Are you looking to serve something special with your ribs? Making a perfectly cooked rack of ribs is one thing, but having the right side dishes to compliment it can take your meal to the next level.
It can be difficult to come up with the perfect sides to serve with your ribs, especially if you’re not sure what flavors will go well together.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the best side dishes for ribs, from classic recipes like potato salad and coleslaw to more creative options like grilled vegetables and cornbread. We’ll also discuss how to choose the ideal sides for your dish and tips for making each one.
No matter what kind of meal you’re making, these suggestions will help you create a delicious side dish that will perfectly accompany your ribs.
If you’re serving ribs, some great side dishes that pair well include coleslaw, cornbread, potato salad, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and green beans.
Complementary Dishes for Ribs
Ribs are a delicious and popular dish that is enjoyed all around the world. To make this flavorful meal even better, it is important to pair it with complementary dishes. Here are some great ideas for sides that will bring out the best of your ribs:
Salads:
A light and crunchy salad is a great way to bring out the flavor of ribs. Salads can be as simple or complex as you like. Try making a fresh green salad with vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, or opt for a classic coleslaw or potato salad.
Vegetables:
Roasted vegetables are a delicious accompaniment to ribs. Try roasting cauliflower, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots in the oven with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Grilled corn on the cob is also a great option.
Grains:
Grains such as rice and quinoa provide both flavor and texture when served alongside ribs. For extra flavor, try cooking your rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. Quinoa can be cooked in the same manner and served with roasted vegetables for an easy one-pan meal.
Breads:
No rib dinner would be complete without some freshly baked bread on the side. Try making a classic French baguette to sop up any extra sauce from your plate, or opt for something more interesting like focaccia bread with herbs and olives.
Sauces:
The perfect sauce can take any dish from good to great! Whether you opt for something simple like barbecue sauce or something more complex like chimichurri, sauces enhance the flavors of ribs without overpowering them.
With these dishes in mind, you’ll be sure to create an unforgettable rib dinner that everyone will enjoy!
The Best Accompaniments for Ribs
Ribs are one of the most popular meats to serve for a meal. They are flavorful, juicy, and go well with a variety of sides. When serving ribs, it is important to find accompaniments that will bring balance and texture to the plate. Here are some of the best accompaniments for ribs:
Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, or roasted potatoes make a great side dish to accompany ribs. Potatoes provide a starchy counterpart to the juicy and savory ribs. You can also make loaded baked potatoes with cheese and bacon to add even more flavor.
Baked Beans: Baked beans are a classic side dish that goes perfectly with ribs. The sweet and smoky flavor of the beans pairs nicely with the flavor of the ribs. You can also use different types of beans such as navy beans or kidney beans for added texture.
Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables such as green beans, carrots, corn on the cob, and broccoli provide an extra crunch when served alongside ribs. You can also add some color to your plate by adding roasted peppers or grilled zucchini.
Salads: Salads are an excellent way to add freshness and lightness to your meal when serving ribs. A simple green salad or an arugula salad would be perfect as an accompaniment. If you want something more substantial you can opt for a Caesar salad or potato salad.
Fruit Salsa: If you want something unexpected and unique to serve with your ribs then consider making a fruit salsa. Fresh fruits such as strawberries, mangoes, kiwi, pineapple and oranges make excellent salsas that pair nicely with the sweetness of the ribs.
No matter what side dishes you choose to serve with your ribs they are sure to be enjoyed by all who come!
Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With Ribs
Ribs are a classic favorite for many families, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways. Whether you are grilling, baking, or slow cooking ribs, they always taste amazing. But what should you serve with your ribs? Here are some delicious side dishes that will pair perfectly with your rib dinner.
A salad is always a great addition to any meal, and it’s a great way to get extra vegetables into your meal. A simple green salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce is classic and always goes well with ribs. You can also add some diced bell peppers or onions for a bit of crunch. For an extra zest of flavor, top the salad off with some freshly squeezed lemon juice or balsamic vinaigrette.
Baked potatoes are another classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with ribs. Simply bake the potatoes in the oven until they are tender and golden brown on the outside. Serve them with butter and sour cream for an extra creamy texture. If you want something a bit more flavorful, top your potatoes off with some cheese and chives or bacon bits for an added savory flavor.
Vegetable sides are also essential to any rib dinner. Roasted vegetables like peppers, carrots, squash, or Brussels sprouts go great alongside ribs. You can roast them in the oven or on the grill alongside your ribs for easy preparation. Season them lightly with salt and pepper before roasting for added flavor.
Another option is to make a fresh fruit salad as a side dish for your rib dinner. Combine fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries along with sliced apples or bananas in a bowl for a sweet treat that pairs nicely with the savory flavors of ribs. Sprinkle it lightly with sugar before serving if desired.
Pasta dishes also pair nicely with ribs as long as they aren’t overly saucy or cheesy so that they don’t interfere too much with the flavor of the ribs themselves. Macaroni and cheese is always popular when served alongside pork ribs or baby back ribs; just make sure to use mild cheddar cheese so that it doesn’t overpower the main dish’s flavor.
Finally, rice dishes like pilafs or risottos are also excellent sides when served alongside rib dinners because their mild flavors won’t interfere too much while still adding an interesting texture to the meal overall. Try adding vegetables like mushrooms or peas to these dishes to make them even heartier!
