Emily Carter
When it comes to ribs and chicken, the main event is just the beginning. A good side dish can elevate your meal to the next level, adding a refreshing contrast or a complementary kick of flavour. For a summer cookout, you might want to go classic with potato salad, coleslaw, or baked beans. If you're looking for something a little different, why not try grilled corn on the cob, mac and cheese, or even a watermelon salad? For a Southern spin, serve up crispy fried okra, devilled eggs, or a colourful succotash. And don't forget the bread—whether it's cornbread muffins or a big slice of olive cheese bread, it's the perfect vessel for mopping up that barbecue sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carb-filled sides | French fries, Baked potatoes, Sweet potato fries, Bread, Mac and cheese, Potato salad, Cornbread, Cornbread muffins, Mashed potatoes, Pasta salad, Macaroni salad, Grilled potatoes |
| Veggie-packed dishes | Side salad, Coleslaw, Collard greens, Red cabbage slaw, Broccoli salad, Black bean and corn salad, Cucumber salad, Green tomatoes, Avocado, Tomatoes, Maque choux, Grilled corn on the cob, Succotash, Roasted okra, Crispy fried okra |
| Classic BBQ sides | Baked beans, BBQ shack fries, Brunswick stew |
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Salads and slaws
A classic barbecue side, coleslaw is a BBQ staple that adds a tangy crunch to your meal. You can make it in just 10 minutes, and it goes especially well with chicken. You can also try a twist on the classic, such as Kardea's Collard and Red Cabbage Slaw, or a vegan slaw with maple syrup and Dijon mustard.
Potato salad is another crowd-pleaser. It's a creamy, tangy, and crunchy Southern-style dish that goes well with ribs and other barbecue foods. You can make it your own by adding different herbs, or even adding in other types of potatoes or pickles.
Pasta salad is another option, especially if you're looking for something a little more filling. You can add bacon, cheese, veggies, and herbs, and dress it with homemade ranch.
If you're looking for something lighter, a cucumber salad or a Greek chickpea salad can bring serious flavour to the table. Or, if you're looking for something sweet, try a black bean and corn salad with a honey-lime dressing, or a watermelon salad with feta.
For something a little different, try a broccoli salad with a mayonnaise-vinegar mixture, or an apple slaw with honey and lime.
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Beans and pulses
Black bean and corn salad is another option, which can also be used as a topping for tacos or an appetizer with tortilla chips. This salad is a medley of the most exciting parts of a vegetarian burrito bowl, with a honey-lime twist.
For a more classic barbecue feel, you could try a pasta salad with beans and pulses. This can be made with macaroni, cool and creamy noodles, punchy quick-pickled veggies, fresh herbs, and sharp cheddar cheese.
If you're looking for a more creative option, try a succotash. This colorful Southern dish features summer veggies like corn, lima beans, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. It will add a pop of color to your plate.
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Potato dishes
When serving ribs and chicken, there are many potato dishes that can be served as a side. Here are some ideas:
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for a cookout or potluck. It is creamy, tangy, and crunchy, with ingredients such as mayonnaise, mustard, hard-boiled eggs, and pickles. You can also add a twist to the classic recipe by using red potatoes and mixing in dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, and pickled okra with a creamy dressing and fresh dill.
Ranch Potatoes
For a herby and delicious option, try roasting potatoes with ranch seasoning. This side dish is extra crispy and pairs well with ribs.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a cozy and filling option to serve with ribs. For an extra layer of flavor and a smooth consistency, add some soft cream cheese before baking.
Grilled Potatoes
If you're already grilling ribs, grilled potatoes are a quick and easy side dish to prepare. They can be ready in just 20 minutes and are a great way to round out your meal.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a nutritious option that can be loaded with a Mediterranean tomato-cucumber salad and a tahini-yogurt sauce. They are a unique and tasty side dish to serve with ribs.
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Breads and rolls
Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic Southern dish that pairs perfectly with ribs and chicken. You can bake it in a skillet for crunchy edges and a soft, tender inside, or make individual cornbread muffins for easier handling. Serve with soft, spreadable butter. For an extra twist on the classic, try Pan de Elote, which includes whole corn kernels and sweetened condensed milk for extra flavour and moisture.
Rolls
Freshly baked rolls with a crispy bottom, buttery top, and soft centre are a great option to serve alongside ribs and chicken.
Biscuits
Fluffy buttermilk biscuits are another Southern classic that can accompany ribs and chicken. For an extra indulgent treat, try topping them with melty cheese, butter, and olives.
Grilled or Fried Corn
Corn on the cob is a tasty side dish, especially when grilled. For a twist on this classic, try fried corn, a Southern dish where fresh corn kernels are cooked in a cast-iron skillet with bacon fat and butter.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are a must-have side dish for ribs and chicken, especially when paired with smoky flavours. Braise them slowly in a mixture of homemade turkey stock, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and water, adding a splash of hot pepper sauce before serving for a kick.
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Fried foods
Fried Chicken
A crispy, fried chicken dish can be a delicious complement to ribs and chicken. You can prepare a classic fried chicken with a crispy exterior and tender meat, or get creative with different flavours and spices.
Fried Vegetables
Vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, can be transformed into an elegant side dish with a touch of frying. For instance, try frying Brussels sprouts with earthy thyme, sweet maple syrup, and sour cranberries to create a lightly sweetened dish that highlights autumn flavours.
Fritters
Corn fritters are a perfect match for ribs, as they can soak up the braised rib juices. Fritters made with other vegetables or ingredients can also be a tasty option to explore.
French Fries
French fries are a classic side dish that can be paired with ribs and chicken. For a unique twist, try Cajun fries seasoned with spicy Cajun spices, or sweet potato fries with a Mediterranean twist, served with a tomato-cucumber salad and tahini-yogurt sauce.
Fried Okra
For a Southern-inspired side dish, crispy fried okra is a tasty option. It adds a unique texture and flavour to the meal.
Fried Corn
Fried corn is another classic Southern dish. It's made by cooking fresh corn kernels in a cast-iron skillet with bacon fat and butter, resulting in a creamy and indulgent side dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some side dishes that are said to go well with ribs and chicken:
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Mac and cheese
- Cornbread
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Salads (e.g. watermelon, cucumber, Greek)
If you're looking for something a little more unique, try these side dishes:
- Crispy fried okra
- Succotash
- Deviled eggs
- Grilled watermelon
- Ranch potatoes
- Broccoli salad
While the above options generally pair well with both ribs and chicken, these side dishes are specifically recommended for ribs:
- Collard greens
- Creamed kale
- Mashed potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Brunswick stew
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