The BEST Salads That Go With Ribs!

Firing up the barbecue to make some delicious ribs, and need some ideas for show-stopping salads to serve alongside them? 

You’ve come to the right place! 

From creamy coleslaws, to hearty bean salads, to colourful roasted veggie dishes, let’s take a look at the best choices to add to your menu… 

Perfect Salads to Pair with Ribs

Coleslaw

A classic choice, coleslaw has a gentle crunch and zesty flavour that cuts through the richness of ribs.

Keep it simple with a mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and onion, all tossed in a tangy mayonnaise sauce.

You can also add a touch of mustard or horseradish for extra zing.

Sweetcorn and Black Bean Salad

For something a little more hearty, try a colourful and flavourful sweetcorn and black bean salad.

Toss together sweetcorn, black beans, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and chopped coriander.

Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle it with a lime and olive oil dressing for a vibrant, satisfying side.

Apple and Walnut Salad

The combination of crisp apples and crunchy walnuts provides a pleasant contrast to the tender ribs.

Pair sliced apples, walnuts, and mixed lettuce leaves with a zesty lemon and honey dressing.

The sweetness of the apples and the satisfying crunch of the walnuts make this salad a wonderful accompaniment to your ribs.

Roasted Vegetable Salad

Roasted vegetables add warmth and depth to a salad, making them a great option for cooler days.

Choose a mix of your favourite veggies, such as butternut squash, courgettes, and peppers, and roast them in the oven with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary until tender.

Add them to a bed of mixed salad leaves and toss with a balsamic vinaigrette for a delicious and comforting side.

Tangy Potato Salad

Tangy Potato Salad pairs well with ribs as it adds a creamy, cool contrast.

Begin by cooking and cubing your potatoes, and then toss them in a tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, mustard, and a splash of vinegar.

Add chopped celery, spring onions, and hard-boiled eggs for extra texture and flavour. Mix everything together and chill until it’s time to serve. 

Refreshing Greek Salad

A refreshing Greek Salad offers a bright and colourful side option.

Start by chopping cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.

In a separate bowl, create a light dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.

Gently toss the vegetables with the dressing, and then add crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives.

For an extra touch, garnish the salad with fresh parsley.

This vibrant side dish brings a delightful Mediterranean twist to your ribs, and its freshness will balance the rich, meaty flavours.

Nutritious Spinach Salad

Spinach is a terrific leafy green packed with nutrients.

For a simple and delightful salad, mix together freshly washed spinach leaves, chopped red onions, crumbled feta cheese, and a handful of cherry tomatoes.

Drizzle with a light vinaigrette made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey.

You can enhance your salad’s texture by adding some toasted nuts, such as almonds or walnuts. 

Crunchy Green Bean Salad

For a bit of crunch and a pop of colour, prepare a green bean salad.

Begin by blanching fresh green beans in boiling water for a few minutes, followed by an ice bath to maintain their vibrant green colour and crisp texture.

Toss the beans together with sliced red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions.

Add a twist by incorporating crumbled feta cheese or goat’s cheese to your salad.

Dress your salad with a tangy dressing made of lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh basil leaves.

This salad offers a crunchy and refreshing counterpoint to your tender ribs.

Vibrant Broccoli Salad

A broccoli salad makes for a tasty and nutritious side dish.

Begin by chopping fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets and steaming them until just tender while preserving their bright green hue.

Combine the broccoli with diced red onions, grated cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, and a handful of raisins or dried cranberries.

For your dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavours.

Mix the dressing into the broccoli mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated. 

Tangy Tomato Salad

If you’re looking for a refreshing salad to compliment your ribs, try a tangy tomato salad.

This dish is perfect for those hot summer BBQs and makes the most of ripe tomatoes.

To begin, simply cut your tomatoes into wedges and arrange them on a platter.

Sprinkle them with a mixture of freshly chopped basil and parsley.

In a separate bowl, whisk together some olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Drizzle this dressing over your tomatoes, adding some crumbled feta cheese for extra flavour.

Chill the salad for a few hours to let the tastes meld together before serving alongside your ribs.

Grilled Corn Salad

Nothing says summer like grilled corn salad.

This delicious salad pairs beautifully with ribs and is a great way to showcase fresh grilled corn.

Start by cooking your corn on the cob directly on the grill until it’s tender and slightly charred.

Once it’s cooled, remove the kernels and place them in a large bowl.

Add chopped bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.

