Fried green tomatoes have a richness and depth of flavor that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
We’re sure you’ve tried them in forms ranging from southern-style sandwiches to savory main courses, but with so many potential sides out there it can be hard to decide just what to serve alongside those crispy fried slices.
Don’t worry – we’ve put together 14 amazing side dish recipes that are guaranteed to bring out the flavors of your fried green tomatoes without overshadowing their deliciousness!
Keep reading for simple ideas on how best to experience these quintessential Southern comfort food staples.
What to Serve with Fried Green Tomatoes? 14 DELICIOUS Side Dishes
1. Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan and Lemon Vinaigrette
Arugula is a peppery, leafy green that makes for a perfect salad base.
To elevate this dish, add some shaved Parmesan cheese and a lemon vinaigrette.
The combination of the tangy dressing with the salty cheese is delicious.
When it comes to taste, arugula can be quite bitter.
If you’re not a fan of bitter greens, I suggest massaging the leaves with some olive oil before adding them to the salad.
This will help soften them up and make them more palatable.
As for texture, arugula has a nice, tender bite to it.
If you want to really take this salad up a notch, try roasting some cherry tomatoes and adding them in.
The sweetness of the roasted tomatoes pairs perfectly with the bitterness of the arugula and the saltiness of the Parmesan.
2. Caesar Salad with Garlic Parmesan Croutons
A good Caesar salad is all about the balance of flavors and textures.
The lettuce should be crisp, the dressing flavorful but not overpowering, and the croutons should add a nice crunch.
This recipe has all of that, plus the added flavor of garlic Parmesan croutons.
They elevate the dish from a simple salad to something special.
The key to making great-tasting croutons is to use good quality bread.
I like to use sourdough or hearty wheat bread.
Cut the bread into cubes and toss with a little olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Then bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.
For the dressing, I like to use a homemade Caesar dressing made with anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
But you can also use a good quality store-bought Caesar dressing if you prefer.
To assemble the salad, start with a bed of crisp lettuce.
Top with the croutons and dressing, and then finish with shaved Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a simple but classic dish that can be enjoyed any time of year.
The salad is composed of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, which are all layered on top of each other.
The dish is then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
The key to a good Caprese salad is using the freshest ingredients possible.
The tomatoes should be ripe but still firm, and the mozzarella should be soft but not too salty.
The basil leaves should be bright green and free from brown spots.
To elevate this dish, you can try using different types of tomatoes or cheese.
Heirloom tomatoes would be a great addition, as they come in a variety of colors and sizes.
You could also try using buffalo mozzarella, which has a creamier texture than regular mozzarella.
Finally, if you want to add a bit of sweetness to the dish, you could drizzle it with honey instead of balsamic vinegar.
4. Grilled Corn Salad with Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette
There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh, grilled corn salad.
The sweetness of the corn, the zing of the lime cilantro vinaigrette, and the crunch of the vegetables all come together to create a dish that is truly delicious.
And when it’s made with fresh, in-season ingredients, it’s even better.
But what really makes this dish special is the texture.
The corn kernels are perfectly cooked, and the vegetables are crisp and juicy.
It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Use fresh, in-season corn for the best flavor.
- Grill the corn before adding it to the salad to give it a smoky flavor.
- Add some diced avocado for creaminess and a pop of color.
- Use a good quality lime-cilantro vinaigrette for the best flavor.
5. Kale Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Pomegranate Seeds
This kale salad is a great way to get your greens in a while also enjoying the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and pomegranate seeds.
The dish is also packed with nutrients and antioxidants, making it a healthy option for any meal.
The kale provides a robust, slightly bitter flavor that is tempered by the sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes.
The pomegranate seeds add a lovely pop of color and sweetness, while the feta cheese adds a creamy, salty element.
This dish can be served as a main course or as a side salad.
To elevate this dish, you can roast the sweet potatoes in maple syrup or honey for an even sweeter flavor.
You can also add some chopped nuts for a crunchy element.
This salad is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.
6. Quinoa Salad with Black Beans, Corn, and Avocado
This Quinoa Salad with Black Beans, Corn, and Avocado is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.
The quinoa provides a hearty base, while the black beans and corn add a pop of color and texture.
The avocado ties it all together with its creaminess.
The best part about this dish is that it can be easily tailored to your liking.
If you want a bit more of a crunch, you could add some chopped nuts or seeds.
For an extra boost of flavor, try adding some freshly diced tomatoes or a squeeze of lime juice.
And if you’re looking for a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
7. Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette
This roasted beet salad is the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ or picnic.
The beets are roasted until they are tender and slightly caramelized, then paired with creamy goat cheese and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
The result is a salad that is packed with flavor and texture.
To take this salad to the next level, I recommend roasting the beets ahead of time so that they have a chance to cool before being added to the salad.
This will help them retain their shape and prevent them from turning the salad dressing pink.
If you are short on time, you can also use pre-cooked beets that can be found in most grocery stores.
When it comes to the dressing, feel free to experiment with different flavors.
A citrus vinaigrette would be delicious, or you could even add some fresh herbs like basil or mint.
Whatever you do, make sure to taste the salad before serving so that you can adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar
Looking for a new side dish to add to your repertoire? Try roasted Brussels sprouts.
These little veggies are packed with flavor and can be easily roasted in the oven.
To elevate this dish, we recommend adding balsamic vinegar.
