plethora of creative and tasty keto barbecue ideas that are perfect for summer gatherings. As nutritionist Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, RD, notes, “Adapting traditional recipes to fit keto guidelines not only makes the diet more sustainable but also more enjoyable for everyone involved.”

Here are 9 keto-friendly barbecue ideas for your summer gatherings.

Keto-Friendly Grilled Chicken Skewers

Grilled chicken skewers are a fantastic keto-friendly option for your barbecue.

Marinate chunks of chicken breast in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs for a burst of flavor. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers along with low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.

One advantage of chicken skewers is their versatility. You can easily customize them to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Plus, they're easy to prepare ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy summer days.

Serve them with a side of homemade tzatziki sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness. For more tips on sticking to your diet, check out Keto Diet Plan for Beginners: What You Need to Know.

Low-Carb BBQ Ribs

BBQ ribs are a classic barbecue staple, and with a few modifications, they can be made keto-friendly.

Start by choosing a sugar-free barbecue sauce or making your own using keto-approved ingredients. Coat the ribs generously with the sauce and let them marinate for at least a few hours, or overnight if possible.

Slow-cook the ribs on the grill until they're tender and juicy. Keep in mind that cooking ribs low and slow is key to achieving that perfect fall-off-the-bone texture.

Pair your low-carb BBQ ribs with a side of zesty keto coleslaw for a complete and satisfying meal. For a detailed recipe on making the best oven-baked BBQ ribs, check out Easy Baby Back Barbecued Ribs in the Oven.

Zesty Keto Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic barbecue side dish, and it's easy to make it keto-friendly.

Swap out the sugar-laden dressing for a homemade version using mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a keto-approved sweetener like erythritol. Add shredded cabbage, carrots, and a touch of celery seed for crunch and flavor.

A benefit here is that coleslaw can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

It's a refreshing and tangy side that pairs well with any grilled meat, making it a must-have for your summer barbecue spread. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies while staying within your carb limits. For more low-carb vegetable ideas, see 13 Low-Carb Vegetables That Are Perfect for Keto.

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

Grilled portobello mushrooms are a fantastic meat alternative for those looking to add more vegetables to their barbecue menu.

These large, meaty mushrooms can be marinated in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs before being grilled to perfection.

Note that portobello mushrooms are not only low in carbs but also rich in nutrients like potassium and fiber. They can be served as a side dish or even used as a bun substitute for your favorite keto-friendly burger.

The smoky, earthy flavor of grilled portobello mushrooms makes them a hit at any barbecue.

Spicy Keto BBQ Shrimp

Spicy BBQ shrimp is another delicious and keto-friendly option for your summer gatherings.

Marinate shrimp in a blend of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and your favorite keto-friendly hot sauce for a spicy kick. Skewer the shrimp and grill them until they're pink and slightly charred.

One advantage of shrimp is that they cook quickly, making them a perfect choice for impromptu barbecues.

Serve the spicy BBQ shrimp with a side of avocado salsa for a refreshing contrast. The combination of spicy and creamy flavors is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. For more ideas on keto-friendly barbecue recipes, check out Easy Summer Chicken Salad Recipe.

Avocado and Bacon Salad

An avocado and bacon salad is a hearty and satisfying side dish that's perfect for a keto barbecue.

Combine ripe avocados, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and red onions in a large bowl. Toss with a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard.

Keep in mind that avocados are an excellent source of healthy fats, making them a staple in any keto diet.

The addition of bacon adds a savory crunch, while the tomatoes and onions provide a burst of freshness. This salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you're ready to serve. For more on the benefits of healthy fats, see 13 Best and Worst Fats for a Keto Diet.

Keto-Friendly Sausage Kebabs

Sausage kebabs are a simple yet flavorful addition to your keto barbecue menu.

Choose high-quality, keto-friendly sausages without added sugars or fillers. Cut them into chunks and skewer them along with low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.

A big plus of sausage kebabs is their ease of preparation. They cook quickly on the grill and can be customized with your favorite veggies and seasonings.

Serve them with a side of grilled asparagus or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. For more on keto-friendly meats, check out Is Sausage Keto-Friendly? A Low-Carb Guide for Meat Lovers.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter

Grilled asparagus with lemon butter is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with any grilled protein.

Toss asparagus spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill them until they're tender and slightly charred. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a dollop of melted butter.

A benefit here is that asparagus is low in carbs and packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C.

The lemon butter adds a zesty and rich flavor that elevates this simple vegetable to new heights. This dish is quick to prepare and can be served hot off the grill or at room temperature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, enjoying a keto-friendly barbecue is entirely possible with a bit of planning and creativity. From grilled chicken skewers and low-carb BBQ ribs to zesty coleslaw and spicy shrimp, there are plenty of delicious options to keep you on track.

For more inspiration and recipes, check out Easy Summer Chicken Salad Recipe.

Keep in mind that the key to a successful keto barbecue is to focus on whole, unprocessed foods and to be mindful of hidden carbs in sauces and marinades.

With these 9 keto-friendly barbecue ideas, you'll be well-equipped to host a summer gathering that everyone can enjoy. Happy grilling!

References

International Food Information Council. (2021). 2021 Food & Health Survey. Retrieved from https://foodinsight.org/2021-food-health-survey/

Easy Summer Chicken Salad Recipe – Simple Idea for any Gathering – Cooking with Sugar. Retrieved from https://www.cookingwithsugar.com/simple-summer-chicken-salad-recipe/