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What to Serve with Pulled Pork Sandwiches? 16 Worth Trying Side Dishes

Pulled pork sandwiches are a deliciously easy dish to make for people who just don’t have the time or energy to cook up something more complex.

However, coming up with what to serve it with can be quite perplexing!

What side dishes really bring out that smoky flavor?

And which ones won’t overpower the gourmet blend of seasonings you’ve selected?

To solve this problem -and leave you feeling confident in your next meal- we’ve gathered together 16 amazing sides that will give your pulled pork sandwich recipes an extra punch.

Not only are these ideas mouthwateringly delicious and packed full of amazing flavors, but each one pairs perfectly with most pulled pork variations.

So if you’re looking for some inspiration when cooking up dinner tonight, read on!

What to Serve with Pulled Pork Sandwiches? 16 Worth Trying Side Dishes

1. Cucumber, Watermelon, and Feta Salad

This dish is the perfect summer salad – it’s light, refreshing, and can be made in under 10 minutes.

Cucumber, watermelon, and feta are classic flavor combination that always tastes great together.

The cucumbers add a crispness to the salad, while the watermelon is sweet and juicy.

The feta adds a nice salty contrast to the other ingredients.

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.

I like to make it in advance so that the flavors have time to meld together.

If you’re short on time, you can also just chop up the ingredients and serve them as is.

To elevate this dish, you could add some chopped fresh mint or basil.

This would give the salad an additional layer of flavor.

You could also add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or olive oil.

This will make the salad more substantial and will help the flavors stand out even more.

2. Spicy Corn and Black Bean Salad

This corn and black bean salad is the perfect side dish to accompany your pulled pork sandwiches.

The combination of sweet corn, smoky black beans, and spicy jalapeno peppers makes for a delicious and flavor-packed salad.

The textures of the crunchy corn and creamy beans are also a great contrast to the softness of the pork.

To make this salad even more flavorful, I like to add some chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

This really brightens up the flavors and makes for a refreshing dish.

If you want an extra kick of heat, you can also add some diced red onions or serrano peppers.

This salad can be served as is, or you can put it on top of a bed of greens for a heartier meal.

It’s also great as leftovers, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch.

3. Avocado Caprese Salad

Move over, tomatoes. It’s time to give avocados the Caprese treatment.

This dish is perfect for summer barbecues and potlucks.

The best part about it is that it can be made ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about last-minute prep.

The key to a good Caprese salad is the quality of the ingredients.

Use ripe but firm avocados, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil.

The dressing is simple: just a little bit of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt.

To elevate this dish, try adding a layer of thinly sliced prosciutto or pancetta.

Or, for a vegetarian version, top with grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.

You could also add some chopped fruit, like mango or strawberries, for a touch of sweetness.

4. Grilled Peach, Arugula, and Goat Cheese Salad

This dish is the perfect summer salad.

The sweetness of the peaches pairs perfectly with the arugula and goat cheese.

I love how each bite is a little different, with the different textures and flavors working together.

If you’re looking to elevate this dish, I suggest adding some grilled chicken or shrimp.

This will add some protein and make it a complete meal.

You could also add some chopped nuts for a little crunch.

I like to use almonds or pistachios.

Whatever you do, don’t skimp on the dressing.

A good balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together nicely.

5. Kale and Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

This Kale and Strawberry Salad is a perfect summer dish.

The sweetness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the bitterness of the kale, and the balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together.

This dish is also incredibly healthy, packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

The key to this dish is the balance of flavors.

The kale should be slightly wilted so that it isn’t too tough, and the strawberries should be ripe but not mushy.

The balsamic vinaigrette should be tart but not too acidic.

There are a few ways to elevate this dish.

One is to add a protein, such as grilled chicken or salmon.

Another is to add some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for a bit of creaminess.

Finally, you could top it with some toasted almonds or pecans for a bit of crunch.

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

These roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze are the perfect side dish for any meal.

They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.

To make this dish even more delicious, I recommend roasting the Brussels sprouts in bacon fat.

This will give them a savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the balsamic glaze.

You can also add some chopped pancetta or bacon to the dish for an extra crunch.

If you want to make this dish healthier, you can omit the bacon fat and use olive oil instead.

The Brussels sprouts will still be crispy and delicious, but they will have a lighter flavor.

7. Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette

This roasted sweet potato salad is the perfect side dish for your next fall gathering.

It’s packed with flavor and has a great mix of textures.

The sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection and pair perfectly with the tart cranberry vinaigrette.

For an extra crunch, add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the salad.

This dish is all about the balance of flavors.

The sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes is offset by the tartness of the cranberry vinaigrette.

The vinaigrette also has a bit of spice from the Dijon mustard and shallots.

To elevate this dish, I like to add some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.

You could also add some crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese.

8. Quinoa, Arugula, and Cranberry Salad

This Quinoa, Arugula, and Cranberry Salad is the perfect side dish to any meal.

It’s light and refreshing but still filling and satisfying.

The quinoa provides a great base of protein and fiber, while the arugula and cranberries add a delicious tangy flavor.

This dish can be easily elevated by adding some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch or by drizzling it with a balsamic vinegar dressing.

If you’re looking for a light yet filling side dish, this Quinoa, Arugula, and Cranberry Salad is a great option.

The quinoa provides a hearty base of protein and fiber, while the arugula and cranberries add a delicious tangy flavor.

This salad can be easily elevated by adding some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch or by drizzling it with a balsamic vinegar dressing.

9. Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables

A great way to add some extra flavor and texture to your farro salad is by roasting your vegetables first.

This will give them a nice char and make them even more delicious.

To roast your vegetables, simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and then place your vegetables on a baking sheet.

Roast for 20-30 minutes or until they are cooked to your liking.

Another great way to elevate this dish is by adding some protein.

Grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu would be great additions.

And if you want to make it a complete meal, you can always add some quinoa or brown rice to the mix.

This farro salad is perfect for a summer BBQ or picnic.

It’s also great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time.

Simply store in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy all week long.

10. Orzo Pasta Salad with Roasted Red Peppers and Feta Cheese

This orzo pasta salad with roasted red peppers and feta cheese is the perfect side dish for your next summer cookout.

The orzo pasta is light and fluffy, and the roasted red peppers add a lovely sweetness to the dish.

The feta cheese provides a nice salty contrast that ties everything together.

To really elevate this dish, I suggest roasting your own red peppers.

It’s easy to do, and it makes a world of difference in terms of flavor.

If you’re short on time, you can always use jarred roasted red peppers, but if you have the time, definitely go for the fresh ones.

This dish can be served cold or at room temperature, so it’s perfect for potlucks and picnics.

It’s also easily scalable, so feel free to make as much or as little as you need.

11. Homemade Coleslaw

This coleslaw recipe is the perfect addition to any summer BBQ or picnic.

It’s light, refreshing, and has the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

The best part about this dish is that it’s so easy to make.

You can have it on the table in under 10 minutes.

The key to great coleslaw is in the balance of flavors.

You want a dish that is slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and slightly creamy.

This recipe hits all of those notes perfectly.

The sweetness comes from the sugar, the tanginess from the vinegar, and the creaminess from the mayonnaise.

To take this dish to the next level, I like to add some chopped fresh herbs.

I usually go with parsley or cilantro, but you could also use chives or basil.

This adds a nice pop of color and flavor to the dish.

If you’re serving this coleslaw at a picnic or potluck, I would recommend making it ahead of time so that the flavors have a chance to meld together.

12. Jalapeno Cornbread

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to accompany your pulled pork sandwiches, look no further than jalapeno cornbread.

This dish is packed with flavor and has a great texture that will perfectly complement your sandwich.

Plus, it’s super easy to make and only takes a few minutes to prepare.

The best thing about jalapeno cornbread is the combination of flavors.

The sweetness of the cornbread pairs perfectly with the spice of the jalapenos, and the overall taste is simply irresistible.

The texture of the cornbread is also perfect – it’s nice and moist but not too dense or heavy.

There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish and make it even more amazing.

First, try using fresh jalapenos instead of jarred ones – they’ll add an extra level of flavor that you won’t be able to resist.

Second, add some shredded cheese to the batter before baking – this will give the cornbread an extra cheesy kick that is absolutely delicious.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cornbread mix – there are lots of great options out there, so find one that you love and go for it.

13. Baked Beans

There are few things as classic as baked beans.

This dish is a staple at barbecues and picnics, and for a good reason – it’s delicious.

Baked beans are usually made with navy beans or great northern beans and are slow-cooked in a sauce made of molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and bacon.

This combination of sweet and savory flavors is what makes baked beans so irresistible.

In terms of taste and texture, baked beans are creamy and slightly sweet.

The addition of bacon gives them a smoky flavor that is hard to resist.

Tips on elevating the dish include adding different types of beans (such as cannellini or kidney beans), using fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), or serving them topped with shredded cheese.

14. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day.

They are simple to make and can be easily customized to suit your taste.

The most important thing to remember when making deviled eggs is to use fresh, high-quality eggs.

This will ensure that the eggs are cooked properly and have a good texture.

The next thing to consider is the filling.

There are many different ways to make the filling, but the most important thing is to use fresh ingredients.

You can add in different spices or herbs to change up the flavor, or even add in some bacon or cheese for extra deliciousness.

Once you’ve decided on your filling, it’s time to start cooking.

  • Use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best results.
  • Cook the eggs until they are firm but not hard-boiled. Overcooked eggs will be difficult to peel and will have a rubbery texture.
  • Be careful not to overfill the egg whites. The filling should be level with the top of the egg white so that it doesn’t spill out when you bite into it.
  • Garnish your deviled eggs with a sprinkle of paprika, green onions, or other herbs for extra flavor and visual appeal.

15. Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are a delicious, deep-fried treat that can be enjoyed as a side dish or snack.

They are typically made with cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder and then fried in oil until golden brown.

The result is a crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside bite that is perfect for dipping in ketchup, mustard, or your favorite sauce.

Hush puppies are traditionally served as a side dish, but they can also be enjoyed as a snack.

For an elevated dish, try serving hush puppies with a dipping sauce or adding them to your favorite soup or chili recipe.

For an even heartier meal, stuff hush puppies with shredded cheese or diced cooked chicken before frying.

No matter how you enjoy them, hush puppies are sure to please.

16. Peach Cobbler

There’s nothing quite like a warm peach cobbler fresh out of the oven.

The sweet, juicy peaches paired with the flakey, buttery crust are a match made in heaven.

And when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Forget about it.

If you’re looking to take your peach cobbler game up a notch, here are a few tips.

First, try using white peaches for a more delicate flavor.

Second, add a touch of freshly grated ginger to the recipe for a bit of zing.

And finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings.

A dollop of mascarpone cheese or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios would be delicious.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different side dishes that go great with pulled pork sandwiches.

The best part is that there are so many options that everyone is sure to find a favorite.

Be sure to try a few of these recipes the next time you have pulled pork sandwiches, and let us know which ones were your favorite.

What to Serve with Pulled Pork Sandwiches? 16 Worth Trying Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Cucumber Watermelon, and Feta Salad
  • 2. Spicy Corn and Black Bean Salad
  • 3. Avocado Caprese Salad
  • 4. Grilled Peach Arugula, and Goat Cheese Salad
  • 5. Kale and Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
  • 7. Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
  • 8. Quinoa Arugula, and Cranberry Salad
  • 9. Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables
  • 10. Orzo Pasta Salad with Roasted Red Peppers and Feta Cheese
  • 11. Homemade Coleslaw
  • 12. Jalapeno Cornbread
  • 13. Baked Beans
  • 14. Deviled Eggs
  • 15. Hush Puppies
  • 16. Peach Cobbler

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!