Looking for the perfect side dish to serve with sandwiches? Look no further! With over 60 tasty options, you’ll never have a boring lunch again.
Introduction – The Importance of a Good Side Dish
I absolutely adore sandwiches and bread generally. I could eat a bread-based meal three times a day and be happy, if not more than a little bloated!
With such a huge range of different fillings, there’s no need to be bored, and whether you are after a quick snack, easy lunch, or more filling option, there’s always a sandwich for the occasion.
But, let’s face it, a sandwich on its own isn’t often enough (unless we’re talking a foot long sub or pizza baguette), and you might need some side dishes if you are looking for a more filling meal.
Of course, the sides that you choose will depend on the meal and occasion, For a light lunch, a salad or some crisps might be enough, but if you’re starving or heading out for a fun picnic, more filling options, or a range of choices might be more fitting.
The right sides for your sandwich will also depend on the sandwich filling, with a BLT you might want something hearty like Fries, a chicken salad is perfect with coleslaw, and for vegan fillings you’ll need something plant based. Whatever your sandwich, the right side dishes can turn it into a satisfying and yummy meal.
Classic Sides
These are the traditional pairings most people think of when they’re deciding what to serve with sandwiches.
Potato Chips (Crisps!)
With so many different flavours and textures available today, there’s a crisp to suit every sandwich filling,
Even better, add a layer of crisps for some fabulous crunch. Simple options like sea salt, salt and vinegar or cheese and onion are the perfect addition to any deli-style or homemade sandwich.
French Fries (chips)
Chips are perfect with a hot sandwich like a panini or toastie. They’re also ideal for sharing. Popping a big bowl of chips on the table when every ones got their own hot sandwich is a great way to enjoy a social lunch.
Skin-on, shoestring, waffle Fries or steak-cut chips are all fabulous sides for a tasty sandwich.
Coleslaw
I love coleslaw, whether it’s creamy or vinaigrette style, I love the flavours and the crunch of the veggies. Coleslaw is perfect as a side for summer picnics or with things like pulled pork sandwiches, offering a complementary flavour and texture for a refreshing option.
Pasta Salad
If you’re good with doubling up on carbs (Andi definitely am) pasta salad makes a fabulous side. It’s ideal for making ahead and keeping in the fridge for lunch or a summer picnic.
Try adding things like pesto, tomato, mozzarella, feta and olives for a simple and delicious side.
Fruit Salad
If you are looking for a refreshing side, or a lighter option at picnics and parties, you can’t beat a fruit salad.
Ideal with plant-based sandwiches or options like chicken and turkey, with plenty of added salad, a fruit salad is a great way to add colour and nutrition to a boring sandwich.
Pickles
For a tangy addition, I love me some pickles! Sliced gherkins also make a delicious addition to your sandwich.
Unique Options
Looking for something a bit more interesting? These side dishes bring new flavours and textures to your sandwich meal.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted med veg like courgette, peppers and red onions make an ideal side for a summer sandwich. Warm, colourful and tasty they add colour and nutrition as well as a warm, comforting element to your lunch.
Weirder perhaps, but I love a side of leftover roast potatoes, carrots and parsnips, warmed up and dipped in mayo.
Quinoa Salad
I’m not a massive quinoa fan. But it certainly adds some protein and makes your lunch more filling, try adding things like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, diced peppers, lemon juice and fresh parsley.
Stuffed Avocado
No.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
I love corn with sandwiches or burgers, it’s the perfect easy side in summer. You can just boil and add a knob of butter, but grilling and adding garlic butter, peri peri sauce ir some chilli is even better.
Caprese Salad
The perfect fresh and simple side for ciabatta rolls or focaccia sandwiches with tasty cheese and fresh herbs.
Sweet Potato Fries
A sweeter and healthier alternative to fried with the same crisp and a lovely colour. Sweet potato fries are gorgeous with burgers, hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches.
Edamame Beans
I absolutely love edamame beans. Simply cooked and tossed in salt and pepper or sesame oil, they are packed full of protein and have a fantastic texture. They’re always on my Wagamama table.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Whether you’re plant-based or just after something lighter, these sides add variety without meat or dairy.
Hummus
I love a layer of hummus on a sandwich with beetroot and cheese. Delicious!
It’s also lovely as a side dish served with carrots, peppers and cucumbers to dip.
Couscous Salad
Couscous is yummy either hot or cold, making it fantastic in lunch boxes and on picnics. I love adding dried fruit.
Marinated Olives
I keep trying to like Olives (usually when I’m in Greece) but I really don’t. However, if you are craving something salty with your sandwich, and you don’t think olives taste of death, go for it.
Veggie Crisps
Veggie crisps add colour and crunch. I’m a big fan of beetroot and parsnip.
Guacamole and Tortilla Chips
I do not like avocados. I love guacamole. Make of that what you will. Add salsa and sour cream dips for variation and try breadsticks instead of chips.
Falafel Balls
I really like dipping falafel in mango chutney. Just me?
Perfect hot or cold, served with other Mediterranean flavours like hummus and tahini.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
A quick tomato and cucumber salad is a tasty and fresh side dish that I love. Add finely sliced Red onion and crumble over some feta for more flavour.
I love a salad like this with a simple sandwich.
More Delicious Side Ideas
A mix of hot and cold, light and filling dishes to round out your sandwich meal.
- Potato wedges
- Cheese straws
- Mini sausage rolls
- Boiled eggs
- Scotch eggs
- Cornbread muffins
- Garlic bread
- Onion rings
- Tomato soup
- Pea and mint soup
- Cucumber sandwiches
- Broccoli salad
- Green beans with lemon
- Baked beans
- Grilled mushrooms
- Sautéed spinach
- Beetroot salad
- Couscous with lemon and parsley
- Cheese cubes and grapes
- Mozzarella sticks
- Nachos
- Breadsticks and dip
- Carrot and celery sticks
- Loaded potato skins
- Spinach and artichoke dip
- Baked courgette fries
- Cabbage slaw
- Rice salad
- Spicy chickpeas
- Macaroni cheese
- Halloumi fries
- Lentil salad
- Radish and apple slaw
- Mashed potatoes
- Dressed mixed salad leaves
- Pita bread and baba ganoush
- Roasted chickpeas
- Cold roast potatoes
- Vegan sausage rolls
- Baked tofu bites
- Avocado and tomato salad
- Mini jacket potatoes
- Cheese and pickle bites
- Herb potato salad
- Courgette fritters
- Spicy rice
- Pasta with pesto
- Cream cheese-stuffed peppers
- Carrot salad with raisins
- Leftover roast veg hash
- Baked falafel
- Herby orzo salad
- Peas with mint and lemon
- Savoury muffins
- Spinach and feta parcels
- Broccoli and cheese bites
- Greek salad
- Baba ganoush with flatbread
- Smashed peas with mint
- Baked aubergine slices
FAQs About What To Serve With Sandwiches
What are the most popular sides to serve with sandwiches?
Chips, fries, coleslaw, and soup are classic favourites. These work well with most sandwich types and are easy to prepare.
What can I serve with a cold sandwich for lunch?
Try pasta salad, crisps, fruit salad, or a small portion of couscous or quinoa salad.
What are good healthy sides for sandwiches?
Hummus with veg sticks, roasted chickpeas, stuffed avocado, or a tomato salad are all great lighter options.
What soup goes best with a sandwich?
Tomato soup is the most traditional, but pea and mint, carrot and coriander, or lentil soup are great too.
What can I serve at a sandwich lunch party?
Offer a mix of cold salads, crisps, dips, fresh fruit, and finger-friendly sides like veggie sticks or mini sausage rolls.
