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sabmarine sandwiches with toppings

35 Healthy Side Dishes for Sandwiches Even Picky Eaters Will Enjoy

sandwiches and side dishes
side dishes for sandwiches such as coleslaw, fries, pickles
sandwiches and side dishes
collage of sandwiches with side dishes including fries, russian salad, and kimchi

There’s no such thing as “boring” when it comes to deli sandwiches. Jazz up any sandwich with these easy & healthy side dishes. These sides, salads, and soups are perfect for a light lunch or a hearty dinner. For your next meal, check out these 25 healthy sides for sandwiches!

Healthy Side Dishes for Sandwiches

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Your sandwiches are looking a little sad and lonely. Don’t give up on them just yet because we’re about to turn this sandwich game around with 35 delicious side dishes that will make your next sandwich-eating experience one for the history books!

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Even the pickiest eaters will find side dish ideas and recipes here they will love. From air fryer potato wedges to the most popular summer vegetable in America—the zucchini—your next lunch break is going to be packed full of flavor and ready to go! So let’s get started.

35 Healthy Side Dishes for Sandwiches

A good side dish can make or break your sandwich, so I've rounded up my favorite healthy and easy-to-make side dishes to serve alongside your sandwiches! Whether you need a side for grilled cheese, paninis, or chicken salad sandwiches...you're covered.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Macaroni Salad is a classic side dish for barbecues, potlucks, and picnics. This version is a mainstay on a Hawaiian plate lunch with macaroni noodles, canned tuna, grated carrots, celery, and green peas.

salad
Photo Credit: www.theroastedroot.net

Kale Blueberry Salad with Vegan Buttermilk Dressing

This crunchy kale and blueberry salad is loaded with color and superfoods. Pair this salad with raspberries, radishes, cabbage, carrots, and vegan buttermilk salad dressing to your favorite sandwich or serve at a picnic or barbecue.

Potato Salad in green bowl

Potato Salad with Mayo

This is my family potato salad recipe with mayo, hard-boiled egg, apple, mustard, and sweet bread and butter pickles. My mother is asked to bring this potato salad all the time because it's a bit different and has a great blend of flavors.

tomato soup in a bowl alongside butter bread

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Whether you are serving a grilled cheese sandwich or a deli submarine, a classic tomato soup pairs well. This classic soup is creamy and enhancing with a pop of basil.

pickles and garlic
Photo Credit: www.creativegreenliving.com

Easy Dill Pickle Recipe from Fresh Cucumbers

Instead of store-bought dill pickles, you can make your own with this easy recipe. These are lacto-fermented pickles that are cured on the countertop for 2-3 days. Once done, they last for 4-5 months.

Broccoli Crunch Salad -

Broccoli Crunch Salad

This raw vegetable salad is full of crunch and protein. Chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers. broccoli and black olives are dressed with a simple vinaigrette with a simple side dish.

salad
Photo Credit: www.acedarspoon.com

Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

This summer orzo pasta salad is one of my favorite side dishes for cold cut sandwiches and pitas with grilled chicken pita.

Broccoli Cran-Apple Salad

Chopped Broccoli Salad

This raw broccoli salad is more of a slaw than a salad with chopped apples, cranberries, and nuts. There's a touch of sweetness and loaded with goodness.

Chilled Strawberry Soup in bowls

Strawberry Soup (Chilled)

This chilled soup is almost a dessert loaded with fresh strawberries. We love to pair it with PB&Js and Nutella sandwiches.

tomato salad
Photo Credit: whatagirleats.com

Tomato Balsamic Mint Salad 

Fresh from the garden and bursting with flavor, this tomato salad is vegan, Whole30 and Paleo compliant.

Russian Salad - Russian Potato Salad

Russian Salad (Potatoes, Beets, Carrots, and Peas)

A potato salad with a twist is what you'll get here. Although named Russian Salad, this hails from Italy with potatoes, beets, and green beans.

side dish
Photo Credit: www.thehealthnutmama.com

Paleo Sauerkraut Salad

Fermented sauerkraut is good for gut health. This paleo salad with bell peppers, onions, carrot, celery, and sauerkrait is ideal served alongside your favorite sandwich. It's also great inside your sandwich.

Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

Whip up this easy poppy seed salad dressing and drizzle over any simple green salad.

jar salad
Photo Credit: foxeslovelemons.com

Marinated White Bean Salad

This marinated white bean salad jar is the perfect on-the-go side dish for lunch. Whether for a lunch to take to work or on a picnic, this jarred salad is convenient and super simple to make.

southern coleslaw recipe

Copycat Rudy's Coleslaw

This tri-color coleslaw is a close copycat of the popular Rudy's BBQ coleslaw. I love to serve it on top of my pulled pork BBQ sandwich with a drizzle of Carolina vinegar BBW sauce.

salad with tomatoes
Photo Credit: www.goodlifeeats.com

Zucchini Tomato Basil Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

This summertime salad highlights the bounty of fresh from the garden zucchini and tomatoes. A tangy lemon basil vinaigrette can be doubled and uses as a condiment on your deli sandieches too.

salad
Photo Credit: www.chocolatemoosey.com

Really Good Freekeh Salad

This hearty whole-grain salad pairs wonderfully with lighter sandwiches and wraps. Pickled onion, goat cheese, and arugula pack a punch to jazz up any lunch.

fries
Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

French fries are a go-to side dish for many people. Opt for a healthy version with these air-fried potato wedges. Check out the seasoning suggestions including smoky paprika ad BBQ seasoning to spice them up.

fries
Photo Credit: thishealthytable.com

Togarashi Fries

Here is another fry recipe to try. These are baked with a Japanese 7 Spice blend is a peppery Japanese spice blend, typically made from a mix of chili peppers, orange peel, sesame seeds, ginger, and nori.

green beans
Photo Credit: jenaroundtheworld.com

Blistered Green Beans

These blistered green beans mixed with the soy sauce combine flavors that will knock your socks off!

grilled pineapple
Photo Credit: dancingthroughtherain.com

Easy Grilled Pineapple Slices

If you are grilling or pressing sandwiches, create these grilled pineapple slices for a sweet treat.

black bean avocado salad
Photo Credit: dancingthroughtherain.com

Black Bean Salad With Avocado

This Black Bean Salad with avocado is an easy side dish for next lunches, dinners or parties!

fruit salsa and chips
Photo Credit: crayonsandcravings.com

Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips

Instead of traditional potato chips with your sammie, serve up this sweet fruit salsa and cinnamon chips.

salad
Photo Credit: flavormosaic.com

Mexican Cabbage Slaw

Serve up this cool, tangy cabbage slaw with a Mexican-spiced apple cider vinaigrette with a fish sandwich or grille chicken sandwich.

salad
Photo Credit: www.shesaved.com

Easy Carrot Raisin Salad Side Dish

Perfect for a casual lunch or picnic, this carrot salad is a healthy side dish. This recipe uses carrot, raisins, Greek yogurt, mayo, honey, cinnamon, and walnuts.

sliced cucumbers
Photo Credit: foodmeanderings.com

Quick Cucumber Kimchi

This simple cucumber side dish is a bit spicier than regular pickles with cayenne and red pepper flakes. If you like heat, you'll love the flavor.

apple salad
Photo Credit: daisiesandpie.co.uk

Apple walnut salad

The sweetness of apples against tangy Cheddar served on greens with walnuts pairs well with many sandwiches.

salad
Photo Credit: mypureplants.com

Quinoa Salad with Berries and Candied Nuts

Summer berries and candied nuts make this salad a crowd pleaser and kid-friendly. This easy side is heathy and loaded with superfoods.

Easy Thai Coconut Soup

Easy Thai Coconut Soup 

This delicious bowl of soup is Whole30, Paleo, Keto, and Vegan. It has a bright flavor that pairs well with a variety of foods for lunch, dinner, and picnics.

tomato salad
Photo Credit: www.ohsweetmercy.com

Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad | THM S, Low Carb

This creamy cucumber salad is a real food version of Miracle Whip for all the flavors you want but made healthier.

pasta salad
Photo Credit: glutenfreeonashoestring.com

Lazy Summer Pasta Dinner

For nights when you want to serve sandwiches and a warm side, try this pasta salad You can prep the vegetables and cheese ahead of time and then cook your pasta just before serving.

salad
Photo Credit: www.rachaelhartleynutrition.com

Summer Kale Salad with Cherries and Crispy Prosciutto Recipe

soup
Photo Credit: girlheartfood.com

Vegetable Alphabet Soup 

Classic comfort food made healthier serves as delicious side dishes. Pair your favorite deli sammie with this easy soup.

salad
Photo Credit: www.urbanblisslife.com

Summer Slaw with Corn, Peaches, Tomatoes

Enjoy the flavors of summer in this Summer Slaw with Corn, Peaches, and Tomatoes. Together these combine in this colorful, crunchy slaw.

salad
Photo Credit: saltandbaker.com

Watermelon Feta Basil Salad

I love sliced watermelon alongside my lunch sandwiches. This salad recipe elevated simple watermelon with feta, fresh herbs, and a simple vinaigrette.

