The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Pulled Pork Side Dishes: Elevate Your BBQ Experience
Discover an incredible array of mouthwatering side dishes that perfectly complement the rich, smoky, and tender flavors of pulled pork! From refreshing salads that cut through the richness to hearty potato recipes and comforting classics, this comprehensive guide will help you create a truly unforgettable meal. Explore our curated selection of irresistible accompaniments designed to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests, whether you’re serving classic pulled pork sandwiches or a gourmet spread.
Pulled pork stands as a true culinary champion in my kitchen. Its succulent, juicy tenderness and incredible versatility make it a dish I could happily prepare for the rest of my life. Whether piled high on a soft bun, tucked into a taco, or simply enjoyed on its own, the savory goodness of pulled pork is unmatched. However, no great main course is complete without equally fantastic side dishes to enhance the experience. The right accompaniments can elevate a simple pulled pork meal into a spectacular feast, offering contrasting textures, complementary flavors, and a refreshing balance to the meat’s richness.
Choosing the perfect side for pulled pork can be an exciting culinary adventure, given the vast array of options available. While I have a particular fondness for a good pasta salad or a creamy potato salad, the possibilities extend far beyond. Imagine the crisp freshness of a vibrant corn salad, the satisfying crunch of onion rings, the familiar comfort of potato chips, the earthy notes of collard greens, the smoky char of grilled vegetables, or the classic appeal of crispy fries. Each option brings its unique contribution to the plate, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious meal. In this extensive guide, we’ve gathered our absolute favorite recipes – both from our own kitchen and from some of the best culinary creators online – to ensure your pulled pork experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
To help you navigate this delicious selection, we’ve organized our top picks into several categories, ensuring you find exactly what you’re craving. From light, tangy salads to hearty, comforting starches and zesty grilled vegetables, there’s something here for every taste and every occasion.
Fresh & Crisp Salads
These salads offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of pulled pork, providing a burst of acidity, sweetness, or herbaceous notes to cleanse the palate.
Tomato Onion Salad
A vibrant, fresh, and tangy tomato onion salad made with juicy, ripe tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions. Tossed in a bold olive oil and vinegar dressing, it’s arguably the easiest and most refreshing side dish you’ll prepare all summer, offering a bright counterpoint to savory pulled pork.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
Satisfy your summer cravings with this quick and easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad! This vibrant and refreshing dish combines al dente pasta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, crisp fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that beautifully complements the savory notes of pulled pork.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon feta salad is the ideal last-minute recipe to whip up for your summer dinner table. The sweet juiciness of watermelon paired with creamy, salty feta makes this a truly memorable recipe. With a burst of fresh herbs and a simple dressing, it’s effortless to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, providing a fantastic sweet-and-savory contrast.
Melon Prosciutto Salad
An easy melon prosciutto salad offers a refreshing combination of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew. With the addition of a honey citrus dressing made with fresh citrus juice and herbs, you’ll find yourself making this recipe repeatedly as a perfect, light side dish or even a delightful poolside snack, balancing rich meats beautifully.
Crunchy Thai Pasta Salad
Crunchy Thai Pasta Salad is bursting with healthy vegetables and topped with an irresistible Thai peanut sauce. This versatile recipe can serve as a flavorful side dish for your favorite proteins like pulled pork, or be made ahead for delicious meal prep throughout the week, offering unique Asian-inspired flavors.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
This cucumber tomato salad is refreshing, vibrant, and the kind of summer staple that never disappoints. With juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, delicate slivers of red onion, and generous amounts of fresh herbs, it’s tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette that truly allows all the seasonal flavors to shine, acting as a delightful palate cleanser.
Bacon Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn Salad
Bacon Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn Salad is so good, it just might outshine any main dish! Grilled corn is combined with crispy bacon, smoky grilled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, bright lime juice, and queso fresco, all seasoned for a flavorful burst of summer goodness that pairs wonderfully with the smokiness of pulled pork.
Summer Lemon Pasta Salad
Summer Lemon Pasta Salad is always a favorite for patio parties and backyard BBQs! The refreshing and light lemon dressing, paired with fresh tomatoes and basil, creates the ultimate summery combination. Make it ahead of time, and the flavors only deepen and improve with time, making it an ideal stress-free side.
Masala Corn Salad
Masala Corn Salad is an easy, quick, and flavorful recipe that makes a fantastic side dish for any lunch or dinner. Cooked corn kernels are stirred with butter, aromatic chaat masala, fresh cilantro, lemon juice, and other vegetables for a vibrant salad that pairs perfectly with chicken, steak, pork, tofu, and seafood, adding an exciting global twist.
