When it comes to pairing side dishes with pierogi, you want options that not only complement their flavors but also add variety and excitement to the table. From classic comfort foods to innovative twists, I’ve curated a list of 31 mouthwatering side dishes that will take your pierogi game to the next level.
Whether you’re relying on family recipes or looking to shake things up with new ideas, this diverse collection has something for everyone. Get ready to discover fresh inspiration and elevate your pierogi experience!
Meat Sides for Perogies
Pierogi’s versatility in pairing with various meats is one of its most appealing aspects. The classic combination of these stuffed dumplings with a rich, savory meat dish is undeniable. Whether it’s chicken, bacon, or any other cut of meat, the harmony between the two is unmatched. A perfect match that will leave you wanting more.
Chicken Cabbage Rolls
When it comes to delectable side dishes, chicken cabbage rolls are a standout choice. Not only can they be savored as a satisfying light lunch, but they’re also an excellent option for special occasions when you want to impress your guests. The combination of crunchy rolls and tender dumplings creates a delightful texture contrast that will keep you coming back for more.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Cabbage’s versatility is its most striking characteristic, effortlessly absorbing and reflecting the flavors that surround it. When cooked with crispy bacon, for instance, its natural sweetness mingles with the savory aroma of the pork, resulting in a sumptuous accompaniment to hearty dishes like pierogies. This delectable combination offers an indulgent yet effortless way to savor the humble cabbage as a rich and satisfying side dish.
Bison Meatballs
These hearty bison meatballs make for a satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with perogies. The real showstopper is the rich glaze, boasting a sweet and sticky exterior infused with a subtle smokiness from the BBQ spices. It’s an irresistible combination that elevates these meatballs to new heights.
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Cream Cheese
Indulge in the rich flavors of prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears, where the cream cheese adds a subtle depth to the dish, harmonizing the bold contrast between saltiness and freshness. This elegant combination is perfect for accompanying your perogies without overpowering them, allowing the filling to remain the star of the show.
Strawberry Chicken Salad with Pecans and Feta
Looking to elevate your pierogi game? Consider this sweet and savory strawberry chicken salad as the perfect accompaniment! This delightful dish combines the freshness of seasonal strawberries with the crunch of pecans, the tanginess of feta cheese, and a zesty dressing made with garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice. The result is a harmonious balance of flavors that will take your meal to the next level.
Salads for Perogies
When it comes to savoring a satisfying meal, pierogies can indeed be quite dense and rich. To balance out their indulgent nature, consider serving them alongside a crisp, revitalizing salad featuring earthy notes and an abundance of fresh herbs. This juxtaposition of flavors not only cuts through the heaviness but also adds a delightful layer of complexity to each bite, with the vibrant essence of the salad providing a beautiful counterpoint to the richness of the pierogies.
Spinach Tomato Salad Feta Cheese
Kicking off the salad recipes is one that never fails to impress. This simple yet refreshing meal is equally delightful on its own or elevated as a side dish to take your gatherings to the next level. The combination of crunchy fresh spinach and sweet bursts from the grape tomatoes adds a satisfying texture and flavor profile to this already appealing salad. Not only is it perfect for a light lunch, but it also pairs beautifully with quiche, making it an excellent addition to any brunch or dinner party.
Bulgur Wheat Salad
If you’re seeking a side dish that packs a punch, this bulgur wheat salad is an excellent choice. It’s a staple in my household, making frequent appearances alongside my evening meals. This unassuming recipe boasts a trifecta of benefits: it’s effortlessly simple to prepare, teeming with nutrients, and satisfyingly filling.
Burrata Salad
As we turn to our next recipe, the focus shifts to showcasing the vibrant flavors that define summer’s essence. This refreshing salad serves as the perfect counterbalance to the hearty perogies, allowing you to indulge without feeling overwhelmed. Its crowd-pleasing nature makes it an ideal choice for feeding a large group, and its versatility ensures it pairs seamlessly with a wide range of dishes.
Beet Avocado Feta Salad
Indulge in the harmonious union of earthy sweetness, creamy richness, and tangy zing as beetroot, avocado, and feta come together in a delightful symphony of flavors and sensations. This delectable salad is more than just a side dish – it’s an experience that will leave you craving for more. Serve it alongside grilled chicken for a match made in culinary heaven.
