Top Low-Carb Keto Sides to Pair Perfectly with BBQ Ribs

Delicious Keto-Friendly Sides to Pair with Ribs

Ribs are a classic summertime BBQ staple. Their finger-licking, melt-in-your-mouth tender meat coated in sweet and savory barbecue sauce is irresistible. However, typical BBQ sides like cornbread, potato salad, and baked beans are often loaded with carbs. Thankfully, with a little creativity there are plenty of delicious low-carb sides that perfectly complement a rack of ribs when you are following a keto diet.

Keto Coleslaw

Crunchy coleslaw is a refreshing counterpart to juicy, rich ribs. To make a keto-friendly version, simply toss shredded cabbage with a tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Adding shredded carrots increases the color, crunch, and nutrients. Customize it by incorporating shredded kale or broccoli slaw into the mix.

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower can transform into a low-carb stand-in for classic mac and cheese. Simply cook and mash cauliflower florets until smooth, then mix in cream, butter, cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan, and seasonings. Top with crispy bacon or pork rinds for extra richness and crunch. The comfort of mac and cheese makes it a perfect match for saucy, fatty ribs.

Green Bean Almondine

For a pop of color, try this simple side. Fresh green beans are quickly sauted in butter or olive oil then topped with sliced almonds for nutty crunch. Add some halved cherry tomatoes or crumbled bacon to mix it up. The lightness of the beans balances the heavy rib platter.

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

A rib dinner needs a hearty, filling carb accompaniment. Turn cauliflower into rice by simply pulsing florets in a food processor until small and rice-like. Then cook the riced cauliflower until tender and mix in cream cheese, cheddar, and seasonings for a creamy, cheesy rice.

Keto Potato Salad

Radishes can stand in for potatoes in this classic BBQ side. Simply cook roughly chopped radishes until fork tender then toss them in a mayo-based dressing with diced pickles, onion, parsley, bacon, and hard boiled eggs. The peppery radish cubes mimic the flavor and texture of potatoes.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar served at room temperature capture the flavors of Italy. The simplicity of this no-cook salad pairs perfectly with saucy ribs without overcomplicating the meal. Just be sure to use low moisture mozzarella and limit balsamic to 1-2 tablespoons per serving.

Broccoli Salad

For a salad with crunch, broccoli florets provide volume and soak up a tangy, creamy mayo-based dressing nicely. Mix in crumbled cooked bacon, red onion, raisins or craisins, and sharp cheddar for a flavor and texture combo that complements ribs. Tossing the broccoli with vinegar helps soften it too.

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Mashed cauliflower can mimic the rich creaminess of mashed potatoes when made right. Cook cauliflower until very soft then mash thoroughly with butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and salt and pepper. For extra richness, stir in cheese like cheddar or crumbled cooked bacon. The smooth texture contrasts ribs in all the right ways.

Collard Greens

Traditional southerns greens get a keto makeover by swapping out ham hocks for smoked turkey legs when cooking down the collard greens. This imparts that smoky, salty flavor. Cook with chicken broth instead of water for more richness. The bitter greens balance the unctuous ribs.

More Keto Vegetable Side Ideas

If you want to keep it simple, you cant go wrong with a basic roasted or grilled vegetable side. Great picks include:

• Asparagus - drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper then grill or roast
• Brussels sprouts - halve and roast with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan
• Zucchini - slice into planks and grill with olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Eggplant - slice into rounds, brush with oil, and grill then top with goat cheese
• Fennel - thinly slice then roast with olive oil and red pepper flakes
• Celery root - peel, slice, toss in oil, and roast until tender

Low-Carb Dips and Sauces

Dips and sauces are ideal pairings for ribs, allowing you to regulate the sweetness and thickness of the rib sauce. Consider making:

Keto Blue Cheese Dip

Combine crumbled blue cheese with mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. The tang plays nicely with BBQ sauce.

Guacamole

Mashed avocado, lime juice, diced onion, tomato, cilantro, and salt is perfect for dipping and cooling down spicy ribs.

Horseradish Sauce

Mix prepared horseradish with mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and herbs. Horseradish cuts through rich rib meat.

Keto Chili Lime Mayo

Stir chili powder, lime juice, cilantro, and cumin into mayo. Use as a sauce or veggie dip.

Labneh Dip

Blend Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon, and garlic then strain to make a thick, spreadable dip akin to cottage cheese. Garnish with mint.

Low-Carb Breads and Rolls

Ribs beg to be handheld, stuffed into buns and rolled up in bread. Make keto-friendly options like:

Portobello Buns

Grill or roast large portobello caps until tender to use in place of buns.

Lettuce Wraps

Use lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or romaine to wrap rib meat and sauces.

Cloud Bread Rolls

Whip egg whites into firm peaks then gently fold in cream cheese and almond flour. Bake into rolls to hold sliced ribs.

Flaxseed Buns

Mix golden flaxmeal with an egg then shape into rounds and bake into crispy buns.

Planning a Keto Ribs and Sides Barbecue

Hosting a keto-friendly BBQ with ribs as the star of the show? Make it easy on yourself by choosing recipes that can be made ahead of time. roasted vegetables, creamy broccoli salad, flavorful coleslaw, and chilled dips can all be prepared a day in advance. Completing most of the cooking the day before leaves you time to simply toss the ribs on the grill.

When planning your sides, aim for a mix of simple grilled veggies, hearty salads, a cool slaw, and at least one creamy, comforting option like cauliflower mash or mac and cheese. Provide an array of sauces and dips to allow guests to customize. Consider their tastes too - include a couple of spicy options as well as choices for those avoiding dairy or eggs.

Allow guests to assemble their own platters by setting up a keto BBQ bar with ribs, sliced low-carb buns or lettuce wraps, and several side bowls. This also makes it easy for guests to determine their sides and portions.

Ribs do tend to be messy, so be sure to have moist towelettes, wet paper towels, or even finger bowls on hand so guests can easily wipe off sauce before diving back into the array of keto-approved sides you provide.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.