Best Sides to Pair with a Classic Reuben Sandwich

The classic Reuben sandwich is a flavorful powerhouse, combining corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread. Choosing the right side dishes enhances this experience by balancing its richness, adding texture, and complementing its bold flavors.

Refreshing Vegetable-Based Sides

Simple Cucumber Salad

A crisp cucumber salad offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty Reuben. Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed with vinegar, dill, and a touch of sugar cleanse the palate and add a light crunch.

This salad’s acidity cuts through the sandwich’s fat, preventing heaviness. Adding red onions or radishes introduces subtle heat and color, making the plate vibrant.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables, such as carrots, beets, or green beans, provide a sharp tang that complements sauerkraut’s sourness. Their crunchy texture amplifies the sandwich’s layers.

Try quick-pickled options with spices like mustard seeds or coriander to deepen flavor complexity. These sides offer a bright, savory counterpoint without overshadowing the Reuben.

Steamed Asparagus with Lemon

Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon juice adds earthiness and freshness. Its mild bitterness balances the richness of corned beef and cheese.

Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or grated Parmesan enhances texture and umami notes. This side is elegant and simple, perfect for elevating the meal.

Potato-Based Companions

Classic German Potato Salad

A warm German potato salad with bacon and vinegar mirrors the Reuben’s tangy profile. The smoky bacon ties into the sandwich’s depth, while the vinegar brightens the palate.

This salad’s softness contrasts with the sandwich’s crunch. Using fingerling potatoes ensures a buttery texture without overpowering the ensemble.

Hand-Cut Fries with Herb Salt

Hand-cut fries seasoned with rosemary, thyme, or garlic salt add a familiar, comforting side. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior provide satisfying mouthfeel.

Pairing fries with a mustard-based aioli or horseradish sauce mirrors the Reuben’s spicy undertones. This pairing keeps the meal casual yet flavorful.

Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

Potato pancakes introduce a crispy, golden element that complements the sandwich’s soft rye bread. Their savory flavor with a hint of onion enhances the overall taste.

Serving latkes with sour cream or applesauce adds an interesting sweet-savory balance. The added texture and taste complexity make this side a standout choice.

Light and Crisp Salad Options

Arugula and Pear Salad

A peppery arugula salad with thinly sliced pears and walnuts adds sophistication. The sweet fruit contrasts the sandwich’s salty, smoky flavors.

Tossing the salad with a lemon-honey vinaigrette enhances brightness while the nuts provide crunch. This side offers a fresh, vibrant counterbalance without heaviness.

Shredded Cabbage Slaw

Shredded cabbage slaw with a light, tangy dressing echoes the sauerkraut’s crunch but stays fresh and bright. Adding carrots and celery seeds introduces complexity.

Choosing a mayonnaise-free dressing keeps the side light and acidic. This slaw refreshes the palate and adds a satisfying crisp texture.

Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Roasted beets paired with creamy goat cheese create an earthy and tangy side. The sandwich’s robust flavors find harmony with the salad’s subtle sweetness.

Sprinkling toasted pistachios or walnuts adds texture, while a balsamic glaze provides acidity. This pairing is colorful, nutritious, and flavor-rich.

Hearty Grain and Legume Sides

Quinoa Pilaf with Herbs

A quinoa pilaf enriched with parsley, mint, and lemon zest brings a nutty, fresh dimension. Its lightness offsets the sandwich’s density.

Incorporating toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds adds crunch and richness. This grain side is gluten-free and nutrient-dense, offering a healthful contrast.

Lentil Salad with Mustard Dressing

A cold lentil salad tossed with a tangy mustard vinaigrette intensifies the meal’s earthiness. Lentils’ firm texture matches well with the sandwich’s softness.

Add diced celery and fresh herbs to brighten the flavor. This side enriches the meal with protein and fiber, making it more filling and balanced.

Barley and Roasted Vegetable Bowl

Barley cooked al dente mixed with roasted root vegetables delivers a chewy, smoky side. The sweetness of roasted carrots and parsnips contrasts the Reuben’s savory notes.

Finishing with fresh thyme or rosemary lifts the dish’s aromatic profile. This hearty grain bowl adds rustic charm and wholesome flavor to the plate.

Classic and Gourmet Chips and Crisps

Homemade Potato Chips

Thinly sliced homemade potato chips offer a crunchy, salty side with a personal touch. Their lightness prevents overwhelming the sandwich’s richness.

Experiment with seasoning blends like smoked paprika, sea salt, or truffle oil to add sophistication. Serving chips warm enhances their crispness and appeal.

Kale Chips with Nutritional Yeast

Kale chips seasoned with nutritional yeast create a crispy, cheesy-flavored snack that’s both healthy and flavorful. Their bitterness contrasts nicely with the sandwich’s sweet and salty layers.

This alternative chip side adds antioxidants and fiber, making the meal more nutritious. It’s a trendy, guilt-free choice that pairs surprisingly well.

Beetroot Crisps

Beetroot crisps bring a vivid color and earthy sweetness to the plate. Their delicate crunch complements the Reuben’s dense textures.

Sprinkling sea salt and cracked black pepper elevates their flavor. These crisps make an eye-catching, nutrient-rich accompaniment.

Soups That Complement Without Overpowering

Classic Tomato Soup

A smooth, slightly acidic tomato soup balances the Reuben’s richness. Its warmth and acidity refresh the palate between bites.

Enhance the soup with fresh basil or a swirl of cream for depth. Pairing a sandwich with soup creates a comforting, satisfying meal.

French Onion Soup

French onion soup, with its caramelized onions and savory broth, echoes the sandwich’s hearty flavors. The melted Gruyère topping adds a cheesy complement to the Swiss in the Reuben.

This soup’s sweetness and umami balance the sandwich’s tanginess. Serving it alongside adds an indulgent, layered dining experience.

Vegetable Broth with Fresh Herbs

A clear vegetable broth infused with fresh herbs offers a light, cleansing element. It prevents the meal from feeling too heavy or greasy.

Including diced vegetables like carrots and celery adds texture without bulk. This minimalist soup side keeps the focus on the sandwich while enhancing enjoyment.

Unique Dipping Sauces and Condiments

Horseradish Cream

Horseradish cream adds a sharp, spicy kick that complements the corned beef’s smokiness. Its creamy texture pairs well with the sandwich’s layers.

Mix horseradish with sour cream, lemon juice, and chives for a balanced dip. This condiment intensifies flavors without overwhelming the palate.

Spicy Mustard Aioli

A spicy mustard aioli merges heat and creaminess to echo the sandwich’s Russian dressing. It adds complexity and a modern twist.

Use Dijon mustard, garlic, and a hint of cayenne blended with mayonnaise. Serve alongside fries or as an extra dip for the sandwich to enhance texture and taste.

Caraway and Dill Pickle Relish

A relish made from finely chopped dill pickles with caraway seeds introduces crunch and aromatic depth. The caraway’s anise-like flavor complements the rye bread.

This tangy relish cuts through the sandwich’s richness and adds freshness. It’s a traditional yet creative way to elevate the Reuben experience.