Master the art of pairing the perfect sides with your BBQ meats
Listen to our quick audio guide summarizing the main points of this article:
This podcast covers the essentials of BBQ side dish pairings, make-ahead tips, and how to accommodate dietary restrictions at your next cookout.
Are you ready to take your summer barbecue party to the next level? While juicy grilled meats often steal the spotlight, the perfect BBQ side dishes can transform a good cookout into an unforgettable feast. But how do you pick the right sides to complement your main dishes? What goes best with brisket versus chicken? And how can you prep ahead to enjoy your own party?
In this guide, we'll explore 15 amazing BBQ side dishes and exactly which proteins they pair with best. From classic favorites to fresh alternatives, you'll find everything you need to create the perfect balance of flavors at your next cookout.
Have you ever wondered why some BBQ meals feel perfectly balanced while others leave you feeling something's missing? It's all about pairing!
When you match the right side dishes with specific BBQ proteins, you create a complete flavor experience. Smoky brisket comes alive with tangy coleslaw. Spicy chicken finds its perfect match in cooling cucumber salad. The right sides don't just fill your plate—they enhance every bite of your carefully prepared BBQ.
Interactive guide to perfect BBQ meat and side dish pairings
Creating a well-balanced BBQ plate is about more than just throwing together your favorite foods. It's about building harmony between flavors and textures.
The best BBQ meals include contrasting elements that highlight each other. Rich, fatty meats need bright, acidic sides to cut through the heaviness. Spicy mains call for cooling, creamy accompaniments. Smoky flavors pair beautifully with sweet components.
Think about texture too! Tender pulled pork tastes even better when paired with crunchy slaw. Juicy chicken gets a boost from crispy potatoes. These contrasts keep your taste buds excited and your guests coming back for more.
Modern BBQs need to welcome everyone to the table. A thoughtful host considers various dietary needs—offering gluten-free options, plant-based alternatives, and lighter fare alongside traditional sides.
The good news? Many classic BBQ sides are naturally adaptable. Potato salad can be made with olive oil instead of mayo for a dairy-free option. Grilled vegetables please nearly everyone. With a little planning, your BBQ can delight all your guests, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Some sides have earned their permanent place at the BBQ table. These classics have stood the test of time for good reason—they're delicious, crowd-pleasing, and complement smoky grilled flavors perfectly.
Is any BBQ complete without coleslaw? This cabbage-based side dish offers the perfect crunchy, creamy contrast to smoky meats.
A classic creamy coleslaw brings cooling richness that balances the smoky, spicy notes in pulled pork. The cool, creamy texture provides the perfect contrast to the warm, tender meat, especially when piled right on top of a pulled pork sandwich.
For the best texture, don't dress your slaw too far ahead—about 30 minutes before serving is perfect. This gives the flavors time to blend while keeping the cabbage crisp.
When serving rich, fatty brisket, a tangy vinegar slaw cuts through the heaviness with bright acidity. Memphis-style vinegar slaw skips the mayo entirely, focusing on punchy vinegar and a touch of sugar.
This lighter slaw won't weigh down your plate and provides a refreshing contrast that keeps you coming back for more brisket. The vinegary punch resets your palate between bites of rich meat.
Nothing says "cookout" quite like potato salad. This starchy side provides satisfying heft that complements lighter grilled fare.
Best paired with: BBQ Ribs
A classic Southern potato salad—rich with mayo, mustard, eggs, and pickles—stands up beautifully to saucy ribs.
Make-ahead tip: Prepare 1 day in advance for best flavor development.
Best paired with: Smoked Sausage
Warm German potato salad with bacon, vinegar, and mustard matches the smoky notes in sausage.
Make-ahead tip: Can be served warm or at room temperature.
Best paired with: Grilled Chicken
The bright, tangy flavors of dill and pickles complement the simpler flavors of grilled chicken.
Make-ahead tip: Add fresh herbs just before serving.
Is it really a barbecue without baked beans? These sweet and savory beans have been BBQ staples for generations.
Beef brisket's deep, smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with sweet and smoky baked beans. The rich sauce echoes the complex flavors in well-smoked brisket while providing a nice textural contrast.
Pro Tip: For an extra-special touch, place your bean pot underneath your brisket during the last hour of smoking. The drippings will add incredible flavor to your beans!
Grilled chicken, with its lighter flavor profile, pairs perfectly with kicked-up spicy barbecue beans. The beans provide the robust flavor complement that chicken sometimes needs.
Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce to your beans for heat that transforms simple grilled chicken into something special. The protein-packed beans also make this combination a satisfying meal.
| Side Dish | Best Protein Pairing | Why It Works | Make-Ahead? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creamy Coleslaw | Pulled Pork | Creamy texture balances spicy, smoky meat | 30 min before serving |
| Vinegar Slaw | Beef Brisket | Acidity cuts through fatty richness | Up to 1 day ahead |
| Southern Potato Salad | BBQ Ribs | Hearty side balances sticky, saucy ribs | 1 day ahead (best) |
| German Potato Salad | Smoked Sausage | Complementary smoky, savory notes | Serve fresh or room temp |
| Sweet & Smoky Beans | Beef Brisket | Echoes smoky flavors in the meat | Up to 3 days ahead |
| Spicy BBQ Beans | Grilled Chicken | Adds flavor complexity to simple chicken | Up to 3 days ahead |
Looking to lighten up your BBQ spread? These fresh sides add bright colors and flavors while keeping things on the healthier side.
Grilling isn't just for meat! The same flames that make your proteins delicious can transform vegetables into smoky, caramelized treats.
For spring BBQs, focus on asparagus, spring onions, and artichokes. Summer calls for colorful bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and corn. Fall brings hearty options like brussels sprouts and butternut squash.
Choose what's in season for the best flavor and value. Fresh, in-season vegetables need minimal seasoning to shine when grilled.
For chicken pairings, use lighter seasonings like lemon, herbs, and olive oil on your vegetables. With beef, try balsamic vinegar and rosemary for depth that stands up to the meat's richness. Seafood pairs beautifully with vegetables seasoned simply with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs.
A simple marinade of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic works with almost anything. Just remember to dry your vegetables well before grilling to prevent steaming and encourage caramelization.
When the temperature rises, cool, refreshing salads are BBQ essentials. They provide a light counterpoint to hearty grilled fare.
What's the perfect side dish for your summer BBQ? Answer a few questions to find out!
The cooling sweetness of watermelon and the salty bite of feta cheese create magic together—especially alongside spicy BBQ chicken. This refreshing combination helps tame the heat while brightening the plate.
Add fresh mint, a splash of lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil for a simple yet sophisticated side. The juicy watermelon is particularly welcome on hot summer days.
For delicate grilled fish or shrimp, you need a side that won't overpower. Enter the simple perfection of tomato and cucumber salad. Its light, bright flavors complement seafood beautifully.
A dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs is all you need. This side brings refreshing crunch and acidity that elevates grilled seafood to new heights. For a complete summer barbecue party spread, this combo is unbeatable.
Grain salads provide substance without heaviness. They're make-ahead friendly and often taste better the next day!
Nutty quinoa studded with grilled vegetables creates a protein-packed side that pairs perfectly with delicate grilled fish. The grain provides substance while the vegetables add smoky notes that echo the grilled fish.
This gluten-free option satisfies guests with dietary restrictions while pleasing everyone at the table. For extra flavor, cook your quinoa in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
The subtle sweetness of corn and the earthy richness of black beans complement the savory flavors of grilled pork beautifully. This colorful rice salad brings Southwestern flair to your BBQ table.
Add diced red bell pepper, green onions, and a lime-cumin dressing for a side dish that can double as a vegetarian main. Make this a day ahead to let the flavors develop fully.
Different BBQ proteins need different sidekick flavors. Let's break down the perfect partners for specific meats.
Beef's robust flavor profile calls for sides that can stand up to its richness while providing complementary or contrasting elements.
Chef John shares his favorite sides for beef brisket
Mac and cheese is a classic pairing with brisket—its creamy richness complements the smoky beef without getting lost. For burgers, try loaded potato salad with bacon and cheddar that echoes the indulgent nature of a good burger.
These rich sides create a satisfying harmony with beef, especially when the meat has been smoked for hours and developed deep flavor.
The acidity in vinegar-based slaws and pickled vegetables cuts through the fattiness of beef, cleansing your palate between bites. This contrast makes each bite of brisket or burger taste fresh again.
Quick-pickled red onions add bright color and zippy flavor to your plate. A tangy cucumber salad brings necessary lightness to balance rich beef.
Chicken and pork are versatile proteins that welcome both fruity and savory complements.
Pork loves sweet-and-sour flavor combinations. Apple-cabbage slaw brings fruity notes that enhance pork's natural sweetness. Tangy collard greens provide earthy contrast to sweet BBQ sauce.
The marriage of sweet and tangy flavors with pork creates a balanced plate that keeps your taste buds interested through the entire meal.
Grilled chicken pairs beautifully with bright, herb-forward sides. Herb-roasted potatoes echo the char from the grill while adding aromatic depth. A lemon-herb pasta salad brings Mediterranean freshness to simple grilled chicken.
These lighter, aromatic sides complement chicken's more subtle flavor without overwhelming it, creating a harmonious meal.
Seafood's delicate nature calls for sides that enhance without overpowering its natural flavors.
Grilled fish shines alongside citrus-forward companions. Lemon orzo with fresh herbs provides subtle starchy satisfaction with bright notes that complement most fish. A fennel and orange salad adds refreshing anise notes that particularly enhance grilled salmon.
