Summer is the perfect time for barbecues and grilling, and there’s nothing quite like a rack of juicy, tender ribs fresh off the grill.
But, when it comes to making a complete meal, we all know that we can’t just have ribs on our plate. That’s where sides come in!
From tangy coleslaw to loaded baked potatoes, here are 35 easy and delicious sides that will take your BBQ to the next level.
35 Delicious Side Dishes for BBQ Ribs
1. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Brush corn with olive oil and a little salt, then grill until charred. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice.
2. Macaroni and Cheese
Make a creamy and cheesy mac and cheese to balance out the smokiness of the ribs.
3. Baked Beans
Sweet and smoky baked beans are a classic BBQ side that everyone loves.
4. Watermelon Salad
Toss cubed watermelon with feta cheese, fresh mint, and lime juice for a refreshing summer side.
5. Potato Salad
Try a classic potato salad with eggs, mayo, pickles, and celery for a crunchy and flavorful side.
6. Coleslaw
Mix shredded cabbage and carrots with mayo, vinegar, and seasonings for a tangy and crisp side dish.
7. Garlic Bread
Toast slices of bread with garlic butter and herbs for a warm and comforting side to mop up extra BBQ sauce.
8. Cornbread
Whip up a batch of sweet and savory cornbread to complement the flavors of the ribs.
9. Grilled Vegetables
Toss chopped vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions with oil and seasoning, then grill to perfection.
10. French Fries
Serve up crispy and salty fries with your ribs for a classic combo.
11. Onion Rings
Make a crunchy and flavorful side with beer-battered onion rings.
12. Grilled Fruit
Grill up slices of pineapple, peaches, or figs and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream.
13. Caprese Salad
Layer tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, then drizzle with balsamic glaze.
14. Roasted Vegetables
Roast root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips with garlic and rosemary for a hearty and savory side.
15. Caesar Salad
Make a classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and tangy dressing.
16. Grilled Asparagus
Brush asparagus with oil and grill until tender and slightly charred.
17. Sweet Potato Fries
Swap regular fries for sweet potato fries for a healthier and sweeter option.
18. Corn Pudding
Combine cornmeal, creamed corn, milk, and seasonings for a creamy and comforting side dish.
19. Fried Okra
Dip slices of okra in seasoned flour, then fry until crispy and golden brown.
20. Loaded Baked Potato
Top fluffy baked potatoes with bacon, cheese, chives, and sour cream.
21. Grilled Peppers
Slice bell peppers into rings, then grill and serve with a sprinkle of sea salt.
22. Creamed Spinach
Cook spinach with garlic, cream, and seasonings for a creamy and savory side.
23. Grilled Squash
Season and grill zucchini and yellow squash for a light and flavorful addition to your BBQ ribs.
24. BBQ Sliders
Mini BBQ sandwiches with pulled pork, coleslaw, and pickles are a fun and tasty side.
25. Hush Puppies
Deep-fried cornmeal balls with a crispy exterior and a soft inside are a delightful Southern side dish.
26. Collard Greens
Simmer collard greens with bacon, onions, and seasonings for a traditional Southern side.
27. Jalapeño Poppers
Stuffed jalapeño peppers with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon for a spicy and creamy treat.
28. Pasta Salad
Make a pasta salad with your favorite ingredients like olives, cherry tomatoes, and Italian dressing.
29. Avocado and Tomato Salad
Combine ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and a zesty vinaigrette for a fresh side.
30. Grilled Romaine Hearts
Halve romaine lettuce hearts, grill them, and drizzle with Caesar dressing for a unique salad.
31. Cucumber Tomato Salad
A simple salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and a light vinegar dressing.
32. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic for a rich and savory side.
33. Broccoli Salad
A broccoli salad with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a sweet dressing is a delightful side for BBQ ribs.
34. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic and Parmesan cheese create a flavorful and healthy side.
35. Cheesy Grits
Creamy and cheesy grits are a Southern classic that pairs well with BBQ ribs.
Final Thoughts,
There you have it, 35 easy and delicious sides to accompany your BBQ ribs. From classic mac and cheese to tangy coleslaw, there’s a side dish for every taste and preference.
So fire up the grill, grab a cold beverage, and get ready to enjoy a summer feast that your friends and family will love.