For the dressing, mix together lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Drizzle this over your salad, then toss in some chopped coriander. This vibrant and flavourful salad will definitely be a hit at your summer BBQs.

Fresh Watermelon Salad

A fresh watermelon salad is an ideal choice to bring some cool, fruity goodness to your ribs.

Start with seedless watermelon cubes and arrange them on a serving dish.

In a small bowl, combine lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt to create a light dressing.

Drizzle this over the watermelon and then add crumbled feta cheese and chopped mint leaves.

Give the salad a gentle toss to combine the flavours. This salad is the perfect balance of sweet and savoury, making it a refreshing addition to your summer BBQ table.

Flavourful Pasta Salad

A pasta salad is an excellent choice for a side dish because of its versatility in taste and presentation.

You have the freedom to choose your preferred pasta shape, and the ingredients provide a great opportunity to explore various flavour combinations.

To create a pasta salad that packs a punch, first cook your pasta according to the package instructions and let it cool.

Then, combine it with a mix of chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.

Don’t forget to add some protein like cooked chicken, ham, or feta cheese.

For an extra boost of flavour, toss the pasta and other ingredients in a tangy dressing of your choice.

A simple balsamic vinaigrette or a zesty Italian dressing works wonders in elevating the flavours to new heights.

Hearty Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a classic and hearty option that can be tailored to match the robust taste of ribs.

To make a delectable Caesar salad, start by chopping some crisp Romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces.

Toss the lettuce with a generous amount of Caesar dressing – a creamy, garlicky concoction that is the heart and soul of this salad.

You can make your Caesar dressing at home using ingredients like mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, fresh garlic, and a bit of Dijon mustard.

Next, add some homemade croutons for that delightful crunch.

You can easily make croutons by cutting stale bread into cubes and baking them in the oven with some olive oil, salt, and garlic powder.

Finally, sprinkle a generous serving of Parmesan cheese over the top to give your Caesar salad that bold, savoury taste you’re looking for.

Wholesome Quinoa Salad

A wholesome quinoa salad pairs wonderfully with ribs, offering a delightful contrast in flavours and textures.

To make this salad, start by cooking your quinoa according to the package instructions. In the meantime, gather your ingredients:

• Chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans)
• Dried cranberries or cherries
• Chopped seasonal vegetables (like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber)
• Feta cheese (optional)
• Dressing of your choice

Once the quinoa is cooked and cooled, combine it with the chopped nuts, dried fruit, vegetables, and feta cheese.

Drizzle your dressing over the mixture and toss to evenly coat.

This salad offers plenty of nutrients and fibre to keep you satisfied, owing to the quinoa and nuts.

Satisfying Farro Salad

A satisfying farro salad provides a nutty aroma that complements the richness of ribs.

To prepare your farro salad, begin by cooking the farro as per the package instructions.

Meanwhile, prepare your ingredients:

• Chopped nuts (such as hazelnuts or pistachios)
• Crumbled blue cheese or goat’s cheese
• Sliced seasonal fruits (like pears or apples)
• Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill)
• Dressing of your choice

Let the cooked farro cool before mixing in the chopped nuts, cheese, fruit slices, and herbs.

Drizzle your chosen dressing over the top and give it a good toss.

Farro is packed with nutrients and fibre, making this a well-balanced dish that adds a touch of earthiness to your ribs meal.

Final thoughts

Choosing the perfect salad to accompany ribs can enhance your meal by adding a variety of textures and flavours.

It’s a great opportunity to balance the rich and bold taste of ribs with fresh and healthy ingredients in your salad.

Here are some key points to consider when selecting your side salad.

• Texture: Incorporating different textures in your salad can provide a delightful contrast to the tender ribs. Crisp lettuce, crunchy vegetables, and smooth avocado can create a refreshing, mouth-watering experience.
• Flavour: Pairing tangy, zesty, or slightly sweet salads with ribs can help to cut through the richness and heaviness of the meat. The acidity of dressings with citrus or vinegar is perfect for this purpose.
• Healthy options: Salads are an excellent way to add more vegetables and nutrients to your meal, especially when serving heavier proteins like ribs. Opt for a variety of colours and types of vegetables and consider adding nuts, seeds, or legumes for an extra nutritional boost.

When selecting a salad as a side dish for ribs, keep these points in mind to create a harmonious and delectable meal.

By putting thought into the balance of textures, flavours, and health benefits, you’ll elevate your dining experience to the next level.

Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and remember to have fun while creating your culinary masterpiece.

Happy cooking!