45 Delectable Side Dishes to Serve with BBQ Ribs

You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re wondering what to serve with your BBQ ribs.

In this post, I present 45 of the most popular BBQ rib side dishes.

In a rush? Heres the short answer.

Potato salad, broccoli slaw, fried okra, smoked mac & cheese, and sweet and spicy cornbread go well with BBQ ribs. In addition, pineapple fried rice, avocado pasta salad, and bourbon baked beans may be served. Choose margarita grilled shrimp for a surf-and-turf lunch.

Ready? Lets jump right in.

Roasted cauliflower and potato salad

Replace your regular potato salad dish with this healthy mayo-free variation.

Fresh arugula, roasted potatoes, and cauliflower florets are mixed in a delectable tahini tarragon dressing.

The traditional creamy texture remains, but it is lighter.

Why we like this recipe: you won’t feel bad if you ask for seconds.

Recipe FeaturedCauliflower and potato salad, roastedWarm it up.Salad with potatoes from GermanyReturn to the fundamentalsTraditional creamy potato salad

Quick cucumber kimchi

Traditional kimchi takes a long time to prepare, but this speedy version is done in 20 minutes.

The spicy sauce produced with gochugaru adds a tangy taste to your cucumber slices that will cut straight through your luscious BBQ ribs.

Why we like this recipe: it’s a unique yet delicious way to eat cucumbers.

Recipe FeaturedCucumber kimchi in a flashMake it comfortable.Dill pickles stored in the refrigeratorRemove the cucumbers.Green beans pickled quickly

Fried okra

A dish of fried okra will add a wonderful Southern flavor to your barbecue table.

Because of the seasoned flour and cornmeal coating, they’re exceptionally crispy with a bit of fire.

Pro tip: soak okra in vinegar for 30 minutes to prevent slimy okra.

Why we love this recipe: these addictive nibbles are sure to satisfy.

Recipe FeaturedOkra fried in oilTurn on the oven.Okra cooked in the ovenMake it enjoyable.Poppers with stuffed okra

Tomato and cucumber salad

Summer cookouts and barbeque gatherings call for this salad.

It’s juicy, cold, and refreshing, which is ideal for smokey grilled meats like ribs.

Allow this salad to sit before serving for optimum taste.

Why we like it: it’s a no-cook dinner that just takes 10 minutes to prepare.

Recipe FeaturedTomato and cucumber saladMake it creamyGreek cucumber saladMake it Italian-styleHerb marinated tomato panzanella

Pineapple fried rice

Although it is not customary, I like serving pineapple fried rice with BBQ ribs.

It offers a surprising combination of fruity sweet, earthy, and umami tastes for a rice dish.

For best results, use fresh pineapple.

If you want to go really fancy, serve the rice IN the hollowed-out pineapple (as seen in the photo).

Why we like this recipe: it’s thorough and even teaches you how to break down a pineapple properly.

Recipe FeaturedFried rice with pineappleReduce the carbs.Cauliflower rice with pineapple and limeMake it festiveRice pilaf with cranberries

Sweet and spicy cornbread

A BBQ gathering isn’t complete until cornbread is served.

And this recipe is one of my favorites.

Because of the chopped jalapenos and the addition of condensed milk, it produces soft, moist cornbread with the perfect combination of spice and sweetness.

Why we like this recipe: it will make your kitchen smell wonderful.

Recipe FeaturedCornbread with a sweet and spicy flavorMake it unique.Yeast rolls made with cornbreadMake it gooey.Biscuits with cheddar garlic cornbread

Grilled vegetables with chimichurri sauce

Grill your vegetables first and then marinate them to get the most out of them.

Why?

Grilled veggies absorb sauce tastes better than raw vegetables!

And when it comes to a tasty sauce like chimichurri, you want to get as much of it as possible.

Why we like this recipe: you may use any veggies you have on hand to grill.

Recipe FeaturedVegetables grilled with chimichurri saucePrepare a saladSalad of grilled asparagus and zucchiniMake it enjoyable.Vegetable skewers with halloumi

Creamed spinach

Creamed spinach is often served with steak, but it also goes well with BBQ ribs.

The creamy cheese sauce wrapping the soft spinach leaves will assist to balance off the rich, smokey aromas of your BBQ ribs.

And don’t skip the nutmeg; it truly brings the meal together.

Why we like it: It has a lovely holiday vibe to it.

Recipe FeaturedSpinach cream sauceMake it a little lighter.Creamed spinach that’s been lightened upChange the vegetableCorn creamed

Watermelon arugula salad

Serve your BBQ ribs with this watermelon arugula salad for a refreshing twist.

Are you concerned that it will be excessively sweet? Don’t worry, the spicy arugula, fresh mint, and basil will balance out the sweetness.

