53 Easy Side Dishes to Serve with BBQ Ribs 🍖 (Sides for Ribs)

Ready to take your next BBQ gathering to a whole new level of deliciousness? We've got your back with a mouthwatering lineup of easy sides that'll have your taste buds dancing while those ribs sizzle on the grill.

It doesn't matter if you're a grill master or just getting started, these simple sides are the perfect companions for your star-studded ribs. So grab your tongs, fire up the grill, and get ready to be the talk of the town at your next BBQ!

Jump to:

• Easy Side Dishes To Serve with Ribs
• 1. Coleslaw
• 2. Cilantro and Lime Pasta Salad
• 3. Instant Pot Pho
• 4. Potato Salad
• 5. Southern Green Beans
• 6. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• 7. Mac and Cheese
• 8. Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
• 9. Cornbread Muffins
• 10. Broccoli Salad
• 11. Watermelon Caprese
• 12. Steamed Artichokes
• 13. Grilled Zucchini
• 14. Pea and Bacon Salad
• 15. Lemon Herb Couscous
• 16. Garlic Edamame
• 17. Roasted Tomatoes (A Great Side!)
• 18. Black Beans and Rice
• 19. Cranberry Sauce
• 20. Potatoes Au Gratin
• 21. Mexican Street Corn
• 22. Greek Salad
• 23. Sautéed Kale
• 24. Cauliflower Rice
• 25. Red Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
• 26. Baked Beans
• 27. Sweet Potato Fries
• 28. Macaroni Salad
• 29. Cheddar Cheese Puffs
• 30. Cucumber Salad
• 31. Greek Green Salad
• 32. Corn Fritters
• 33. Fruit Salad
• 34. Creamed Corn
• 35. Italian Tomato Salad
• 36. Bourbon Barbecue Sauce 
• 37. Baked Parmesan Tomatoes
• 38. Southern Fried Apples
• 39.  Sweet Corn Risotto
• 40. Corn Pudding
• 41. Herbed Lemon Quinoa
• 42. Buttermilk Biscuits
• 43. Hasselback Potatoes
• 44. Caramelized Onion Tart
• 45. Pickled Cucumbers
• 46. Apple Walnut Salad
• 47.  Roasted Butternut Squash
• 48. Lemon Basil Orzo
• 49. Hushpuppies
• 50. Buttered Noodles
• 51. Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe
• 52. Pickle Pasta Salad
• 53. ENGLISH PEA SALAD RECIPE
• 📖 Recipe
• 👩🏻‍🍳 Sarah Mock
• Comments

Easy Side Dishes To Serve with Ribs

Looking for what to serve with ribs? Choose any of these easy side dishes to serve with your favorite BBQ ribs. The best sides for ribs.

1. Coleslaw

This coleslaw recipe has a creamy and tangy dressing that balances the sweetness of the cabbage and carrots. It’s a perfect light side for your BBQ meat, as it adds some crunch and freshness to your plate.  

2. Cilantro and Lime Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for an easy pasta side for ribs or BBQ, you might want to try this cilantro lime pasta salad recipe. It’s an easy salad that complements the rich and smoky flavor of the meat. 

3. Instant Pot Pho

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle side to pair with barbecued meat full of flavor and aroma. You can make it in an instant pot with beef broth, rice noodles, spices, and fresh herbs. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to make.

4. Potato Salad

The French-style potato salad is a classic side dish that's better than twice baked potatoes. Its tender red potatoes are dressed in a flavorful Dijon vinaigrette, boasting a harmonious blend of tanginess and herbs. Amidst the list of sides for BBQ, its refreshing and light quality stands out.

5. Southern Green Beans

Tender green beans are cooked to perfection with savory bacon, creating a delightful combination of flavors. Dishes like these flavorful green beans make a perfect accompaniment to pork ribs thanks to the balance of smoky and hearty tastes.

6. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These garlic mashed potatoes are perfect if you're tired of your usual recipes for potatoes or sweet potatoes. The creamy texture and rich garlic taste enhance the smokiness of barbecue.

7. Mac and Cheese

The homemade mac and cheese is a creamy, indulgent delight with perfectly cooked pasta coated in a velvety cheese sauce. Its rich and comforting flavors make it an ideal choice among rib sides. 

8. Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

Slow cooker chicken stew is a warm and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. It’s an easy side dish for smoky meats because it balances the smoky and sweet taste of the meat with a warm soup.

9. Cornbread Muffins

These cornbread muffins are one of the most delectable and perfect side dish recipes for ribs. The crumbly texture and subtly sweet flavor of the cornbread recipe create a wonderful contrast to the mouthwatering meat.

10. Broccoli Salad

With its combination of fresh broccoli, cranberries, and sunflower seeds, this easy and delicious broccoli salad offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The creamy dressing adds a tangy touch, so it makes a refreshing and satisfying side to your barbecue feast.

