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35+ Sides To Serve With Sloppy Joes (from a dietitian)

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Are you looking for the PERFECT side dish to serve with sloppy joes? From salads to fries -we've got you covered with 37 of our favourite side dishes to answer the question 'what to serve with sloppy joes?'

35+ side dishes to serve with sloppy joes

Summer is officially here which means so are summertime BBQs, picnics, potlucks and outdoor meals. When I think of a classic summer meal I think of a sloppy joe or a burger with all the toppings and side dishes. This includes salads, salsas and lots of roasted vegetables.

Table of contents

What a Dietitian Serves With Sloppy Joes

If I'm looking for a classic meal that instantly transports me back to my childhood, sloppy joes hit the spot. They are flavourful, so easy to make and the perfect meal to enjoy outside.

As a registered dietitian I love that sloppy joes are the perfect start to a balanced summer dinner.

Protein: Choosing a lean ground meat such as ground turkey, ground chicken, lean ground beef or even a plant based option like these vegan sloppy joes is a great option to help make sloppy joes a little healthier.

Carbohydrates: Thanks to the bun, sloppy joes have an automatic carbohydrate built in to provide you with energy. To increase the fibre content and leave you feeling a little more satisfied I recommend opting for a whole wheat bun.

The only thing they are missing is some fruits or vegetables to add a little more colour and boost the nutrition. This is where the sloppy joe sides come in.

Below I've rounded up over 35 of my favourite side dishes to serve with sloppy joes. Including roasted vegetables, pickled vegetables, salads, coleslaw and even fruit!

sloppy-joe-sides

Salads to Serve with Sloppy Joes

Add a pop of colour to your plate with any of these salad options. From broccoli salad to quinoa salad choose your favourite for the perfect sloppy joe side dish

Honey Mustard Broccoli Crunch Salad
Ready in 30 minutes, you'll be bringing my broccoli crunch salad to every BBQ this summer. It's full of color, flavour and hearty veggies!
Check out this recipe
Close up of broccoli crunch salad.
Copycat Costco Quinoa Salad
Packed with fresh vegetables, quinoa, herbs, and plant powered protein, this copycat Costco quinoa salad is the perfect lunch for a hot summer day!
Check out this recipe
Copycat Costco quinoa salad in a serving bowl.
Arugula Quinoa Salad with Lemon Caesar Vinaigrette
Crunchy chickpeas. Crispy quinoa. Fresh seasonal veggies. This arugula quinoa salad dressed with a lemon caesar vinaigrette is the spring recipe you need!
Check out this recipe
Arugula quinoa salad dressed with lemon caesar vinaigrette
Santa Fe Salad
This Santa Fe salad recipe is an easy, flavour packed salad full of crisp veggies and a creamy dressing- perfect for your summer BBQ needs!
Check out this recipe
healthy mexican street corn salad
Thai Chopped Salad (Meal Prep Friendly)
Packed with colorful veggies and a tangy sesame ginger lime dressing, this Thai chopped salad is the best balanced recipe that's also meal prep friendly!
Check out this recipe
Thai chopped salad in a bowl.
Classic House Salad
A house salad is the perfect fresh way to start your meal. Loaded with crisp vegetables and served with your favorite dressing (balsamic is our go-to salad dressing) having this recipe in your back pocket means you can whip up an easy salad in no time
Check out this recipe
Asian Cabbage Salad
This sweet and tangy Asian Cabbage Salad has ramen, sunflower seeds, and almonds for lots of crunch!
Check out this recipe
Cherry Tomato Salad
Celery gives this easy cherry tomato salad a little crunch while bacon gives it an elusive smokiness. Plenty of herbs bring it all together making it an easy side dish for weeknight sloppy joes or even burgers.
Check out this recipe

Sauces and Salsas for Sloppy Joes

Roasted Corn Salsa
Roasted chili corn salsa is smoky sweet, spicy, and full of flavor. It's perfect as a side dish or topping for all your favorite dishes.
Check out this recipe
Edamame Guacamole (High Protein)
High in protein, healthy fats, and easy to make, my favourite edamame guacamole is going to be your new go-to dip. It goes on EVERYTHING!
Check out this recipe
Edamame guacamole in a bowl with crackers.
Garlic Herb Cottage Cheese Dip
Packed with fresh garlic and herb flavours this easy, no bake cottage cheese dip is the perfect appetizer for any party or occasion. Serve this creamy and delicious high protein dip with fresh vegetables and crackers for the perfect summer snack!
Check out this recipe
Dunking a cucumber into herb and garlic cottage cheese dip.
Easy Homemade Garden Salsa
This easy homemade garden salsa recipe is made with fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime, jalapeno and a touch of salt! Eat it with tortilla chips, as a topping on eggs (or straight out of the bowl with a spoon).
Check out this recipe
homemade fresh salsa

Pasta Salad to Serve with Sloppy Joes

What's a better summer side dish than a pasta salad? All of these options are the perfect way to round out your sloppy joe meal.

Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
A 30 minute meal, perfect for meal prep! This healthy chicken pesto pasta salad is packed with flavour, and nutrients making it the perfect easy lunch, dinner or summer party recipe!
Check out this recipe
Bowl of chicken pesto pasta salad being mixed.
Creamy Vegan Macaroni Salad
Creamy Vegan Macaroni Salad ~ a summertime essential! With a healthier twist, it's mayo-free but still rich, creamy & full of classic flavor.
Check out this recipe
Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish. It’s fully loaded with tender pasta, fresh veggies, chopped salami, olives, and cheese, then tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. It’s always a big hit!
Check out this recipe

Vegetables to Serve with Sloppy Joes

Not a salad fan? Roasted vegetables are the best thing to serve with sloppy joes. Choose from options such as a light and refreshing lemon parmesan zucchini to a colourful Grilled Succotash for the perfect sloppy joe pairing.