And it’s all held together with a fiery chile honey lime dressing that will wake up your taste senses.

Why we like this recipe: it’s a light meal that’s ideal for hot days.

Recipe FeaturedSalad with watermelon, arugula, and chili honey lime dressingStart the grill.Watermelon fried in a spicy sauceAlter the tasteSkewers with watermelon and feta

Grilled bacon-wrapped corn on the cob

Anything wrapped in bacon is usually delicious, and this jazzed-up corn on the cob is no exception.

As the side cooks, the bacon crunches up and infuses the naturally sweet corn with smoky, umami aromas.

The cherry on top is the mouthwatering honey chipotle glaze.

Why we love this recipe: its Insta-worthy.

Recipe FeaturedGrilled bacon-wrapped corn on the cob, sweet and spicyMake it enjoyable.Mexican street corn grilledMake it fashionable.Corn ribs in the air fryer

Broccoli slaw

Are you feeling daring? Instead of your typical coleslaw recipe, try this one.

It replaces cabbage with crisp broccoli, apples, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.

An interesting but delicious mix!

Why we like it: it’s a pleasant and nutritious complement to your meal.

Recipe FeaturedSlaw with broccoliAlter the tasteJalapeno coleslaw, both spicy and deliciousMake it unique.Slaw with jicama and carrots

Smoked mac and cheese

If you’ve never tried smoking your mac and cheese, you’re losing out. This is a game changer.

It takes a little more work and patience. But I assure you that it will be worthwhile.

Especially when you toss in some fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs.

We adore this dish since it is the product of many experiments and tries.

Recipe FeaturedMac and cheese with smoked baconTurn on the oven.Mac & cheese with jalapeno poppersMake it a little lighter.Cheese made from cauliflower

Margarita grilled shrimp 

Serve these grilled shrimp with your basic BBQ ribs for a fun surf-and-turf supper.

They’re very juicy and have a lemony, tangy taste that reminds me of margaritas.

The recipe contains tequila as an optional ingredient, but utilizing it may result in a spectacular flare up when you first set the shrimp on the grill.

Why we like this recipe: most of the components are cupboard staples (including tequila in my home).

Recipe FeaturedGrilled shrimp with margaritaMake it tasty.Grilled shrimp with honey garlic sauceTry a different kind of seafood.Scallops covered with grilled bacon

Cajun sweet potato wedges

Fries are delicious, but I’m a wedges queen.

You still get a crisp outside, but there’s a lot more potato-y deliciousness within.

These sweet potato wedges are seasoned with a robust Cajun spice mix for an appealing sweet and salty taste combination.

Psst dont forget the dipping sauce.

Why we like this recipe: the oven performs all of the work.

Recipe FeaturedSweet potato wedges with Cajun seasoningMake things easier.Baked sweet potatoes grilled with foilCreate a mushSweet potatoes mashed with brown butter

Creamy avocado pasta salad

Not feeling like a sumptuous pasta dish? Instead, how about this bright pasta salad?

It has a creamy yet light and lemony avocado dressing that pairs well with the sticky BBQ ribs.

There’s also spinach in the avocado dressing, so you can sneak some greens into anybody who doesn’t like them!

Why we love this recipe: it’s packed with summery tastes.

Recipe FeaturedSalad with creamy avocado and noodlesMake it with herbyPasta salad with lemony pistachio pestoCreate a favoriteSalad with macaroni

Apple butter bourbon baked beans

Did you think the list would finish without including baked beans?

But these arent any old baked beans.

They utilize apple butter to provide a sweet, fruity taste that molasses or sugar cannot provide.

Why we like this recipe: the leftovers are delicious with toast and eggs for morning.

Recipe FeaturedApple sauce baked beans with bourbonAlter the fruity noteBaked peach BBQ beansGet rid of the stove.Baked beans cooked in the slow cooker

Country ranch green beans and potatoes

In about 20 minutes, this recipe turns a can of basic green beans into a wonderful and substantial side dish.

Before adding the green beans, the potatoes and onions are sautéed in bacon oil to bring out their full flavor.

The ranch seasoning, on the other hand, is the star of this meal.

Why we like this recipe: It’s a great meal to make when you’re in a hurry.

Recipe FeaturedGreen beans and potatoes from the country ranchRemove the cooktop.Green beans and potatoes cooked with herbsPrepare a saladSalad with three beans

What dessert goes well with bbq ribs?

After a feast of BBQ ribs, my go-to dessert is a rustic peach cobbler. A pineapple upside-down cake is a show-stopping treat. For a citrus boost, consider lemon bars or key lime meringue pie.

The best desserts to serve with BBQ ribs:

• Peach cobbler
• Strawberry shortcake
• Lemon bars
• Pineapple upside-down cake
• Key lime meringue pie