by Jennifer Anderson, Managing Editor of Allrecipes.com

Most of us are aglow with anticipation for the kickoff of barbeque season. We can't wait to whip up our secret sauce recipes and fire up that grill! Often, we get so excited by those glowing coals and the smell of charred meat (or veggie burgers) that any thought of side dishes evaporates from our minds, and the only thing on our guests' plates aside from that burger or pile of ribs is a handful of potato chips. With a little extra planning, though, you can whip up some marvelous side dishes that will proudly share the spotlight with your grilled masterpiece.

The best kinds of barbeque side dishes are those that can be made ahead of time, or, those that are prepared right on the grill. Barbequing requires your full attention, and the last thing you need is to be running between the kitchen and the back yard attempting to tend to food on the grill and on the stovetop. Not only is it dangerous to leave a barbeque unattended, but your precious grilled meal could burn while you're trying to mash the potatoes in the kitchen. Besides, barbequing is supposed to be fun, and who needs the stress of trying to be in two places at once? Lay out a veggie platter, or some chips and salsa for your guests to snack on as they socialize and wait for dinner. Set out a selection of soft drinks, and add a special touch by whipping up a big pitcher of fruity daiquiris or sangria. Before you begin cooking, lay out all the plates, napkins, and eating and serving utensils you'll need. Or better yet, recruit someone else to set the table! This way, as soon as the food comes off the grill, everyone can sit down and dig in while it's still hot, with a minimum of fuss.

One of the most popular categories of side dish for a barbeque is salad. Most salads can be made ahead of time. In fact, many salads even taste better if they're allowed to sit in the refrigerator overnight. Potato salad, pasta salad, fruit salad, vegetable salad, bean salad, green salad, grain salad, layered salad, gelatin salad, and coleslaw can all be made in advance and just pulled out of the refrigerator when it's time to eat. If you're having green salad, just remember to wait until the last minute to add the dressing and croutons. Bread is another great barbecue side dish to make ahead of time. There's nothing better than mopping up extra sauce and juice with some freshly baked cornbread or savory herb bread. Next time somebody says, "what can I bring?" ask them to bring their favorite salad or bread!

There is also a whole world of side dishes that you can prepare right on the grill, or nestled into the coals. Most vegetables and fruits, from bell peppers and corn to bananas and cantaloupe, are delicious when seasoned and cooked directly on the grill. Vegetables and fruits are also easy and tasty when dotted with butter and herbs and wrapped in foil pouches to cook in the hot embers. In addition to fruits and veggies, everyone will go crazy for slabs of flatbread hot off the grill.

Ready to plan your most relaxing and sumptuous barbeque ever? Read Beef on the Grill and Beyond the Burger.

Recipes

Make-Ahead Morsels
• Garden Herb Loaf
• Spicy Bean Salsa
• Kerry's Beany Salad
• Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Red, White, and Bleu Slaw Salad
• Mexican Cornbread Salad
• Macaroni and Cheese Salad
• Yummy Couscous Salad
• Mediterranean Greek Salad
• Bodacious Broccoli Salad

Goodies From the Grill
• Grill Dough
• Bessy's Zesty Grilled Garlic-Herb Chicken
• Yum Yum Veggie Foils
• Scalloped Potatoes for the BBQ
• Rich S'mores
• Extra Simple BBQ Banana