What to eat with a BBQ? Best side dishes & drinks per rub
The chicken is perfectly grilled, the rub has done its job. But what do you serve with it? A good BBQ is more than just the meat. The right side dishes and drinks make the difference between a meal and an experience.
In this article, you'll find the best universal side dishes, specific combinations for each rub, and the tastiest drinks to complement every flavor.
The best side dishes for any BBQ
These dishes work with almost any rub and any type of meat. They are easy to make and let the meat take center stage.
Coleslaw
The classic. The freshness and slight acidity of coleslaw cut through the fat of grilled meat. Make it yourself with cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Grilled corn
Corn directly on the grill, brushed with butter and salt. Simple, quick, and delicious. Sprinkle with some of your rub for extra flavor.
Potato salad
Hot or cold, with mayonnaise or vinaigrette. Potato salad is filling without being too heavy. Add chives and a little mustard for extra depth.
Grilled bread
A thick slice of bread briefly on the grill with olive oil. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Perfect for soaking up sauces.
Guacamole
Creamy, fresh, and full of flavor. Extra good with spicy rubs like Tex Mex and Korean.
Tomato salsa
Fresh tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime. Ready in five minutes and gives every meal a fresh kick.
Always prepare side dishes in advance. Cold dishes like coleslaw and potato salad even get better after an hour in the fridge.
Sauces and dips that always work
Honey mustard
Sweet, slightly sharp, and versatile. Good with mild rubs like Carolina Gold and Memphis BBQ.
Garlic yogurt
Cool and creamy, perfect with spicy rubs. Yogurt with garlic, lemon, and salt.
Sriracha mayo
Creamy with a spicy kick. Ideal with Korean and Tex Mex.
Tzatziki
Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. Surprisingly good with Shawarma and Carolina Gold.
Specific combinations per rub
Each rub has its own flavor profile that calls for matching side dishes.
Carolina Gold
Mild · Sweet-Spicy · MustardSide dishes
- ✓ Coleslaw with apple cider vinegar
- ✓ Potato salad with chives
- ✓ Grilled corn with butter
- ✓ Cornbread
Sauces and dips
- ✓ Honey mustard
- ✓ Tzatziki
- ✓ Apple cider BBQ sauce
Jamaican Jerk
Spicy · Caribbean · AllspiceSide dishes
- ✓ Rice and red beans
- ✓ Fried plantains
- ✓ Coleslaw with lime
- ✓ Grilled bread
Sauces and dips
- ✓ Garlic yogurt
- ✓ Mango chutney
- ✓ Coconut cream sauce
Korean Rub
Spicy · Umami · GochugaruSide dishes
- ✓ Steamed white rice
- ✓ Kimchi
- ✓ Cucumber salad with sesame
- ✓ Grilled spring onion
Sauces and dips
- ✓ Ssamjang dipping sauce
- ✓ Sriracha mayo
- ✓ Soy sauce with sesame oil
Memphis BBQ
Mild · Smoky · PaprikaSide dishes
- ✓ Classic coleslaw
- ✓ Mac and cheese
- ✓ Baked beans
- ✓ Cornbread
Sauces and dips
- ✓ Classic BBQ sauce
- ✓ Honey mustard
- ✓ Smoked mayo
Shawarma
Mild · Warm-Aromatic · CuminSide dishes
- ✓ Flatbread or pita
- ✓ Tabbouleh
- ✓ Roasted chickpeas
- ✓ Fresh tomato and cucumber
Sauces and dips
- ✓ Tzatziki
- ✓ Hummus
- ✓ Tahini sauce
Tex Mex
Spicy · Smoky · CuminSide dishes
- ✓ Tortilla wraps
- ✓ Black bean rice
- ✓ Grilled bell pepper and onion
- ✓ Nachos
Sauces and dips
- ✓ Guacamole
- ✓ Tomato salsa
- ✓ Sour cream with lime
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