Avocado Caprese Panzanella Salad
Avocado Caprese Panzanella Salad is bursting with diverse textures and flavors, satisfying your taste buds while being surprisingly healthy! The delightful combination of bacon, cheese, and toasted bread, paired with a bright lemon and peppery vinaigrette, makes this a true salad heaven and a unique accompaniment to pulled pork.
Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill
This beet and cucumber salad with feta and dill is packed with sweet, savory, earthy, tangy, and salty flavors. Crunchy cucumbers, tender cooked beets, and a fresh lemon vinaigrette combine to create a delicious beet salad you’ll crave, offering a colorful and nutrient-rich side option.
Creamy Mexican Kale Slaw
Fresh, vibrant, and healthy, Creamy Mexican Kale Slaw is fantastic as a stand-alone side or piled high on your pulled pork tacos. This slaw, made with red and green cabbage, is loaded with zesty flavor and satisfying crunch, making it a perfect, lighter alternative to traditional coleslaw.
English Pea Salad
This farm-style, old-fashioned English Pea Salad recipe is simple, easy to make, and wonderfully colorful. With fresh peas, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, bright dressing, this will quickly become a favorite. Best of all, it requires absolutely no cooking, no eggs, and no bacon, making it a quick and easy refreshing side.
Blueberry Watermelon Mint Feta Salad
A delightful blend of sweet, tart, and savory, this Blueberry Watermelon Salad is a fantastic addition to any summer picnic or BBQ. Fresh blueberries and juicy watermelon pair beautifully with zesty lime, salty feta, and refreshing mint, creating a vibrant and balanced side.
Fresh Pineapple Coleslaw
This fast and easy Fresh Pineapple Coleslaw adds a tropical flair to an otherwise ordinary side dish. It’s an excellent topping for everything from pulled pork sliders to hot dogs, offering a sweet and tangy crunch that perfectly complements the savory meat.
Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes
These marinated heirloom tomatoes capture the very essence of summer flavor. Garden-fresh tomatoes sit in a bright, bold marinade of olive oil, vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano to create a salad or sandwich topping that not only looks beautiful but tastes even better, providing a simple yet elegant side.
Fresh Fruit Salad with Orange Juice
This Orange Juice Fresh Fruit Salad is a delightful twist on a classic. It’s perfect for serving at brunch, showers, or simply as a healthy and refreshing side dish for dinner. Its versatility allows you to customize it with whatever seasonal fruit you have on hand, making it endlessly adaptable.
Hearty Potato & Vegetable Delights
From crispy fries to smashed potatoes and smoky corn, these substantial sides provide satisfying textures and flavors that complement the richness of pulled pork.
Smoky Charred Corn
Smoky Charred Corn is a simple yet mouthwatering recipe that’s perfect for any BBQ enthusiast. This quick and easy corn on the cob is infused with smoky flavor, surrounding perfectly grilled and blackened corn kernels. It pairs wonderfully with any main dish, especially anything fresh off the grill or smoker, including your pulled pork.
Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Crispy smashed fingerling potatoes are an easy side dish or appetizer for any occasion! Their crispy exterior paired with creamy centers makes this recipe an instant family favorite. Topped with a fresh herb garlic butter, these potatoes are so addictive you won’t be able to stop eating them.
Spicy Garlic Cilantro Fries
It’s time to excite those taste buds, potato lovers! Spicy Garlic Cilantro Fries with Curry Ketchup are a fry fanatic’s dream, featuring a spicy seasoning salt, fresh cilantro, and a generous amount of robust garlic. You’ll never look at French fries the same way again, and these even work well as sweet potato fries!
Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs are a truly exceptional way to enjoy sweet potatoes. These potatoes are delightfully sweet, tangy, herbaceous, and packed with umami flavor, providing a unique and flavorful side that complements the savory richness of pulled pork.
Spicy Sweet Roasted Broccolini
Spicy-Sweet Roasted Broccolini is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and fresh flavors that pairs well with almost any entree. The flavorful spicy-sweet sauce truly complements the crisp-tender roasted broccolini, adding a vibrant and slightly fiery kick to your meal.
Waffle Fry Spicy Pepper Poutine
Waffle Fry Spicy Pepper Bacon Poutine offers an exciting new take on traditional poutine to spice up your life! Crispy waffle fries, savory bacon, rich gravy, and spicy pepper goat cheese combine to create pure fry heaven, a decadent and comforting side dish.
Loaded Bacon Potato Skewers
Loaded Bacon Potato Skewers are the ultimate grilled side dish for summer. Everyone enjoys a good baked potato, and this recipe offers a fresh and exciting take! Golden potatoes are grilled with crispy bacon, then drizzled with a savory roasted garlic aioli, sour cream, and fresh chives, making them a hearty and flavorful accompaniment.
