What Salad Goes with Ribs? (11 Amazing Salads)

Knowing what salad goes with ribs can be tough.

After all, ribs are such a hearty and flavorful dish.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help!

I’ve rounded up 11 of the best salads to serve with ribs.

Whether you are looking for a light and refreshing salad or something a little more substantial, there is sure to be something on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these salads a try the next time you make ribs!

What Salad Goes with Ribs?

The most common salads to serve with ribs are coleslaw, Caesar salad, and green salad. However, you can also get creative and try other options like watermelon salad, corn salad, or quinoa salad.

Still looking for salad ideas?

Then keep scrolling!

Here are 11 salads that go with ribs:

1. Classic Bacon Broccoli Salad

Broccoli is not just a boring side dish! This bacon broccoli salad is a flavorful and easy way to turn broccoli into a delicious salad that goes great with ribs.

The salad is made with chopped broccoli, diced onion, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a simple dressing of mayonnaise and vinegar.

You can easily customize this salad to your liking by adding in other ingredients like diced apple, raisins, or sunflower seeds.

For a fun twist, try using ranch dressing instead of the mayonnaise-vinegar mixture.

2. Southwestern Chopped Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

I really appreciate a tasty dressing on my salads, and this cilantro-lime dressing is one of my all-time favorites.

It’s light and refreshing, with just the right amount of acidity and spice.

And it’s the perfect compliment to this hearty southwestern chopped salad.

The salad itself is full of fresh veggies, black beans, corn, and avocado, making it a well-rounded meal on its own.

But if you’re looking to change things up, here are a few ideas:

• Add some grilled chicken or steak for extra protein.
• Swap out the black beans for pinto beans or lentils.
• Use quinoa or brown rice in place of the white rice.
• Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper for extra spice.

3. 5-Minute Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad

When you don’t have much time to put together a side dish, this 5-minute lemon parmesan lettuce salad is the perfect solution.

All you need is some chopped lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, and a simple lemon dressing.

You can mix things up by adding in other chopped veggies like cucumber, tomatoes, or carrots.

For a heartier salad, add in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

And if you’re looking for a bit of crunch, try topping your salad with some croutons or sliced almonds.

4. BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

BBQ flavors are always welcome in my book, and this pasta salad is no exception.

It’s the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ or picnic, and it can easily be made ahead of time.

The best part about this salad is that it’s so versatile – you can use any type of pasta, chicken, or BBQ sauce that you like.

I also love to add in some corn and black beans to make it a bit heartier and more filling.

If you’re looking for ways to change things up, here are a few ideas:

• Try using a different type of pasta, such as rotini or shells.
• Swap out the chicken for diced pork or beef.
• Use a different flavor of BBQ sauce, such as honey mustard or sweet chili.
• Add in some chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley.

5. Pesto Potato Salad

Oh, pesto, how we love thee. This flavorful, herby sauce is the perfect addition to any dish – and potato salad is no exception!

This pesto potato salad is a delicious, unique twist on a classic picnic favorite.

The best part about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for potlucks and BBQs.

To change things up, you could:

• Add in some chopped cooked bacon or pancetta for extra flavor and crunch.
• Swap out the Yukon gold potatoes for red potatoes or sweet potatoes.
• Use a different type of pesto, like sun-dried tomato or basil pesto.
• Add in some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

6. Antipasto Salad with Easy Italian Vinaigrette

Easy, simple, and full of flavor, this antipasto salad is the perfect side dish for ribs.

The Italian vinaigrette comes together in just minutes, and can be made ahead of time.

I love to add some extra color and texture to my salads with a mix of chopped vegetables, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.

Some other great additions to this salad would be:

• Chopped cooked chicken or turkey
• Sliced salami or pepperoni
• Shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
• Diced avocado
• Crumbled bacon or pancetta

7. Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing

Kale sounds boring, yes. But I promise, this salad is far from it.

The sweet potato adds a lovely sweetness and creaminess, while the kale provides a nice crunch and bitterness.

The dressing is my favorite part – it’s a creamy honey mustard that takes this salad to the next level.

You could also:

• Swap out the sweet potatoes for roasted beets or roasted carrots.
• Add some protein with grilled chicken, hard boiled eggs, or tofu.
• Use spinach or arugula in place of the kale.
• Make your own croutons by chopping up some stale bread and tossing it with olive oil and salt.

8. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Crispy bacon just makes everything better – especially when it’s mixed into a creamy, ranch-y pasta salad.

This dish is perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks, and can easily be made ahead of time.

I like to mix things up by adding in different kinds of pasta (rotini, shells, or even macaroni), veggies (diced bell peppers or green onions), and proteins (chicken, shrimp, or tofu).

You could also:

• Swap out the ranch dressing for Italian or Greek dressing.
• Add some spice with a teaspoon of sriracha or a diced jalapeño.
• Make it cheesy with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top.

9. Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad

Beets add a unique sweetness and vibrant color to this salad, while the goat cheese provides a creamy, tangy contrast.

I like to use a mix of red and golden beets for extra color, but you can use all of one variety if you prefer.

This salad is also delicious with roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash in place of the beets.

For a change of pace, try using feta cheese instead of goat cheese, or adding some chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch.

10. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Chickpea salad?

Yup, this hearty salad is full of protein and fiber thanks to the addition of chickpeas.

It’s a perfect side for ribs, as it can stand up to the bold flavors of BBQ sauce.

This salad is also super versatile – you can easily swap out the veggies to use whatever you have on hand.

• Try adding in some diced bell peppers, cucumber, or tomatoes.
• For a little more crunch, mix in some chopped nuts or seeds.
• And if you want to make this salad a little more substantial, add in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

11. Healthy Kale Cranberry Quinoa Salad

I don’t eat enough kale, but this salad is so good that I make an exception.

The sweetness of the cranberries and oranges pairs perfectly with the slightly bitter kale, and the quinoa gives it a nice crunch.

To change things up, you could:

• Use spinach or arugula in place of the kale.
• Swap out the dried cranberries for fresh raspberries or diced strawberries.
• Add some protein with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Try different grain options like farro, wheat berries, or rice.
• Add a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese or feta for extra creaminess.

What Goes with Ribs and Potato Salad?

There are many sides that go well with ribs and potato salad. Some of the best options include coleslaw, green beans, baked beans, corn on the cob, and macaroni and cheese. You can also serve fruit salad, rolls, and cornbread as side dishes.