Raise your tongs! The barbecue season is well underway, and while we all know the thrill of firing up the grill for smoky mains, let’s admit it: most of us fall flat when it comes to sides. But what if you could whip up a sauce, a show-stealing side, and a dessert—yes, dessert!—in just 25 minutes? Spoiler: you won’t want to skip the third recipe…
Why Everyone Forgets Sides (Until Now!)
We’ve all been there. You roll your trusty barbecue out of the garage, the aroma of sizzling food fills the air, friends gather… and then you realize your plate is missing that little something special. Who really remembers to jazz up the table with creative sauces, fresh sides, and a breezy dessert? No need for panic: here’s a trio of easy, crowd-pleasing recipes, all prepped with the help of your Thermomix.
Don’t let yourself get stuck in the kitchen; these recipes are designed so you can soak up the sun and laughter instead of sweating behind the stove. Here’s what you need for the ultimate barbecue spread:
- A customizable herby mayonnaise for dipping or smothering
- A fresh zucchini, tomato, and feta salad
- A minute-made sorbet to cool you down and round things off
The Secret Weapon: Customizable Mayonnaise
First up, the condiment that everyone neglects, but no barbecue is complete without: homemade mayonnaise, ready for personal twists. Start by blending dill, chives, parsley, and tarragon in your Thermomix bowl for 5 seconds at speed 7. Use the spatula to scrape down the sides. Next, add egg yolks, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix for 5 minutes at speed 4, pouring oil very slowly onto the lid so it drips like magic into the blending bowl. When you’re done, pop it in the fridge until serving time.
Here’s a pro tip: divide your mayo into three containers and flavor each one differently—think fresh herbs in one, a dash of curry in another, and tomato paste in a third. Let your guests pick their favorite for maximum fun (and just a touch of impress-your-in-laws potential).
The Ultimate Side: Zucchini, Tomato, and Feta Salad
Now for the show-stopping side that complements grilled mains perfectly (and is guaranteed to bring a pop of color to the table). Place zucchini with a pinch of salt in your Thermomix bowl, blend for 4 seconds at speed 4, and let it drain in a steaming basket for about 30 minutes. Transfer to a salad bowl and set aside. In the meantime, chop sun-dried tomatoes and parsley for 2 seconds at speed 7, scraping the sides for that even chop. Add olive oil and a bit of pepper, mix for 10 seconds at speed 3, and combine everything in your salad bowl with the zucchini. Toss in the feta, mix, and refrigerate until you’re ready to wow your guests.
This salad is hearty, fresh, and satisfying without overshadowing those smoky flavors from your barbecue—basically, it’s everything you’ve been missing.
The Unexpected (but Unmissable) Finale: Instant Fruity Sorbet
Here comes the surprise: a dessert that’s not heavy and doesn’t chain you to the kitchen. You can use any fruit you fancy—pre-frozen or fresh and frozen in advance. Toss sugar in the Thermomix bowl and blitz for 10 seconds at speed 10. Add your choice of frozen fruit and an egg white (optional, but it does make the sorbet more creamy—your call!). Blend for 1 minute and 30 seconds at speed 5, helping things along with the spatula if needed. For an even silkier texture, pop the whisk in and mix for an extra minute at speed 3. Serve immediately for maximum refreshment!
Note: yes, the egg white creates that Italian-style creamy texture. Totally optional—but definitely worth a try if you’re up for some sorbet drama.
With these three quick recipes, your next barbecue will go from « just grilling » to “unforgettable.” Want more inspiration? Check out Cookidoo, where you’ll find over 8,000 recipes including more special BBQ sauces for every taste. No more neglected sides or sad endings—just good times, good eats, and happy guests. Ready, set, grill!
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
