The 40 Best Sides for Burgers That Will Complete Your Meal
There’s nothing more classic than a big, juicy burger with a side of fries. But let’s shake things up a little, shall we? Presenting the 40 best sides for burgers—from pasta salads to roasted vegetables—that will satisfy your craving. Looking for more ideas on what to serve with your favorite summertime foods? Check out these unexpected sides for hot dogs and these BBQ sides the whole family will love.
1. Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Horseradish and Sea Salt
French fries are always a hit, but you can do better than a bag of frozen spuds. The creamy horseradish sauce really takes things over the top.
2. Zesty Chargrilled Broccolini
Toss them on the grill just as the burgers are finishing up, and they’ll be perfectly al dente when they reach the table.
3. Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables
A big ol’ burger can feel heavy with all those fried, creamy, carb-y sides, so add some veggies to balance things out.
4. Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is to burgers as peanut butter is to jelly. This version combines all our favorite Tex-Mex flavors.
5. Corn and Tomato Salad with Feta and Lime
It’s time to take things off the cob. We love the way the corn caramelizes in the pan, and a hint of fresh lime juice brightens everything up at the end.
6. Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Strawberries
Think of this as fancy pasta salad. The strawberries sound out of place, but they actually complement the miso dressing really well.
7. Pearl Couscous with Chickpeas, Eggplant and Peaches
What to do with a surplus of summer peaches? Serve them at every dinner possible.
8. Kale and Brussels Sprout Caesar Slaw
It’s like coleslaw but elevated. It’s hard to believe, but the dressing is actually completely plant-based.
9. 20-Minute Burrata Salad with Stone Fruit and Asparagus
This salad combines all our favorite seasonal produce into one bountiful side dish. Lettuce need not apply.
10. Joanna Gaines’s Peach Caprese Salad
We have nothing against ripe summer tomatoes, but sometimes it’s nice to switch things up with your salads.
11. Black Bean Salad
This dreamy salad works great as a dip, so feel free to break out a bag of tortilla chips on the side.
12. Watermelon Feta Skewers
Sweet watermelon and tangy feta cheese is the new tomato and mozzarella. Just think of it as a deconstructed salad.
13. Zucchini “Fries”
Fact: You’re never going to make french fries as good as your favorite fast-food joint does. Instead, try this recipe for zucchini “fries,” which hits all the salty, crispy, savory notes you crave.
14. Slow-Cooker Baked Beans
A classic cookout side, without any of the fuss. Throw it in the Crock-Pot, then get back to the pool.
15. Sweet Corn, Tomato and Zucchini Grain Salad with Peach-Dijon Vinaigrette
It takes only a few minutes to whip up this beauty, and it uses plenty of fresh, ripe produce.
16. Melon Caprese Skewers
You'll want to make this melon, prosciutto and mozzarella side all summer long.
17. Crispy Mushrooms
We toss cremini mushrooms in olive oil, garlic salt and a little vinegar, and then slow roast them in the oven. The 'shrooms get nice and crispy, making them the ideal side to munch before you dive into that burger.
18. Grilled Peach and Halloumi Salad with Lemon-Pesto Dressing
Spread it out on a big platter, and it’ll wow everyone at your next backyard party.
19. Zoodles with Summer Vegetables
Give guests a lightened-up “pasta” salad option at your Fourth of July cookout.
20. Grilled Watermelon Steaks
These grilled watermelon steaks are hefty, smoky and perfectly seasoned.
21. Loaded Baked Potato ‘Chips’
Mini, bite-size baked-potato slices topped with all the fixings will be a hit with the whole family.
22. Make-Ahead Farro and Brussels Sprout Salad
Buh-bye, lettuce. Brussels sprout leaves win out for their irresistible crunch and magical ability to never wilt, even when they’re dressed ahead of time.
23. Roasted Peach and Arugula Salad
This tangy summer salad fits right in to your backyard barbecue menu.
24. Turnip Fries
Two things we love: 1) Turning other vegetables into fries and 2) Baking them in the oven instead of, well, frying them.
25. Pimento Cheese Stuffed Shishito Peppers
Presenting charred shishitos like you’ve never seen them before. Just think of these pimiento-cheese-stuffed shishito peppers as a trendy, classed-up version of jalapeño poppers. Finger food at its finest.
26. Mexican Street Corn Dip
Mexican street corn, grilled and coated with creamy cotija cheese, is a summer delight. All you need are a few fresh cobs of corn and a handful of simple ingredients to whip up a dip that boasts street food flavor.
27. Summer Grain Salad
When it comes to summer cooking, grain salads certainly have an edge over green salads—you can make them ahead and they’ll never wilt.
28. Grilled Corn with Spicy Aioli
Forget butter. You’ll be sold on corn with spicy mayo for life. It's an easy—and absolutely delicious—upgrade.
29. Light and Tangy Coleslaw
Never fear: This isn’t the gloppy, flavorless mush you grew up with. Crunchy with a vinegary kick, it’s the perfect summer side.
30. Chilled Cucumber Salad
Add something light and fresh to your plate (you know, to balance out that double cheeseburger with fries).
31. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon, Feta and Pistachios
The pistachios add crunch, the feta is creamy and the asparagus is just plain delicious.
32. Mexican Corn and Quinoa Salad
If you’re lighting the grill for your burgers, throw some corn on the fire, too.
33. Cauliflower ‘Tater’ Tots
Say goodbye to regular tater tots. These guys are made with a vegetable swap and just as ideal for dipping. What more could you ask for?
34. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Because sometimes you do need a side of fries. And did we mention there’s actually no frying involved?
35. BLT Pasta Salad
It combines all the crunchy, savory, creamy ingredients of the classic sandwich—plus pasta, because why not?
36. Jalapeño Avocado Mac and Cheese
Having mac and cheese and a burger is the epitome of summertime living. This is next-level comfort food.
37. Avocado Potato Salad
This has everything we love about traditional potato salad but uses Greek yogurt instead of mayo to lighten things up.
38. Creamy Broccoli Salad
This broccoli salad has it all: hunks of cheese, cashews, onion, dried cranberries and the most addictive creamy dressing.
RELATED: 15 Veggie Side Dishes You Can Make in 15 Minutes or Less
39. Homemade Potato Chips
Fun fact: You can make chips at home without a deep fryer (or a culinary degree). Just cook them in the broiler until they’re crispy and golden.
40. Roasted Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese
This is the picnic side everyone silently waits by the table for.
RELATED: 50 Delicious 4th of July Recipes for a Summer Cookout