14 Best Sides For Burgers and Hotdogs – Healthy and Delicious
What to serve with hamburgers and hotdogs this summer? As cookouts, picnics, and barbecues become a staple of the season, it’s time to add a creative twist to your family and friends’ dining experience.
Finding the best sides for burgers and hot dogs can make all the difference. The key is to choose healthy sides for burgers and hotdogs that complement the main meal without overpowering it. Texture also plays a crucial role, as the side dishes should blend perfectly with the burgers and hotdogs, enhancing the overall taste and dining pleasure.
Luckily, I’ve compiled a list of 14 delectable side dishes for hamburgers and hotdogs that you can use throughout the summer or any time of the year! Say goodbye to the stress of deciding what to bring to family and neighborhood gatherings.
By rotating these tried and tested hamburger and hotdog sides, you’ll keep the dining experience interesting for both you and your guests (or hosts, as the case may be). So get ready to savor every moment of the summer with these delightful side pairings!
Sides For Burgers and Hotdogs
- Coleslaw
- Grilled broccoli
- Pasta salad
- Corn & tomato salad
- Cucumber salad
- Fruit salad
- Soba noodles
- Baked sweet potato
- Jalapeno popper potato salad
- Garden salad
- Corn souffle
- Bacon & broccoli salad
- Pimento cheese dip
- Tex mix corn dip
Coleslaw
This creamy, and crunchy side is the perfect addition to any burger or hot dog. The vinegar in the coleslaw dressing cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise making it a refreshing side.
In addition, you can serve this at room temperature or cold, but I think cold is better as the coolness is a nice contrast to the warmth of the burger or hot dog.
I like to use a mix of green and purple cabbage for this dish, and as for vinegar, I use either white vinegar or apple cider.
Grilled broccoli
Grilling brings out the natural sweetness in broccoli, and it’s a great way to get some extra vegetables into your diet.
The slight bitterness of broccoli pairs well with the savory taste of hamburgers and hotdogs. Additionally, the crispiness of the broccoli is a perfect contrast to the soft and tender bread.
To grill broccoli, I like to toss it in a little olive oil and then season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then I place it on the grill for about ten minutes, flipping it once halfway through.
When grilling broccoli (or any vegetable) be sure to stick to time to avoid the broccoli from getting burnt.
Pasta salad
This is a great side for hamburgers and hotdogs because it can be made ahead of time and doesn’t require any cooking.
In addition, pasta salad is usually served cold or at room temperature, which means it won’t wilt in the heat like other sides might.
Pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any grilled food because it adds flavor without overwhelming the taste of the main dish. Furthermore, it is a great way to add a pop of color and texture to your plate.
I like to use a variety of vegetables in my pasta salads, such as cherry tomatoes, onions, and green peppers. For the dressing, I have to admit, I enjoy it rich and creamy. So I use a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Italian dressing.
Of course, you can lighten it up by using Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette instead. And if you want to add some protein, feel free to mix in some cooked chicken or shrimp.
Corn & tomato salad
This side dish is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy. The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the hamburger and hotdog, and the tomatoes add a pop of acidity that cuts through the richness of the meat.
In addition, the salad is a great way to add some extra vegetables to your meal. The combination of Corn & tomato salad with hamburgers and hotdogs is a winning combination that will please everyone at your cookout.
I recommend you use cherry tomatoes and fresh corn for this dish. The cherry tomatoes are a perfect size, and they have a sweetness that compliments the corn perfectly.
You can also top up your salad with feta cheese and lime juice, for a zingy and flavorful side dish.
Cucumber salad
This refreshing side is perfect for a summer cookout. The crispness of the cucumber pairs well with the hamburger’s and hotdog’s richness.
In addition, the acidity of the vinegar cuts through the fat of the meat, making it a light and refreshing side dish. To make this salad, I like to include red onions, diced cucumbers, and a white vinegar dressing.
You can also add in some chopped fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley. And if you want to make it a little more substantial, feel free to mix in some diced avocado or crumbled feta cheese.
Fruit salad
Yes! Fruit salad is a great pairing for hamburgers and hot dogs. The sweetness of the fruit pairs well with the savory flavors of the meat.
In addition, the fruit salad is a great way to add some color and texture to your plate.
I like to use a mix of seasonal fruits in my salads. For example, I might use watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew in the summer. And in the winter, I might use oranges, grapefruit, and pomegranates.
Of course, you can also mix in some berries or other fruits that are in season. For the dressing, I like to keep it simple with just a little bit of lemon juice and honey.
Soba noddles
This side dish is a great alternative to pasta salad. It is light and refreshing but still has enough substance to stand up to the hamburger and hotdog.
Soba noodles are made from buckwheat, which means they are gluten-free. They have a nutty flavor that pairs well with the savory flavors of the meat.
