Flipping some patties tonight? Make sure to save room on your plate for these sides for hamburgers. We've gone way beyond fries with recipes for pasta salads, beans, air-fried sides and more.
30 Sides for Hamburgers (Besides French Fries)
Updated on Sep. 13, 2024
Fresh Corn Salad
People who prefer food with some tang find this fresh corn salad particularly appealing. It’s a pretty dish that’s a great side for hamburgers. If you’re like me and enjoy growing your own ingredients, you won’t have to pick up much at the store. —Carol Shaffer, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Before you prep this salad, check out our favorite ways to make burgers.
1/29
2/29
Crispy Baked Onion Rings
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This crispy baked onion rings recipe is a healthy alternative to the deep-fried version. Thyme and paprika enhance the flavor of the tender onions. —Della Stamp, Long Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 159 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 838mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
Onion rings and burgers are a match made in heaven! Learn how to make extra-juicy burgers to go with these baked rings.
3/29
Green Goddess Vegan Potato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Don’t be fooled by the green color—this vegan potato salad is absolutely delicious! It’s perfect for potlucks and for those with dietary restrictions. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 235 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
If you’re going vegan, try our favorite plant-based burgers.
4/29
Grilled Corn in Husks
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re new to grilled corn in the husk, season the ears with butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley. It’s especially good! Be sure to give the corn a long soak before putting it on the grill. Hot off the grate, the kernels are moist and tender with a wonderful, sweet flavor. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear grilled corn: 196 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
Check out more ways to make corn on the cob.
5/29
Caprese Pasta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
17 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy Caprese pasta salad is always a favorite, especially when summer tomatoes are at their peak. It comes together quickly, but if you can make it ahead of time, the flavors seem to get better after it’s chilled for a few hours. —Debby Harden, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 203 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
We love pasta salads as a side for hamburgers. Branch out with even more pasta salad recipes.
6/29
Contest-Winning Grilled Mushrooms
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilled mushrooms always taste good, but this easy recipe makes them taste even more fantastic. As the mother of two children, I love to cook entire meals on the grill. It’s fun spending time outdoors with the kids. —Melanie Knoll, Marshalltown, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 77 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Grilled veggies make great sides for hamburgers. Before you fire up the grill to make these mushrooms and some cheeseburgers, refresh your memory on how to use a charcoal grill.
7/29
Three-Pepper Coleslaw
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are never any leftovers when I make this dish for a picnic, barbecue or any social gathering. —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 34 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
Found your sides already? Find the best hamburger recipe for you in our recipe collection.
8/29
Ranch-Style Beans
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We serve these ranch-style beans at all of our barbecues. It seems most people who live here like spicy flavorful food, and this fits the bill just right. —Wilma Ruth James, Ranger, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 226 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 345mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 10g fiber), 14g protein.
Editor’s Tip: If you’re hosting a party and it’s time to plan the menu. You could order a party sub or serve these amazing slider recipes!
9/29
Dilled Potato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What’s a picnic without potato salad? This recipe will add delightful new flavor to yours. The spices make the difference. —Cam Cox, Hemet, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 182 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
10/29
Air-Fryer Potato Chips
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Potato chips are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 148 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
11/29
Cherry Tomato Pasta with Avocado Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Heart-healthy avocado makes this pasta dish feel indulgent without being overly rich. The flavorful sauce is so luscious, you’ll think there is cream hiding in there. It’s guilt-free and dairy-free, but with a texture and consistency that’s similar to traditional cream-based sauces. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 314 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
12/29
Herbed Steak Fries
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Seasoned to perfection, these herbed steak fries from our Test Kitchen make a quick and tasty side dish for casual suppers. A great way to dress up frozen fries in a hurry!
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
You can’t beat steak fries and hamburgers. Check out these burger toppings for an even better combination.
13/29
Southwest Corn Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first saw this Southwest corn salad recipe in the Omaha paper a few years ago. It’s ideal for family get-togethers of all kinds. Hearty enough to serve during winter, this salad always brings back memories of summer picnics! —Joanna Lonnecker, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 323 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein.
Looking for something homey? Whip up this cheeseburger meat loaf for dinner tonight.
14/29
15/29
Grilled Vegetable Platter
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is the best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 144 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
Discover more recipes like this perfect for 4th of July side dishes.
16/29
Radish Cucumber Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I put this cucumber radish salad together with vegetables I had left in my garden. My family liked it so well, I started bringing it to community suppers and was often asked for the recipe. It’s a refreshing side dish for any meat entree. —Mildred Sherrer, Bay City , Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 77 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
17/29
Old Bay Crispy Kale Chips
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here in East Hampton, NY, harvesttime means big bunches of kale from local growers. These crunchy kale chips are delicious, super healthy and easy to make. I make them with seasoning to take the flavor up a notch. For extra zip, add a dash of cayenne pepper. —Luanne Asta, East Hampton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 101 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
18/29
Summer Orzo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 291 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
19/29
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 casseroles (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this smoked mac and cheese recipe, and I kept working with the ingredients until I discovered the perfect combination. You can bake it in the oven, too. —Stacey Dull, Gettysburg, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 403 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
20/29
Marinated Cucumbers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These cucumber slices make a cool summer side dish dressed in a light, tangy vinegar and oil mixture seasoned with herbs. The refreshing salad is always a hit when served with cold sandwiches or grilled meat.
-Mary Helen Hinson, Lamberton, North Carolina
-Mary Helen Hinson, Lamberton, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 48 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
21/29
Zucchini Fries
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
22/29
Yummy Corn Chip Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Corn chips give a special crunch and an unexpected flavor to this potluck favorite. Bacon adds a hint of smokiness, while the cranberries bring a touch of sweetness. It’s the perfect picnic companion! —Nora Friesen, Aberdeen, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 436 calories, 30g fat (4g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
23/29
Grilled Asparagus
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender, with a delicious barbecue flavor, this grilled asparagus makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats. Don’t know how to cook asparagus on the grill? Just place the stalks on a double skewer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 43 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 181mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
24/29
Classic Macaroni Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic macaroni salad recipe is a refreshingly light take on an all-time favorite. It’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a festive weekend barbecue. —Dorothy Bayes, Sardis, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 115 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
25/29
Grilled Potatoes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Need a simple sidekick to serve with steaks or chops? Try these grilled potatoes, which are bursting with fresh flavor. I make this recipe for picnics and potlucks. The potatoes turn out tender and well-seasoned. Plus, there’s one less pot to wash! —Jena Coffey, Rock Hill, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 125 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1.500 starch, 0.500 fat.
26/29
Blaukraut
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Blaukraut is an authentic German dish and it’s super simple to make. My mother used to make this blaukraut recipe for my family growing up. Now, it’s become one of our most popular German sides in our restaurant, Bavarian Inn! —Dorothy Zehnder, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
0.5 cup: 189 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 433mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
27/29
Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilling corn in the husks is so easy. There’s no need to remove the silk and tie the husk closed before grilling. Just soak, grill and add your favorite flavored butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn with 2 tablespoons butter: 225 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 265mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
28/29
Summer Squash and Zucchini Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this colorful, tasty zucchini salad years ago for a recipe contest and was delighted when I won honorable mention! The recipe easily doubles and is the perfect dish to take to potlucks or family gatherings. —Paula Wharton, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 101 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
29/29
Salsa Corn
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
All you’ll need for this corn salsa recipe is corn and pico de gallo—a simple and effective solution for last-minute guests. —Danielle Lee, Sewickley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 62 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
Next, try the ultimate Mexican food and cheeseburger mash-up by making these cheeseburger quesadillas.