Vegetable Side Dishes for Ribs
Barbecue ribs are a classic summer staple and a delicious addition to any meal. But to really make the meal complete, you need some delicious vegetable side dishes to accompany the ribs. Here are some of the best choices that will pair perfectly with your barbecue ribs:
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables is an easy way to bring out their sweet, savory flavor and make them a delicious accompaniment to ribs. Try roasting peppers, onions, carrots, zucchini, squash, and potatoes for a variety of colors and flavors. You can also add some garlic for extra flavor if desired.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Grilling corn on the cob is a classic way to enjoy sweet summer corn in all its glory. Grill up several ears of corn at once and serve alongside your ribs for an added touch of freshness.
Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a great side dish for ribs because it provides an acidic balance that helps cut through the richness of the pork. It’s also easy to make ahead of time and can be served cold or at room temperature.
Baked Beans: Baked beans are always a crowd pleaser when it comes to barbecue meals. They’re hearty enough to stand up to the bold flavors of barbecue sauce and they provide some extra protein as well.
- Sauteed Greens
- Mashed Potatoes
- Fried Okra
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Creamed Corn
These vegetable side dishes are sure to make your next rib dinner even more enjoyable. From roasted vegetables to coleslaw, there’s something for everyone!
Starch Sides to Serve With Ribs
Ribs are a classic dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re grilling up a rack of ribs for a summer BBQ or slow-cooking them for a winter dinner, you’ll need the perfect side dish to round out the meal. Starchy sides are the perfect accompaniment to ribs, as they help balance out the richness of the meat. Here are some delicious starch side dishes that will pair perfectly with your next rib feast:
Mashed Potatoes
Nothing says comfort food quite like mashed potatoes. For an extra special touch, add herbs and spices like garlic, chives and rosemary for an added depth of flavor. Or try adding some cheese such as cheddar or Gruyere for a cheese-infused mashed potato.
Mac and Cheese
For a classic kid-friendly side dish, try macaroni and cheese. You can make it from scratch with your favorite cheese blend or go for convenience with boxed versions. For extra crunch, top with breadcrumbs before baking.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a great way to use up leftovers from the night before. Use cooked white rice and whatever vegetables and proteins you want to add flavor and texture. Add soy sauce for an umami kick.
Couscous
Couscous is a light yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with ribs. To give it more depth of flavor, try cooking it in broth instead of water, or adding herbs such as parsley or cilantro. You can also mix in diced vegetables such as bell peppers or tomatoes.
Baked Potatoes
For an easy starchy side, bake potatoes in the oven until they’re tender and golden brown on the outside. Serve them plain or top them with butter, sour cream, cheese and bacon bits for a complete meal.
With these tasty starch sides on hand, your next rib dinner will be sure to please everyone at the table!
Refreshing Salads to Serve With Ribs
A perfect summer meal consists of a platter of delicious ribs and a refreshing side salad. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors can make for an unforgettable backyard barbecue. To create the perfect pairing for your ribs, try one of these five salads:
Fruit Salad with Balsamic Dressing: This salad is full of fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, and oranges. Toss in some feta cheese and slivered almonds for added crunch. The balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together with a hint of sweetness.
Caesar Salad: This classic salad pairs well with ribs thanks to its salty Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons. You can customize it by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Greek Salad: This Mediterranean staple features cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing. Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it heartier.
Coleslaw:
This simple side dish is made with shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. Add some dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the richness of BBQ ribs.
Potato Salad:
This creamy dish combines boiled potatoes with hard-boiled eggs, celery, green onions, parsley, dill pickles, and mayonnaise. It’s great served cold or at room temperature as a side dish for your ribs.
Grains That Go Well With Ribs
Ribs are a favorite dish of many people, and they can be made in a variety of ways. To make them even more delicious, you can consider grains as side dishes. There are several grains that go well with ribs, including rice, barley, quinoa, and polenta.
Rice is one of the most popular grains to serve with ribs. White rice is often served with Asian-style ribs and sticky sauces. Brown rice is also good when you want a healthier version of this classic dish. You can cook it in a variety of ways – steamed, boiled, or as fried rice – for a tasty side dish.
Barley is another great option for serving with ribs. It has a nutty flavor that pairs well with the savory taste of the meat. Barley also adds a healthy touch to your meal since it is high in fiber and nutrients like magnesium and selenium. You can cook it either in a pot or in your slow cooker for an easy side dish.
Quinoa is another great grain to serve with ribs. This ancient grain has become increasingly popular thanks to its health benefits and unique texture. Quinoa has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the smoky flavor of the meat. It also adds a nice crunchy texture to your plate if you choose to top it off with some nuts or seeds before serving it up hot!
Polenta is another tasty option for serving with ribs. This cornmeal-based dish has become increasingly popular over the years due to its versatility and delicious flavor profile. It goes well with both sweet and savory toppings, so you can customize this side dish however you want! You can bake or fry polenta for an extra crunchy texture that compliments the tenderness of the ribs perfectly!
No matter what type of rib dish you’re making, there are plenty of grains that go perfectly with it! Rice, barley, quinoa, and polenta will all make great side dishes for your next rib feast – so get cooking!
Conclusion
Ribs are a classic that can be cooked in a variety of ways. When serving ribs, it is important to select the right side dishes to complement the flavors and textures of the ribs. Potato salads, coleslaw, greens, cornbread, mac and cheese, and beans are all excellent choices for side dishes that will bring out the best in your ribs. For a more unique take on your side dishes, consider adding some grilled vegetables or even fruit-based salads to the mix for balance. No matter what sides you choose to serve with your ribs, you will be sure to impress everyone at the table!
With these ideas in mind, you are now ready to prepare an amazing meal with fall-off-the-bone tender ribs and perfectly paired side dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds!