Skip to content
Whenever I spend time building a sandwich with a mesmerizing cross-section, it feels unceremonious to serve it with a bag of store-bought potato chips (though I’ll stack them in the sandwich for some crunch). No, my picture-worthy sandwich deserves an equally impressive supporting character. That’s when I turn to these creative sides for sandwiches to really fill out my plate with something special.
The best sides for sandwiches have two of three attributes: refreshing, crunchy or filling (or all three!). Cucumber salads are a go-to for me, as are homemade pickles and marinated veggies. When I’m making sandwich recipes that feed a crowd, I’ll pull out side dishes that are make-ahead friendly, easy to serve and great chilled, like coleslaw, Caprese skewers and pasta salad. They really come in handy when hosting a summer party or heading to the beach with the coveted beach sandwich.
During the colder months, I like to pair sandwiches with hot sides: brothy soup recipes, freshly baked Tater Tots, crispy fries, smashed potatoes and well-seasoned potato wedges. But no matter the season, always think first about textures and flavors. Rich sandwiches, like grilled cheese or ham and Brie melts, need a lighter side to brighten the meal, and super crunchy, veggie-loaded sandwiches should pair with soft pasta or potato salads. But at the end of the day, no one is going to knock you for piling the plate with the good-quality potato chips—especially if they’re homemade potato chips!
1/29
Green Goddess Pasta Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Classic pasta salad gets a springtime makeover with a creamy and herby green goddess dressing, vibrant green peas and pan-roasted asparagus. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 389 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein.
2/29
Carrot Ribbon Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This is our take on the viral carrot ribbon salad—with a citrus twist! My son Bo and I came up with this version. It’s great as a side, or make it a main dish by adding grilled chicken or fish. —Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 165 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
3/29
Dense Bean Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
If you haven’t already jumped on the TikTok-viral dense bean salad recipe bandwagon, this pepperoni pizza-inspired recipe is the perfect protein-packed place to start. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 380 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein.
4/29
Dill Pickle Potato Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy dill pickle potato salad makes a flavorful and attractive addition to a Fourth of July picnic or church supper. —Nancy Holland, Morgan Hill, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 415 calories, 30g fat (5g saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
5/29
Esquites
From the Recipe Creator:
Toasting the corn adds a nutty, almost popcorn flavor to this popular Mexican street dish. Cilantro, green onions and jalapeno add pops of green to the deep yellow, creamy salad. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 252 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
6/29
Sweet and Savory Marinated Green Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
I had these wonderful green beans at a baby shower and knew I needed the recipe. They’re fresh, crisp and bright. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 208 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 605mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
7/29
Savory Cracker Snack Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying a snack mix with the flavors of my favorite Everything bagel seasoning, a friend suggested I make it even more versatile with something other than oyster crackers. Now it’s a deliciously addictive snack! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 306 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
8/29
Cucumber Watermelon Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 60 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
9/29
Smashed Chili Crisp Cucumber Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite ways to eat cucumbers! They stay crisp, cool and refreshing while picking up a fiery kick from the chili crisp. Smashing the cucumbers with the back of your knife creates craggy surfaces that absorb dressing far better than simple slices. —Lindsay Mattison, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 80 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1178mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
10/29
Frito Corn Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This Frito corn salad is always requested by friends and family! It’s super easy and great alongside just about any main course. Quick tip: Wait on adding Fritos until you’re about to serve, as they tend to get soggy after a few hours. —Mandy McKinnon, North Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 463 calories, 35g fat (9g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
11/29
Summer Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe to show appreciation to all the teachers at my son’s school. The dish had to be as special as the teachers, who always go the extra mile for their students. I think this salad did the trick! It’s hearty, earthy, sweet and loaded with nothing but good stuff. —Ramya Ramamurthy, Fremont, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 269 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
12/29
Perfect Bite Fruit Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Getting that perfect bite of fruit salad means skewering one of every type of fruit in each mouthful, which is often hard with large pieces of fruit. If you chop each type of fruit finely and evenly, like the chopping method we call for in our recipe, it’s possible! —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 5g fiber), 2g protein.
13/29
Refrigerator Dill Pickles
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy and economical, refrigerator dill pickles are tangy, zesty and crispy. No one will believe you made them yourself! —Jake Haen, Ocala, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pickle spear: 5 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Free food.
14/29
Sweet Macaroni Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don’t like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 400 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
15/29
Cowboy Caviar (Corn and Black Bean Salad)
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful, crunchy black bean and corn salad is chock-full of nutrition that all ages love. Try it with a variety of summer entrees or as a wholesome salsa! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
16/29
Creamy Coleslaw
From the Recipe Creator:
For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 256 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
17/29
Sheet-Pan Sweet Potato Ribbons
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet potato ribbons are a fun, whimsical twist on traditional roasted sweet potatoes. Because they’re bathed in an herby garlic butter, they never last long on the dinner table in our house. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 319 calories, 24g fat (12g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
18/29
Strawberry Spinach Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Spinach salad looks best dressed when it’s dotted with luscious red strawberries and toasted pecans. Finish it out with a sweet poppy seed dressing. —Erin Loughmiller, Ridgecrest, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 141 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
19/29
Tomato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. —Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 104 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
20/29
Crispy Ranch Fries
From the Recipe Creator:
Would you like fries with that? Coming right up is an express recipe for crispy ranch fries with a creamy, not-so-secret sauce. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 393 calories, 25g fat (3g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 1014mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
21/29
Caprese Skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
22/29
Caesar Smashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time we had them, my husband and I could not stop eating these crisp, cheesy, savory potatoes! They’re delicious served as a side with dinner, but we also love them as an indulgent snack for movie nights. I prefer using parchment, as I find the potatoes release more easily from it, but if you’re using foil, make sure to coat it well with nonstick spray. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 363 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
23/29
Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
From the Recipe Creator:
This air-fryer sweet potato chips recipe is so quick and easy. Be sure to give the sweet potato slices a quick soak in cold water to help remove some of the excess starch. —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup chips with about 2 tablespoons dip: 285 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
24/29
Cucumber Tomato Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get-together. It’s an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 90 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
25/29
That Good Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
When a friend shared this salad recipe, it had a fancy French name. Our children can never remember it, so they say, “Mom, please make ‘that good salad.’” Now our friends and neighbors request it for potluck dinners. It really is one of the best salad recipes. —Betty Lamb, Orem, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 193 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
26/29
Sweet Potato Tots
From the Recipe Creator:
With this air-fryer recipe, you can make homemade sweet potato tots with a crisp and crunchy texture in just minutes. They’re perfect as a side for burgers or as the base for loaded tots! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
5 tots: 149 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 406mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
27/29
Easy Caesar Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Fans of Caesar salad will find the dressing used in this tasty version one of the best. My sister, Jan, developed this Caesar salad recipe and was nice enough to share her secret with me. —Dianne Nash, Kaslo, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
28/29
Nacho Snack Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful mixture of bite-sized snack foods, cereal and crackers gets its south-of-the-border accent from taco seasoning. The recipe makes a big batch, but it always goes fast. —Liz Loder, Fox Point, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 270 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
29/29
Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges
From the Recipe Creator:
As savory as they are good for you, these baked garlic Parmesan potato wedges have a mouthwatering cheese-and-herb coating that adds a pretty golden color and just the right amount of flavor. —Linda Rock, Stratford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
4 wedges: 152 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 382mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 0.500 fat.
Sides for Sandwiches FAQ
What healthy sides for sandwiches are still filling?
Healthy sides for sandwiches that are still filling include anything with grains and protein. “Healthy” means something different to everyone, but I think of it as prioritizing whole foods. Serve your sandwiches with dense bean salads, a cucumber and watermelon salad with feta, grain salads, cowboy caviar and Caprese skewers.
Which side dishes for sandwiches are best to serve at a party?
The best side dishes for sandwiches to serve at a party are potluck-style sides, like esquites, pasta salads, large-batched Caesar salads, dense bean salads, potato salads, cucumber salads, homemade snack mixes, fruit salads, homemade sweet potato chips, cowboy caviar, coleslaw and Caprese skewers. Basically, anything best served cold or at room temperature is ideal here.
You could also serve dips with accompaniments as sides. Caramelized onion dip, roasted red pepper hummus, tzatziki, mustard pretzel dip and southern pimiento dip paired with chips, hard pretzels and crudites are wonderful. Bonus: They double as sandwich sauces!
What sandwich sides are best for a packed lunch (or lunchbox)?
The best sandwich sides for a packed lunch are anything that is best stored and served chilled. I love packing a carrot ribbon salad, dense bean salad, pasta salad, esquites, cucumber watermelon salad and homemade pickles. They store very well and hold their integrity all week, so I can make a big batch on Sunday and eat a little bit every day at lunch. Perfect!
