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    Home » Side dishes

    23 Healthy Sides for Pulled Pork

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on February 8, 2022, updated April 27, 2022 - Leave a Comment

    collage showing different healthy sides for pulled pork

    Looking for something healthier to serve with your pulled pork? I bet you'll find a few new favorites in this list of 23 amazing healthy sides for pulled pork. From veggies and potatoes to salads and sauces, here you've got everything you need for a great, healthy, dinner!

    collage showing different healthy sides for pulled pork
    Jump to:
    • Veggies & Potatoes
    • Salads
    • Sauces
    • Reviews

    Regardless of how you like your pulled pork - in sandwiches, between hamburger buns, with corn bread or mac and cheese - sometimes you just want to have your pulled pork as a main dish and something healthier too. When that feeling comes on - don't worry. I've got you covered!

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    Below you will find 23 great healthy sides for pulled pork - all easy to make, all pretty quick, and sorted in order of how long they will take you to make.

    Grab one, grab two, grab as many as you like - and enjoy your pulled pork meal!

    Veggies & Potatoes

    Air Fryer Shishito Peppers

    8 minutes

    Shishito peppers are a fun and easy side - with a surprise factor, as about 1 in 10 is really spicy! All healthy and seasoned with just a little bit of oil and salt.

    shishito peppers being dipped in sauce
    shishito peppers
    Easy Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
    Air frying shishito peppers are simple and delicious! The air fryer chars the skin giving you cute little bite sized Japanese peppers with a nice burst of flavor mild or spicy flavor.
    Check out this recipe

    Air Fryer Broccoli

    14 minutes

    Broccoli pairs so well with pulled pork, and this easy recipe is made with frozen broccoli for an even easier side.

    broccoli on a blue plate
    air fryer broccoli
    Easy Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
    Make the best Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli with minimal prep and 6-8 minutes of cooking. Seasoned with olive oil and lemon pepper.
    Check out this recipe

    Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic

    15 minutes

    Green beans is another veggie that pairs super well with any type of meat - and it's so easy to make. This version with garlic and lemon will make a great side for pulled pork.

    sauteed green beans
    sauteed green beans
    Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon
    Looking for an easy veggie side dish? These green beans are sautéed to perfection with garlic and lemon and ready in 15 minutes.
    Check out this recipe

    Air Fryer Cauliflower

    15 minutes

    This roasted cauliflower side matches the flavors of pulled pork with a rub made from smoked paprika, cumin & cayenne.

    air fried seasoned cauliflower on a green plate
    air fried seasoned cauliflower on a green plate
    Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower
    With minimal prep & just 6-8 minutes of cooking you can make the best Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower. With a flavor packed rub with a bit of a spicy kick, this cauliflower is a great easy side for any meal.
    Check out this recipe

    Corn Ribs

    20 minutes

    Sweet corn on the cob just got a makeover - it became more fun, and easier to eat! Corn ribs might just be the best idea this year and I can't wait to throw them on the grill this summer.

    corn ribs
    corn ribs
    Grilled Corn Ribs
    Summer corn is slathered with our favourite seasonings and then grilled to curly perfection. Grilled Corn Ribs are a delicious, easy side you should be serving at your next potluck or gathering!
    Check out this recipe

    Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon

    20 minutes

    Sweet potatoes of any kind is a great side for pulled pork - and this delicious alternative to sweet potato fries is no exception. Easy to make in your air fryer, with an extra flavor twist from cinnamon.

    close up of air fryer sweet potatoes
    shishito peppers
    Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
    Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are done in just 15 minutes and come out perfectly baked. Seasoned with cinnamon & salt they're a great side for fish and chicken - and a delicious snack on their own.
    Check out this recipe

    Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes

    25 minutes

    Mashed potatoes is delicious with pulled pork, but can get a bit heavy with all that cream and butter. This recipe uses yoghurt instead, for a lighter, healthier version that's just as delicious!

    yogurt mashed potatoes
    yogurt mashed potatoes
    Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes
    Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes with skin on is an easy and deliciously creamy healthy mashed potatoes recipe you can easily make ahead.
    Check out this recipe

    Cauliflower Tots

    30 minutes

    If your craving tater tots but want to keep it a bit healthier, these cauliflower tots are just what you need! Make them in the air fryer or in the oven.

    cauliflower tots
    cauliflower tots
    Cauliflower Tots
    Yes, cauliflower tater tots are a thing. This keto cauliflower tots recipe is made in the air fryer for speed and crispiness. Yes, you can do them in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer.
    Check out this recipe

    Oven Roasted Vegetables

    40 minutes

    Mix up your favorite veggies and roast them in the oven until tender - it's a side as old as time, but for good reason! This version has a touch of both Parmesan cheese and gorgonzola to kick it all up a notch, as well as cherry tomatoes which might be the best veggie to roast - ever.

    roasted veggies on a baking sheet
    roasted veggies on a baking sheet
    Oven Roasted Vegetables
    The zucchini, squash, red onion, and grape tomatoes in these Oven Roasted Vegetables are a medley of delicious flavors that make you go back for more!
    Check out this recipe

    Crispy Potato Wedges

    45 minutes

    Potato wedges might be the healthy version of french fries - but I say it's the best version of french fries. This version has a touch of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, and the option to serve with a spicy chipotle sauce that will go great with your pulled pork as well!

    potato wedges on a baling sheet with two dip sauces
    potato wedges on a baling sheet with two dip sauces
    Crispy Potato Wedges
    Satisfy your french fry cravings with these Crispy Potato Wedges! Oven baked, seasoned with parmesan and herbs, and paired with a spicy chipotle sauce.
    Check out this recipe

    Baked Beans

    30-60 minutes

    A classic side for pulled pork, this version of baked beans has pineapple, bacon and maple syrup. Loaded with flavor and sure to hit the spot!

    baked beans
    baked beans
    Baked Beans
    We’ve combined pineapple, bacon and maple syrup to make these Baked Beans extraordinary and a hit at your next campfire cookout or back yard BBQ. As they cook, beans absorb flavour so adding aromatics and flavour enhancers to your sauce will surely make your beans one tasty bite.
    Check out this recipe

    Salads

    Arugula & Sun-Dried Tomato Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette

    5 minutes

    This super quick green salad is loaded with acidity, which will work wonders to cut the heaviness of your pulled pork. Peppery, salty & sweet this is my go-to for any dinner that's heavy on the protein!

    closeup of arugula and sun-dried tomato salad
    shishito peppers
    Simple Arugula Salad with Sun-dried Tomatoes & Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
    This Simple Arugula Salad is the perfect side salad for any summer barbecue. With sun-dried tomatoes and a honey lemon vinaigrette it's sweet, sour & salty - with a kick from peppery arugula. All done in just 5 minutes!
    Check out this recipe

    Asian Slaw

    10 minutes

    This Asian slaw has all the crunchiness of a coleslaw, and none of the mayo. Instead it's loaded with delicious Asian flavors from soy sauce and sesame oil - and will give your pulled pork dinner a fun twist.

    asian slaw
    asian slaw
    Asian Slaw - Without a Drop of Mayo!
    This no mayo Asian Slaw will become a frequent favourite: a delicious fresh crunchy and zesty healthy take on the classic coleslaw, with flavours of soy sauce and sesame.
    Check out this recipe

    Avocado Mango Salad

    10 minutes

    This Avocado Mango Salad is almost like a salsa, topped with crunchy peanuts for extra texture. The sweet mango, creamy avocado and salty peanuts will complement your pulled pork perfectly.

    shishito peppers
    Avocado Mango Salad with Salted Roasted Peanuts
    This 10-minute avocado mango salad is a delicious, healthy side for any type of protein - and especially delicious next to a piece of grilled fish or chicken. Super easy to make with mango, avocado, lime and fresh cilantro, salted roasted peanuts are what sends this salad over the top!
    Check out this recipe

    Broccoli Crunch Salad

    10 minutes

    Loaded with nutrients this Broccoli Crunch Salad is a great bet when it comes to healthy sides. Cranberries, sunflower seeds and bacon give it an extra interesting taste and texture.

    crunchy broccoli salad
    crunchy broccoli salad
    Classic Broccoli Crunch Salad
    This easy broccoli salad is perfect for summer picnics or cookouts. Crisp raw broccoli is combined with dried cranberries, sunflower seeds and bacon for a delicious broccoli crunch salad.
    Check out this recipe

    Caulislaw

    10 minutes

    Caulislaw is a fun take on a classic coleslaw. With cauliflower instead of cabbage, it's loaded with a mayonniase dressing packed full of flavors. Great as a side, and even better for topping your pulled pork sandwich!

