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Discover mouthwatering pulled pork side dishes that perfectly complement the savory, tender meat! From zesty pasta salad to hearty potato recipes, you’ll find a variety of irresistible accompaniments to serve alongside your pulled pork sandwiches. Explore our handpicked recipes and get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
If I could make one main for the rest of my life and be happy, it would be pulled pork! I am absolutely obsessed with the juicy, tender meat. It can be eaten so many different ways, after all!
When it comes to a delicious side dish to serve alongside a pulled pork sandwich, there are so many to choose from. I personally love a good pasta salad or potato salad, but corn salad, onion rings, potato chips, collard greens, grilled vegetables, fries, and so many other recipes are perfect pairings!
We’re rounding up our favorite sides in the list below, both here on the blog and also on some of my favorite recipe sites across the web.
sun dried tomato pasta salad
Satisfy your summer cravings with this quick and easy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad recipe! This vibrant and refreshing dish combines al dente pasta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, creating a symphony of tastes and textures.
watermelon feta salad
Watermelon feta salad is the ideal last-minute recipe to whip up for your summer dinner table. The sweet juiciness of the watermelon paired with creamy, salty feta makes this a truly memorable recipe. With a burst of fresh herbs and a simple dressing, it’s simple to whip up and is always a crowd-pleaser!
smoky charred corn
Smoky Charred Corn is a simple and mouthwatering recipe that is perfect for BBQ lovers. The quick and easy corn on the cob is full of smoky flavor surrounding perfectly grilled blackened corn kernels. This recipe goes with any main dish, but anything fresh of the grill or smoker is ideal!
melon prosciutto salad
An easy melon prosciutto salad is 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 over and over again for a side dish or even a poolside snack.
Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Crispy smashed fingerling potatoes are an easy side dish or appetizer for any occasion! The crispy exterior paired with creamy centers makes this recipe an instant family favorite. Topped with a fresh herb garlic butter, you won’t be able to stop eating these!
Crunchy Thai Pasta Salad
Crunchy Thai Pasta Salad is loaded with healthy vegetables and topped with the best Thai peanut sauce ever. You can make this recipe as a side dish for your favorite proteins, or make it for meal prep throughout the week!
bacon cilantro lime grilled corn salad
Bacon Cilantro Lime Grilled Corn Salad might be the one great side dish that will totally outshine any main dish… Grilled corn is mixed with crispy bacon, grilled jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, queso fresco and some seasoning for a flavorful burst of summer goodness.
summer lemon pasta salad
Summer Lemon Pasta Salad is always a favorite for patio parties and backyard BBQ’s! The refreshing and light lemon dressing with fresh tomatoes and basil is the best summery combo. Make it ahead of time and the flavors just get better with time!
spicy garlic cilantro fries
It’s time to tickle those taste buds potato lovers! Spicy Garlic Cilantro Fries with Curry Ketchup are a fry lover’s dream with a spicy seasoning salt, fresh cilantro and an ample amount of hearty garlic. You’ll never see French fries the same way again! You could even turn these into sweet potato fries.
chook smashed sweet potatoes
Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs are the only way to eat sweet potatoes. These potatoes are sweet, tangy, herbaceous, and full of umami flavor.
masala corn salad
Masala Corn Salad is an easy, quick, and flavorful recipe that is a fantastic side dish to pair with your lunch or dinner. Cooked corn kernels are stirred up with butter, chaat masala, cilantro, lemon juice, vegetables and more for a vibrant salad that pairs with chicken, steak, pork, tofu and seafood.
jalapeño cheddar biscuits
Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits are flaky, warm, and full of buttery flavor (and a hint of spice!). These biscuits are so darn easy to make, you can whip them up any night of the week!
spicy sweet roasted broccolini
Spicy-Sweet Roasted Broccolini is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and fresh that goes with pretty much any entree you can think of. The spicy sweet sauce is full of flavor and really complements the crisp tender roasted broccolini.
