13 Tasty Sides to Serve with Burgers

Simple Coleslaw — Credit:
Jason Donnelly

If you've ever wondered what to serve with hamburgers besides fries, we've got you covered. Sure, fries are a classic pairing to beef, turkey, fish, or veggie patties, but who wants to deep fry in the summer? Plus, there are so many delicious, fresh, and crunchy options that are healthier, too—recipes that come together in the same amount of time it takes to grill burgers. From crunchy slaw and pasta salads to full-bodied pickled veggies, we've gathered the best companions for any burger.

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Corn-and-Avocado Salad With Goddess Dressing

A fresh salad of romaine, radishes, and corn with a creamy dressing cuts right through the heft of a burger-centric meal. Bonus: The avocado is in the dressing so you can make this salad ahead and not worry about it browning while you're tending the grill.

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Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Buttermilk

A tangy dill dipping sauce is the perfect foil for these burger-worthy wedges—the sauce can do double-duty as a patty condiment, too.

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Tomato and Avocado Salad

Add color and fresh flavor to your meal with this vibrant salad. You can even slip a few slices in as a burger topping if you like!

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Seasoned Roasted-Corn Salad Cups

Corn is a natural partner for a summer burger, whether on the cob or off. This tasty recipe calls for charring the corn and tossing it with jicama, chiles, cilantro, oil, lime juice, and queso fresco. It's sweet, juicy, and a little bit spicy.

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Melon and Cucumber Salad

If you're looking for something sweet and refreshing to serve on the side of a burger, you've found it in this gorgeous, couldn't-be-easier salad.

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Grilled Potato Slices With Salt and Vinegar

This might be a more healthful take on salt-and-vinegar chips, but we promise that it's just as satisfying.

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Garlic-Ginger Cucumbers

Crisp, refreshing, and with a one-two punch from the garlic and ginger, these lively cucumbers might steal the show.

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Crisp Zucchini-Panko Fries

Mix it up with these vegetable (not the usual potato) fries. These panko-crusted wonders transform the ubiquitous zucchini into an irresistible side.

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Shaved Fennel, Zucchini, and Celery Salad

Try this for a crunchy, fresh, and substantial side to that meaty patty. Shavings of fennel, zucchini, and celery pair well with butter beans and almonds in a white-wine vinegar and olive oil dressing.

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Simple Coleslaw

Crunchy and refreshing, slaw might just be the ultimate summer side for meaty mains like a burger. This tangle of cabbage and carrot is dressed with a balance of tangy mustard, mayonnaise, and sour cream to create the standard slaw.

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Cucumbers With Lemon and Basil

Toss this quick, fresh, and healthy summer side together—it's ideal for noshing alongside a juicy burger. You can make this fast dish up to eight hours in advance of your cookout.

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Pickled Vegetables

Turn gorgeous summer vegetables into a zesty pickle using our quick, easy recipe—you only need to simmer these veggies in a vinegar solution for 10 minutes.

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