Tri-tip originated in California and became popular in the 1950s when a butcher discovered this flavorful cut of beef in Santa Maria.
Known for its tenderness and rich flavor, tri-tip is typically grilled or roasted, making it a favorite at barbecues. Its unique, triangular shape and juicy texture make it stand out among other cuts of beef.
While tri-tip is delicious, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal even more.
From creamy mashed potatoes to fresh salads, the perfect side dishes complement the smoky, savory flavors of tri-tip, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
This guide will explore 25 amazing sides that go perfectly with tri-tip, making your meal unforgettable.
25 Delicious Sides to Serve with Tri-Tip
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes add creaminess to balance the bold flavors of tri-tip. The potatoes’ smooth texture complements the juicy, tender meat, while the garlic enhances the savory notes.
Flavor Profile: Creamy, buttery, with a subtle garlic flavor
Ingredients: Potatoes, garlic, butter, cream or milk, salt, pepper
2. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables bring a sweet, caramelized flavor that contrasts beautifully with tri-tip’s rich, savory taste. The variety in texture and flavor adds complexity to the meal.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, slightly charred, earthy
Ingredients: Carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme
3. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a light, healthy side dish that adds a smoky, slightly charred flavor to tri-tip. This enhances its grilled notes without overwhelming its taste.
Flavor Profile: Earthy, slightly smoky, with a crisp bite
Ingredients: Asparagus, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper
4. Coleslaw
The crunch and tanginess of coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the tender, flavorful tri-tip, cutting through the richness and adding a nice texture balance.
Flavor Profile: Tangy, slightly sweet, crunchy
Ingredients: Cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper
5. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob adds a naturally sweet flavor and a satisfying crunch to tri-tip dishes. The buttery corn perfectly complements the rich, grilled tri-tip.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, buttery, juicy
Ingredients: Corn, butter, salt, pepper
6. Baked Beans
Baked beans offer a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, savory notes of tri-tip, making it a hearty and filling side dish.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, smoky, rich
Ingredients: Beans, brown sugar, molasses, bacon, tomato sauce, onion
7. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a creamy, tangy side that balances tri-tip’s bold, savory flavors. Its cool, smooth texture contrasts nicely with the warm, juicy meat.
Flavor Profile: Creamy, tangy, slightly sweet
Ingredients: Potatoes, mayonnaise, hard-boiled eggs, celery, onion, salt, pepper
8. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese are comforting, cheesy sides that pair perfectly with the smokiness of a tri-tip. The creamy sauce complements the meat, creating a satisfying flavor combination.
Flavor Profile: Creamy, cheesy, rich
Ingredients: Macaroni, cheese (cheddar, mozzarella), butter, milk, flour, salt, pepper
9. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad brings a refreshing, crisp element to the meal. Its tangy dressing and crunchy croutons complement the tender, grilled tri-tip.
Flavor Profile: Tangy, crisp, savory
Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, parmesan, croutons, lemon juice
10. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries provide a sweet and crispy contrast to the savory tri-tip. Their caramelized edges and soft centers offer a satisfying pairing.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, crispy, slightly caramelized
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika
11. Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze add a caramelized, slightly tangy flavor that complements the smoky richness of tri-tip.
Flavor Profile: Caramelized, tangy, slightly bitter
Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper
12. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread’s buttery and crispy texture pairs well with tri-tip, soaking up the flavorful meat juices while adding a satisfying crunch.
Flavor Profile: Buttery, garlicky, crispy
Ingredients: Bread, garlic, butter, parsley, salt
13. Grilled Mushrooms
Grilled mushrooms add an earthy, smoky flavor to the plate, enhancing the richness of tri-tip with their deep, savory taste.
Flavor Profile: Earthy, smoky, savory
Ingredients: Mushrooms, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper
14. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach provides a rich, velvety texture that complements the juicy and smoky flavor of tri-tip, offering a creamy contrast to the meal.
Flavor Profile: Creamy, savory, rich
Ingredients: Spinach, cream, butter, garlic, parmesan, salt, pepper
15. Quinoa Salad
A quinoa salad with vegetables and herbs adds a light and fresh contrast to the richness of tri-tip, balancing the dish with its nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Flavor Profile: Light, nutty, fresh
Ingredients: Quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, lemon juice, olive oil, herbs (parsley, mint)
16. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a simple, fluffy side that absorbs the juices from the tri-tip, adding a mild and complementary flavor to the meal.
Flavor Profile: Fluffy, mildly savory, aromatic
Ingredients: Rice, onions, garlic, chicken broth, butter, salt, pepper
17. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is light and refreshing. Its crisp texture and tangy flavor contrast with the hearty tri-tip.
Flavor Profile: Refreshing, tangy, crisp
Ingredients: Cucumbers, vinegar, dill, red onion, sugar, salt
18. Buttered Green Beans
Buttered green beans offer a simple, fresh side that complements the rich tri-tip with their bright flavor and crisp texture.
Flavor Profile: Fresh, buttery, crisp
Ingredients: Green beans, butter, salt, pepper
19. Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri adds a fresh, zesty kick to tri-tip, enhancing the meat’s flavors with its bright herbs and vinegar.
Flavor Profile: Fresh, tangy, herby
Ingredients: Parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, chili flakes, salt
20. Grilled Peppers and Onions
Grilled peppers and onions bring sweetness and a smoky flavor to the meal, complementing the savory tri-tip perfectly.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, smoky, savory
Ingredients: Bell peppers, onions, olive oil, salt, pepper
21. Caprese Salad
With its fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, Caprese salad adds a light and refreshing element to the meal, balancing the richness of tri-tip.
Flavor Profile: Fresh, tangy, creamy
Ingredients: Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt
22. Roasted Garlic Cauliflower
Roasted garlic cauliflower is a low-carb side that brings a crispy, savory bite to the meal, complementing the tri-tip’s juicy tenderness.
Flavor Profile: Savory, garlicky, crispy
Ingredients: Cauliflower, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper
23. Risotto
Creamy risotto pairs well with tri-tip, as its rich texture and subtle flavors allow the grilled meat to shine.
Flavor Profile: Creamy, buttery, mildly savory
Ingredients: Arborio rice, chicken broth, parmesan, butter, onions, garlic, white wine
24. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad, with its tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables, is a cool, refreshing side that balances tri-tip’s warm, rich flavors.
Flavor Profile: Tangy, crunchy, refreshing
Ingredients: Pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, vinegar, olive oil, herbs
25. Herbed Couscous
Herbed couscous is a light, fluffy side that absorbs the tri-tip’s juices, providing a mildly savory and fresh contrast to the meat.
Flavor Profile: Light, herby, mildly savory
Ingredients: Couscous, olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper
Summing Up
With so many delicious sides, you can create a meal that complements the rich flavors of tri-tip.
Fun fact: tri-tip was once considered a low-value cut and was often ground into hamburger meat until its true potential as a flavorful roast was discovered in California! Now, it’s a beloved favorite in barbecue culture.
Whether you prefer something creamy like mashed potatoes, light and fresh like a quinoa salad, or indulgent like mac and cheese, there’s a perfect side for every palate.
From roasted vegetables to tangy coleslaw, each option brings something unique to the table.
The key is to balance the smoky, savory tri-tip with sides that enhance the overall experience.
