Why should the main meat hog the spotlight?

These barbecue sides are ready for their closeup.

But eating BBQ is also something you might do any time.

BBQ side dishes - barbecue sides for pulled pork, brisket, and more (collards)

Photo: Jonny Valiant

The key is to pick and prepare side dishes that go with your meat of choice.

Fortunately, these barbecue sides go with all kinds of meat.

Need something to pair with that smoky brisket, ribs, ortangy pulled pork?

Creamy Potato Salad With Bacon

Con Poulos

Try one of the following recipes.

Crisp bacon provides a crunchy addition that brings this potato salad to the next level.

They pair perfectly with BBQ meats such as brisket or pulled pork.

crispy-potato-latkes-realsimple

Antonis Achilleos

Top with a dash of flaky sea salt, fresh parsley, and pepper before serving.

Cook the sliced shallots and greens in the bacon drippings to infuse this side dish with savory richness.

(Well,youmay decide the secret lies in the crispy, crunchy, roasted chickpeas.)

Collard Greens With Bacon

Jonny Valiant

Keep the green theme going with chives, mint, and pistachios, and it’s ready to serve.

Almonds give it an extra crunch.

But it’s the orange dressing (with maple syrup and Dijon mustard) that makes it unforgettable.

Green Beans With Bacon Vinaigrette

Gentl & Hyers

If that pop in of lettuce is unavailable, substitute romaine hearts, fresh Bibb, or Boston lettuce.

This side dish pairs well with grilled chicken or steak.

This is also a delicious way to add healthy veggies to a summer shindig.

Charred Broccolini With Tahini Caesar And Crispy Chickpeas

Jennifer Causey

Grilled Mediterranean Salad

This pasta salad is a perfect vehicle to show off in-seasonsummer vegetables.

The pasta is coated with a balsamic dressing and mixed with crispy halloumi and fresh oregano.

Pro tip: Don’t skip the cooling process!

Top View of Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta Served in a White Bowl on Top of Blue Fabric, with Metal Spoon and Small Metal Bowl of Peppered Oil to the Left

Anna Williams

Cold potato salad goes hand in hand with BBQ.

spring-green-salad-0519din

Greg DuPree

Summer Squash With Scallions, Chile, and Parsley Recipe

Greg DuPree

Every-Citrus Salad with Almonds and Manchego Recipe

Caitlin Bensel

Little Gems and Radishes With Ricotta Salata and Seeds Recipe

Greg DuPree

Lemony Cucumber-and-Herb Pasta Salad

Greg DuPree

Tortellini Basil Salad Recipe

Jennifer Causey

Grilled Mediterranean Salad Recipe

Jennifer Causey

Asian-Inspired Cabbage Slaw

Greg DuPree Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart

Loaded-Potato-Salad

Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart

Kale-Slaw-with-Lemon-Tahini-Dressing

Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart