35+ EASY Sides for Ribs (What to Serve with BBQ Ribs)

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Wondering what the best sides for ribs are? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide.

Collage of easy sides for ribs.

Tender Ribs + Amazing Side Dish = PERFECTION!

When hosting a grilling party, there are 4 essentials:

  1. An amazing rib sauce recipe.
  2. Napkins. Lots of napkins. Especially if ribs are involved. (I love these!)
  3. Wine. Here are 7 bottles that pair perfectly with barbecue.
  4. And, of course, some really stellar side dishes.

From classics such as mac & cheese and potato salad to healthier options such as vinegar coleslaw (my personal favorite) and zucchini fries, there are so many options.

So, let’s dig in!

Keep reading to discover 35+ easy side dishes that pair with ribs and smoked short ribs!

Sides for Ribs

These are some of my favorite side dishes to serve with BBQ ribs:

But the list goes on! Keep reading to find even more delicious sides to serve with ribs.

What to Serve with Ribs

Overhead close up of combined vinegar slaw in large white mixing bowl.
Vinegar Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayonnaise. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy. 
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This delicious warm German Potato Salad combines tender potatoes with a warm bacon-mustard vinaigrette dressing. It’s tangy, creamy and the perfect side dish for the summer grilling season. 
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Ears of corn on the cob in a grey serving dish with a pat of butter and sprinkling of parsley.
Learn how to make the BEST Instant Pot Corn on the Cob. This pressure cooker corn on the cob recipe uses a simple, secret ingredient to guarantee that your corn is sweet, tender and delicious! 
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Bowl of cooked pinto beans flecked with cilantro.
Instant Pot pinto beans are easy to make and taste so much better than the canned version! Perfect for meal prep or as a side dish to your favorite tacos, salads, or protein bowls, these beans can be ready in under an hour with no soaking required.
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Overhead shot of Mexican street corn salad in serving bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad with Couscous puts a fun twist on elotes. Smoky grilled corn, a creamy cumin-lime dressing, and pearl couscous combine to create this delicious salad.
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Blistered shishito peppers served on a black plate with lemon wedges.
These Blistered Shishito Peppers are the perfect finger food. They’re so easy to make too. Lightly seasoned and slightly smoky, you’ll find that most are mild… one out of every ten might surprise you. 
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Overhead shot of mac and cheese in speckled bowl with spoon and grated cheddar scattered about.
This is the BEST Instant Pot Mac and Cheese! Made extra creamy with a secret ingredient plus delicious cheddar & parmesan cheese. It can be made in just 4 minutes with your electric pressure cooker.
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Overhead close up of zucchini fries on platter.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Lemon Tarragon Aioli are perfect for snacking. Strips of zucchini, coated in panko cook up perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Dip them in an easy-to-prepare creamy aioli flavored with tarragon and lemon. 
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Overhead shot of Thai Cucumber Salad in green bowl with spoon next to bunch of cilantro.
This Thai Cucumber Salad is crunchy, sweet & tangy. It’s a refreshing salad that can be made ahead of time and is perfect for the warm summer months.
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Hawaiian coleslaw in white serving bowl.
Hawaiian Coleslaw with pineapple, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds and a ginger-soy lime vinaigrette brings a tropical taste to traditional slaw.
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Serving spoon in bowl of tomato cucumber salad.
This Tomato Cucumber Salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with refreshing Mediterranean flavors!
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Overhead shot of arugula salad next to shaved parmesan.
This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad. The arugula has a peppery bite to it which pairs wonderfully with the acid in the vinaigrette. It’s the perfect salad for pairing with rich dishes.
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Spears of asparagus cooked sous vide topped with parmesan shavings.
How to cook perfect asparagus sous vide. Bright green, perfectly cooked spears. With three options for flavoring – garlic, parmesan or lemon.
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Shaved brussels sprouts salad in large bowl with serving spoon.
This Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Mustard and Parmesan is tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette and makes a delicious, crunchy side dish.
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CLOSE UP OF ROASTED SWEET POTATOES ON SERVING TRAY WITH SPOON.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a salty, crispy, savory, and slightly sweet side dish you can pair with almost anything! Lightly spiced and so simple, this easy recipe is a total crowd pleaser and a must-have for weeknight dinners.
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Overhead shot of peach caprese salad on grey plate next to wooden cutting board.
This fresh and tangy Peach Caprese Salad features sweet peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and juicy tomatoes. A perfect blend of summery flavors, this simple yet delicious salad is the ideal late summer side dish!
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Pasta salad in bowl on wooden cutting board next to bowl of pepper flakes.
This Zucchini Pasta Salad recipe may be the best I've tried to date! Packed with sauteed zucchini, loads of parmesan cheese, fresh dill and crunchy walnuts.
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Overhead shot of cherry tomato salad in grey bowl.
This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons. 
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Green bean fries on baking sheet next to three types of dipping sauce.
Crispy parmesan Green Bean Fries are baked in the oven for a healthy, delicious treat. Served up with three dipping sauces – green goddess, honey mustard & creamy sriracha. A secret ingredient makes them extra delicious! Air Fryer directions included. 
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Baked Potato Bar

This Baked Potato Bar is perfect for any occasion, including parties, potlucks, and tailgating events! The topping ideas are endless, and each guest will love customizing their own potato.

Baked potatoes on wooden tray surround with toppings.
Overhead shot of smashed potatoes on baking sheet topped with blue cheese, hot sauce, jalapenos and chives.
Crispy Smashed Buffalo Potatoes are crazy good! Crispy smashed potatoes are topped with vinegary, spicy buffalo sauce and creamy blue cheese dressing.
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Fennel salad with chickpeas in white bowl.
This Fennel and Chickpea Salad is tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette & topped with parmesan. It’s the perfect make-ahead salad for potlucks or lunches.
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Hand holding bowl of chickpea salad.
This Avocado Chickpea Salad has all the traditional elements of a great guacamole and makes a healthy, protein and fiber-filled dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it comes together easily in just 10 minutes!
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Overhead close up of bowl of kale caesar salad in white bowl with serving spoon.
This Kale Caesar Salad is topped with crispy homemade croutons and parmesan cheese. Massaging the creamy garlic dressing into the kale makes it extra tender and delicious.
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These are the BEST Glazed Carrots! Lightly sweetened, delicately seasoned & perfectly glazed. They make an amazing side dish that both kids & adults love. | platingsandpairings.com
These are the BEST Glazed Carrots – Lightly sweetened, delicately seasoned, and perfectly glazed. These carrots make an amazing side dish that both kids and adults can’t get enough of!
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Baked Beans

These are the BEST Baked Beans! Brown sugar and bacon make this baked beans recipe extra delicious. 

Bowl of shaved fennel and celery salad topped with toasted pine nuts and parmesan
This Shaved Fennel and Celery Salad comes together quickly and has such a delicious light lemon vinaigrette and wonderful crunch. It’s the perfect side salad for rich and hearty dishes like pasta or braised short ribs.  
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This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad recipe combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumber, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing. It's a perfect make-ahead salad recipe! | platingsandpairings.com
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing.
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Grilled potato salad in white bowl next to jar of mustard.
Say bye bye to basic potato salad. This Grilled Potato Salad combines smoky grilled potatoes with a delicious tangy mustard dressing that’s loaded with fresh herbs and salty capers. It’s delicious! 
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More Side Dish Recipes:

Did you Make Any of These BBQ Rib Side Dishes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of sides for ribs. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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Ears of corn on the cob in a grey serving dish with a pat of butter and sprinkling of parsley.

35+ EASY Sides for Ribs

Over 35+ EASY side dishes for ribs – including vegetable side dishes, slaws, potatoes, salads, and more. One of my favorite recipes is this Instant Pot Corn on the Cob.
4.60 from 5 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Time for Pressure to Build: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

  • 5-6 ears corn (husks removed)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar

Instructions

  • Add trivet to the Instant Pot and add water and sugar.
  • Place corn in the Instant Pot.
  • Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on MANUAL (High Pressurfor 3 minutes.
  • When the time is up, quick release any remaining pressure and then remove the lid.
  • Use tongs to carefully remove the hot ears of corn from the pot.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Instant Pot
Trivet
Tongs

Nutrition

Calories: 9kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Sugar: 2g

2 thoughts on “35+ EASY Sides for Ribs (What to Serve with BBQ Ribs)”

  1. 5 stars
    thank you for all of these sides, I’m looking for Father’s Day bbq sides and these will definitely work! Whether for ribs or really any bbq, great ideas, I like the smashed buffalo potatoes, easy prep too!

    Reply

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