BBQ Bacon Crack Fries
BBQ Bacon Crack Fries are the most epic combination of beer, bacon, potatoes, cheddar cheese, and BBQ sauce you’ll ever taste. They are smoky, savory, spicy, and perfectly crispy, making them ideal for a game day snack or a show-stopping side with your pulled pork.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Lemon create a killer side dish that pairs with practically everything. No need to dine out for this tangy, spicy delight when you can prepare it at home in less than 30 minutes, adding a sophisticated green vegetable option to your plate.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
This air fryer baked potato recipe is quick and incredibly easy to make, delivering perfect results every time! With a crispy skin and fluffy interior, this side dish is ideal for any occasion. Baked potatoes are versatile and can be paired with various toppings to suit your taste, making this a simple, two-ingredient crowd-pleaser.
Simple Garlic and Rosemary Potatoes
Prepare these Simple Garlic and Rosemary Potatoes for a flavorful and satisfying side dish. These crispy roasted potatoes, infused with fragrant rosemary and garlic, are tender and fluffy on the inside. They make an aromatic and savory addition to any meal, particularly complementing the robust flavor of pulled pork.
Bacon Potato Salad (No Mayo)
This bacon potato salad, made without mayonnaise, is perfect for any time of year and can be served warm or cold! This easy side dish features tender red potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh green beans, sweet corn, sliced almonds, and a vibrant dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and herbs. It’s a light yet satisfying option for gatherings.
Crispy Carrot Fries
These irresistible carrot fries are perfectly crispy, slightly cheesy, baked to a golden perfection, and ready to eat in about 30 minutes. It’s a completely new and delicious way to enjoy your vegetables, offering a delightful sweet-savory crunch that pairs surprisingly well with rich meats.
Authentic Bavarian Potato Salad with Bacon
This traditional Bavarian Potato Salad is a delicious side dish featuring warm potatoes, crisp bacon, and a rich, bright bacon dressing with sautéed onions, fresh herbs, and vinegar. Serve it with traditional German mains or as a hearty, tangy side at your next gathering, bringing a European flair to your BBQ.
Air Fryer Whole Roasted Sweet Potatoes
You’ll quickly fall in love with how incredibly easy and delicious these Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are! They make the perfect side dish any time of the year, offering a naturally sweet and tender complement to savory pulled pork without much effort.
Fried Pickles
Homemade fried pickles are a crispy, salty, and tangy snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Making them at home is surprisingly easy with simple ingredients and a little time. Their briny crunch makes them an excellent, unexpected counterpoint to the rich, smoky flavor of pulled pork.
Classic Comfort & Baked Beans
These comforting sides provide a hearty, satisfying element, often with a touch of sweetness or spice that pairs beautifully with the savory depth of pulled pork.
Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits
Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits are flaky, warm, and packed with buttery flavor, plus a delightful hint of spice! These biscuits are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip them up any night of the week for a comforting side that adds a kick to your pulled pork meal.
Green Chile Cheddar Whole Wheat Biscuits
Green Chile Cheddar Whole Wheat Biscuits are a cheesy, flavorful biscuit with a spicy little kick that will redefine everything you thought you knew about biscuits. These hearty and wholesome biscuits offer a delightful savory and spicy addition to your pulled pork spread.
No-Mayo Coleslaw with Honey Mustard Dressing
Tired of coleslaw drenched in thick mayonnaise? Transform your coleslaw game by making this sweet and spicy No-Mayo Honey Mustard Coleslaw. Instead of a heavy dressing, this lighter coleslaw is coated in a sweet-spicy mustardy vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a barbecue side dish or as a fresh topping for your pulled pork sandwiches.
Stovetop Bourbon Bacon and Sausage Baked Beans
Hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this Stovetop Bourbon Bacon and Sausage Baked Beans recipe is thick and meaty. These beans make the perfect complement to your game day table, potluck, or barbecue throughout the year, adding a deep, smoky sweetness that pairs wonderfully with pulled pork.
Instant Pot BBQ Baked Beans
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal, a potluck, or a backyard BBQ, Instant Pot BBQ Baked Beans are the perfect side dish to serve! Spicier and less sweet than their canned counterparts, these vegetarian baked beans burst with flavor, offering a convenient and delicious addition to your spread.
Paleo/Keto Easy Coleslaw
This easy coleslaw recipe uses only 4 ingredients and takes mere minutes to make. It’s perfect for a potluck or summer BBQ, offering a simple yet satisfying crunch. Plus, it’s paleo, low carb, and keto-friendly, making it a versatile option for various dietary needs.
Jalapeño Popper Cornbread Muffins
Kick up your cornbread game with these spicy, cheesy Jalapeño Popper Cornbread Muffins! They are the perfect side for fried chicken, chili, or just delicious on their own with a drizzle of honey. The cheesy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile makes them an outstanding partner for savory pulled pork.
