What Salad Goes With Pulled Pork? (15 Best Salads)
Pulled pork is one of the most popular dishes for summer cookouts and barbecues.
But if you’re wondering what salad goes with pulled pork, then you are in the right place.
Salads are an easy and delicious way to add color, flavor, and texture to any meal.
So today I’m sharing 15 of the best salads to serve with pulled pork.
From crunchy coleslaw to creamy potato salad to zesty Greek salad, these salads will be sure to make your next barbecue a hit!
Why Serve A Salad With Pulled Pork?
- Texture: The crunchy texture of the salad will contrast nicely with the soft, tender pulled pork.
- Flavor: The flavors in a salad can help to balance out the richness of the pulled pork and provide a refreshing flavor contrast.
- Color: A colorful salad will add visual appeal to your plate and make it look more appetizing.
- Nutrition: Salads are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can help to round out your meal and provide additional health benefits.
- Variety: Serving a salad alongside your pulled pork gives you an opportunity to offer variety on your plate by adding different textures, flavors, colors, and nutrition into one dish!
What Salad Goes With Pulled Pork? (15 Best Salads)
Pulled pork is a delicious dish, but it can be tricky to figure out what type of salad would best accompany it.
Here we look at fifteen different salads that will pair perfectly with pulled pork and enhance the flavor of your meal.
1. Greek Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228557749832595949/Greek salad is a tasty and nutritious companion to any meal.
With crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, salty olives, feta cheese, and tangy red wine vinaigrette, it’s no wonder why this Mediterranean classic is always a hit.
I love that it can be served as a sharing dish for larger families or as individual portions for those with smaller appetites.
Enjoying the mix of flavors in every bite pairs perfectly with pulled pork sandwiches or another hearty main dish.
2. Caesar Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/26247610320529903/If you’re looking for something creamy and zesty to accompany your pulled pork sandwich, look no further than Caesar salad!
This twist on the classic romaine lettuce dish comes dressed with flavorful anchovies, croutons made from thick slices of bread, and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
One thing I love about caesar salads is that they come together quickly – just chop up some greens and toss them in the lemony dressing; dinner’s done!
3. Coleslaw
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/128352658123241447/When I think of coleslaw I’m immediately reminded of summer parties or potlucks — and it pairs great with all kinds of dishes like pulled pork recipes too!
The crunchy cabbage slaw provides the perfect contrast to the soft meat while its slightly sweet flavor helps cut through barbeque sauces’ bold notes.
Plus, making homemade coleslaw couldn’t be easier – all you need are shredded veggies mixed in a mayonnaise-based dressing and some fresh herbs like basil or thyme if you feel fancy!
4. Caprese Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/34902965851150405/Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that never fails to please.
It’s the perfect light and refreshing side for a heavier meal like pulled pork, with its combination of mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil.
I love drizzling extra-virgin olive oil over it for an added boost of flavor.
5. Potato Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/386465211784933081/Potato salad is another great side for something as hearty as pulled pork.
Boiled potatoes are mixed with mustard and mayonnaise, celery, and green onions or chives (or both!), then topped off with some freshly cracked black pepper for spice.
The flavors work in perfect harmony with any type of meat entrée – especially barbecue!
6. Spinach Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/77264949855224311/Spinach salad doesn’t have to be boring!
I love adding sweet fruit like plums or dried cranberries to my spinach salads alongside crumbled feta cheese, creamy avocado slices, and crunchy sunflower seeds – plus plenty of lemon vinaigrette dressing on top.
This delicate yet indulgent combination pairs wonderfully with anything from barbecued turkey legs to slow-cooked beef brisket – including pulled pork!
7. Waldorf Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/68609594314072196/Traditional Waldorf salad is made with crunchy apples, celery, and grapes in a creamy dressing.
This colorful salad pairs perfectly with summer barbeques and also adds texture to any plate.
Whenever I make it for my family, we all fight over the last forkful!
8. Tomato Cucumber Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/70437486336073/Tomato cucumber salad is one of the best salads ever invented, in my opinion.
This light yet flavorful side dish combines garden-fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese in a simple herb vinaigrette.
The dish has become almost synonymous with summertime meals like pulled pork sandwiches or burgers – making it an easy choice for any cookout.
9. Pesto Potato Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/387450374202579290/This tasty twist on classic potato salad utilizes everyone’s favorite Italian sauce – pesto!
It starts by cooking small red potatoes till soft then tossing them along with pesto sauce to create a delicious vegan dish.
Serve this alongside your pulled pork sandwiches for an unforgettable meal that would make even non-vegans swoon!
10. Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts, Goat Cheese, and Honey Balsamic Dressing
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/140806231012995/This wintery salad combines roasted beets, walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and a honey balsamic dressing.
The sweet, tart flavor of the balsamic is offset by the creamy cheese while the earthy beetroot adds a hearty layer.
I love serving this alongside pulled pork or other rich dishes to create a balanced meal.
11. Chickpea Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3870349671307487/This refreshing chickpea-based salad packs in crunchiness from red onions and celery that is complemented by the nutty flavor of pistachios.
Finished off with herby parsley for freshness and sprinkled with feta for an added kick of saltiness, this filling side dish makes the perfect accompaniment to any robust main course like pulled pork.
12. Quinoa Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/20266267065636172/Packed full of quinoa, vegetables, turmeric-spiced cashews, and fragrant cilantro leaves it’s no wonder why this nutrient-dense dish has become so popular as an accompaniment for barbecued meats like pulled pork!
Not only does it provide plenty of plant-based protein but it also contains plenty of fiber too – making it ideal for those seeking a healthier twist on traditional sides such as slaw or potato salad.
13. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/844493672323546/This light and flavorful salad is a great way to add color and crunch to any meal, such as pulled pork.
The peppery arugula leaves are tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, creating an appealing contrast of flavors that are both delicious and healthy. I love adding some chopped walnuts or crumbled feta cheese for extra crunch!
14. Three Bean Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/353603008254732983/This classic picnic side dish pairs nicely with pulled pork dishes.
The combination of beans—kidney, garbanzo, and green beans—is cooked in a sweet yet tangy dressing made from celery seed mayonnaise.
Adding raisins or sun-dried tomatoes give it extra sweetness, while fresh herbs bring some brightness to the mix.
15. Broccoli Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/217439488252332578/Broccoli florets make an easy addition to any barbecue spread since they stay crisp even when cooked in a marinade or sauce.
To prepare this simple salad, mix together freshly grated broccoli florets with bacon bits (or sliced chickpeas), slivered almonds, shredded Parmesan cheese, raisins, and/or apple slices if desired; all coated in your favorite creamy dressing like Greek yogurt ranch dressing.
Enjoy the flavor explosion!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, pulled pork is a popular dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of salads.
The best salads to serve with pulled pork include Greek salad, Caesar salad, coleslaw, Caprese salad, potato salad, spinach salad, Waldorf salad, tomato cucumber salad, pesto potato salad, chickpea salad, quinoa salad, and arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
These salads are all bursting with flavor, and the combination of the sweet and savory pulled pork with the freshness of the salads is sure to be a hit. Now you can enjoy pulled pork with a delicious side of salad anytime.
15 Best Salads To Serve With Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- Greek Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Coleslaw
- Caprese Salad
- Potato Salad
- Spinach Salad
- Waldorf Salad
- Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Pesto Potato Salad
- Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts, Goat Cheese and Honey Balsamic Dressing
- Chickpea Salad
- Quinoa Salad
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Three Bean Salad
- Broccoli Salad
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a side salad in 30 minutes or less!
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.