waffle fry spicy pepper poutine
Waffle Fry Spicy Pepper Bacon Poutine is a whole new take on poutine to spice up yo’ life! Waffle fries + bacon + gravy + a spicy pepper goat cheese = fry heaven.
loaded bacon potato skewers
Loaded Bacon Potato Skewers are the ultimate grilled side dish this summer. Everyone loves a good baked potato, and this is a whole new take on it! Golden potatoes are grilled with bacon, then drizzled with a savory roasted garlic aioli, sour cream, and chives.
green chile cheddar whole wheat biscuits
Green Chile Cheddar Whole Wheat Biscuits are a cheesy flavorful biscuit with a spicy little kick at the end that’ll change everything you thought you knew about biscuits.
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 put in your mouth. They are smoky, savory, spicy, and crispy, making them ideal for inhaling as you watch the big game.
crispy brusses sprouts
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Lemon make for a killer side dish that goes with practically everything. No more going out for this tangy, spicy dish anymore when you can make it at home in less than 30 minutes!
avocado caprese panzanella salad
Avocado Caprese Panzanella Salad is full of different textures and flavors to keep your taste buds satisfied, without realizing just how healthy this meal is! The bacon, cheese and toasted bread paired with a lemon and peppery vinaigrette is pure salad heaven.
air fryer baked potato
This air fryer baked potato recipe is quick and easy to make. The results are always perfect! With a crispy skin and fluffy interior, this side dish is perfect for any occasion. In addition, baked potatoes are versatile and can be paired with a variety of toppings to suit your taste preferences. This easy and simple recipe is made with only 2 ingredients!
no may coleslaw with honey mustard dressing
Tired of coleslaw slathered in a thick mayonnaise sauce? Change up your coleslaw game by making this sweet and spicy No Mayo Honey Mustard Coleslaw. Instead of a heavy dressing, this coleslaw without mayo is coated in a sweet-spicy mustardy dressing. It’s perfect as a barbecue side dish or on top of a barbecue sandwich.
stovetop bourbon bacon and sausage baked beans
Hearty, flavorful, nutritious, and healthy, Stovetop Bourbon Bacon and Sausage Baked Beans recipe thick and meaty. They make the perfect complement to your game day table, potluck, or barbecue all year.
simple garlic and rosemary potatoes
Make these Simple Garlic and Rosemary Potatoes for a flavorful and satisfying side. Crispy roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic are tender and fluffy on the inside!
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 to serve! Spicier and less sweet than the canned version, these vegetarian baked beans burst with flavor.
creamy mexican kale slaw
Fresh, vibrant, and healthy, Creamy Mexican Kale Slaw is great as a side or piled high on your tacos. This slaw with red cabbage and green cabbage is loaded with flavor and satisfying!
paleo/keto easy coleslaw
This easy coleslaw recipe uses only 4 ingredients and takes just minutes to make. It’s perfect for a potluck or summer BBQ. And it’s paleo, low carb and keto friendly!
jalapeño popper cornbread muffins
Kick up your cornbread game! These spicy, cheesy Jalapeno Popper Cornbread Muffins are the perfect side for fried chicken, chili, or just by themselves with a drizzle of honey!
bacon potato salad
This bacon potato salad without mayo is perfect for any time of year. It can be served warm or cold! This easy side dish features red potatoes, bacon, green beans, corn sliced almonds and a dressing that has olive oil, red wine vinegar and herbs. This light side dish is perfect for so many gatherings!
smoked baked beans
These Smoked Baked Beans with bacon are hearty, smoky, and the perfect BBQ side dish. They require minimal prep work, are smoked low and slow, and always a hit. I guarantee you will be making them all summer long!
crispy carrot fries
These irresistible carrot fries are crispy, a little bit cheesy, baked to golden perfection, and ready to eat in about 30 minutes. It’s a whole new way to enjoy veggies!
blueberry watermelon mint feta salad
A bit of sweet, a little tart, and a touch of savory, this Blueberry Watermelon Salad is a delightful addition to any summer picnic! Fresh blueberries & watermelon play nicely with lime, feta, and refreshing mint.
the ultimate smoked mac and cheese
Upgrade your comfort food game with the ultimate smoked mac and cheese! Made with 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 happily come back for seconds when this mac and cheese is on the dinner table.
air fryer whole roasted sweet potatoes
You’ll fall in love with how easy and delicious these easy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are! They make the perfect side dish any time of the year.
fresh pineapple coleslaw
This fast & easy Fresh Pineapple Coleslaw adds a little tropical flair to the otherwise ordinary side. It’s a great topping for everything from sliders to hot dogs!
honey cornbread
Serve slightly sweet Honey Cornbread alongside dinner tonight! Made with simple ingredients, this naturally sweetened cornbread recipe is perfect for sharing.
english pea salad
This farm style, old fashioned English Pea Salad recipe is simple, easy to make, and colorful. With fresh peas, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy bright dressing this will become your favorite salad… Absolutely no cooking time, no eggs, and no bacon required.
fried pickles
Homemade fried pickles are a crispy, salty, and tangy snack that is perfect for any occasion. Making them at home is easy to do with simple ingredients and a little time.
fresh fruit salad
Orange Juice Fresh Fruit Salad is a twist on a classic fruit salad. It’s perfect for serving for brunch, showers, or just as a healthy side dish for dinner! Perfect to customize with whatever fruit you have on hand, too!
the best pulled pork recipes
Of course, if you are searching for sides for pulled pork, I assume you may already have a pulled pork recipe that you plan to make. However, if you are still looking for that perfect pulled pork recipe, here are our two favorites:
Instant Pot pulled pork is the easiest way to make pulled pork in the shortest amount of time! The delicious homemade rub is what puts it over the top. You can serve it however you like! We like to make sandwiches, but you can also make pork tacos.
Of course, if you are looking for the perfect pulled pork burger, look no further. This recipe makes succulent pulled pork to pile on soft brioche buns and top with pickles and fried onions!
You can also serve any of these sides with a pulled chicken burger if you prefer!
everyday seasonal cookbook
With seasonal produce guides, recipes, and more, this cookbook is filled with seasonal food for every occasion.
my must-haves for summer gatherings
When I think of summer gatherings, I think of grilling. Therefore, I would be amiss if I didn’t recommend my favorite grill – a Traeger grill. I love a wood pellet grill because it allows you to grill AND smoke recipes so you get the best of both worlds. You can use so many different flavors of pellets too, but if you are unsure where to start, I recommend trying the Traeger grill signature pellets.
I also love to have a pitcher and plenty of cute cocktail glasses to serve up your favorite drinks. Coupe glasses, Aperol spritz glasses, these gatsby glasses, and more are budget-friendly options to pick up for hosting all summer long.
entertaining favorites
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Now that you have the sides and the main covered, let’s think about cocktails and desserts! Here are some of my favorite cocktails to serve alongside pulled pork:
- If you like a little bit of heat to your cocktail, a jalapeño mexican mule is an easy twist on the classic Moscow mule!
- For a sweeter option to pair with savory hearty flavors, a big batch sweet tea mint julep punch is always a hit with a crowd.
- A fresh cocktail with a tart twist is this margarita mexican mule that you could easily turn into a big batch drink if you prefer.
Finally, to close out the meal, check out these festive desserts that are easy to make ahead of time!
- Sea salt pistachio chocolate cookies are chewy, salty, sweet, and absolutely decadent. They are fantastic for making ahead of time and to bring to a party.
- The best cheesecake ever? This triple berry cheesecake.
- If you love fruit and chocolate, you are going to flip over these chocolate strawberry brownies!
Need more inspiration? Check out my seasonal cooking section to select recipes that are made with produce that’s in season right now!
