What to bring to a BBQ?

[CeeBee]

So, they'll be serving standard BBQ fare...burgers, dogs, bbq chicken,green salad. I want to bring something great. I asked what they needed and they said "whatever."
I'd prefer to bring a side or appetizer rather than desert, but I'm flexible. Preferably something without dairy.
Anyone have a great idea or recipe?

[TarheelYankee]

sangria... lots of sangria :)

[valerie]

A few from Epicurious...

I love this olive-artichoke tapenade served with pita chips. If you make it, use marinated artichokes and add extra olives.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/OLIVE-AND-ARTICHOKE-TAPENADE-103864

I've never made this Orzo with Artichokes and Pine Nuts, but it sounds good and can be served at room temperature.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/ORZO-WITH-ARTICHOKES-AND-PINE-NUTS-234671

I also really like this Mango Salsa...

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/foo...

[swsidejim]

a case of beer, or a good bottle of tequila.

[porker]

A keg is quite special $-)

[swsidejim]

a keg is even better.

[MattInNJ]

damn straight!

[LJS]

Yes, I am totally with this way of thinking! If I was told to bring 'whatever', I would tend to think of the liquid variety of whatevers first! A big, fat Blush (or two), a case of the local honey beer, maybe a sangria!

[mirage]

I recently brought to a potluck a nectarine salad that was well received:

recipe is from Thrill of the Grill:

Nectarine-Red Onion Relish

1 Red Bell Pepper, in thin strips
6 ripe but firm Nectarines, peeled and sliced
1 medium Red onion, in thin slices
1 tsp minced Garlic
1/2 c julienned Basil
1/4 c Red Wine Vinegar
1/4 c Orange Juice
2 Tbsp Lime Juice
1/4 c Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

Combine all and toss gently in a larger-than-you-think-you-need (for tossing capabilities) non-reactive bowl. Keep covered and refrigerated for up to two weeks.

[gini]

That was really tasty!

[sarah galvin]

Peaches to be grilled. Make a balsamic honey glaze.

[Davwud]

You can do the same with pineapple too. Cinnamon is good for that.

Serve over vanilla ice cream.

DT

[JalamaMama]

Homemade baked beans, with bacon.

I had the best pasta at a bbq a few weeks ago- thick pasta tubes (I would have used a smaller but still substantial noodle), fava beans, french feta, lots of olive oil and basil, salt and pepper. Tasted even better the next day.

[Davwud]

I agree with the baked (bbq) beans idea.

I can furnish you with a great recipe if you like.

DT

[Val]

The baked beans are a great idea...but if someone is already bringing them, then maybe Super Slaw from Epicurious, totally delicious and different, no mayo in it at all.

[lexpatti]

An awesome coleslaw! Or that broccoli salad with bacon! or great appetizer of mini kabobs with fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil leaf. My latest panzanella salad is becoming a hit. There are many versions. Or a nice homemade salsa with apples or diced fruit - I recently used apples and a necterine (with red onion, tomatoes, jalapeno, calantro, lemon/lime juice, etc.) preceeded to eat the whole bowl. I like the fruity hot salsa.

Have fun.

[Romanmk]

We made this coleslaw from the Thrill of the Grill last weekend. Best coleslaw I have ever eaten. Really. Maybe it was the organic cabbage. http://bbq.netrelief.com/recipes/tide...

[lexpatti]

I've been having a blast with coleslaw this summer, every which way. My favorite (and others love it too) is a Weight Watchers that has turkey in it and tomatoes and bacon (turkey), cabbage mix - dressing is mayo, dijon must, vinegar, sugar (splenda). But someone mentioned an epicurious super slaw that looks fantatstic too.

[Val]

Yep...here's the recipe...we totally devoured it...as suggested by a few reviewers, I did add some heat to it by finely chopping some jalapenos but that's totally up to you.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/foo...

[howchow]

how about some home made pickles.