Sauerkraut Salad
Incorporating sauerkraut into a side salad not only complements potato perogies but also provides a refreshing contrast to their rich flavor. The tart and tangy notes of the sauerkraut beautifully balance the heaviness of the dumplings, making it an ideal accompaniment. For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing this salad with grilled salmon, allowing the delicate fish to shine while the sauerkraut adds a pop of flavor.
Lemon Arugula Salad
When it comes to elevating traditional Polish cuisine, this harmonious trifecta of lemon, parmesan cheese, and peppery arugula is a game-changer. The bold flavors of the lemon and earthy notes of the arugula engage in a delightful seesaw effect, tantalizing the taste buds with each bite. As the zesty lemon zest and creamy parmesan cheese meld together, the dish takes on a rich, sophisticated character that’s sure to leave you wanting more.
Cauliflower Cashew and Pea Salad
One of my go-to recipes is this refreshing cauliflower and pea salad, which harmoniously pairs with creamy perogies filled with savory goodness. To elevate the dish, I suggest allowing it to sit for a few hours, giving the flavors ample time to meld together. This simple tweak can make all the difference – I’m confident that your family will devour every last bite.
Vegetable Sides for Pierogi
Satisfy your cravings and serve up a flavorful fusion with these delectable vegetable pierogi accompaniments. Whether you’re catering to vegetarian tastes or indulging in a nutrient-rich feast, each dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will leave your guests asking for more.
Hasselback Carrots
Indulge in the delightful surprise that awaits you when you transform humble carrots into Hasselback wonders. This simple recipe will elevate these robust, slightly sweet vegetables to new heights by mirroring the revered potato preparation method. As each tender morsel resonates with the subtle sweetness born from the roasting process, infused with the rich flavors of brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup, your taste buds will be transported to a culinary paradise.
Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
Indulge in the warm essence of summer with this radiant Mediterranean roasted blend, where the art of roasting elevates the natural flavors of the vegetables to new heights. As the sweetness and earthiness of each ingredient unfold, you’re left with a tender, vibrant salad that’s sure to impress alongside a hearty serving of perogies.
Russian Potato Salad
While many are familiar with traditional potato salads, Russia has its own distinct variation that’s just as flavorful and exciting. Known as ‘Olivier Salad,’ this unique take on the classic is characterized by the addition of pickle and sweet pea flavors, creating a delightful contrast of tastes in each bite. With no two bites alike, this Russian-inspired salad is an excellent choice for adding some excitement to dishes like pierogies or perogies, which can sometimes feel a bit one-dimensional. The mix of savory potato, tangy pickle, and sweet peas creates a harmonious balance that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Cheesy Baked Green Beans
One effective way to get kids excited about eating vegetables is by incorporating their favorite flavors – in this case, cheese! This simple recipe for baked green beans requires minimal clean-up and can be elevated with the addition of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of garlic. By using ingredients that kids love, you can turn vegetable consumption into a positive experience.
Roasted Broccoli
For those seeking an even more straightforward approach, oven-roasted broccoli is an excellent option. Simply combine chopped broccoli with salt and oil, spread it evenly on a roasting pan, and let the oven do its magic. The result will be tender, slightly caramelized florets after just twenty minutes of baking.
Grilled Asparagus
When it comes to effortless side dishes that pack a flavorful punch, this grilled asparagus recipe is an ideal choice. Perfect for feeding large groups or adding a burst of flavor to any dinner, the simplicity of this recipe belies its impressive impact. To bring out the natural sweetness in each spear, simply drench it in oil and salt, then let it roast alongside halved lemons for a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
Sauteed Rapini
The humble sautéed rapini, also known as Italian-style broccoli, is a masterclass in understated elegance. Its leafy texture and delicate flavor profile make it feel like a refreshing salad and a nutritious side dish all at once. This versatile recipe is perfect for pairing with hearty perogies or serving as a satisfying meal prep solution.
Brussel Sprouts
Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but it’s time to give them the recognition they deserve. Air-fried Brussels sprouts are the perfect example of why these nutritious little gems should be loved more than they’re currently appreciated.
