12 Simple Sides to Serve with Burgers

updated Mar 17, 2021

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Credit: Joe Lingeman
Sour Cream and Dill Cucumber Salad

Oh, grilling season how we’ve missed you! As the weather continues warming up, and the days stuck inside become fewer and farther between, it’s time to bring burgers back into the dinner lineup (and of course your weekend cookouts). Then, of course, there’s always the age old question: what should we make for side dishes?

Whether you opt for beef, turkey, chicken, or your favorite veggie variety, burgers cook up fast, and in our opinion they deserve a simple side that’s just as easy and delicious. With precious daylight hours to enjoy, we prefer to stick with sides that will have dinner ready in no time. Here are our 12 favorites.

1 / 12

Corn on the Cob

Partnering your burger with an ear of fresh corn just screams “summer.” Best of all, this summer classic comes together in just a few minutes on the stovetop.

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2 / 12

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Orzo is one of my favorite choices for a quick pasta salad. Not only is it quick-cooking, but it also has a way of feeling kinda fancy. Plus, the leftovers make a great lunch.

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3 / 12

Sesame Ginger Slaw

We like to cut down on the prep time for this slaw by starting with bags of pre-shredded cabbage and carrots from the produce section.

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4 / 12

Sour Cream and Dill Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad is the summertime side that has a knack for pairing well with just about anything you cook for dinner. It’s especially great, however, on burger night.

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5 / 12

The Easiest Pasta Salad

You’ll want to keep this classic in your regular summer side dish lineup. It skips the mayo in favor of a simple dressing made from ingredients that are probably already in your pantry, and tastes like your favorite Italian salad dressing.

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6 / 12

Avocado Salad with Tomatoes and Herbs

If you find yourself making a beeline for the avocado in green salads, it’s high time you make these creamy green cubes the star of the plate.

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7 / 12

The Ultimate Grilled Zucchini Salad

If you’re firing up the grill for burger night, go ahead and throw some zucchini and summer squash on as well. It’s a fun way to get salad on the table and a nice change of pace from your regular bowl of greens.

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8 / 12

Tangy Carrot Slaw

This five-ingredient slaw is a favorite in my household throughout summer and beyond. It’s the quick, flavor-packed side I can toss together in just a few minutes.

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9 / 12

Saucy Chili-Garlic Cucumber Noodles

Slices and half-moons are always great, but getting out your spiralizer gives this simple summer side an instant upgrade.

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10 / 12

The Best Corn on the Cob

If the grill’s already fired up, go ahead and cook the corn on the cob there too. Grilled corn is tender and rewards you with an irresistibly smoky char.

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11 / 12

The Best Classic Potato Salad

Today, let's pare it down to the basics and talk about how to make an easy, classic, all-American potato salad.

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12 / 12

Corn Salad

This fresh corn salad is mixed with juicy tomatoes, sweet basil, and salty feta for a simple, refreshing salad that tastes like summer.

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