The mistake with what to serve with tri tip is doubling up on rich sides, because this cut is already big and beefy, so a plate of potatoes plus mac and cheese just ends up heavy. The pairings that actually make tri tip shine are one hearty side and one bright, fresh one to cut through it.
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This is not a generic list of every side on the internet. Every one below is a recipe I actually make, pulled from both of my blogs and sorted so you can grab one hearty side, one veggie, and one fresh salad for a complete plate.
The other thing I have learned serving tri tip for both weeknight dinners and backyard cookouts: lean into make-ahead sides. A potato salad or slaw you built earlier frees you up to focus on the one thing that actually needs watching, the beef.
Quick answer: The best sides for tri tip are roasted or mashed potatoes, grilled corn, roasted asparagus, and a fresh salad. Pick one hearty side and one bright, fresh side to balance the rich beef.
My go-to tri tip sides
When I make tri tip, I almost always build the plate the same way: one potato, one green or veggie, and one fresh salad to cut the richness. That combination never fails, and it works whether I am feeding just my family or a whole backyard of people. My personal favorite pairing is roasted potatoes with a big corn salad, because the sweet corn against the savory beef is so good.
Tri tip recipes to try
Need the main event too? Here is how to cook the roast itself, so you have the whole dinner in one place.
- Air fryer tri tip, a juicy, medium rare roast with a browned crust in about 25 minutes, no grill required.
- Instant Pot tri tip, a tender, one-pot version cooked with vegetables over on Berry&Maple.
Classic vegetable sides
Buttery vegetables and sweet corn are classic partners for grilled or roasted tri tip.
- Garlic butter sauteed green beans, crisp-tender green beans in a simple garlicky butter.
- Easy creamed corn, rich, cheesy, stovetop creamed corn.
- Maple roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized sprouts with a touch of maple.
- Corn on the cob, juicy corn with almost no cleanup.
- Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, peppers, carrots, and mushrooms
Classic potato sides for tri tip
You can never go wrong with potatoes next to a beefy cut like tri tip.
- Rosemary garlic fingerling potatoes, crispy little roasted potatoes with herbs.
- Potato egg salad, a creamy, picnic-style salad with sweet corn mixed in.
- Classic mashed potatoes or buttery oven-roasted baby potatoes
- Avocado potato salad, a fresh twist on potato salad with avocado and celery.
- Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes, creamy and a little sweet to balance the savory beef.
- Air fryer sweet potato fries, crispy fries that are a fun change from regular potatoes.
- Easy Irish colcannon, cozy mashed potatoes folded with cabbage or greens.
Fresh salads
A bright, crunchy salad is the perfect contrast to a rich cut of beef.
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- Avocado corn salad, a fresh corn and avocado salad that doubles as a light side.
- A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette
- A tangy coleslaw for crunch
- A simple tomato and cucumber salad
Easy add-ons and sauces
Round out the plate with a few simple extras.
- Warm crusty bread or garlic bread to catch the juices
- A spoonful of chimichurri or salsa over the sliced tri tip
- Baked beans for a cookout-style spread
- Buttery dinner rolls
Tips for pairing sides with tri tip
Balance rich with fresh. Pair one hearty side, like potatoes, with one bright side, like a salad, so the plate does not feel heavy.
Match the cooking method. If the tri tip is on the grill, lean into grilled corn and vegetables so everything cooks together.
Make sides ahead. Potato salad, corn salad, and slaw can all be made earlier in the day, so you only have to focus on the beef at dinner.
Do not forget a sauce. A spoonful of chimichurri or a squeeze of lemon brightens the whole plate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best side dish for tri tip?
Roasted or mashed potatoes are the classic choice, but a fresh corn or green salad is the perfect bright side to balance the rich beef. Serving one of each covers all the bases.
What vegetables go well with tri tip?
Corn, asparagus, green beans, zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms all pair beautifully, especially roasted or grilled alongside the beef.
What should I serve with tri tip for a crowd?
Make-ahead sides like potato salad, corn salad, coleslaw, and baked beans are perfect for feeding a group, since you can prep them before the tri tip hits the grill.
What is a healthy side for tri tip?
A simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or a fresh corn and avocado salad keeps the meal lighter while still feeling satisfying.
Should sides for tri tip be hot or cold?
A mix is best. Warm potatoes or corn plus a cool, crisp salad gives you variety in both temperature and texture on the plate.
Hope this helps you figure out exactly what to serve with tri tip for your next dinner. If you try one of these sides, leave a comment below and let me know your favorite pairing!
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