We have 50 delicious ideas for what to serve with tri tip steak right here! From Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables to Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, these are our top choices.
Lower in fat and super flavorful, tri-tip steak is a cut of beef that is a triangular portion at the bottom of a sirloin.
It can be temperamental, and cutting tri-tip steak properly can mean the difference between tough and chewy or tender.
Although it is considered an economical cut of steak, it does not skimp on flavor.
It is lean and tender when cut and cooked right but still has that buttery goodness from some of the exquisite marbling of fat that makes it the perfect partner for some of your favorite side dishes.
Lovingly called the “Santa Maria Steak,” it first gained popularity in Santa Maria, California.
The area even has its own signature style of cooking the tri-tip steak, which consists of rubbing it with seasonings and grilling it on oakwood chips for that smoky flavor.
(It’s perfect for #42 below!)
But don’t worry, because you can choose to cook it grilled, oven-roasted, and even on an iron skillet on a stovetop – however you like!
(Just don’t overcook it.)
Just thinking about it and the gorgeous side dishes is enough to make your mouth water, so let’s get cooking!
Name a more iconic duo than steak and mashed potatoes.
The beef juice of the steak perfectly pairs with the buttery soft mashed potatoes.
It truly is a classic for a reason.
Ingredients include: Russet potatoes, milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
This sweet number gives a welcome contrast to a savory steak meal.
It has a beautiful texture and vibrant color that makes it an excellent partner for your tender tri-tip.
Ingredients include: Carrots, brown sugar, butter, salt, and honey.
Filling and flavorful, that’s what these pillowy soft dinner rolls are.
The butter and garlic are a perfect carb partner to your tri-tip protein.
They’ll surely leave you stuffed and satisfied.
Ingredients include: Milk, flour, butter, garlic, and eggs.
This beautiful salad is a symphony and flavors and textures that pairs well with your tri-tip steak.
Try adding walnuts if you don’t have almonds on-hand for an equally textured bite.
Ingredients include: Chicken breasts, bowtie pasta, grapes, mayonnaise, and celery.
These sweet potato fries can be baked or air-fried, depending on your preference.
Either way, it pairs well with a skillet-cooked steak with some rosemary butter. (Yum!)
Ingredients include: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika.
This fresh vegetable dish complements the meat of the tri-tip steak.
Roasting the vegetables brings out their sweet natural flavor, and the sumac lends a citrusy, tangy taste that brings together the entire meal.
Ingredients include: Zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and squash.
A primavera pasta in itself is already a filling and fresh meal, but pair it with a roasted tri-tip steak, and the combination just becomes perfect.
Ingredients include: Bowtie pasta, asparagus, broccoli, grape tomatoes, and fresh basil.
If you’re bulking up on protein, this is the perfect side to your steak.
The fresh seafood, herbs, and citrus are just explosions of flavor.
Ingredients include: Scallops, shrimp, calamari, lobster, and pimento-stuffed olives.
This colorful and flavorful mix of Roasted Root Vegetables with the perfect mix of herbs and spices is a filling accompaniment to any steak dish.
Ingredients include: Carrots, sweet potatoes, parsnip, butternut squash, and onion.
This hearty soup is like a warm hug.
Pair it with a perfectly roasted tri-tip steak, and you have a perfect “comfort meal”.
Ingredients include: Yellow or sweet onions, dry sherry, beef stock, rustic crusty bread, and Gruyere cheese.
The natural, earthy flavor of mushrooms is joined beautifully with the savory and creamy garlic sauce.
It complements the buttery and juicy flavors of the steak.
Ingredients include: Mushrooms, beef or chicken stock, heavy cream, fresh thyme, and parmesan cheese.
This salad is seriously a must-try.
The smoky grilled eggplant, the unique pungency of Dijon, and the fresh spinach play really well with each other.
Ingredients include: Eggplant, spinach, sun dried tomatoes, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika.
13. Salsa Verde
Broiled fresh vegetables taste like a relaxing holiday when blended and are perfect when paired with a wood-grilled tri-tip steak.
Ingredients include: Tomatillos, white onion, serrano chili, cilantro, and honey or maple syrup.
Here’s a light mashed vegetable option.
The texture of the mashed cauliflower and the savory garlic works great with any meat option.
Ingredients include: Cauliflower, garlic, milk, fresh chives, and olive oil.
Chimichurri in itself adds a wonderful, bright flavor to any steak or side dish.
But with these potatoes, it’s knocked out of the park.
Ingredients include: Cilantro, parsley, golden potatoes, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
This oil-based pasta combines two beautiful mushroom flavors with baby bellas and truffle oil.
Ingredients include: Angel hair pasta, baby bella or cremini mushrooms, truffle oil, cilantro, and parmesan cheese.
Green beans are always a good idea when it comes to steak side dishes.
This sauteed version is a simple and quick way to prepare them.
