Pulled pork is a mouthwatering main dish that can be enjoyed all year round, but it truly shines during the summer months. Today, we’re going to explore some delectable side dishes that pair perfectly with pulled pork sandwiches and are incredibly easy to make!
Elevate Your Pulled Pork Experience
Pulled pork is not only a crowd-pleaser because of its incredible taste, but also because it requires minimal effort to cook. This leaves you with ample time to prepare some mouthwatering side dishes that will take your pulled pork sandwiches to the next level!
Baked Sweet Potato Fries: A Flavorful Delight
Imagine crispy, spiced sweet potato fries perfectly complementing your pulled pork. These fries are a breeze to make – simply slice the sweet potatoes, toss them with your favorite spices, and pop them in the oven until they reach a satisfying crispiness. The inclusion of cumin adds a smoky flavor that elevates this classic side dish to new heights.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: A Sensory Delight
Let your taste buds go on a flavorful adventure with stuffed Portobello mushrooms. Packed with spinach, artichokes, white beans, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes, these mushrooms are a medley of savory goodness. Finish them off with a sprinkle of parmesan and a quick bake to achieve a golden, mouthwatering delight. For a bite-sized version, try stuffing baby bella mushrooms instead.
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad: A Summery Medley
Add a burst of summer to your plate with a refreshing and veggie-packed Italian pasta salad. Cucumbers, artichokes, olives, cherry tomatoes, arugula, shallots, and fresh mozzarella come together with cooked pasta, tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. This pasta salad is not only a crowd favorite but also makes for a delightful leftover lunch option.
Apple Cabbage Slaw with White Beans: The Perfect Tangy Match
What better accompaniment to pulled pork than a tangy coleslaw? Take it up a notch with this apple cabbage slaw, where crunchy apples mingle with red cabbage, white beans, and a delicious apple cider vinaigrette. The addition of sunflower seeds brings a delightful crunch and a light nutty flavor to this refreshing side dish.
Sauteed String Beans with Garlic & Lemon: A Quick and Flavorful Vegetable Side
In just a few minutes, you can whip up this easy yet fancy sauteed string beans side dish. Garlic and lemon zest infuse these beans with vibrant and tangy flavors. This quick and delightful vegetable side is perfect for any occasion, from a casual gathering to a holiday feast.
Watermelon Rind Coleslaw: A Refreshing Twist
Reduce waste and savor a unique coleslaw by utilizing leftover watermelon rinds. This watermelon rind coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch, perfect for summer. Embrace the season with this inventive take on a classic side dish.
Quinoa & Grains: A Burst of Wholesome Flavor
Lemony Quinoa Salad with Spinach: A Fresh and Zingy Medley
Experience the vibrant flavors of this lemony quinoa salad. Fresh herbs, tangy lemon, kidney beans, and feta cheese marry harmoniously in this delightful grain-based side. With its refreshing and robust taste, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Curried Chickpea Salad with Barley: Spiced to Perfection
Fall in love with the exotic spices of this curried chickpea and barley salad. Bursting with flavors from curry powder, lemon, and garlic, this dish is a breeze to prepare. Despite being vegan and dairy-free, it offers a delightful cheesy taste thanks to the nutritional yeast.
Mushroom Quinoa (Vegan): A Creamy Delight
Indulge in a creamy and satisfying quinoa side dish. Sautéed mushrooms, kale, and baby bok choy harmonize with the wholesome grains in this vegan-friendly delight. This versatile dish pairs beautifully with any main course, including pulled pork.
Mediterranean Bulgur Salad with Lemon Mint Vinaigrette: A Refreshing Respite
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this vibrant bulgur salad. Infused with flavors of lemon, mint, and salty feta cheese, this healthy and quick-cooking whole wheat grain salad is a delightful addition to any summer meal.
Salads: A Symphony of Freshness
Crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad: Creamy and Tangy Bliss
Treat your taste buds to a crunchy salad starring broccoli, cauliflower, and pumpkin seeds, all dressed in a tangy yogurt sauce for ultimate creaminess. The addition of grapes provides a subtle touch of sweetness. The best part? No cooking required!
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad: A Paradigm Shift
Even if you’re not a fan of brussels sprouts, this shredded brussels sprouts salad might just change your mind. Crispy apples, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries blend harmoniously in this refreshing salad, complemented by shaved parmesan and a lemon garlic mustard dressing.
Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad with Peaches: A Sweet Symphony
Delight in the flavors of summer with this vibrant side salad. Juicy peaches, plump heirloom tomatoes, shallots, basil, and creamy fresh mozzarella cheese come together to create a delightful twist on the classic caprese salad. This quick and easy salad requires no cooking, allowing you to savor the season effortlessly.
Kale Caesar Salad with Chickpea Croutons (Vegan): A Vegan Twist
Elevate the classic caesar salad with this vegan version. Massaged kale, crunchy pepitas (pumpkin seeds), and roasted chickpeas replace traditional ingredients, resulting in a dish that is both vegan and gluten-free. The creamy dairy-free dressing adds a burst of irresistible flavors, making this salad a winning choice for everyone at the table.
In Conclusion
These delectable and wholesome side dishes are the perfect companions for your pulled pork sandwiches. From crispy sweet potato fries to refreshing watermelon rind coleslaw, each dish brings a unique accent to your meal. So fire up the grill, create your own pulled pork masterpiece, and enjoy the wonderful symphony of flavors that these sides provide.