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Home » Recipe Index » Side Dishes

watermelon side salad for burgers
June 21, 2024

17 Delish Side Dishes for Burgers (Easy & Healthier)

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

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Hello my fellow burger fans! Whether you’re more of a classic beef burger kind of person or you’re more into turkey or veggie burgers, there are tons of tasty side dish pairings to enjoy with burgers. I’m sharing my favorite burger side dish ideas below, from roasted veggies to creamy slaw, flavorful side salads, and lots more!

side dishes for burgers

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Side Dishes to Serve With Burgers

Whenever I make burgers, I like to switch up the side dishes depending on the season, my mood, or the type of burger I’m making. There are just so many yummy side dishes out there – why not make things interesting?!

If you love the classics, switch up your standard french fries with super easy baked sweet potato fries. Or, if you’re a coleslaw fan, try my creamy no mayo jalapeño coleslaw or watermelon rind slaw.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, there are tons of must-try sides for burgers below. Most of them are perfect for summer cookouts and grilling. Enjoy!

Want some delicious burger recipes, too? Try these curry turkey burgers with yogurt sauce, Greek lamb burgers with feta, or black bean pumpkin veggie burgers (vegan).

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

broccoli cauliflower salad in a white bowl

Bright and creamy broccoli cauliflower salad has a perfectly crunchy texture and a slight sweetness, thanks to the grapes! There’s no cooking involved whatsoever, and it’s all tossed in a flavorful lemon Greek yogurt dressing.

This is one of my favorite side dishes to bring to potlucks and barbecues, too, because it’s easy to prep ahead and super portable!

Italian Pasta Salad

small bowl of pasta salad with Italian dressing

Tender bowtie pasta, crunchy veggies, mozzarella cheese, and more are tossed in a creamy, zesty Italian dressing for the perfect pasta salad!

This comforting side dish is so good paired with burgers, and you can even prepare it ahead of time.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

sweet potato fries next to a small bowl of salsa with lime wedges

Burgers and fries are a classic combo, but what if I told you there’s an even better option (that doesn’t require any frying)? These sweet potato fries are oven-baked and seasoned with cumin for a Mexican-inspired side dish that pairs perfectly with burgers!

Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce (like this creamy honey mustard sauce!).

Creamy Jalapeno Slaw

jalapeno slaw in a small bowl next to a fish taco on a plate

Creamy slaw isn’t just for tacos – it’s also a delicious burger side (or topping)! Crunchy shredded cabbage and sliced jalapeños are tossed in a creamy chipotle sauce that’s packed with flavor.

This spicy slaw is super easy to make and doesn’t require any cooking!

Quinoa Taco Salad

quinoa taco salad with shredded cheese in a large glass bowl

Quinoa salad does not have to be boring! This version is veggie-packed and zesty, tossed in your favorite salsa and topped with diced avocado (if desired).

Grain salads are a tasty, nutritious dish to serve alongside burgers. Plus, you can easily make this ahead of time, so it’s perfect for potlucks and entertaining!

Watermelon Feta Salad

watermelon feta salad with arugula and red onion on a white plate

A bright and refreshing salad like this one makes the perfect side dish for burgers – especially during the summertime!

This quick and easy watermelon salad is packed with fresh herbs, juicy watermelon, feta cheese, red onion, arugula, and crunchy pistachios. Plus, it comes together super quickly.

Oven-Roasted Mini Potatoes

roasted garlic parmesan potatoes in a bowl

Is there anything more comforting than crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside roasted potatoes? I think not! Sometimes, the best sides are the most simple. That’s definitely the case here!

These crispy mini potatoes are delicious with burgers and mostly hands-off when it comes to the prep work. You can easily switch up the flavors however you like, too – this recipe features two different variations to choose from!

Oven-Roasted Zucchini & Squash

oven roasted sliced zucchini and squash in a large serving bowl

Here’s a super simple roasted veggie side dish that only takes minutes to prep! Zucchini and squash is tossed with seasonings (and optional cheese), then baked on a sheet pan until tender.

Easy, healthy, and flavorful – what’s not to love?!

Heirloom Peach & Tomato Salad

heirloom tomato peach caprese salad with grilled salmon and bread on a plate

The sweet and savory flavor combination here is absolutely dreamy! Juicy peaches, heirloom tomatoes and creamy mozzarella cheese are drizzled in a balsamic vinaigrette and topped with fresh basil.

It’s a perfect summertime side dish, and goes great with burgers!

Mediterranean Bulgur Salad with Feta

Mediterranean bulgur salad with chicken skewers

If you love Mediterranean flavors like I do, you need to try this feta bulgur salad! It’s packed with refreshing veggies like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, and dressed in a delicious lemon mint vinaigrette.

It’s the perfect summer side dish for any type of burger. Plus, you can easily make it ahead of time, and it’s portable if you’re taking it to a potluck or cookout.

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Quinoa

cheesy mushroom quinoa with spinach on a white plate

You’ll never guess this creamy, cheesy-tasting mushroom quinoa is actually vegan! It’s so nourishing, with greens, white beans, and more deliciousness, and comes together with very little effort.

It’s especially perfect if you’re looking for a cozy, plant-based side dish to serve with veggie burgers!

Sauteed Lemon Garlic String Beans

lemon garlic string beans in a shallow white bowl

Simple sauteed string beans with lemon and garlic really can’t be beat. I love how quick and easy this recipe is, with just a few ingredients and tons of flavor. It’s a great veggie side dish for any time of year!

Apple Cabbage White Bean Slaw

apple cabbage slaw with white beans over a bed of lettuce

I love the combination of textures in this no-mayo coleslaw, with crisp apples, crunchy pepitas, shredded cabbage, and tender white beans. It’s drizzled with a bright vinaigrette-style dressing, and there’s no cooking needed!

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

shaved brussels sprouts salad in a wide bowl with wooden salad forks

Shredded brussels sprouts make a perfect base for this fall-inspired side salad! It’s studded with crisp apples, sweet-tart dried cranberries, grated parmesan cheese, crunchy pecans, and more.

Plus, this recipe features an unbeatable homemade lemon dijon dressing that comes together in minutes.

Yogurt Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

fruit salad in a blue bowl with lime slices

Fruit salad is a perfect sweeter – yet healthy – side dish for burgers! It’s super versatile, too. You can use any fruit that’s in season (or whatever you have on hand).

A creamy honey lime dressing with Greek yogurt rounds out the dish!

Watermelon Rind Coleslaw

Refreshing, crunchy watermelon rind, shredded carrots, and bell peppers come together for this summery coleslaw dish! It’s dressed in an apple cider vinaigrette (no mayo needed).

Plus, it reduces food waste by using up leftover watermelon rinds, so it’s a win-win recipe!

Herb & Garlic Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies don’t have to be boring! Herbs and garlic are all you need to make this simple, super flavorful, and crave-worthy veggie side dish.

Just toss any veggies you have on hand with olive oil and seasonings, spread on a sheet pan, and roast away!

I hope you found a new favorite in this list. What’s your go-to burger side dish? Let me know in the comments!

Side Dishes
- anne
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2 comments
  • Roadrunner June 21, 2024 · 9:31AM:
    Very timely and look very tasty, thanks!
    Reply
  • Ana June 24, 2024 · 7:20PM:
    That summer squash dish is calling my name!
    Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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