Ingredients include: Fresh green beans, olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper.
The milky rich burrata and the fresh, sweet cherry tomatoes and basil brings tri-tip steak to a whole new level!
Ingredients include: Burrata, cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, fresh basil, and olive oil.
19. Chickpea Salad
Love the rich flavor of chickpeas?
This colorful salad is surprisingly light while also filling.
The fresh flavors of cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley make this possible.
Ingredients include: Chickpeas, english cucumber, Roma tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley.
Charred brussel sprouts are so good with steak, especially with the addition of the parmesan and garlic flavors!
Ingredients include: Brussel sprouts, parmesan, garlic powder, olive oil, and salt.
21. Asian Slaw
Purple cabbage and carrots lend a color and crunch to this fresh Asian Slaw.
Puckery apple cider vinegar and nutty sesame oil are also flavorful additions!
Ingredients include: Purple cabbage, carrots, scallions, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil.
Here’s another earthy and buttery combo that harmonizes well with your steak, whether it be roasted or grilled.
Ingredients include: Asparagus, baby bella or cremini mushrooms, butter, salt, and pepper.
23. Pico De Gallo
This fresh, bright Mexican salsa is a tangy addition to any meat dish.
Try it with some tacos and your tri-tip steak!
Ingredients include: Tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, lime, and cumin.
Can’t decide between rice or pasta?
Try orzo with your steak to get the best of both worlds!
Ingredients include: Orzo pasta, chicken or vegetable broth, butter, milk, and spinach.
What’s better than a baked potato?
This twice-baked one seems like a good contender.
Ingredients include: Baking potatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, and scallions.
This creamy vegetable soup is not just hearty, you’re looking at tons of flavor that you may already be familiar with!
Ingredients include: Broccoli, carrots, half and half, cheddar cheese, and butter.
27. Thai Mango Salad
I love Thai food AND I love mango.
Together, these make such an exquisite, delicious pair.
The colors and the crunch are a sensory treat!
Ingredients include: Mango, bell pepper, red onion, peanuts, and sesame seeds.
Grilling lettuce adds a smoky dimension to its flavor.
It goes really well with the nutty white beans, cashew, and briny capers.
Ingredients include: Romaine lettuce, white or butter beans, parsley, cashew, and capers.
There is a reason for potatoes’ popularity as a steak side dish.
This version has a kick of tanginess from the lemon juice and zest.
Ingredients include: Potatoes, lemon juice, vegetable or chicken broth, lemon zest, and garlic.
Arugula and pear are a classic duo in salads.
Candied walnuts add an interesting layer of texture to these staples.
Ingredients include: Rockets or arugula, pear, candied walnuts, balsamic vinegar, and dijon mustard.
Kimchi pairs really well with meat dishes other than Korean barbecue and bulgogi.
Ingredients include: Napa cabbage, dried kelp, medjool dates, Korean radish, and gochugaru.
32. Beet Salad
This bright magenta and lively green salad are just as wonderful to look at as it is to eat!
Ingredients include: Beets, baby spinach, mixed greens, goat cheese, and pomegranate seeds.
Smashed potatoes take away the added task of peeling your potatoes and give them a whole new texture by baking them with their skins.
Ingredients include: Red or golden potatoes, parmesan, garlic or garlic powder, butter, and olive oil.
Contrary to popular belief, couscous is actually a type of pasta and not a grain.
This carb is a light and airy partner to any summer salad.
Ingredients include: Couscous, lemon juice, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and English cucumber.
This is a filling side to your tri-tip steak.
The cilantro and lime keep things bright and zesty, while black beans and rice give it some heft.
Ingredients include: Black beans, Jasmine rice, vegetable or chicken broth, lime juice, and cilantro.
36. Potato Salad
Yukon gold potatoes are the perfect texture for making potato salad, not too starchy and not too waxy.
They also have a butter flavor and light golden color that works well with the other ingredients.
Ingredients include: Yukon gold potatoes, pickles, boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and celery.
Aglio e Olio pasta is one of the quickest dishes to whip up.
Cook some up from ingredients in your pantry for a quick steak side dish.
Ingredients include: Spaghetti, garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and parsley.
38. Lobster Bisque
This Lobster Bisque recipe is proof that a dish can be both decadent and light.
The rich, creamy soup has the freshness of celery and fresh herbs!
Ingredients include: Lobster tail, heavy cream, tomato paste, white wine or sherry, and chicken bouillon powder.
39. Lobster Salad
In keeping with the lobster theme, here’s a refreshing version of the classic Surf and Turf.
This Lobster Salad is bright and zesty and will take your tastebuds on a tropical vacation!
Ingredients include: Lobster, cucumber, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Champagne vinegar.
Cool, refreshing and with a delicious Asian-style flair, Vietnamese Noodle Salad has your favorite restaurant flavors all in one bowl.
Ingredients include: Vermicelli noodles, cucumber, carrots, japaleño peppers, and lime.