To make this dish, I like to use soba noodles, cucumber, and a simple dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. You can also add in some chopped green onions or cilantro for extra flavor.
Baked Sweet Potato
This is another perfect pairing that is based on the sweetness of one dish (sweet potato) complementing the savory flavor of the other (hamburgers & hotdogs).
In addition, baked sweet potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. They are also a good source of vitamins A and C.
To make this side dish, simply bake sweet potatoes in the oven until they are soft. You can bake them whole, or slice them into wedges.
Once they are baked, you can then top them with butter, salt, and pepper, or you can get creative and add other toppings like sour cream.
Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad
This is for those whose tastebuds live on the hot and spicy side. A jalapeno popper is a stuffed pepper that is made with jalapeno pepper, cheese, and bacon. It is then breaded and fried.
This is a great side dish because it boots the flavor of the meal. The sweetness of the potato pairs well with the savory flavors of the meat, and the spice from the jalapeno gives it a nice kick.
In addition, the crunchy taste of the jalapeno poppers contrasts well with the creamy texture of the potato salad.
To make this side dish, I recommend using diced potatoes, chopped bacon, and shredded cheese. And for the dressing, I like to use a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and dijon mustard.
Garden Salad
A garden salad is a great side dish because it is light and refreshing. The vegetables in the salad will help to cut through the richness of the hamburgers and hot dogs.
In addition, a garden salad is a great way to add some color and texture to your plate.
I like to use a mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots in my salad. For the dressing, I like to keep it simple with just a little bit of vinegar and oil.
You can also add in other vegetables that you like. And to bulk it up, you can also add in some croutons or shredded cheese.
Corn Souffle
Corn souffle has a light, fluffy texture that contrasts well with the richer flavors of hamburgers and hotdogs. In addition, the texture is perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices.
This dish is quite easy to prepare, so do not worry. All you need is some corn, milk, flour, sugar, butter, and eggs.
Once you have all the ingredients, simply mix them and bake in the oven. I like to serve this side dish with a little bit of shredded cheese on top.
You can use any cheese, but my preferred choice for corn souffle is cheddar.
Bacon & Broccoli Salad
Bacon and broccoli salad is a great side dish for hamburgers and hotdogs.
The bacon adds a smoky flavor to the salad, and the broccoli provides a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the softness of the hamburger bun.
In addition, the bacon and broccoli salad has a slight sweetness that helps to balance out the flavors of the hamburger and hotdog.
I like to use a dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar for this salad. This dressing is simple, but it pairs well with the flavors of bacon and broccoli.
You can use other dressings, but I find that this one works best.
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Pimento Cheese Dip
This list will not be complete if I did not include dips as well. Pimento cheese dip is a great side dish for hamburgers and hotdogs.
The cheese dip is rich and flavorful, and it pairs well with the savory flavors of the meat. In addition, the pimentos add a sweetness that helps to balance out the flavors.
To make this side dish, simply mix some shredded cheese, pimentos, mayonnaise, and cream cheese. Once you have mixed everything, simply refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
This side dish is best served with crackers or chips. But you can also use it as a condiment for your hamburgers and hotdogs.
Tex-Mex Corn Dip
Tex-Mex corn dip is a side dish that is perfect for hamburgers and hotdogs. This dip is made with corn, onions, jalapeno peppers, and cheese. It has a spicy and savory flavor that pairs well with the meat.
To make this side dish, I recommend using a mix of yellow and white corn. You can also use fresh or canned corn.
For the cheese, I like to use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack. And for the jalapeno peppers, you can either use fresh or pickled peppers.
You can use this as a spread for your hamburgers and hotdogs. Or you can serve it as a dip.
FAQ
What are some kid-friendly side dishes for hamburgers?
Some kid-friendly side dishes for hamburgers include corn on the cob, baked beans, potato salad, and watermelon.
What are some side dishes that go well with hot dogs?
Some side dishes that go well with hot dogs include corn chips, pretzels, potato salad, and macaroni salad.
Vegetable sides for hotdogs
Some vegetable sides include baked beans, sauerkraut, coleslaw, and corn on the cob.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy these side dishes with your hamburgers and hotdogs. And I hope that they help to make your meals even tastier.
14 Healthy and Delicious Sides For Burgers and Hotdogs
Ingredients
- Coleslaw
- Grilled Broccoli
- Pasta Salad
- Corn & Tomato Salad
- Cucumber Salad
- Fruit Salad
- Soba Noodles
- Baked Sweet Potato
- Jalapeno popper potato salad
- Garden Salad
- Corn Souffle
- Bacon & broccoli salad
- Pimento Cheese Dip
- Tex Mix Corn Dip
Instructions
- Select the recipe that best suits your dish and preferences.
- Gather the ingredients required to complete the selected recipe.
- Make your rice dish in 25 minutes or less!