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ZEN AND HONEY

Sweet, Sweet Food Made Simple

June 10, 2025

18 Easy Side Dishes for Ribs Sure To Impress

Side Dishes for Ribs – Wondering what to serve with ribs at your next cookout? These easy ribs side dishes are the perfect match for pork ribs, spare ribs, or even savory short ribs.

side dishes for ribs

From classic bbq sides to fresh and simple sides for ribs, you’ll never run out of tasty ideas for what to serve with bbq ribs!

This post is about the best Side Dishes for Ribs.

18 TRY-WORTHY SIDE DISHES FOR RIBS THAT MAKE GREAT BBQ MEALS

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This dill pickle pasta salad is tangy, creamy, and a total hit when you’re wondering what to serve with ribs. It’s one of those simple sides for ribs that adds a punch of flavor without taking over the plate. Whether you’re grilling spare ribs or pork ribs, this is a go-to.

dill pickle pasta salad easy

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Loaded with crispy bacon and creamy ranch, this pasta salad is a must-have among bbq sides. It pairs perfectly with short ribs or pork ribs, balancing out the smoky richness. Keep it on your list of side dishes for ribs that everyone will actually eat.

cold pasta salad recipes

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican street corn pasta salad brings bold flavors that work so well with bbq ribs or even smoked short ribs. It’s a fun twist when you want to switch up what to serve with ribs. Definitely one of the more exciting and simple sides for ribs to try out.

mexican street corn pasta salad

Moist Sweet Cornbread Recipe

Sweet, fluffy cornbread is a classic answer to what to serve with bbq ribs it never fails. This version is extra moist and makes a perfect partner for saucy spare ribs or smoky pork ribs. Add it to your rotation of ribs side dishes you can rely on.

side dishes for ribs

Honey Butter Skillet Corn

This honey butter corn is sweet, buttery, and easy to make, making it one of the best simple sides for ribs. It brings a nice contrast to savory short ribs or rich pork ribs. When you’re planning what to serve with ribs for a backyard cookout, this one’s a no-brainer.

side dishes for ribs

Best Italian Pasta Salad

This Italian pasta salad is light, zesty, and packed with veggies perfect for cutting through the richness of bbq ribs. It works just as well alongside short ribs as it does with pork ribs at a casual get-together. If you need crowd-pleasing side dishes for ribs, start here.

side dishes for ribs

Sautéed Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic

Bright and garlicky, these sautéed green beans are a fresh take on ribs side dishes. They’re a lighter option that balances out the richness of spare ribs or slow-cooked pork ribs. When planning what to serve with ribs and want something green, this is your pick.

side dishes for ribs

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Creamy, cheesy, and topped with bacon, this loaded baked potato salad is a hearty option for what to serve with bbq ribs. It’s one of the most filling and flavorful simple sides for ribs. A great match with short ribs at any picnic or cookout.

side dishes for ribs

Classic Coleslaw

You can’t go wrong with classic coleslaw when planning what to serve with ribs it’s a bbq staple for a reason. Its cool crunch pairs well with everything from sticky pork ribs to smoky spare ribs. For tried-and-true bbq sides, this one’s essential.

side dishes for ribs

Southern Green Beans and Potatoes

Southern green beans with tender potatoes are a comforting side that complements ribs of any kind. Whether you’re serving short ribs or saucy pork ribs, this dish adds hearty balance. It’s one of those side dishes for ribs that feels like home cooking at its best.

side dishes for ribs

Cajun Corn on the Cob

This Cajun-spiced corn on the cob adds just the right amount of kick to your bbq sides lineup. It’s bold enough to stand up next to spare ribs but simple enough for any casual cookout. If you’re wondering what to serve with ribs and want a flavor punch, this corn delivers.

what to serve with ribs

Hawaiian Baked Beans

These Hawaiian baked beans bring a sweet and savory twist to the usual side dishes for ribs. They’re amazing with smoky pork ribs or sticky short ribs. For tropical-inspired bbq sides that still feel comforting, give this one a try.

what to serve with ribs

Dutch Oven Asparagus and Peas

Asparagus and peas make a lighter, veggie-forward addition to your ribs side dishes list. It’s especially great if you’re serving heavier pork ribs and want something fresh on the side. Don’t overlook it when thinking about what to serve with ribs in spring or summer.

what to serve with ribs

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Creamy and tangy, this Hawaiian macaroni salad is a standout among bbq sides. It balances beautifully with grilled spare ribs or even tender short ribs. It’s a fun, tropical-inspired twist on what to serve with ribs at a cookout.

what to serve with ribs

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are rich, creamy, and downright delicious next to juicy pork ribs. They’re a comforting go-to in your collection of side dishes for ribs. Whether it’s short ribs or a big rack of bbq ribs, this is a must-serve.

what to serve with ribs

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These crispy roasted Brussels sprouts are a great way to sneak some greens into your bbq plate. They’re ideal when deciding what to serve with ribs, but want something wholesome. A simple side for ribs that’s anything but boring.

what to serve with ribs

Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

Slow cooker cowboy beans are smoky, hearty, and loaded with flavor, basically made to go with pork ribs or spare ribs. These beans are one of those bbq sides that can even steal the show. Add them to your next cookout menu and thank us later.

what to serve with ribs

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Rich, creamy, and loaded with bold white cheddar flavor, this mac and cheese is one of the best side dishes for ribs, hands down. It’s perfect next to sweet bbq ribs or even slow-cooked short ribs. For classic comfort with a gourmet twist, this dish nails it. 

what to serve with ribs

LOVED OUR SELECTION OF THE BEST SIDE DISHES FOR RIBS? PIN IT FOR LATER!

sides for ribs

what to serve with spare ribs

By: Rebeka · In: Appetizers, Easy Recipes · Tagged: bbq side dishes, bbq side dishes spare ribs, side dish ideas for ribs, side dishes for ribs, what to serve with ribs, what to serve with spare ribs

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Hi, and welcome! My name is Rebeka, and here I share the ultimate dessert recipes, appetizers, easy recipes, drinks, holiday recipes, desserts & sweet treats - for you to enjoy! Creating recipes is my love language, and I hope you'll find something here.

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