Dips, salads, nibbles – and a few things you can throw straight on the BBQ
BBQ and summer entertaining season in Australia often comes with the same request: “Can you bring a plate?” And just as often, the same question follows: what should I bring?
This guide is designed to make that decision easy. Inside, you’ll find 15 simple bring-a-plate ideas for BBQs and summer get-togethers, including dips, salads, nibbles, BBQ-ready dishes you cook on arrival, and a few easy dessert plates. Everything is quick to prepare, easy to transport, and made for sharing.
Many of the ideas suit vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free guests, and all focus on flavour-forward shortcuts rather than complicated recipes. If you want to turn up relaxed, confident, and with something people actually eat, start here.
The ideas below are designed to fall into three easy categories:
- Ready-to-serve plates (dips, salads, grazing)
- Prep-ahead plates you cook on the BBQ when you arrive
- Simple dessert plates that travel well
Ready-to-Serve Plates (Make Ahead)
1. Beetroot & Dill Hummus with Crudités
Dietary: Vegetarian | Gluten-free
Sprinkle Beetroot & Dill Finishing Salt over store-bought (or your favourite easy homemade) hummus and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with crunchy vegetables.
2. Slow Roasted Garlic Butter Bean Smash
Dietary: Vegan | Gluten-free
Mash butter beans with olive oil, lemon juice and Slow Roasted Garlic Finishing Salt.
Why it works: Plant-based, filling, and easy to make the night before.
3. Native Pepperberry Honey Whipped Feta
Dietary: Vegetarian | Gluten-free
Whip feta with a little yoghurt, drizzle with honey and finish with Native Pepperberry Finishing Salt.
Serving tip: Bring crackers and sliced apple so guests can help themselves.
4. River Mint Potato Salad (No Mayo)
Dietary: Vegan | Gluten-free
Toss warm potatoes with olive oil, River Mint Finishing Salt and fresh herbs.
Why it works: Room temperature friendly and BBQ-proof.
5. Garlic Scape Green Beans with Lemon
Dietary: Vegan | Gluten-free
Blanch beans, then toss with olive oil, lemon juice and Garlic Scape Finishing Salt.
6. Hazelnut Wild Dukkah Grazing Plate
Dietary: Vegetarian | Gluten-free
Serve Hazelnut Wild Dukkah with olive oil, bread and raw vegetables.
Bring-a-Plate… But Cook It on the BBQ
If the BBQ is already going, turning up with something ready to cook is often even more appreciated. These options are designed to be marinated at home and cooked quickly on arrival.
7. Peri Peri Chicken Wings (Prep Ahead, Cook There)
Before you go: Toss wings with olive oil and Peri Peri seasoning. Marinate overnight or at least 30 minutes.
Transport: Sealed container or zip-lock bag, kept cold in an esky.
Cook there: Medium BBQ, turning regularly, until golden and cooked through (20–25 minutes).
8. Greek-Style Lamb for the BBQ
Before you go: Marinate lamb (cutlets, backstrap or butterflied leg) with olive oil and Greek seasoning.
Transport: Sealed container, chilled. Bring tongs if you want to be helpful.
Cook there: Medium-high heat, rest briefly, slice and serve with lemon.
Greek lamb BBQ recipe → for the full recipe.
9. Grilled Prawns with Kaffir Lime, Ginger & Chilli
Before you go: Toss raw prawns with olive oil and a couple of pinches of Kaffir Lime, Ginger & Chilli Finishing Salt. Short marinade is fine.
Transport: Chilled, sealed container. Skewers optional.
Cook there: Hot BBQ, 2–3 minutes per side until just cooked.
Serve: Have a small bowl of extra salt available for that last sprinkle.
Internal link:
Grilled prawns with kaffir lime → for the full recipe.
10. Smoked Chilli Corn Ribs
Dietary: Vegan | Gluten-free
Roast or par-cook the corn ribs (or full cobs) at home, then finish on the BBQ with butter and Smoked Chilli Finishing Salt.
Crunchy Nibbles & Snack Bowls
11. Salt & Vinegar Roasted Chickpeas
Dietary: Vegan | Gluten-free
Roast chickpeas with olive oil and Salt & Vinegar Popcorn Seasoning.
12. Honey Butter Popcorn Snack Bowl
Dietary: Vegetarian | Gluten-free
Pop corn at home, toss with Honey Butter Popcorn Seasoning.
Why it works: No fridge, no prep on arrival.
13. Parmesan & Roast Garlic Popcorn
Dietary: Vegetarian | Gluten-free
A savoury alternative that pairs well with drinks.
Dessert Plates That Travel Well
14. Summer Fruit & Cream Plate
Dietary: Gluten-free | Vegetarian (or dairy-free with coconut yoghurt)
Bring sliced strawberries and a bowl of cream or coconut yoghurt and sprinkle with Strawberry Gum for something unexpected.
15. Chocolate, Fruit & Dukkah Dessert Plate
Dietary: Vegetarian | Gluten-free
Dark chocolate squares, fresh fruit and a small bowl of Hazelnut Dessert Dukkah.
Why it works: Feels considered, requires almost no prep.
When it comes to BBQs, a good bring-a-plate doesn’t need to be complicated. The best ones are easy to prepare, travel well, and feel generous on a shared table.
Whether you’re bringing a dip, a salad, something ready for the BBQ, or a simple dessert plate, a few well-chosen seasonings can do most of the work for you. Prep what you can at home, keep things flexible, and choose dishes that suit relaxed summer cooking.
Save this list for the next invite and you’ll always have a reliable answer when someone says, “Can you bring a plate?”
