Serve a Santa Maria Tri-Tip alongside Baked Sweet Potato Fries, Creamy Green Beans And Mushrooms, Avocado and Beet Salad, Peach and Cheese Salad, and Mac N' Cheese.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
They might always tell you that fries are bad for you, but hold up.
For a lighter option, try Mac N' Cheese. Mac N' Cheese
Mac N' Cheese needs no introduction.
Are you a fan of barbecued meat? If so, then you are going to love the Santa Maria Tri-Tip.
This type of barbecue is special because the meat is cut in a triangular shape and grilled over an open fire until medium-rare.
The meat is usually cut from the sirloin part, and this was first prepared like this in the Santa Maria market in California.
The meat is usually cooked over red oak wood and is seasoned well.
This dish is also known as Santa Maria steak as well- after the place where it became popular.
If you want to alter a few things with your barbecue styles, give this classic Santa Maria Tri-Tip a try.
7 Traditional Sides for Santa Maria Tri-Tip
1 - Baked Sweet Potato Fries
They might always tell you that fries are bad for you, but hold up.
How about we go about this a different way?
Sweet potatoes are known for being healthier than regular potatoes.
They make for excellent roasts and salads.
You can make your sweet potato fries just the same as you would make fries out of regular potatoes.
The only difference is that you will be baking them instead of frying.
Paired with the classic Santa Maria Tri-Tip, this combination is sure to make you drool.
If roasted potatoes appeal, consider other baked spuds as well - baked potato side dish suggestions for variety expands potato-based options.
2 - Creamy Green Beans And Mushrooms
If your main dish is a type of meat, then you can go for vegetable options for side dishes with that said.
This creamy green beans and mushrooms recipe is sure to win hearts at your meal table.
It is wholesome, nutritious, and creamy- the perfect side to your steak.
This cream-rich dish is a nice addition to any meal and has all the goodness of both beans and mushrooms.
For another creamy, comforting vegetable pairing try polenta-based sides - creamy polenta side ideas for steaks complements hearty meats well.
3 - Avocado and Beet Salad
Salads are, without a doubt, the best kind of side dish with any meal.
Also, any kind of salad goes well with steaks.
This avocado and beet salad is one of the healthiest salads out there.
For this recipe, roast the beetroot beforehand with olive oil and seasonings.
Then peel the beet off and add in the cut-up avocados.
Choose a dressing that goes well with the avocados and beetroot.
A good dressing is the key to a good salad.
If a bright, grain-based salad is preferred, try orzo salads for similar freshness - orzo salad side recipes for fresh pairings pairs nicely with grilled beef.
4 - Peach and Cheese Salad
Another type of salad, this one is quite easy to make, and the combination of sweet and sour.
There are many different kinds of peach and cheese salads that you can choose to make.
The difference comes from the types of cheese being used and what other ingredients you add to it.
Ensure you use the freshest peaches and cheese to get the best out of all the ingredients.
This will be a nice addition to your Santa Maria steak, especially with the refreshing flavors of the peaches.
For more ways to use peaches alongside savory dishes, see peach-based condiments and sides - peach salsa side pairings for grilled meat offers fruity complements.
5 - Mac N' Cheese
Mac N' Cheese needs no introduction.
Almost everyone had had their fair share of days when macaroni was their favorite food.
It is most popular among kids and teens.
Ask anyone what their comfort food is, and most of them would reply with Mac n' cheese.
This American favorite pairs well with any meat dish.
You can also add generous amounts of cheese if you are not lactose intolerant.
If leaning into cheesy, comforting mains, explore pairings that work with chili-mac style dishes - chili mac side suggestions for hearty meals fits the bill.
6 - Pasta Al Forno
Pasta Al Forno literally refers to baked pasta.
In Italian, the word forno refers to fire.
This is quite similar to Lasagna, but relatively quiet simpler too.
It is also quite lighter than Lasagna and uses meat sauce as a topping and generous amounts of cheese.
The process of making it is pretty simple as well.
Even if it takes a while longer to cook than other side dishes, this can be the perfect companion to your Santa Maria Tri-Tip.
The added sausage in this dish is also a charm for your palate.
For lighter, Mediterranean-style pasta salads alongside rich baked pasta, consider Greek pasta salads - Greek pasta salad side ideas for balance refresh the plate.
7 - Fried Shishito Peppers
Shishito Peppers originate from Japan and are generally sweeter than the usual peppers.
These cute peppers are perfect for frying, and their fresh earthy smell is a charm for your palate.
To make this dish, you do not need to assemble too many ingredients.
All you need to do is heat oil in a skillet and add the Shishito Peppers and toss them around until they are done.
The sweet and peppery flavors make a great side to your Santa Maria steak.
The only challenging task might be to get your hands on these beautiful Shishito peppers.
Serve these with your steak to up the flavors and make the meal more exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Baked Sweet Potato Fries They might always tell you that fries are bad for you, but hold up. This creamy green beans and mushrooms recipe is sure to win hearts at your meal table.
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
Grain dishes and roasted vegetables are the best candidates. This side dish holds well in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Store the components separately and combine just before serving to keep textures intact.
Not always. A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.
Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.
Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.
Smoked preparations pair well with many of these sides - smoked tri-tip side pairings for barbecue menus shows matching options. For a brunch-style twist, compare cocktail variations with Bloody Mary vs Bloody Maria differences explained.