These 35 healthy side dishes for sandwiches will jazz up any grinder, submarine or deli sandwich. There’s a wide variety of salads and soups here that will bring in new flavor without adding too many calories—plus some healthier alternatives to chips and fries! Did you find a new one recipe to try? Let us know what types of sides you like to serve in the comments below.

More Sandwich Ideas to Try

  • Ultimate Pressed Italian Sandwich Recipe
  • Danish Smoked Salmon Sandwiches
  • Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
  • Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

sandwiches and side dishes

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    Written by:
    Nicky Omohundro
    Published on:
    October 20, 2024
    Thoughts:
    28 Comments

    Categories: RecipesTags: side dishes

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    About Nicky Omohundro

    Nicky Omohundro is a travel and active family lifestyle blogger and social media influencer based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She shares stories, destinations, and ideas on food, family, health, and outdoor recreation to help families find their own adventures. Her spirit animal is a caffeinated squirrel fueled by coffee, real food, and the desire to seek new adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. blankAnaya Gould

      November 10, 2021 at 11:21 am

      Just an FYI this article is poorly named. As a picky eater I can tell you I found 1 maybe 2 things on this list I’d eat…. There are some really classic disliked food that are staples in these recipes….

      Reply
      • blankEleanor

        December 21, 2021 at 12:26 pm

        Don’t be such a bitch. Branch out a little. Also, you wear way too much makeup and look ridiculous.

        Reply
    2. blankCindy

      February 13, 2024 at 12:07 pm

      These recipes look delicious! I love Eleanor’s comment! If you can’t say anything nice Anaya, don’t say anything at all! Be respectful of everyone. Be kind.

      Reply
    3. blankMary Hayes

      April 19, 2025 at 1:40 am

      Love the idea of jazzing up sandwiches! Can’t wait to try the kale blueberry salad. Do you think it’d be good with a turkey sandwich?

      Reply
    4. blankhuopp

      April 30, 2025 at 6:10 am

      So many tasty camping breakfast ideas—those orange cinnamon rolls sound amazing!

      Reply
    5. blankBojangles Menu

      November 20, 2025 at 6:46 am

      Love the idea of jazzing up sandwiches! Can’t wait to try the kale blueberry salad. Do you think it’d be good with a turkey sandwich? These breakfast recipes look delicious! I love Eleanor’s comment! Must Try Bojangles Menu. I really love Bojangles biscuits.

      Reply
    6. blankPhillip George

      January 19, 2026 at 10:05 am

      Love the idea of jazzing up sandwiches! Can’t wait to try the kale blueberry salad. Do you think it’d be good with a turkey sandwich? These breakfast recipes look delicious! I love Eleanor’s comment! Must Try Bojangles Menu. I really love Bojangles biscuits.

      Reply
    7. blanktopviewai

      August 29, 2026 at 11:24 am

      I like the idea of pairing sandwiches with healthier sides so lunch doesn’t feel like an afterthought, especially for picky eaters who need more than plain chips. I’d use / to mock up simple lunch visuals or meal-planning ideas alongside these side dish options.

      Reply
    8. blankfunnel runners guide

      September 3, 2026 at 10:10 am

      This list is fantastic! I always struggle to come up with sides that aren’t just chips, and the idea of “jazzing up” a sandwich with something healthy is brilliant. I’m definitely eyeing the air fryer sweet potato fries and the zucchini fritters – seems like a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, especially for the kiddos. It’s amazing how a good side can totally transform a meal, almost like how a well-planned route can make or break a long drive. Speaking of planning, I was just reading through some tips on the funnel-runners.com site about optimizing your preparation for any kind of journey, and it got me thinking about how similar the principles are to getting a meal ready efficiently.

      Reply
    9. blankbigjpgai

      September 5, 2026 at 2:59 pm

      I like the idea of making a sandwich lunch feel less “sad” with healthy sides that picky eaters might actually try, especially crisp veggie options or simple fruit-based sides. If readers are photographing their lunch ideas, Bigjpg AI’s photo upscaler Free Photo Upscaler Online – Enlarge a Photo and Keep the De could help keep those food photos clear.