11. Watermelon Caprese

Watermelon Caprese is a fresh side dish that combines juicy watermelon, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This salad is perfect for summer and goes well with baby back ribs. You can make this dish in minutes and enjoy one of the tastiest sides for ribs.

12. Steamed Artichokes

You'll love this easy steamed artichoke dish with lemon herb breadcrumbs. The tender artichoke leaves and flavorful breadcrumb topping are heavenly. Serve with ribs and BBQ sauce recipe for a well-balanced and delicious meal.

13. Grilled Zucchini

This grilled zucchini recipe is amazing with any barbecue meal. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients. You’ll also love the creamy goat cheese, the fresh basil, and the sweet honey drizzled over the tender grilled zucchini. 

14. Pea and Bacon Salad

This dish is a fresh and flavorful salad recipe that combines peas, bacon, red onion, dried cranberries, pecans, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. It's a great side for smoky meat because it is light yet satisfying.

15. Lemon Herb Couscous

This couscous salad is a zesty side that goes well with short ribs. It's an ideal choice because of its light and citrusy profile.

16. Garlic Edamame

If you are making barbecued meat for dinner, you might want to try this garlic edamame recipe. This healthy side dish is packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. It's easy to prepare and has a nutty and buttery flavor. 

17. Roasted Tomatoes (A Great Side!)

Try this easy recipe for roasted tomatoes – a delightful summer side dish that perfectly complements smoky meat. These roasted tomatoes are bursting with flavor and sweetness, enhancing the savory richness of the meat. Because of its fresh and vibrant element, it will become your new favorite side dish.

18. Black Beans and Rice

Your search for tasty rib side dishes to go with your barbecue dinner will end with this flavorful black beans and rice recipe. It’s a great side dish that you can customize with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, salsa, or avocado.

19. Cranberry Sauce

This easy cranberry sauce makes a wonderful simple side for your slow cooker ribs. The sauce's vibrant color and smooth texture not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a yummy twist to the hearty slow-cooked meat.

20. Potatoes Au Gratin

For a delicious side recipe that will go well with barbecued meat, look no further than the cheesy garlic potatoes gratin. This scrumptious dish has a perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors, as well as a comforting texture that contrasts nicely with the tender meat.

21. Mexican Street Corn

Nothing beats the taste of barbecue at a summer BBQ, especially when they are paired with the best side dish ever: Mexican street corn. The combination of smoky, tangy, spicy, and cheesy flavors of the grilled corn will make your meat even more delicious. 

22. Greek Salad

You might want to try this Greek salad for a delicious and easy side salad to go with ribs. This salad has a bright and fresh flavor that goes nicely with the flavorsome and saucy meat. The salad also helps cleanse your taste buds, so you can enjoy every bite of the meat without feeling overwhelmed. 

23. Sautéed Kale

This sautéed kale dish is a perfect vegetable side to complement rib recipes. The tender kale leaves are cooked with garlic, red pepper flakes, and a hint of lemon juice. The vibrant colors and robust taste make a delicious pairing with smoky meat dishes.

24. Cauliflower Rice

If you are looking for a delicious and healthy BBQ side to go with your savory meat, don't miss this herb cauliflower rice. The dish has a light and aromatic taste that complements the main dish without overpowering it. 

25. Red Cabbage and Carrot Slaw

This coleslaw recipe, made with red cabbage, is an easy and tasty side dish that is perfect with your pork ribs recipe. The colors and crunchiness of the red cabbage slaw add a refreshing twist to the ribs.

26. Baked Beans

These baked beans are a delicious side dish that perfectly complements barbecued meat. The blend of tender beans, smoky bacon, and a rich, tangy sauce perfectly match the savory and succulent flavors of the ribs.

27. Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch to your rib meal. They contrast the meat’s rich and hearty flavors with their soft and tender inside. You’ll love this well-balanced and simple side dish.

28. Macaroni Salad

The macaroni salad is a creamy and flavorful blend of cooked macaroni, diced vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Its refreshing crunch and balanced taste make it a perfect side dish for a succulent rack of ribs.

29. Cheddar Cheese Puffs

Cheddar cheese puffs are light and fluffy pastries. They are baked until golden and crisp and have a cheesy and savory flavor. You can use any kind of cheese you like, but Parmesan cheese adds a nice nutty and salty touch. 

30. Cucumber Salad

This salad's creaminess, tanginess, and crunchiness go well with the smokiness of smoky meat. The recipe is one of the simplest you can find, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare. 

31. Greek Green Salad

A Greek green salad, or prasini salata, is a fresh and crisp side dish for smoky meat. It has creamy feta cheese and a tangy dressing that balance the rich and savory meat. This is one of the recipes to try if you want a refreshing contrast of flavors.