Lemon and Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini Sticks
My new favourite zucchini recipe! These Lemon and Parmesan Air Fryer Zucchini sticks are packed with flavour and the perfect summer side dish with any meal.
Check out this recipe
lemon and parmesan air fryer zucchini sticks
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
This air fryer eggplant parmesan is lightly breaded, topped with mozzarella cheese and served with fresh basil and marinara sauce. It's the perfect snack or side dish if you're looking to eat more veggies!
Check out this recipe
air fryer eggplant parmesan
Spicy Garlic Air Fryer Asparagus
The perfect recipe to convert any asparagus hater. All you need is 10 minutes, a bunch of asparagus, a few household spices and an air fryer and you'll have everyone fighting over the the bowl of asparagus at your next family gathering!
Check out this recipe
spicy garlic air fryer asparagus
Grilled Succotash
Get ready for a burst of summer flavor with this mouth-watering grilled succotash recipe! Perfect for backyard barbecues and al fresco dining, this dish features a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, charred to perfection and tossed with savory herbs and spices.
Check out this recipe
Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Parmesean
This Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Parmesan proves that broccoli CAN and SHOULD be the star of your dinner. The cheesy and zesty additions to this side dish means there won’t be a single bite of leftovers.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Green Beans
Round out the meal with these Instant Pot Green Beans. They're nutritious, delicious, and ready in about 15 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Spiced Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower
This air fryer frozen cauliflower has never been tastier, quicker, and more affordable. With an easy garlic aioli, it makes for a yummy veggie side dish or snack!
Check out this recipe
Air fryer frozen cauliflower with garlic aioli sauce.
Cheesy Garlic Frozen Roasted Green Beans
My frozen roasted green beans are the tastiest veggie side to pair with any meal. Super easy, minimal prep, and affordable!
Check out this recipe
Close up for frozen roasted green beans.

The Best Pickled Veggies for your Sloppy Joes

Asian Quick Pickled Cucumbers (5-min)
These easy and delicious Asian Quick Pickled Cucumbers are ready in 5 minutes, and make a great cooling side dish in summer!
Check out this recipe
Easy Mexican Red Pickled Onion
Zesty, tangy, easy and delicious Red Pickled Onions! A simple, and very quick pickle that can elevate any dish!
Check out this recipe
Quick Pickled Red Cabbage
ickled red cabbage has a tangy sweet & sour flavor and a tangy crunch that makes it a perfect side dish for almost any meal.
Check out this recipe

Coleslaw

The perfect topping or side dish for sloppy joes! From classic cabbage coleslaw to apple based options we've got them all here:

Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo!)
This no-Mayo coleslaw is easy to make and super healthy! Serve it on your sandwich or on the side.
Check out this recipe
Crunchy Apple Coleslaw
Discover the delightful crunch and vibrant flavors of this Crunchy Apple Coleslaw Recipe. This refreshing salad combines crisp apples with classic coleslaw ingredients, creating a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will invigorate your palate.
Check out this recipe
Classic Colelsaw
This Classic Coleslaw Recipe is an easy side dish or topping for pulled pork sandwiches! It’s addictively crisp and crunchy with a creamy coleslaw dressing, and includes just 3 ingredients!
Check out this recipe

Fries & Onion Rings

A classic side dish. Classic fries, sweet potato fries, homefries and even onion rings these are an amaaing optiont o serve with sloppy joes!

Air Fryer Carrot Fries
These air fryer carrot fries are good enough to convert any cooked carrot hater. All you need are a few simple ingredients and you have an easy vegan side dish or healthy snack to satisfy that salt craving!
Check out this recipe
air fryer carrot fries
Easy Mustard Roasted Potatoes
Mustard Roasted Potatoes make dinnertime easy with just three simple ingredients (plus salt and pepper). The stone ground mustard packs a super flavor punch and will have you reaching for seconds!
Check out this recipe
Baked French Fries
A Baked French Fries Recipe that is so easy to make! Learn how to make homemade fries that are oven baked, healthy, crispy and delicious.
Check out this recipe
Healthy Onion Rings
These Healthy Onion Rings are baked in the oven with less oil, less fat, and less mess.
Check out this recipe
Buffalo Cheese Fries
Buffalo Fries combines the zesty kick of buffalo chicken wings and the crispy satisfaction of French fries, topped with melted sharp cheddar and tangy blue cheese. It's a match made in fry heaven!
Check out this recipe
Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
My air fryer sweet potato wedges are crispy and garlicky with a hint of savory parm. Ready in 20 minutes, it's the easiest side to any main!
Check out this recipe
Close up of garlic parmesan air fryer sweet potato wedges.

Fruit Sides

Looking for something a little sweeter? These fruit options are great to serve with sloppy joes if you are looking for a refreshing addition!

Easy Fruit Salad
Easy fruit salad recipe! This simple fruit salad is tossed in a sweet citrus dressing for a delicious and easy side dish.
Check out this recipe
Apple Pear Slaw with Caramel Cider Vinaigrette
Dive into this Apple Pear Slaw. This dish is kissed with a caramel cider vinaigrette, elegantly marries the sharpness of caramel, the sweetness of fruits, and a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, creating a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with just about anything​
Check out this recipe

PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make any of these sloppy joe side dishes, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!

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What to Serve with Sloppy Joes

From salads to fries -we've got you covered with 34 of our favourite side dishes to answer the question 'what to serve with sloppy joes?'
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Sides
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