We want our baby back... and these sides.
Is there anything that screams summertime more than throwing some ribs on the grill? And while they're delicious all on their own, we'll admit, we're also pretty into all the sides they pair with too. After all, what is a balanced meal if not a plate stacked high with meat AND plenty of sides, like skillet cornbread, loaded baked potato salad, or classic homemade coleslaw? What are you waiting for? Get those tongs ready and check out all 50 of these that pair perfectly with ribs (and okay, all your other fave grilled meats too!).
Best of all, you can even grill some of these same sides alongside your ribs. As it turns out, there's really very little grilling can't improve, which is what we found out with our grilled potatoes, grilled broccoli, and grilled green beans. Grilled corn is always an amazing idea, but no need to stop there either. Top yours with a honey lime butter, a sweet and spicy bang bang-style glaze, or go full elote-style with a creamy, cheesy schmear. Enjoying your ribs and getting in your vegetables just got way easier.
No matter what you choose, it never hurts to make some of the classics. You could stick with a Southern theme with our collard greens, our , our cornbread, or our baked beans. Looking for lighter sides? Try our watermelon salad, our green bean salad, our Greek chickpea salad, or our Caprese asparagus. Want some heavier options to help soak up all that BBQ sauce on your plate? Potatoes to the rescue—our mashed potato casserole, our loaded Mediterranean sweet potato fries, or our classic potato salad are the perfect thing.
Want even more grilling inspiration? Check out our favorite cookout recipes, our top summer sides of all time, and our favorite summer salads too.
1
Best Corn Casserole
This casserole is packed with sweet corn, balanced by a pinch of paprika and herby chives, and has an insanely tender and custardy texture that will have you on your third helping before you even know what hit you.
Get the Best Corn Casserole recipe.
2
Tzatziki Potato Salad
This spin on the summertime classic is very dill-forward, nicely lemon-y, and bright with yogurt, crunchy cucumber—both fresh and pickled—, and creamy boiled baby red potatoes.
Get the Tzatziki Potato Salad recipe.
3
Southern Collard Greens
All you need are a couple of hours, a handful of staple ingredients, smoked turkey, and your collard greens (the star of the show) for an easy side that's a MUST alongside ribs (and that can shine all on its own too).
Get the Southern Collard Greens recipe.
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4
Loaded Mediterranean Sweet Potato Fries
These loaded sweet potato fries are not only more nutritious than the average fries, thanks to nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, but they’re also layered with a flavorful Mediterranean tomato-cucumber salad, and made even better with a tahini-yogurt sauce.
Get the Loaded Mediterranean Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
5
Coleslaw
When it comes to summer BBQs, potlucks, and picnics, coleslaw is a classic, staple side dish to rely on. Everyone needs a go-to recipe, and we happen to think that ours is the one you should reach for.
Get the Coleslaw recipe.
6
Mashed Potato Casserole
Mashed potato casserole is the ultimate easy side dish you've been waiting for. It's bound to find its way onto your holiday dinner table at some point during the winter season, but it's also the perfect way to serve spuds up to a crowd at a BBQ this summer too.
Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.
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7
Caprese Asparagus
When searching for our go-to summer side, we decided to give asparagus the same treatment as our fave Caprese salad. This easy, extra-cheesy side comes together in 30 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute addition to your BBQ or cookout. Grab your mozz, and get caprese-y!
Get the Caprese Asparagus recipe.
8
Fried Okra
Okra is a staple Southern side, and we totally get why—it adds delicious flavor and texture to whatever it touches. While we love this veggie in all its forms, fried okra holds a special place in our hearts. When fried, it turns into crispy, poppable bites perfect for dipping in sauce or pairing with your favorite ribs.
Get the Fried Okra recipe.
9
Loaded Smashed Potatoes
In this easy recipe, we take our classic smashed potatoes and load them up (literally) with plenty of cheddar, crispy sliced bacon, fresh chives, and dollops of sour cream. They are sure to be a favorite at any BBQ spread.
Get the Loaded Smashed Potatoes recipe.
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10
Golden Girl Salad With Sweet Corn Vinaigrette
The star of this sunny cabbage salad is sweet corn, and we use the kernels two ways: First, we cut some off the cob and toss them with the cherry tomatoes, carrots, and yellow bell pepper. Second, the real fun begins when you blend kernels into the dressing. They add depth and help make the texture super creamy!
Get the Golden Girl Salad With Sweet Corn Vinaigrette recipe.
11
Red Potato Salad
With only 2/3 cup of mayo, this dish isn't too creamy, but you still get the richness you expect in a potato salad. Serve this as your perfect side to a hot dog, ribs, or some juicy grilled chicken.
Get the Red Potato Salad recipe.
12
Baked Beans
Baked beans are sweet, tangy, savory, and the best part, surprisingly easy to make. Not to mention, they’re a one-pot wonder! Put them on your hot dogs, pair them alongside your cornbread, or enjoy them all on their own with your ribs.
Get the Baked Beans recipe.
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13
Greek Chickpea Salad
We’re no strangers to a great chickpea salad, so coming up with a Greek-inspired one was a no-brainer. It’s got all the flavors you love from Greek salad, turned into something more substantial and filling that pairs well with almost anything (even ribs!).
Get the Greek Chickpea Salad recipe.
14
Potato Rolls
Fresh out of the oven, each of these rolls has a crispy bottom, buttery top, and unbelievably soft center. The secret? Starch from potatoes. Fluffiest. Rolls. Ever.
Get the Potato Rolls recipe.
15
Southern Baked Mac & Cheese
Chef Millie Peartree's baked is famous for a number of reasons. Our major takeaway—layering cheese and an eggy custard makes for the MOST creamy, saucy, and decadent dish ever. We might never make it another way again.
Get the .
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16
Classic Potato Salad
If you're looking for a classic, no-fuss potato salad to bring to all your summer picnics and BBQs, your search stops here: it's creamy and tangy, with a little bit of crunch from the onion and pickles. What it's not: too sweet, which is one of our potato salad pet peeves.
Get the Classic Potato Salad recipe.
17
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a simple side dish that is also the perfect way to use up an abundance of dying greens. The creaminess might even make you forget you're eating the green stuff!
Get the Creamed Spinach recipe.
18
Honey Lime Grilled Corn
Nothing says summertime like the smell of corn on the grill. It also happens to be the easiest side you’ll make all season. After getting some char on a hot grill, juicy ears of corn get brushed with an irresistible honey-lime butter that you can also slather on grilled sweet potatoes, cornbread, or even grilled skirt steak.
Get the Honey Lime Grilled Corn recipe.
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19
Black Bean & Corn Salad
This easy summer salad comes together quickly and works as a side dish for ribs, a great topping for tacos, or as an appetizer with tortilla chips. Think of this as a medley of the most exciting parts of a vegetarian burrito bowl, unadulterated by rice, and hyped up by a little honey-lime action.
Get the .
20
Vinegar Coleslaw
To make this a truly vegan-friendly slaw, we use maple to bring out the veggies’ natural sweetness and Dijon mustard helps emulsify the oil and vinegar while adding a bit of a kick in the back of your throat. You might never make the mayo-based kind again!
Get the Vinegar Coleslaw recipe.