32. Corn Fritters

Sweet and savory corn fritters, pan-fried to golden perfection, offer a delightful contrast to the smoky richness of barbecue. These fritters are an ideal side dish that compliments barbecue ribs, creating a mouthwatering meal experience.

33. Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is a popular side dish for barbecues, as it contrasts their richness with its light and vibrant flavors. It has juicy watermelon, tangy kiwi, sweet berries, and fresh mint leaves, making each bite a refreshing delight. 

34. Creamed Corn

If you want something more unique than corn salad, you should definitely try out this creamed corn recipe. This velvety, comforting dish features corn kernels in a rich, creamy sauce seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices, so it's an ideal side dish for your barbecue gatherings.

35. Italian Tomato Salad

This Italian tomato salad is an amazing side dish that goes well with ribs. The vinaigrette dressing brings out the tomato juice and contrasts the meat’s richness.

36. Bourbon Barbecue Sauce 

Barbecue ribs get a delicious upgrade with this maple bourbon barbecue sauce. The sauce has a sticky texture and a sweet and bold flavor that matches the smoky meat.

37. Baked Parmesan Tomatoes

Baked parmesan tomatoes are a simple and delicious way to enjoy the fresh flavor of ripe tomatoes. They are a nice side dish for ribs because they add a burst of color and contrast to the meat.

38. Southern Fried Apples

These Southern fried apples are a delicious blend of tender apples caramelized in a sweet and buttery glaze. This quintessential Southern comfort food adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of nostalgia to your barbecue meal.

39.  Sweet Corn Risotto

Sweet corn risotto is a creamy and yummy dish that compliments BBQ ribs. It is made with fresh corn kernels, leeks, butter, parmesan cheese, and arborio rice, which gives it a rich and smooth texture. 

40. Corn Pudding

Corn pudding, a simple and delightful dish made with a handful of ingredients, boasts a harmonious blend of sweetness and savory notes. When served alongside ribs, its creamy texture and optional additions like cheese or jalapeños level up your meal.

41. Herbed Lemon Quinoa

This herby lemon quinoa is a one side dish that pairs well with the rich smoky meat. It has fluffy grains, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon for a light and bright contrast.

42. Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk biscuits are a classic Southern treat that you can enjoy with your saucy ribs. These biscuits are the ideal side dish to soak up the delicious juices from the meat and add some comfort to your meal.

43. Hasselback Potatoes

Take your barbecue feast to a new level with hasselback potatoes, a delightful side that beautifully complements your favorite ribs. These thinly sliced potatoes are seasoned and baked to achieve a crispiness that pairs deliciously with the meat. 

44. Caramelized Onion Tart

This herby lemon quinoa is a refreshing side that goes with classic BBQ. The fluffy quinoa provides a satisfying texture, while the fresh herbs and zesty lemon add a burst of brightness to your plate

45. Pickled Cucumbers

Pickled cucumbers are a great way to add some crunch and acidity to your meal. You can enjoy it as a salad or a condiment for the smoky meat.

46. Apple Walnut Salad

Apple walnut salad is a delicious and easy summer dish that can balance the hearty and savory taste of ribs.  It’s a light and healthy salad that can add some sweetness and texture to your plate.

47.  Roasted Butternut Squash

Cinnamon roasted butternut squash has a sweet and spicy flavor that matches the smoky and savory taste of the meat. You will love this easy and festive dish that is perfect for any occasion. 

48. Lemon Basil Orzo

Lemon basil orzo and vegetables is a delicious dish that combines pasta, beans, and fresh produce in a zesty sauce. It’s among the new dishes to enjoy veggies and pasta in one dish. The lemon and basil make the dish taste fresh and light, perfect for pairing with barbecued meat.

49. Hushpuppies

Hushpuppies have a savory flavor that goes with the sweet and tangy taste of barbecue. You can enjoy them plain or dip them in your favorite sauce. Hushpuppies are easy to make and will satisfy your appetite for comfort food.

50. Buttered Noodles

Buttered noodles are a simple but delicious dish made with egg noodles, butter, parsley, and salt and pepper. The buttery and creamy texture of the noodles balances the smoky and tangy flavor of smoky meats.

51. Amish Broccoli Salad Recipe

This easy recipe for Amish broccoli salad combines chopped broccoli, chopped cauliflower, diced red onion, sunflower seeds, and raisins combined with a creamy dressing all topped with crispy bacon bits.

52. Pickle Pasta Salad

This dill pickle pasta salad recipe is the perfect side dish for summer picnics. A wonderful balance of brine, crunch, salt and creaminess this pasta salad is made with a simple homemade dill ranch dressing that is also perfect as a dip for fresh vegetables. 

53. ENGLISH PEA SALAD RECIPE

English pea salad is the perfect side dish to take to any potluck or church picnic. Packed with peas, onion, cheddar cheese, and dill, along with a creamy dressing, this cold pea salad recipe will be your new favorite summer salad!

📖 Recipe