    caulislaw in a bowl
    shishito peppers
    Raw Cauliflower Salad
    This "Caulislaw" mixes cauliflower, carrots & red onions with a perfectly balanced mayonnaise dressing. It's the perfect side for your next barbecue, or why not top your burgers with it? Quick, earthy, healthy and with loads of flavor it's a versatile side you'll be coming back to over and over again.
    Check out this recipe

    Corn Tomato Avocado Salad

    10 minutes

    Another salad with simple ingredients that packs a punch of flavors. Easy to make with only healthy ingredients.

    corn tomato avocado salad
    corn tomato avocado salad
    Corn Tomato Avocado Salad
    An easy Corn Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe that Is done in under 10 minutes. Gluten Free, Vegan, Healthy and delicious! The perfect side dish.
    Check out this recipe

    Creamy Cucumber Salad

    30 minutes

    Not only does this Cucumber Salad have pickled onions for loads of extra flavor, but it's also healthier and lighter made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Cool flavors perfect to balance a spicier pulled pork!

    creamy cucumber salad
    creamy cucumber salad
    Creamy Cucumber Salad
    A healthier twist to the classic creamy cucumber salad recipe with quick pickled red onions. The perfect summer salad for any cookout!
    Check out this recipe

    Sweetheart Cabbage Salad

    40 minutes

    Roasted Sweetheart Cabbage is a perfect side for pulled pork, either served as on its own or in a salad, like here - with spinach, spicy flavor packed chickpeas and Parmesan cheese.

    a sweetheart cabbage salad with chickpeas and parmesan cheese
    shishito peppers
    Sweetheart Cabbage Salad with Gyoza Chickpeas and Parmesan
    With just 15 minutes of active cooking you can make this delicious salad that's sure to win over any salad hater. Spinach, sweetheart cabbage and the most flavorful chickpeas are topped with a good amount of Parmesan cheese to turn this salad into a feast - healthy, delicious and easy to make.
    Check out this recipe

    Creamy Vegan Potato Salad

    55 minutes

    A creamy potato salad is a must-have side for pulled pork - and why not go for a healthier option, entirely without mayonnaise? This version is super creamy, vegan, and with a good touch of pepperiness from Dijon mustard.

    side view of french potato salad with parsley and capers
    shishito peppers
    Creamy French Potato Salad
    Try the best easy, homemade Vegan Potato Salad! Without mayo, eggs or any dairy products it's made creamy the traditional French way with a Dijon mustard dressing - which makes it naturally vegan, gluten free and dairy free.
    Check out this recipe

    Sauces

    Barbecue Sauce

    2 minutes

    Barbecue sauce is a must for bbq pulled pork! Not only is this version all done in 2 minutes, it's also gluten free and easy to just mix together without any simmering.

    a spoonful of barbecue sauce over a jar of barbecue sauce
    shishito peppers
    2-minute Gluten Free BBQ Sauce
    5 ingredients and 2 minutes - that all you need to make a homemade Gluten Free BBQ Sauce. A little bit spicy and slightly sweet, it doesn't require any cooking, but still has all the flavor. Perfect for topping a burger or dipping some chicken tenders in!
    Check out this recipe

    Blue Cheese Sauce

    5 minutes

    Cool blue cheese sauce is perfect for spicy pulled pork. This version is super easy to make in under 5 minutes, and has just 6 ingredients.

    top view of a pink bowl with blue cheese sauce and blue cheese crumbles
    shishito peppers
    Blue Cheese Sauce
    This classic blue cheese sauce comes together in under 5 minutes with just 6 ingredients, without both boiling and buttermilk. Loaded with blue cheese flavor it's perfect with salad, meat, and anything "Buffalo" flavored.
    Check out this recipe

    Tzatsiki

    1 hour

    Tzatsiki is another great sauce for spicy pulled pork. It's quick and easy to make, but requires a bit of time for the flavors to really settle - so make sure to make it well ahead of time!

    tzatsiki
    tzatsiki
    Authentic tzatziki sauce
    This tzatziki sauce is fresh, creamy and really easy to make. Ideal for the famous souvlaki, eggplant & zucchini fritters or crudités.
    Check out this recipe

    More Side Dish Recipes

    • Buffalo mac and cheese.
      Buffalo Mac and Cheese
    • Sour cream mashed potatoes.
      Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
    • Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
      Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese (Dump-and-Bake!)
    • Ranch coleslaw.
      Ranch Coleslaw

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN  and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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