Keep seafood sides light and bright to allow the natural flavors of the fish to remain the star of the show.
Shellfish and butter are natural partners. Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter creates a sweet, buttery echo to grilled shrimp or scallops. Buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the juices from steamed clams or mussels.
The richness of butter enhances the natural sweetness in most shellfish, creating a luxurious flavor combination.
Want to enjoy your own party? These sides can be prepared in advance, freeing you up to socialize during your summer barbecue party!
Some dishes actually get better after they've had time to sit, making them perfect make-ahead options.
Three-bean salad develops deeper flavor after marinating for 24 hours in the refrigerator. Marinated cucumber and tomato salad becomes more flavorful (but still crisp) when prepared a day ahead.
These sides save time on party day while delivering maximum flavor. Just remember to pull them from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
Let your slow cooker do the work! Baked beans can simmer all day while you prepare other dishes. Creamed corn stays perfectly warm in a slow cooker for hours.
These hands-off sides free up both your attention and your oven space for other BBQ tasks.
Use this checklist to plan your BBQ side dishes preparation:
Proper storage and transport are key to food safety and quality at outdoor gatherings.
For cold salads, use insulated containers or nestle serving bowls in larger bowls filled with ice. Hot sides travel best in insulated carriers or wrapped in foil and towels to retain heat.
Glass containers with tight-fitting lids prevent leaks during transport. Consider single-serving options for easier serving at crowded cookouts.
Different sides need different reheating approaches. Potato dishes often benefit from a quick stint on the grill to restore crispness. Creamy sides should be reheated gently to prevent separation.
Many sides can be served at room temperature, eliminating reheating concerns altogether—Mediterranean grain salads, marinated vegetables, and slaws all work perfectly this way.
Today's cookouts often need to accommodate various dietary requirements. Here's how to make everyone feel welcome at your table.
Naturally gluten-free sides include potato dishes, rice salads, and vegetable medleys. For cornbread, use certified gluten-free cornmeal and flour blends.
These options keep gluten-free guests safe while being delicious enough that other guests won't feel they're missing out.
Beyond simple salads, offer hearty plant-based options like smoky barbecued beans made without bacon, grilled vegetable kabobs, and quinoa salads with beans for protein.
These satisfying sides ensure that plant-based guests leave your BBQ feeling well-fed and considered.
Menu planner for accommodating different dietary needs at your BBQ
Cauliflower "potato" salad uses the versatile vegetable in place of starchy potatoes. Greek cucumber salad offers Mediterranean flavors without the carbs. Stuffed mushrooms provide savory satisfaction without bread or pasta.
These thoughtful options allow carb-conscious guests to enjoy your BBQ without compromising their dietary choices.
Simple corn on the cob (cut into smaller sections for little hands) is a kid-pleasing classic. Pasta salad with mild cheese and familiar vegetables bridges the gap between adult and child preferences. Watermelon cut into fun shapes makes healthy eating exciting for younger guests.
These approachable options ensure that children enjoy the BBQ experience alongside the adults.
Planning makes perfect! These practical tips will help ensure your BBQ sides are as successful as your grilled main dishes.
For a meal with 2-3 sides, plan on about ½ cup of each side per person. If offering 4+ sides, reduce to about ⅓ cup per person per side as people will take smaller portions of more options.
For crowd-pleasing favorites like mac and cheese or potato salad, plan for slightly larger portions as these tend to disappear quickly. It's always better to have leftovers than to run short!
"The secret to a successful BBQ is planning your sides as carefully as your proteins. A well-rounded plate makes all the difference between a good cookout and a great one."
Aim for variety in your sides—something creamy, something crunchy, something acidic, and something starchy creates a well-rounded plate. Consider the season and temperature—hot sides for cooler days, cold sides for summer heat.
If your protein is heavily sauced or spiced, balance with some milder sides. If your main dish is simple, you can get more creative with your side dishes.
Outdoor serving requires some special planning. Bring serving utensils for each dish—tongs, spoons, and forks as needed. Use heavy-bottomed bowls and platters that won't blow away in a breeze.
Consider how dishes will be kept at safe temperatures—chafing dishes for hot sides, ice baths for cold ones. Have shade available for the food table to keep everything at its best.
Looking for more ways to perfect your barbecue game? These resources offer expert tips and recipes to take your cookout to the next level:
The perfect BBQ isn't just about what comes off the grill—it's about creating a complete meal experience. The right sides complement your proteins, add variety to your plate, and show your guests you've thought of everything.
Ready to put these ideas into action? Which BBQ side and protein pairing will you try first? From classic coleslaw with pulled pork to watermelon-feta salad with spicy chicken, the perfect combination awaits your next cookout.
What's your favorite BBQ side dish? Do you have a special pairing that always wows your guests? We'd love to hear about your go-to combinations!