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    The Heirloom Pantry » Recipe Index » Roundups

    18 Best Sides for Ribs

    Published: Feb 18, 2023 by Kathleen Higashiyama · The following content may contain affiliate links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission.

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    Best side dishes for ribs, including pasta salad, coleslaw, cornbread, hot honey, and more.

    Looking for the Best Sides for Ribs? We got you covered! Check out our favorite ribs side dishes, including our famous fritters, healthy coleslaw, tender cornbread, flavor-packed pasta salad, and more.

    Best side dishes for ribs, including pasta salad, coleslaw, cornbread, hot honey, and more.

    Ribs are one of our favorite BBQ meals and we love to experiment with different sides to compliment them. Below we've rounded up 18 sides that pair deliciously with pork and beef ribs so you know exactly what to make for your next ribs meal.

    1. Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters

    Healthy corn and zucchini fritter stacked and topped with greek yogurt, roasted corn, and basil.
    Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters
    Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters are a quick and easy way to enjoy veggies with your ribs. They have the perfect blend of sweet and savory ingredients with lots of texture. Top the fritters with fresh basil, Greek yogurt, and roasted corn for extra flavor!
    Get the Recipe

    2. Bacon Cheddar Hasselback Potatoes

    Bacon Cheddar Hasselback Potatoes on cutting board.
    Bacon Cheddar Hasselback Potatoes
    Bacon Cheddar Hasselback Potatoes are a classic BBQ ribs side. They feature fluffy potatoes, creme fraiche, bacon, cheddar, and chives. It's simple, but all the decadent toppings meld together into one robustly flavored dish.
    Get the Recipe

    3. Elotes Style Corn with Furikake

    Elote-style corn with furikake and kewpie mayo on a plate flatlay.
    Elotes Style Corn with Furikake
    Elotes Style Corn with Furikake will add a delicious umami crunch to your ribs meal. This recipe is inspired by Mexican street corn and flavored with Japanese ingredients. Enjoy it on the cob, cut into small servings, or cut off the cob and served as a salad beside your ribs.
    Get the Recipe

    4. Miso Mashed Potatoes

    Miso mashed potatoes in a white le creuset dutch oven.
    Miso Mashed Potatoes
    Miso Mashed Potatoes are a rich and creamy side featuring homemade miso butter. These fluffy potatoes go perfectly with BBQ ribs. Make these crowd-pleaser potatoes next time you make ribs, you won't be disappointed!
    Get the Recipe

    5. Healthy Greek Yogurt Coleslaw

    Healthy Greek Yogurt Coleslaw (with Napa and Red Cabbage) in a striped Japanese bowl.
    Healthy Greek Yogurt Coleslaw
    Greek Yogurt Coleslaw has become one of our go to ribs and BBQ sides. This healthy coleslaw features crisp carrots and shredded cabbage dressed in tangy Greek yogurt dressing. The crunchy coleslaw makes a perfect addition to your next BBQ!
    Get the Recipe

    6. Homemade Seasoned French Fries

    Classic seasoned french fries with garlic powder, dried basil, paprika, and ketchup on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Homemade Seasoned French Fries
    Ribs and fries is an underrated combination. Our Homemade Seasoned French Fries are a healthy spin on classic French fries with simple ingredients and minimal oil and salt. They are crispy, fluffy, and delightfully flavorful. Enjoy these easy fries with your favorite seasonings and dips!
    Get the Recipe

    6. 10-Minute Sautéed Broccolini (Broccoletti)

    Easy delicious charred broccolini/broccoletti on a plate with seasoning, lemon wedges, and chili flakes.
    10-Minute Sautéed Broccolini (Broccoletti)
    Sautéed Broccolini (Broccoletti) is a tender, nutrient-rich version of broccoli that goes well with everything and takes just a few minutes to make. Simply cook the broccolini in olive oil then toss it with red chili flakes, garlic, and lemon juice for extra flavor.
    Get the Recipe

    7. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with Miso

    Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with Miso sliced on plate with butter and honey.
    Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with Miso
    Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with Miso is a moist and tender cheesy side with umami flavor. It’s a little sweet, has a hint of spicy, and pairs deliciously with ribs. Bake it while you wait for the ribs to cook!
    Get the Recipe