What makes this side dish so special is its incredible convenience – requiring just five minutes of your time, from start to finish. Simply preheat your air fryer, add the sprouts, and let the machine do the work for you. The result is perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts with minimal effort required.
Sauteed Mushrooms
When seeking a satisfying side dish sans added meat, these mushrooms are an excellent choice. Their robust flavor profile and hearty texture make for a delightful accompaniment to any meal. What’s more, their ease of preparation means you can have them ready in just five minutes, making them the perfect addition to your dumplings – or any other dish you’re serving.
Creamed Corn
Steer clear of the store-bought creamed corn and instead opt for this remarkably straightforward recipe for homemade creamed corn. By investing a little extra time, you’ll be rewarded with an exceptional condiment that elevates your perogies to new heights. This versatile side dish pairs perfectly with almost any comfort food meal, making it a game-changer in the world of home cooking.
Best Sides for Perogies
When it comes to perogies, the type of side dish can be just as crucial as the filling itself. While we’ve already explored some healthier options, this category focuses on the sides that will truly tantalize your taste buds. From classic pairings to unexpected combinations, these suggestions are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Red Borscht
When it comes to pairing with a traditional Polish dumpling, few options surpass the classic combination of Barszcz Ukrainski, Ukraine-style red borscht, alongside. This rich and flavorful soup is teeming with root vegetables, making it not only a satisfying meal but also an excellent choice for leftovers due to its impressive shelf life. Its bold, aromatic flavors expertly complement the hearty dumpling, creating a match made in culinary heaven.
Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
The harmonious union of Brussels sprouts and bacon is a culinary classic that never goes out of style. This simple yet satisfying side dish seamlessly complements a variety of Polish dishes, including pierogi. Moreover, its preparation is incredibly straightforward – simply toss the sprouts in the oven and let them roast to perfection.
Baked Avocado Fries
If you’re obsessed with fries but want a healthier alternative, look no further than these baked avocado fries. Not only are they a game-changer in terms of nutrition, but they’re also incredibly delicious. The creamy richness of the avocados pairs perfectly with the satisfying crunch from the baking process, creating a flavor profile that’s both bold and refined.
What’s more, these tasty treats pair beautifully with perogies, their smooth texture and mellow flavor providing a delightful contrast to the pillowy pasta. It’s a match made in heaven!
Keto Garlic Bread
This delectable keto garlic bread is incredibly versatile and pairs seamlessly with a variety of dishes, including the aforementioned Polish-inspired dumplings. Serve it as the centerpiece at your next gathering, accompanied by a rich tomato dipping sauce for an unbeatable combination. With this recipe at your disposal, you’ll be well on your way to earning the reputation of having the most sought-after garlic bread in town.
Black Bean and Onion Pilaf
Savoring the flavors of a summer day, our next recipe is a vibrant savory rice pilaf that’s packed with protein and vegetables. This nutritious side dish not only adds color to the plate but also provides much-needed nutrients to keep you going throughout the day. The well-rounded ingredient list makes it an ideal option for both lunch or meal prep, offering a satisfying and filling meal solution.
Caramelized Onions
The sweetness of caramelized onions provides a perfect harmony with perogies. This classic combination is elevated to new heights by the natural smokiness and depth of flavor that these onions bring. Although the process may take some time, the payoff is well worth the effort, resulting in a dish that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.
Roasted Peppers
The simplicity of these Italian red peppers is truly impressive, requiring minimal effort to produce a mouthwatering accompaniment that will perfectly complement the time and energy invested in crafting delectable pierogies.
Instant Pot Quinoa
Enjoy the simplicity and convenience of cooking quinoa to perfection using your Instant Pot, perfect as a base for your favorite dumplings or as a healthy addition to a variety of dishes. This hands-off method ensures tender, well-seasoned quinoa with minimal effort required. By cooking the grain in stock, you’ll infuse it with an extra layer of savory flavor that will elevate your culinary creations.
Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are a beloved classic that can be found on menus around the world, and once you master the simple recipe, you’ll be hooked. These easy-to-make treats aren’t just limited to being a side dish – they’re also perfect for snacking on while cooking, bringing to a potluck or picnic, or serving as a quick pick-me-up. In fact, garlic knots are so versatile that you might find yourself making them again and again. And who knows? You might even find a way to incorporate them into your next batch of perogies!