      Reply
    10. blankemaki

      September 12, 2026 at 8:22 pm

      好き嫌いの多い子どもでも楽しめそうな、サンドイッチに合わせる副菜のアイデアが35種類もまとまっていて、ランチの組み合わせを考えるときに便利ですね。献立の見た目や盛り付けを工夫したいときは、料理・フードのプロンプト例 料理・フード のシーダンス プロンプト例 も参考になりそうです。

      Reply
    11. blankveida

      September 12, 2026 at 9:47 pm

      I like that this list goes beyond the usual chips and includes healthier options that can still appeal to picky eaters. The ideas for pairing sandwiches with colorful vegetables and simple, familiar flavors are especially useful for making lunch feel more complete without starting an argument at the table.

      Reply
    12. blankChoicer Voicer

      September 13, 2026 at 4:18 am

      These side dish ideas are great! I’m always looking for ways to make sandwiches more interesting, and I’ve been trying to incorporate more vegetables. I recently used some of these tips when I was brainstorming for a picnic, and it was a hit. You can even find some helpful tools for voiceovers on Choicer Voicer if you’re planning on sharing recipes online.

      Reply
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      September 13, 2026 at 9:08 am

      I’ve always found my sandwiches a bit bland, but this article on 35 Healthy Side Dishes for Sandwiches Even Picky Eaters Will Enjoy has really brightened my sandwich game! The variety of ideas here is fantastic, especially for those who, like me, enjoy experimenting with different flavors. I’m particularly excited to try some of these sides to add a new twist to my meals. By the way, if you ever need a quick solution for your Rubik’s Cube, the online cube puzzle solver is a fantastic tool to try!

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      September 13, 2026 at 12:24 pm

      This is a clever trick for checking panel quality, especially if you’re buying used gear. I usually rely on a full black screen to spot any stuck pixels before committing. It’s quick, and works fine on my laptop’s display. Definitely worth keeping bookmarked for your next screen test.

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      September 17, 2026 at 2:51 am

      Great breakdown of laptop, cellphone, and tablet options. For anyone into music, a laptop or tablet with a decent mic works well with a singing test to check pitch and vocal range before upgrading gear. I tried one at singing test and it recorded my voice cleanly, which helped me decide what device suited my needs.

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    16. blankdelta xecutor

      September 17, 2026 at 5:33 am

      Great collection of healthy side-dish ideas! I especially like how the article includes a variety of salads, soups, and lighter options to complement different sandwiches. For readers interested in Roblox guides, tutorials, and updates,

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    17. blankDeltawifi

      September 17, 2026 at 5:35 am

      These healthy side-dish ideas are a great way to make a simple sandwich meal more balanced and enjoyable. I also appreciate how reliable internet access helps people easily discover useful recipes, wellness tips, and everyday lifestyle ideas online.

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    18. blankdeltaexecutor

      September 17, 2026 at 5:37 am

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      September 17, 2026 at 5:44 am

      These healthy side dish ideas are perfect for making a simple sandwich meal more colorful and enjoyable. I especially like the variety of salads, vegetables, and other easy options for lunch or a picnic. Clear, practical information makes everyday tasks easier, whether it’s planning meals or understanding important documentation. National Police Clearance provides general guidance about police clearance requirements and procedures for official purposes.

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      September 18, 2026 at 5:24 am

      This sandwich side dish roundup is super practical—I’ve already bookmarked the zucchini tomato basil salad. For gamers juggling builds and raids, the scrap mechanic raid calculator helps keep logistics tight without breaking immersion.

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    23. blankhighvalyriantranslator

      September 18, 2026 at 5:03 pm

      The ideas for veggie chips and fruit skewers are especially useful for making sandwich lunches more appealing to picky eaters. I’m also putting together a themed lunch inspired by fantasy stories, so I bookmarked the High Valyrian Dictionary at High Valyrian Dictionary to help with the menu labels.

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      September 19, 2026 at 12:23 pm

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    25. blankScarlet Skips

      September 19, 2026 at 10:55 pm

      Love how this list turns “sad and lonely” sandwiches into full meals—especially the zucchini tomato basil salad with lemon. For anyone diving deeper into food pairings or meal timing, Scarlet Skips has helpful guides that go beyond recipes.

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      September 20, 2026 at 4:44 am

      This list of healthy sandwich sides is super practical—I’m especially excited to try the zucchini tomato basil salad with lemon. For anyone diving into horror game lore between meals, escape the backrooms is a solid resource for level guides and puzzle help.

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    27. blankCouple

      September 24, 2026 at 5:47 am

      Such a thoughtful roundup—35 side dishes for sandwiches? I’m already planning game nights around these with my favorite sandwich + this cozy couple photo session! My partner and I love trying different sandwich combos, so having options like these sides feels like a total win. couple photos ai

      Reply

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