Ribs are the quintessential centrepiece of any barbecue, known for their succulent, fall-off-the-bone goodness. But while the ribs might be the star of the show, the supporting cast—your side dishes—play a crucial role in creating a memorable BBQ experience. The right side dishes for ribs can make the smoky, savoury flavours of your ribs even better!
Make sure you also check out my smoked pork dry rub ribs recipe.
What To Serve With Ribs
If you’re entertaining or just preparing an epic feast of melt-in-your-mouth smoked ribs for your family, these rib side dishes will take your BBQ feast to the next level. It doesn’t matter if you prefer classic comfort foods or new culinary twists to try, these rib side dishes will pair perfectly with tender ribs every time!
Potato Salad
The classic potato salad has a place at every BBQ and it’s a great dish to serve up with ribs!
Avocado Corn Salad
This avocado corn salad is a light and fresh summer salad with diced avocado, corn, red onion, bell pepper and a homemade lime dressing.
Loaded Wedges with Chorizo and Avocado Sauce
Wedges and ribs are always a perfect combo and these loaded wedges take it to the next level with a lime, avocado, coriander sauce and chorizo.
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Another lighter, yet hearty option with this Greek orzo pasta salad that is a good Summer BBQ side salad with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, olives and a creamy feta cheese on top, drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
Curry Pasta Salad
This traditional, curried noodle salad, or curry pasta salad, is tangy, sweet and spic, with tender pasta balanced by crunchy veggies.
Mac & Cheese
BBQ and mac and cheese are a perfect match and this cheesy, creamy macaroni cheese is a comforting side dish for those cooler months.
Stewed Black Beans With Pork
This hearty side dish of stewed black beans features braised pork and spices and can be served over rice for a filling side dish that’s great for serving up to a large crowd when you need something that will go a bit further.
Balsamic Tomato Cucumber Salad
A light summer salad, this balsamic tomato cucumber salad is a great option if you want a healthy side dish to pair with your ribs.
Cajun Coleslaw
Add some spice to your menu with this cajun coleslaw. Creamy and crunchy with jalapenos and spicy cajun seasoning.
Bacon Succotash
For something different, try this bacon succotash with your favourite ribs recipe, made with sweet corn, lima beans, tomato, bacon and fresh basil.
Summer Slaw with Ginger Miso Dressing
For another unique take on the BBQ coleslaw, this Summer slaw with ginger miso dressing is full of flavour, veggies and crunch.
Easy Green Salad
When you want a super simple side dish for your ribs, you can’t go past a green salad! This one you can customise your way with a few different dressing ideas.
Smoked Potatoes
Smoked potatoes can’t be better suited to a feast of ribs and these potatoes are simple and full of those perfect smokey flavours.
Sauteed Broccolini and Garlic
Sautéed broccolini and garlic is a quick and easy side dish that comes together in under 10 minutes.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This Mediterranean pasta salad is packed with tomato, cucumbers, crumbed fetta and a herbed vinaigrette.
Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad comes together quickly and can easily be made ahead of time and served the next day.
Broccoli Salad
This healthy broccoli salad has a rich, creamy dressing with broccoli, red onion, almonds and fresh grapes.
Corn Casserole
This easy corn casserole recipe is a creamy, savoury, and slightly sweet side dish with a soufflé-like texture that can be made ahead of time.
Chimichurri Roasted Vegetables
These chimichurri roasted vegetables are marinated in a delicious chimichurri sauce. Six kinds of fresh vegetables ready in just 35 minutes.
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
This loaded baked potato casserole transforms the humble potato into a creamy potato bake with crispy bacon, melted cheese and fresh green onions.
Air Fried Onion Rings
If you’ve got an air fryer, you will love these crispy onion rings that are better than takeaway!
Next time you’re wondering what to serve with ribs, you’ll have plenty of new inspiration to try! These side dishes have something that is sure to please ever guest or family member, although let’s face it… the ribs are still the hero of the day!
Find more side dish ideas below:
