Ribs are a BBQ staple!
Do you really need to eat anything but ribs?
But ribs smothered in delicious BBQ sauce can get a little heavy.
So it’s good to have some healthy, light, fresh sides to help cut through all that deliciousness.
14 Declious Sides for BBQ Ribs
Below I have 14 side dishes for BBQ ribs that are healthy, fresh, and light! Enjoy.
Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette
This salad is a staple around my house when mangoes are cheap and in season.
It is full of color, flavor, and nutrients. It is also vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free – perfect for any time you have guests over that can’t eat ribs!
Berry Salad With Strawberry Dressing
This is another super fresh vibrant fruit-based salad.
It’s packed full of flavor and nutrients.
It easily cuts through heavy bbq flavors and leaves you feeling full, but not bloated!
Smoked Macaroni and Cheese With a Crispy Panko Top
Ribs and mac and cheese are a match made in heaven! It’s a blowout meal but it’s 100% worth it!
Smoked Rotal Dip
This smokey cheese dip pairs perfectly with saucy ribs.
8. Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
What is easier than throwing a potato in foil and placing it on the hot coals?
It’s the perfect food!
We take it to the next level by adding to types of cheese!
The kids will love these!
SPAM Burnt Ends
Perfect with ribs are burnt ends! These are a bit different though!
These are SPAM burnt ends, you gotta try em!
Smoked Cream Cheese (Super Creamy and Smoky Cheese)
Cheese is a perfect contrast to saucy, vinegar ribs.
Just dip your rib and enjoy!
Grilled Corn with Bacon Butter and Cotija Cheese.
How Sweet Eats grilled corn recipe is EPIC! I mean she does BACON butter!!!
The first time I did this, my son asked me to never make corn the old way (my way) again! But I didn’t disagree!
Plus it’s a hands-on kind of food, perfect for eating with ribs! I mean you are already covered in BBQ sauce!
Smoked Corn with EXTRA Butter and Gin Salt
What’s better than grilled corn? Smoked corn!
When I make this it is dripping in butter and super-duper smoky!
A perfect side for ribs, as your hands are already covered in BBQ sauce so you can just pick up the corn and munch on it!
Fried Pickles
Pickles are the perfect way to cut through fatty, heavy dishes. What’s better than that?
Crispy fried pickles! These also are a great side with smoked brisket. This is the best way to get your kids to eat their veggies!
. Grilled Brie with Gin Infused Caramelized Onions
Do you know what is decadent?
Dipping your ribs into gooey oozy grilled brie!
This will blow your taste bud and pants button away!
Mediterranean Green Bean Salad
Another salad staple when I have a gathering.
This recipe incorporates a lot of ingredients and is a great ‘fridge salad’.
You can swap out the ingredients for what you have, just ensure you have feta because that really makes it.
Grilled Watermelon and Avocado Salad
I know what you are thinking; “Grilled watermelon??
What the?”.
But trust me on this grilled watermelon is amazing.
If you don’t want to make the whole salad I highly recommend just grilling whole watermelon ham!
Creamed Spinach
Greens should be a staple of any cookout, this creamed spinach recipe is easy and can be made a day or two in advance.
Cowboy Caviar or Texas Caviar
Essentially a Mexican-style corn salad this ‘cowboy caviar’ recipe is great as a side for ribs.
It’s light, spicy, crunchy, and has a good hint of citrus to cut through heavy meats. I guarantee this will become a regular at your house.
I enjoy it just by itself with corn chips.
Grandmas Creamed Corn Casserole
Corn is an essential side dish to bbq.
This creamed corn casserole is always one of the first dishes empty when I have friends over.
It’s sweet, crunchy, and creamy!
Everything you need in a side dish.
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