Pulled pork is a mouth-watering main dish that satisfies all year round, but there’s something special about enjoying it during the summer season. Whether you’re hosting a potluck BBQ or simply craving some delicious pulled pork, it’s essential to have the perfect side dishes to accompany this flavorful meat. Let’s explore some tasty pulled pork sides that are not only easy to make but also elevate your dining experience.
Key Takeaways
A Symphony of Flavors
Pulled pork is renowned for its delectable taste and the convenience of cooking it. While it slow-cooks to perfection, take the opportunity to prepare some enticing side dishes that will complement it beautifully.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweetness and spice with crispy baked sweet potato fries. These fries, seasoned with aromatic spices, are a delightful accompaniment to pulled pork. The addition of cumin infuses a smoky flavor that will make your taste buds sing.
Baked Portobello Mushrooms with Feta
Elevate your pulled pork experience with these delectable stuffed Portobello mushrooms. Packed with spinach, artichokes, white beans, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes, these mushrooms are a burst of flavors and textures. Top them off with a sprinkle of parmesan and let them bake to golden perfection.
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
For a refreshing summery side, prepare a delightful zesty Italian pasta salad. This dish brings together cucumbers, artichokes, olives, cherry tomatoes, arugula, shallots, and fresh mozzarella, all tossed in a flavorful dressing. It’s the perfect medley of colors, flavors, and textures that will leave you craving for more.
Apple Cabbage Slaw with White Beans
Nothing pairs better with pulled pork than tangy coleslaw. This apple cabbage slaw with white beans offers a refreshing twist to the classic recipe. Tangy apples, crisp cabbage, and white beans are dressed in a delicious apple cider vinaigrette. The addition of sunflower seeds adds a delightful crunch and a hint of nutty flavor.
Sauteed String Beans with Garlic & Lemon
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful veggie side dish, sautéed string beans with garlic and lemon is the perfect choice. In just a few minutes, you can create a dish that showcases the freshness of string beans enhanced by the zesty combination of garlic and lemon zest.
Watermelon Rind Coleslaw
Reduce waste and enjoy a refreshing side with this unique watermelon rind coleslaw. By using leftover watermelon rinds, you create a crisp and crunchy slaw that perfectly complements pulled pork. It’s an innovative way to savor the flavors of summer.
Quinoa & Grains
Quinoa and grains add a wholesome touch to your pulled pork feast. Try these creative and flavorful options:
Lemony Quinoa Salad with Spinach
This vibrant quinoa salad bursts with fresh herbs and tangy lemony goodness. The addition of kidney beans and feta cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds extra protein and richness to the dish.
Curried Chickpea Salad with Barley
Indulge in the aromatic flavors of curry with this delightful chickpea and barley salad. Packed with spices, lemon, and garlic, this dish is a breeze to make and will satisfy both your taste buds and your desire for a nutritious meal. The nutritional yeast adds a touch of cheesy flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Mushroom Quinoa (Vegan)
For a creamy and savory option, try this vegan mushroom quinoa side dish. Sautéed mushrooms, kale, and baby bok choy create a flavorful combination that pairs wonderfully with pulled pork. This dish is a plant-based delight that will satisfy all palates.
Mediterranean Bulgur Salad with Lemon Mint Vinaigrette
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this bulgur salad. A refreshing lemon mint vinaigrette brings together the nutty bulgur, salty feta cheese, and other tantalizing ingredients. Quick to prepare, this salad is a refreshing addition to your pulled pork feast.
Salads
Add a touch of freshness and crunch to your pulled pork meal with these delightful salad options:
Crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This crunchy salad combines the goodness of broccoli, cauliflower, and pumpkin seeds. Tossed in a tangy yogurt sauce, this dish offers a burst of creaminess and a hint of sweetness from the grapes. The best part? No cooking required!
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Discover the magic of shaved Brussels sprouts in this flavorful salad. With the addition of crunchy apples, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries, this salad is packed with contrasts of sweet and tart flavors. Topped with shaved parmesan and dressed in a lemon garlic mustard dressing, it’s a delightful side that might even convert you into a Brussels sprouts lover.
Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad with Peaches
Capture the essence of summer with this vibrant side salad. Juicy peaches, plump heirloom tomatoes, shallots, basil, and creamy fresh mozzarella cheese create a delightful twist on the classic caprese salad. Easy to assemble and requiring no cooking, this salad is a quick and refreshing addition to your table.
Kale Caesar Salad with Chickpea Croutons (Vegan)
Upgrade your Caesar salad with a healthy twist. This vegan kale Caesar salad features massaged kale, crunchy pepitas (pumpkin seeds), and roasted chickpeas that act as the “croutons.” The dairy-free dressing is bursting with flavor, making this salad a satisfying and guilt-free indulgence.
There you have it: a selection of enticing side dishes that will complement your pulled pork perfectly. These flavorful options elevate your dining experience and provide a harmonious balance of tastes and textures. Try them out and let your taste buds be amazed!