Smoked Baked Beans
These Smoked Baked Beans with bacon are hearty, deeply smoky, and the ideal BBQ side dish. They require minimal prep work, are smoked low and slow for maximum flavor, and are always a huge hit. I guarantee you’ll be making them all summer long to complement your pulled pork and other grilled meats.
The Ultimate Smoked Mac and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with the ultimate smoked mac and cheese! Made with a luxurious blend of cheddar, Gouda, and Gruyère, and topped with crispy panko crumbs, this cheesy pasta is the perfect side dish for your summer barbecues and holiday celebrations alike. Everyone will eagerly come back for seconds when this mac and cheese graces your dinner table, especially alongside savory pulled pork.
Honey Cornbread
Serve slightly sweet Honey Cornbread alongside dinner tonight! Made with simple ingredients, this naturally sweetened cornbread recipe is perfect for sharing. Its comforting flavor and soft texture make it an excellent pairing for the robust flavors of pulled pork, ideal for soaking up any delicious juices.
Pulled Pork Masterpieces: Our Favorite Recipes
Of course, if you’re searching for amazing sides for pulled pork, it’s likely you already have a go-to recipe in mind. However, if you’re still on the hunt for that perfect main dish to anchor your meal, look no further! Here are two of our absolute favorite pulled pork recipes that deliver tender, flavorful results every time:
Instant Pot Pulled Pork is the easiest and quickest way to achieve fall-apart tender pulled pork. The homemade rub is what truly sets it apart, adding incredible depth of flavor. Serve it traditionally in sandwiches, or get creative with delicious pork tacos.
For those craving the ultimate sandwich, our Pulled Pork Burger recipe delivers succulent pulled pork piled high on soft brioche buns, perfectly topped with crisp pickles and savory fried onions. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
And if you prefer, many of these fantastic side dishes also pair wonderfully with a spicy BBQ pulled chicken burger, offering delicious alternatives for your protein.
Everyday Seasonal Cookbook
Unlock the secrets to fresh, flavorful cooking all year round with our Everyday Seasonal Cookbook. Packed with seasonal produce guides, inspiring recipes, and helpful tips, this cookbook is filled with delicious seasonal food ideas for every occasion, ensuring your meals are always vibrant and exciting.
Enhance Your Summer Gatherings
When I envision the perfect summer gathering, grilling is always at the heart of it. That’s why I can’t recommend my favorite grill enough – a Traeger grill. A wood pellet grill offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to both grill and smoke your recipes to perfection. While there are many different pellet flavors to choose from, if you’re just starting out, I highly recommend trying the versatile Traeger grill signature pellets for a consistently delicious smoky flavor.
Beyond the grill, I also love to stock up on charming serving ware to elevate the drink experience. Having a stylish pitcher and plenty of cute cocktail glasses makes serving your favorite beverages a breeze. Consider coupe glasses, Aperol spritz glasses, or these elegant Gatsby glasses – all are budget-friendly options to pick up for effortless entertaining all summer long.
Entertaining Essentials
Gatsby cocktail glasses
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Cheese platter set
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Beverage Pitcher
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Mason jars
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Aperol spritz glass
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Drink dispenser
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The Perfect Ending: Cocktails and Desserts
Now that you have the main course and an array of perfect side dishes covered, let’s consider some delicious cocktails and desserts to complete your culinary experience!
Refreshing Cocktails
- If you appreciate a touch of heat in your beverage, a Jalapeño Mexican Mule offers an easy and exciting twist on the classic Moscow mule, pairing wonderfully with savory BBQ flavors.
- For a sweeter option that beautifully complements rich, hearty dishes, a big batch Sweet Tea Mint Julep Punch is always a hit with a crowd, providing a refreshing and Southern-inspired sip.
- Looking for a fresh cocktail with a tart kick? This Margarita Mexican Mule is an excellent choice, and it can easily be scaled up to a big batch drink if you’re hosting a larger gathering.
Delightful Desserts
Finally, to conclude your meal on a sweet note, check out these festive desserts that are not only delicious but also easy to make ahead of time, ensuring a stress-free end to your feast!
- Sea Salt Pistachio Dark Chocolate Cookies are wonderfully chewy, perfectly salty, sweet, and absolutely decadent. They are fantastic for preparing in advance and bringing to any party or gathering.
- Arguably the best cheesecake ever, this Triple Berry Cheesecake offers a rich, creamy texture and a burst of fresh berry flavor that provides a delightful finish to a hearty meal.
- If you adore the combination of fruit and chocolate, you are going to absolutely love these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies! They’re a luscious and indulgent treat that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Need even more culinary inspiration? Dive into our comprehensive seasonal cooking section to discover a wealth of recipes that utilize produce currently in season, ensuring your dishes are always at their peak flavor!