This simple salad is perfect to serve with steak especially when you’re expecting guests.
Watch them be in awe with just some simple assembly work!
Ingredients include: Ripe tomatoes, mozzarella ball, fresh rosemary, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
42. Pinquito Beans
You have to try this dish if you want an authentic Santa Maria barbecue experience!
This goes perfectly with Santa Maria style grilled tri-tip steaks.
Ingredients include: Pinquito Beans, ham hock, Anaheim chili, paprika, and dry mustard.
This “Banchan” or side dish can be made in bulk and stocked in the fridge so you can have it anytime you want!
Ingredients include: Cucumber, white vinegar, minced garlic, gochugaru, and sesame oil.
44. Fondant Potatoes
This is an elegant way to cook and serve your favorite root vegetable that’s perfect for a formal steak dinner.
Ingredients include: Russet potatoes, butter, garlic, fresh thyme, and fresh rosemary.
Roasting vegetables is a quick way to serve flavorful and nutritious sides.
The spices and herbs are sure to make your home smell amazing while it cooks!
Ingredients include: Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, olive oil, and shredded parmesan.
This version of a Caprese salad requires more chopping than assembly, nevertheless, the cucumber gives the salad an elevated bright crunch.
Ingredients include: Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, red onion, and balsamic vinegar.
The garlic aioli that comes with this air fryer artichoke is a good dip not only for the vegetable but also for the tri-tip steak.
Ingredients include: Artichoke, olive oil, garlic, mayonnaise, and lemon.
This oil-based pasta has all the delicious flavors of seafood, garlic, and lemon that is definitely perfect with a skillet-grilled steak and some wine.
Ingredients include: Scallops, shrimp, linguine, Parmigiano Reggiano, and lemon.
Casseroles are usually such a heavy dish to pair with steaks but this cruciferous vegetable casserole has just the right balance of light yet hearty.
Ingredients include: Broccoli, cauliflower, chicken breast, cream cheese, and mozzarella.
You didn’t think we forgot about corn, did you?
This Mexican Street Corn recipe is just the perfect wrap-up for our amazing list!
Ingredients include: Corn, Cotija cheese, Tajin, cilantro, and sour cream.
The bottom line
That’s the round-up of 50 of the most vibrant and tasty morsels to serve with your tri-tip steaks.
These steaks are the perfect cuts of meat to partner this vast array of sumptuous dishes with.
The different ways to cook it have their own unique flavor that can complement any of these sides.
Its buttery texture and juicy bite suit just about any side dish, no matter what country it was inspired by!
From the glazed carrots to the spicy tang of Korean cucumber salad, tri-tip steak balances them all.
Try out any of these amazing sides, or even a combination of two or three of them the next time you have your steaks!
Santa Maria really has something to be proud of with its namesake steak.
Follow our side dish tips for your tri-tips and your meals will surely be a hit!
Now ready your grills, skillets, or ovens and sample this steak and sides today!
50 Best Tri Tip Steak Side Dishes
Here are 50 easy, delicious ideas for What To Serve With Tri Tip Steak, from Glazed Carrots to Spaghetti Aglio e Olio.
Ingredients
- Mashed Potatoes
- Glazed Carrots
- Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
- Alfredo Pasta Primavera
- Seafood Salad
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- French Onion Soup
- Creamy Garlic Mushrooms
- Grilled Eggplant & Spinach Salad
- Salsa Verde
- Garlic Cauliflower Mash
- Chimichurri Roasted Potatoes
- Truffle Oil Pasta With Mushrooms
- Sauteed Green Beans
- Burrata With Tomatoes & Pesto
- Chickpea Salad
- Oven Roasted Parmesan Brussel Sprouts
- Asian Slaw
- Sauteed Asparagus & Mushrooms
- Pico De Gallo
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo
- Twice-Baked Potato
- Cream Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Panera Copycat!)
- Thai Mango Salad
- Grilled Romaine Salad With Herbed White Bean
- Slow Roasted Greek Lemon Potatoes
- Rocket Pear Salad
- Homemade Korean Vegan Kimchi
- Beet Salad
- Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Summer Couscous Salad
- Black Beans & Cilantro Lime Rice
- Potato Salad
- Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
- Lobster Bisque
- Lobster Salad
- Vietnamese Noodle Salad
- Caprese Salad With Balsamic Reduction
- Pinquito Beans
- Korean Cucumber Salad
- Fondant Potatoes
- Oven Roasted Zucchini & Tomatoes
- Cucumber Caprese Salad
- Air Fryer Artichoke With Garlic Aioli Sauce
- Lemon Garlic Pasta With Shrimp & Scallops
- Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole
- Mexican Street Corn
Instructions
- Have a look at our list of What To Serve With Tri Tip Steak.
- Choose the side dish you want to recreate.
- Start cooking your newly found recipe.
- Share your insights on our Facebook Page!