Tired of side dishes that just take up space on your plate? These 19 sides are so good, they could easily be the star of your meal. Packed with flavor and easy to make, these recipes will turn any dinner into something special. Give them a try and see why these sides are worth the spotlight.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Dinner Roll Knots
Fluffy and buttery, dinner roll knots bring a touch of elegance to any meal. Their soft texture and rich flavor make them perfect alongside hearty soups, stews, or roasted mains. Add these warm, homemade rolls to your table and watch them disappear.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes combine with fresh herbs and a light dressing to create a refreshing side dish. The bold Mediterranean flavors make this salad a vibrant addition to any plate. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a recipe worth saving.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Buttery Crescent Rolls
Golden and flaky, these buttery crescent rolls melt in your mouth with every bite. They pair wonderfully with soups, salads, or roasted mains, adding a comforting touch to any meal. Serve these rolls to make any dinner feel extra special.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Smoky grilled bok choy brings bold, charred flavor to your table with minimal effort. The tender leaves and crispy edges pair perfectly with burgers, chicken, or any favorite main dish. This quick and delicious side is a fun way to mix up your usual vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Baked Kale Chips
Seasoned and baked to crispy perfection, kale chips are a healthy and satisfying side dish. Their light crunch makes them perfect for snacking or adding texture to a meal. This recipe is simple, delicious, and an easy way to enjoy your greens.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are paired with toasted pine nuts and parmesan for a flavorful, satisfying dish. The crispy edges and nutty finish make it a great match for any main course. This side is proof that simple ingredients can deliver a big taste.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a delicious alternative to regular fries. Their natural sweetness and crunchy texture make them a favorite at any table. Try these fries for a side dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Roasted potatoes with tender spinach and garlic create a flavorful and hearty side dish. The crispy edges of the potatoes and the fresh greens balance each other beautifully. This versatile recipe is easy to make and pairs with almost any main course.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Roasted squash, tangy feta, and dried cranberries come together with quinoa for a colorful and hearty salad. The sweet and savory mix of flavors makes this side a standout choice for any meal. Packed with vibrant ingredients, it’s both satisfying and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Soft Pretzels
Homemade soft pretzels have a golden exterior and a chewy, fluffy inside that’s hard to resist. Perfect as a snack or paired with your favorite dips, they bring a fun twist to any meal. Add them to your menu for a side dish everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pretzels
Avocado Tomato Salad
Creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes shine in this fresh, veggie-packed salad. Tossed with a light dressing, it’s a refreshing and flavorful way to round out any meal. This simple side dish is as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Creamy risotto with sweet peas and a hint of lemon create a side dish that feels both rich and fresh. The zesty flavor and velvety texture make it a versatile choice for any main course. Add this recipe to your meal plan for something comforting and elegant.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos
Crispy fries topped with pulled pork, melted cheese, and bold toppings create a fun and flavorful side dish. Each bite offers a perfect mix of textures and rich flavors that make it a crowd favorite. Try this recipe for game nights or casual meals that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos
Cinnamon Apples
Tender apple slices cooked with warm cinnamon create a comforting and sweet side dish. The rich aroma and natural flavors make them a great pairing for breakfast, roasted meats, or desserts. Add this recipe to your table for a dish everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Protein-packed quinoa combines with fresh spinach and parmesan for a flavorful and healthy side dish. The tender texture and bold flavors make it a perfect complement to any main. This recipe is an easy way to add variety to your weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Crockpot Applesauce
Fresh apples slowly cook with warm spices to create a smooth and flavorful applesauce. This comforting side dish is as easy to make as it is delicious and works well with any meal. Try this simple recipe for a sweet addition to your table.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Applesauce
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Soft and golden, buttery dinner rolls bring warmth and comfort to any meal. Their rich flavor and pillowy texture make them a perfect match for soups, stews, or roasted meats. Add them to your dinner table and watch them become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce create a side dish that feels like pure comfort food. Each bite is rich and satisfying, making it a great choice for roasted meats or vegetable mains. Add this recipe to your rotation for a classic everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Corn Casserole
Sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a cheesy cream sauce are topped with a crunchy layer in this satisfying casserole. The creamy filling and rich flavors make it a side dish that stands out. Prepare this easy recipe for a side everyone will want seconds of.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole