Pulled pork takes me back to my childhood. Every summer when I was a kid, my family hosted a huge backyard barbecue. The star of the show was always my dad’s incredible homemade pulled pork. Just the smell of it cooking would make my mouth water. It was so smoky, tender and flavorful.
We’d spend hours debating what to serve with pulled pork. Over the years, we tried just about everything under the sun with it. Now whenever I make pulled pork, I don’t have to wonder what goes with pulled pork because I have my go-to sides that I think complement it best.
Looking for a quick answer about what what to serve with pulled pork?
If you’re wondering what veggies go with pulled pork, I’d suggest something bright and fresh to balance the rich meat. Spicy collard greens, green beans almondine or a fresh caprese salad with burrata cheese are some of my favorites. And you can’t forget the classic – coleslaw! The tanginess pairs so nicely with the smoked meat.
As for starchy sides, warm honey butter biscuits or cornbread are right at home next to a juicy pulled pork sandwich. For heartier options, a loaded baked potato, rice pilaf or even sweet potato fries are delicious choices. The sweetness makes a great match for the pork.
If you want to add some crunch, fried sides are the way to go. Think crispy onion rings, halloumi fries or fried potatoes. And for a unique twist, try caramelized mushrooms – they add an earthy, richness.
Finally, don’t forget beans and legumes. Baked beans are a classic for good reason. Or switch it up with mac and cheese or succotash. These will fill up your guests and have them going back for seconds.
So,if you’re wondering what to eat with pulled pork, here is my list of 27 best side dishes!
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a timeless companion to pulled pork. Pairing these two classics is always a winning combination.
I must confess, I’m a total sucker for coleslaw. Especially KFC’s copycat version!
Call me a coleslaw advocate, if you will.
The beauty of this dish is how effortlessly it comes together and takes only 15 minutes of prep work!
This easy go-to coleslaw recipe is guaranteed to be the new MVP side dish at all your summer cookouts and BBQs and it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days – if it even lasts that long!
Honey Butter Biscuits
Biscuit lovers, you really just can’t go wrong with a delicious, dreamy side dish of Honey Butter Biscuits! This side is virtually everywhere, and for good reason.
They make for the perfect light and sweet side to complement a savory pulled pork dinner. The honey butter flavor adds a little sweetness to balance the rich meat.
These golden-brown biscuits aren’t just a delight to bake, they’re highly forgiving too – perfect for newbie bakers!
These treats are so addictive- you’ll find yourself snacking on them nonstop before you even notice!
Macaroni Salad
If you’re debating over which salad side to choose for pulled pork then go for the classic Macaroni Salad and all your troubles will go away.
You can make this salad in just 30 minutes flat. It’s got that awesome crunch from fresh celery and bell peppers and the dressing brings everything together perfectly with its mild sweetness. Gotta love a side dish that tastes even better the next day!
This recipe is a chef’s playground. You can use short pasta, swap out veggies, ditch the pickles – make it your own.
You can’t go wrong with a creamy, dreamy side dish of macaroni!
Baked Beans
No summer BBQ cookout is complete without a massive plate of baked beans.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t get enough of them. The sweet, tangy, smoky flavor just screams backyard BBQ to me.
This recipe is easy and packs a serious punch of flavor. Sauté some onions and peppers in bacon grease (because vegetables deserve a little love too!), then mix in spices like mustard, paprika and chili powder. The spices give it a depth you just can’t get from a can.
And if you’re in a hurry, you can always use canned beans to save some time. Bush’s beans are my favorite for their rich flavor.
These bad boys are the perfect sidekick for pulled pork sandwiches. The sweet and tangy beans cut through the fatty richness of the pork. It’s like a flavor jam sesh up in your mouth. The soft, saucy pork with the crunch of the beans – chef’s kiss!
You can make this ahead of time too, so that you won’t have much to do at dinner time.
Trader Joe’s Copycat Cornbread
Ah, the long-time staple cornbread side dish is fit for any occasion. But honestly, it’s so delicious, you’ll want to enjoy it on its own!
In under 30 minutes you can have tender, sweet cornbread from scratch that tastes like grandma made it herself.
Here’s what makes it so good: it strikes that ideal balance between flour and cornmeal, so you get a nice crunchy top. And using real butter and whole milk gives it the most delicious rich flavor.
Mmm I can just taste it now
Whether you’re looking for an easy weekday side or the perfect pork partner, this homemade Trader Joe’s copycat cornbread delivers.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
If you are looking for a lighter side dish to serve with your pulled pork, this is a must-try summer salad. It perfectly complements pulled pork, cutting through all that richness with its punchy herbs and crisp veggies.
This easy salad packs in the fresh flavors of juicy grape tomatoes, crisp English cucumbers, and slivers of red onion, all dressed up in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and herbs.
Wanna add avocado, grilled chicken, mozzarella balls? Do your thing!
It takes just 7 minutes to make and you can make this ahead of time so that you won’t have much to do at dinner time.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
I like to think of salad dishes as a canvas and you – the artist.
Add a little color to your plate with this Mexican street corn salad. This is not your boring, everyday salad.
It’s a crazy flavorful fusion bursting with juicy corn, bell peppers, red onions, spicy jalapeños and tangy cotija cheese. And get this – not a leaf of lettuce in sight!
That tangy Greek yogurt dressing and charred corn help cut through the rich pork flavors flawlessly.
Best of all, it’s not too hard to make. 30 minutes from start to finish. Add more jalapeños if you like the heat, throw in extra veggies, switch up the cheese – it’s your call!
Loaded Twice Baked Potato
How can you have a complete pulled pork meal without a side of baked potatoes?
You don’t even have to ask twice.
These insanely delicious twice baked potatoes are one of my absolute favorite sides. That creamy, rich twice-baked potato complements the tangy pork so nicely.
Just bake some russets, hollow them out and mix the insides with sour cream, sharp cheddar and the secret weapon – bacon fat! Stuff em back up, bake again and boom – potato perfection in no time.
Want to add some heat? Throw in some jalapenos. More cheese? Add more!
I’m here to tell you that they are the perfect addition to your table!
Fried Potatoes and Onions
Have you ever tried the fried potatoes and onions at Lambert’s Cafe? They’ve absolutely perfected that homey, Southern style comfort food! This copycat recipe is so quick and easy to make!
All you need are some russet potatoes and a yellow onion, and of course, the sautéing buddies, butter and oil.
This is sautéed, not deep fried, so no need to worry about hot oil splatters. Just slice up your spuds and onions real thin-like, throw them in the pan and let them get all crispy and browned. I love finishing it off with some freshly cracked black pepper – takes the flavor up a notch!
You can serve it alongside burgers, pork chops, or even your pulled pork! It’s a classic side that pairs with anything.
Sweet Potato Fries
I have a weakness for fries, no matter what kind they are. These baked sweet potato fries are such an easy and tasty delight! They’ve got all the crispy, yumminess of regular fries but are way healthier too.
All you need are some sweet potatoes, oil, and whatever seasonings you love. They pair oh-so-perfectly with some juicy pulled pork, adding crisp texture and holding their own flavor. Yum!
To make them super crispy, cut the potatoes and bake in a single layer. A touch of cornstarch helps too! Cook them up in the oven or air fryer – so easy.
These fries come together in less than an hour from start to finish. Whether you’re a cooking pro or novice, you really can’t mess up.
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Level up your meal with these simple onion rings. They’re the healthier alternative to deep-fried with that same insanely delicious crunch and flavor – but baked to golden brown perfection.
All you need is a few simple ingredients like sweet onions, seasonings, flour, egg, panko breadcrumbs – coat them up and let that air fryer work its magic for just 6 minutes. It’s so fast and simple!
Say bye to soggy onion rings and hello to these quick and crave-worthy air fried version.
Green Beans Almondine
If you’re wondering what veggies go with pulled pork, try this green beans almondine salad. It’s the perfect combo of fresh green beans, aromatic garlic, and crunchy, nutty almonds.
This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes in one skillet, making it a no brainer side for your pulled pork. No need to blanch the beans – they steam right in the pan.
The green beans get a pop of brightness from the lemon juice, while the toasted almonds add the most amazing nutty crunch. It’s a tasty play on textures!
An added bonus is that it stores easily too – fridge for 3 days, freezer for 3 months.
Classic Rice Pilaf
Step aside Rice-a-Roni, I’ve got a new homemade Rice Pilaf recipe that blows that boxed stuff out of the water! It’s so easy to make and delicious.
Just lightly toast the orzo, toss in the rice and broth, simmer it down, and voilà! In under 45 minutes you’ve got the most irresistible pilaf ready to be devoured. It adds flavor (and tasty carbs) to your pulled pork without overpowering it.
You can add a variety of ingredients to change up the flavor. Try veggie broth for a veggie version or add in your favorite mix-ins like celery, nuts & raisins.
Between the simple prep and next-level flavor, this classic rice pilaf recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra)
More potatoes? Yes please. This Lebanese dish is so simple to make but the flavors will blow your mind. The zing from the potatoes enhances the tangy pork flavors for this delicious balance that will make your taste buds sing!
All you need are some basic ingredients – potatoes, cilantro, parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, lemon juice. Just fry or roast the potatoes until crispy and golden, then toss them in that lemony, garlic-infused olive oil. Mmm, can you taste how fresh and zesty it is?
The best thing is these spicy potatoes are naturally gluten and dairy-free, perfect for those watching their diet.
Spicy Collard Greens
For a gluten-free salad that sets the bar for healthy, tasty greens – look no further than my go-to Spicy Collard Greens recipe!
This salad comes together in just 20 minutes flat and is rich in vitamins and fiber.
Start with collard greens – make sure to give them a good wash and quick steam to bring out their awesome flavor. Then sauté them up with crunchy veggies like bell pepper and onion and aromatic garlic.
Add a pinch of hot sauce for the magic touch – it gives this salad an addictive spicy kick that takes the flavors over the top! You get the perfect combo of tender greens, crisp vegetables and zingy spice.
Pair it with your succulent pulled pork, and it’ll quickly climb the ranks of your top ten favorites.
Roasted Green Vegetables
Calling all veggie lovers! Stick to the classics, and you can’t go wrong.
With just 109 calories per serving, this is yet another healthy side dish to serve with your pulled pork..
Although this one takes a little bit more time to prepare (40 minutes to be exact) than the previous two salads, it’s a good choice if you like your greens roasted.
You can make it with broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, whatever fresh greens you love, chopped up and tossed with olive oil and aromatics like garlic, onion, and herbs. Pop it in your oven, and let the oven do the rest.
The veggies roast up tender and soak up all those incredible notes from the garlic, lemon zest, onions, creating a mouth-watering side dish.
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
No BBQ is complete without mac and cheese! And I’ve got the best Cracker Barrel-style mac and cheese recipe to share with you.
All it takes is 6 simple ingredients to make this cheesy goodness. Elbow macaroni, Colby Jack cheese, a little flour and butter for the sauce – that’s it!
Once that pasta is smothered in the cheesy sauce, your taste buds will sing. It’s just like the mac and cheese from Cracker Barrel, but without leaving your kitchen.
I like to add a dash of smoked paprika or hot sauce to give it a little kick, but you can leave it simple with just salt and pepper too.
Once your friends get a taste, this recipe will become your most asked for dish!
Sweet Corn Fritters
When I’m craving that perfect balance between sweet and savory, sweet corn fritters are my go-to.
They’re like little bites of heaven that can stand alone as a snack or as ultimate sidekicks to some juicy pulled pork.
Fry up these little doughy pillows until golden brown and serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, queso, jalapeño popper dip – you name it!
You can even do Mexican-style with diced jalapeños and lime. And they can be gluten-free or vegan too!
Trust me when I say you’ll need to make a big batch!
Burrata Caprese Salad
If you’re craving a light and yet tasty salad, then this Burrata Caprese Salad is for you!
It’s insanely quick and easy to make, yet totally gourmet. You can enjoy it as an appetizer, light lunch, or side dish for your pulled pork – it’s a salad masterpiece however you serve it up!
This salad uses burrata cheese instead of the usual mozzarella .It’s insanely easy to make, yet totally gourmet.
Start by washing and slicing ripe tomatoes. Next, wash a good handful of fresh basil leaves and gently tear them into pieces, removing any thick stems.
Now for the star – open up the container of creamy burrata cheese. Break off pieces of the burrata and place them over the sliced tomatoes. Top the burrata with the torn basil leaves.
To finish, drizzle everything generously with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and pepper too.
As a bonus, you can have this dish ready in just ten minutes tops.
Baked Cheesy Polenta Chips
Looking for a fun, healthy twist on traditional chips?
Then you gotta try these easy Baked Polenta Chips! These gluten-free crunchy bites are made from hearty cornmeal, hold up great with dips, and are a healthy alternative to store bought chips.
These chips are so simple to whip up. Just boil some cornmeal for 5 minutes, let it cool, then roll it out, cut into shapes, and pop in the oven to bake. That’s it!
Now here’s the best part – you can flavor them however you want! Add spices while cooking, or sprinkle on your favorite seasonings before baking. Get creative and make fun shapes. Even better, invite friends or kids to make these into fun shapes.
Homemade Applesauce
I can’t overstate how easy this homemade applesauce is. With just apples, sugar, cinnamon and a splash of water, you can whip up this easy 3-ingredient side dish in no time.
This sauce pairs perfectly with so many dishes, but I especially love it with smoky pulled pork. The cool, sweet applesauce balances that rich meat flawlessly!
It’s a breeze to make. First, peel, core and chop your apples – use any variety or mix so you control the sweetness level. Simmer it all with some sugar and a dash of cinnamon until softened up. Then mash to your desired chunky or smooth consistency. Easy peasy!
And you can freeze leftovers for later – hello applesauce year round!
Succotash
Veggies deserve some love too and this recipe delivers exactly that. Sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, tender lima beans and okra, all tossed up with crispy bacon bits and fresh basil.
That bacon adds the most perfect smoky, salty crunch that takes this classic side to the next level.
And get this – it’s so easy to make! Just fry up some bacon, sauté the veggies in the drippings, then stir in the corn, edamame, tomatoes and basil. Season up and boom – succotash perfection in about 20 minutes. Now that’s my kind of weeknight side dish.
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Halloumi Fries
If you thought fries couldn’t get any better, prepare to be amazed. Get ready for my go-to snack that delivers a big crunch and bold flavor with just 2 ingredients – Crispy Halloumi Fries!
Halloumi’s high melting point means you can fry it up into irresistible crispiness without it getting all messy. And it’s already salty and tangy without being too strong. I just coat the cheese in a little flour – so easy!
In 15 minutes or less you can have these cheese fries ready to dive into, pan-fried or air-fried. Then dip them in anything from lemony tahini to mint yogurt sauce. But let me tell you, they pair oh-so-perfectly next to juicy pulled pork! That cool, tangy saltiness balances the rich meat.
It’s an unstoppable flavor duo that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.(or thirds!)
Just remember, no need to add salt since the halloumi is already salty.
Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad
When you want a healthy dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor or fun, this rainbow fruit salad is your answer.
This fruit salad not only is crazy simple to whip up in just 20 minutes, but it’s also a gorgeous blend of juicy fruits that looks as good as it tastes!
With 100% natural honey and lime dressing, the flavors of the fruit really pop, without being smothered in sugar or artificial flavors. You can switch up the fruits to whatever you have on hand or what’s in season.
It makes for the perfect light and fruity side salad next to something like heavy pulled pork at a BBQ. Yum!
This is not just a side dish, it’s a taste of the rainbow – a healthy, flavorful sweet, perfect to satisfy the kids and kids at heart.
Shirazi Salad
Middle Eastern cuisine is a goldmine of irresistible flavors and this salad is no exception. It has a light, refreshing flavor, and most importantly, it’s a healthy side.
It’s a medley of Persian cucumbers, juicy Roma tomatoes, red onion, parsley, bell pepper, fresh cilantro and mint all coming together to create a crazy tasty and vibrant side dish. It’s also gluten-free and dairy-free.
The secret ingredient is the citrusy dressing made with lime juice and olive oil that binds everything together. Just make sure to add the lime first so those flavors really get absorbed.
On top of that, this salad won’t weigh you down and make you feel sluggish like heavy, starchier sidesand the best thing about this dish is it’s ready in just 15 minutes. Talk about a time-saver when those early pangs of hunger hit!
Caramelized Mushrooms
Caramelized mushrooms can seriously upgrade any meal! This easy and delicious side dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The trick to these fantastic caramelized mushrooms is in sautéing fresh mushrooms in butter, garlic, and a kick of crushed red pepper until they get nice and golden brown.
It avoids that dreaded mushy texture and really brings out the mushrooms’ natural umami flavor when you cook them in a hot pan. And the spice and garlic add the most amazing aromatic vibes!
These caramelized mushrooms go with just about anything, but they pair especially deliciously with smoky pulled pork. Those deep, bold mushroom flavors complement the savory pork so freaking well!
I am pretty sure that caramelized mushrooms will be your new go-to way to elevate meals!
Grilled Watermelon
To elevate the pulled pork dish with sweetness, pair your pulled pork with grilled watermelon for a unique and tantalizing side dish. It’ll work wonders.
Picture yourself biting into a warm, smoky slice bursting with sweet juicy freshness. Then it’s topped with a drizzle of honey, a squeeze of lime and a little kick of Aleppo chili flakes. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
The combo of the naturally sweet fruit with that slight char and spice is just incredible. It gives your meal a sweet and crunchy element.
Extra bonus points for its 20-minute prep and cooking time.
27 Lip-Smacking Sides to Serve With Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- Coleslaw
- Honey Butter Biscuits
- Macaroni Salad
- Baked Beans
- Trader Joe’s Copycat Cornbread
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Fully-Loaded Baked Potato
- Fried Potatoes and Onions
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Green Beans Almondine
- Classic Rice Pilaf
- Spicy Potatoes Batata Harra
- Spicy Collard Greens
- Roasted Green Vegetables
- Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
- Sweet Corn Fritters
- Burrata Caprese Salad
- Baked Cheesy Polenta Chips
- Homemade Applesauce
- Succotash
- Halloumi Fries
- Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad
- Shirazi Salad
- Caramelized Mushrooms
- Grilled Watermelon
Instructions
- Pick one or two.
- Enjoy!
My name is Beth, Elizabeth Evelyn to be exact. A native Tennessean, I was born in the South.
I am the author behind Local Milk Blog.