The acidity of the vinegar will help to balance out the flavors of the Brussels sprouts.
When roasting Brussels sprouts, be sure to cut them into even pieces so that they cook evenly.
You’ll also want to make sure that they’re not overcrowded on the baking sheet.
Otherwise, they won’t get crispy and delicious.
Lastly, don’t forget the balsamic vinegar.
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A few tablespoons of this acidic ingredient will take this dish to the next level.
9. Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is one of those classic comfort foods that we all know and love.
And while there’s nothing quite like traditional fried chicken, sometimes you just don’t have the time (or the inclination) to deal with all that frying.
That’s where air fryer fried chicken comes in.
Air fryer fried chicken is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken because it uses less oil and results in a crispy exterior without all the greasy mess.
And best of all, it tastes just as good as regular fried chicken.
The key to getting that perfect taste and texture is to use a marinade or coating that will help the chicken to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Use a marinade or coating: This will help to create a crispy exterior on your chicken without all the grease.
- Season your chicken well: Be sure to season your chicken generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
- Preheat your air fryer: This will help to ensure that your chicken cooks evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Make sure to cook your chicken in batches so that it has plenty of space to crisp up nicely.
10. Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets
When it comes to fast food, Chick-fil-A is one of the most popular options.
And for a good reason – their food is delicious.
One of their most iconic menu items is their chicken nuggets.
These nuggets are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and they’re perfect for dipping in one of Chick-fil-A’s sauces.
If you’re looking to make a copycat version of Chick-fil-A’s nuggets at home, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, you’ll want to make sure that your chicken is properly cooked.
The last thing you want is undercooked chicken.
Second, you’ll want to get the right kind of breading.
A lot of people use regular breadcrumbs, but we think that panko breadcrumbs give the nuggets a nice, crispy texture.
Finally, be sure to season your nuggets well – a little salt and pepper go a long way.
11. Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
Crispy Oven Fried Chicken is a dish that is full of flavor and texture.
The chicken is coated in a crispy breading that is perfectly seasoned.
The chicken is then baked in the oven until it is cooked through.
This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a night with friends.
The taste and texture of Crispy Oven Fried Chicken are what make it so special.
The chicken is juicy and tender on the inside, while the outside is nice and crispy.
The seasoning on the chicken adds an extra layer of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
There are a few tips that can help you elevate this dish.
First, be sure to use quality chicken breasts.
Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings.
Third, cook the chicken until it is golden brown and slightly charred on the outside.
This will give you the best flavor and texture.
12. Old Bay Shrimp
For those who love the taste of Old Bay seasoning, this shrimp dish is a delicious way to enjoy the flavor.
The shrimp are coated in a mixture of Old Bay and flour, then fried until they’re crispy.
Serve them with a side of dipping sauce or alongside your favorite vegetables.
The taste of Old Bay shrimp is savory and slightly spicy.
The texture is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Tips for elevating this dish include using fresh shrimp, adjusting the amount of Old Bay seasoning to your liking, and serving with a dipping sauce or fresh vegetables.
13. Roasted Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
Looking for a delicious and healthy way to cook salmon? Try roasting it with lemon dill sauce.
This simple recipe is full of flavor, and the lemon dill sauce really elevates the dish.
When it comes to taste, this recipe is definitely delicious.
The salmon is cooked to perfection, and the lemon dill sauce is a perfect compliment.
The sauce is also very easy to make, so you don’t have to worry about spending hours in the kitchen.
As far as texture goes, this dish is also incredibly moist and flaky.
The salmon just melts in your mouth, and the sauce is the perfect finishing touch.
If you’re looking for tips on how to elevate this dish, I would recommend serving it with some steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
You could also add some crusty bread on the side to soak up all of the delicious sauce.
Trust me; you won’t be disappointed.
14. Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Flank steak is a great option for grilling because it’s relatively lean and full of flavor.
This particular recipe features a flavorful chimichurri sauce that really elevates the dish.
The acidity from the vinegar in the sauce helps to balance out the richness of the steak, and the herbs add a nice brightness.
As far as flank steak goes, you’ll want to look for one that’s about 1-1/2 inches thick.
Anything thinner than that will cook too quickly and dry out, while anything thicker will be difficult to cook evenly.
If you can’t find a flank steak that’s the right thickness, you can always ask your butcher to cut one for you.
When it comes to cooking the steak, you’ll want to get it nice and brown on both sides before moving it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking through.
This will help to ensure that it’s cooked evenly throughout.
And finally, be sure to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing into it.
This will allow the juices to redistribute and make for a more tender, juicy steak.
Conclusion
Fried green tomatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make Southern side dish.
But what should you serve with them? I’ve rounded up 14 of the best side dishes to serve with fried green tomatoes.
From traditional Southern sides like collard greens and cornbread to lighter options like a simple salad, there’s something for everyone.
So fire up the fryer and get cooking.
What to Serve with Fried Green Tomatoes? 14 DELICIOUS Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan and Lemon Vinaigrette
- 2. Caesar Salad with Garlic Parmesan Croutons
- 3. Caprese Salad
- 4. Grilled Corn Salad with Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette
- 5. Kale Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Pomegranate Seeds
- 6. Quinoa Salad with Black Beans Corn, and Avocado
- 7. Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar
- 9. Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- 10. Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets
- 11. Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
- 12. Old Bay Shrimp
- 13. Roasted Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
- 14. Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!