    8. Pan Fried Potatoes with Herbs

    potatoes roasting in a pan with spoon
    Pan Fried Potatoes with Herbs
    Pan Fried Potatoes with Herbs are buttery, savory, and pair seamlessly with ribs. All you need are waxy potatoes, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper, and olive oil to make this healthy one-pan side dish.
    Get the Recipe

    9. Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta

    Maple Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta in bowl flatlay.
    Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
    Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts are seasoned and covered with olive oil and maple syrup, then roasted and tossed with your choice of rendered bacon or pancetta. The combination is rich, hearty, and make for a great BBQ side.
    Get the Recipe

    10. Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

    Pasta salad with Italian ingredients in bowl flatlay.
    Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
    Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing vegetarian side that's loaded with Mediterranean ingredients, including sun-dried tomatoes, herbed feta cheese, and olives. It doesn't take much time to make and is a perfect light side for a ribs lunch or dinner.
    Get the Recipe

    11. Truffle Mushroom & Leek Risotto

    truffle mushroom leek risotto in a bowl with sautéed crimini and shiitake mushrooms on top.
    Truffle Mushroom and Leek Risotto
    Truffle Mushroom and Leek Risotto is a restaurant-worthy Italian dish! It features creamy al dente risotto with truffle purée, sautéed leeks, and a mushroom medley, all topped with grated Parmigiano-reggiano. Enjoy it with ribs for an extra rich and delicious dinner.
    Get the Recipe

    12. Spicy Hot Honey Sauce

    Spicy hot honey sauce in a jar with honey dripper.
    Spicy Hot Honey Sauce
    Spicy Hot Honey Sauce is a sweet and spicy condiment made with just 4 ingredients in 5 minutes. Drizzle it on your ribs for an extra kick!
    Get the Recipe

    13. Oven Roasted Onions

    Oven roasted onions with herbs baked and served on a Heath Ceramics platter.
    Oven Roasted Onions
    Oven Roasted Onions are a healthy, no-fuss vegan side that's flavor-packed and easy to make. Just roast sweet onions in olive oil, salt and pepper, thyme, and rosemary until tender.
    Get the Recipe

    14. Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing

    Healthy Greek Yogurt Ranch
    Ranch Dressing and ribs is a must try! The combination is tangy and surprisingly delicious. Our Greek Yogurt Ranch is a light and healthy alternative to traditional ranch dressing without sacrificing any of the flavor!
    Get the Recipe

    15. Cajun Fries

    Spicy cajun fries in a tray with spicy Sriracha aioli and Slap Ya Mama cajun seasoning.
    Spicy Cajun Fries
    Spicy Cajun Fries are crispy fries with a Cajun kick. It takes only a little time and effort to make these zesty fries that will add a kick to your ribs dinner. Dip them in truffle aioli or wasabi mayo for extra flavor!
    Get the Recipe

    16. Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

    Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Lemon on plate.
    Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
    Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan is a flavor-packed yet approachable side. Not only is it rich and flavorful, it only takes a few minutes of prep, and cooks in the oven while you cook the ribs.
    Get the Recipe

    17. Furikake and Lemon Shishito Peppers

    Shishito Peppers with furikake and lemon on plate flatlay.
    Furikake and Lemon Shishito Peppers
    Furikake and Lemon Shishito Peppers are sweet, spicy, and will add pizzazz to your ribs or whet your palate as a zesty appetizer. They only take 15 minutes to make and are loaded with umami flavor!
    Get the Recipe

    18. Pear and Prosciutto Rocket Salad

    Closeup shot of arugula salad with pear, crispy prosciutto, shallots, parmigiano-reggiano, and walnuts.
    Pear and Prosciutto Rocket Salad
    Pear and Prosciutto Rocket Salad is a delightfully sweet and hearty salad full of texture and flavor. It features crispy prosciutto, sliced pears, walnuts, shallots, Parmigiano-reggiano, and peppery arugula tossed in a maple balsamic vinaigrette. Make it in 20 minutes and serve with your ribs for a delicious flavor medley.
    Get the Recipe

    Related Recipes

    • BBQ Pulled Chicken Burgers (Sandwiches and Sliders)
    • 22 Healthy Sides for Steak
    • BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs (Baked in Oven)
    • What to Serve With Chicken Pot Pie: 16 Tasty Sides

    Did You Like These Recipes?

    All of the above sides will add a flavorful new dimension to your ribs dinner. If you made and enjoyed any of these sides, please rate this post and comment below!

    Healthy corn and zucchini fritter stacked and topped with greek yogurt, roasted corn, and basil.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    18 Best Ribs Side Dishes

    Looking for the Best Sides for Ribs? We got you covered! Check out our favorite ribs side dishes, including our famous fritters, healthy coleslaw, tender cornbread, flavor-packed pasta salad, and more.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Sides
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 233kcal
    Author: Kathleen Higashiyama

    Ingredients 

    Healthy Corn and Zucchini Fritters

    • 1 medium zucchini shredded, about 2 cups
    • 2 pinches kosher salt divided
    • 1 cup corn kernels about 1 ear of sweet corn
    • 1 shallot minced
    • ½ cup panko
    • ¼ cup flour
    • ½ cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese grated
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
    • ¼ cup basil chiffonade, plus more for serving
    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or neutral cooking oil, divided
    • Greek yogurt, creme fraiche, or sour cream

    Pan-Roasted Corn (for serving)

    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or neutral cooking oil, divided
    • 2 tablespoon corn kernels
    • 1 pinch kosher salt

    Instructions

    • Shred zucchini and remove moisture - Use a hand grater or a food processor with a grater disc to grate the zucchini. Place shredded zucchini in a colander in the sink and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Allow the zucchini to sit for about 10 minutes to release moisture. Gently press the remaining moisture out of the zucchini. This prevents the fritters from getting soggy.
      1 medium zucchini, 2 pinches kosher salt
    • Mix ingredients - Add zucchini, corn kernels, shallot, panko, flour, parmigiano-reggiano, garlic powder, a pinch of black pepper, a pinch of salt, and basil to a large mixing bowl. Toss until combined. Beat an egg in a small bowl and fold into the mixture until well combined.
      2 pinches kosher salt, 1 cup corn kernels, 1 shallot, ½ cup panko, ½ cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper, ¼ cup basil, ¼ cup flour
    • Cook the fritters - Heat a large pan or braiser over medium high heat and add oil. Scoop about 3-4 tablespoons of batter and form each scoop into 8-10 patties. Cook the patties in batches as to not overcrowd the pan. Place the patties in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until both sides are golden. Line a plate with a paper towel and transfer the fritters to the plate to blot the excess oil from the fritters.1 pinch freshly ground black pepper,¼ cup basil,1 tablespoon avocado oil,Greek yogurt, creme fraiche, or sour cream
      1 pinch freshly ground black pepper, ¼ cup basil, 1 tablespoon avocado oil, Greek yogurt, creme fraiche, or sour cream
    • Pan roast corn (optional) - Pan roast corn while the fritters cook for an additional topping. In a separate skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add corn and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use a splatter screen if available, as the corn can heat and pop out of the pan otherwise. Once the corn turns golden brown, stir in salt and remove from heat.
      2 tablespoon corn kernels, 1 pinch kosher salt, 1 tablespoon avocado oil
    • Serve - Serve with Greek yogurt, creme fraiche, or sour cream and sprinkle with basil and roasted corn.
      ¼ cup basil, Greek yogurt, creme fraiche, or sour cream

    Nutrition

    Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 375mg | Potassium: 276mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 356IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 1mg
    Keyword: side dishes for ribs, sides for ribs, sides with ribs, what goes with ribs for dinner, what sides go with ribs, what to serve with ribs
    Tried this recipe?Mention @theheirloompantry or tag #theheirloompantry!

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    About the Author

    Kat Higashiyama and Alec Totto are recipe developers, food photographers, and the authors behind The Heirloom Pantry. Since 2017, they have shared recipes inspired by their Japanese and Italian heritage and California and Hawaii roots. They reside in San Jose with their two dogs, Peeps and Paisley. Read More…

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