Sometimes, the sides are the best part of the meal. If you haven’t found a favorite to go with your grilled chicken, burgers, or brats, don’t worry. These 25 easy recipes are done really fast (because who has time for complicated?), and they taste great with just about anything. A few of them are so good, you might catch yourself eating them before the main dish is even ready.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Baked Kale Chips
Add some crunch to your plate with these crispy baked kale chips. Fresh kale leaves get tossed with a little oil and seasoning, then baked until they’re light and crispy with just the right amount of salt. These make a smart, easy side dish that balances out rich grilled meats without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
This Italian-inspired baked ratatouille is a colorful and flavorful vegetable dish that is perfect for a summer meal. Made with yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Lemon Kale Salad
Add a crunchy, healthy side to your grilled meal with baked kale chips. Fresh kale leaves are carefully seasoned and baked until they’re crisp and light, offering a satisfying texture without the guilt. This nutrient-packed snack not only complements grilled meats but also brings a fresh, flavorful balance to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Bok choy is such a fun vegetable, but it is definitely underused. It’s absolutely delicious when you toss it on the grill for just a few minutes after mixing it with an easy Asian marinade. It pairs well with anything from burgers to chicken and more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Hearts of Palm Salad
This crisp and refreshing hearts of palm salad is an ideal side for any grilled meal. With its combination of tender hearts of palm, juicy tomatoes, and cool cucumbers, every bite is a burst of fresh flavors. Tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing, this salad adds a bright, zesty touch to your table, making it a perfect complement to grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
These cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Made with thinly sliced potatoes, a creamy white sauce, and plenty of cheese, these potatoes are sure to please everyone at your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad
Switch up your salad game with a goat cheese and dried cherry salad that’s packed with flavor. The creamy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart dried cherries, creating a balanced and exciting dish that’s anything but ordinary. It’s a quick, easy side that adds a burst of color and taste to your grilled meal, and be prepared for everyone to ask for the recipe once they’ve tried it.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese and Dried Cherry Salad
Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier alternative that satisfies your cravings. Indulge in their natural sweetness and addictive crunch for a guilt-free snacking experience. Taste the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a go-to comfort food that never fails to satisfy, but sometimes it can feel a little too plain. This grown-up version kicks things up a notch by mixing in juicy tomatoes and crispy bacon, adding both flavor and texture to every bite. The rich, creamy cheese sauce combines perfectly with the savory bacon and tangy tomatoes, making it a standout side that pairs wonderfully with any grilled dish.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Switch things up with a shaved Brussels sprouts salad that pairs perfectly with grilled dishes. Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts offer a fresh, crisp texture that’s both light and flavorful, making it a great alternative to heavier sides. Tossed with a simple dressing and a few added ingredients, this salad surprises the palate with its unique flavor and crunchy bite, giving your meal a refreshing twist.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Vegan Couscous Salad
Couscous is so often forgotten, but it is a great way to incorporate so many flavors. This version has tons of veggies mixed in and is robust enough to be a main course or fits perfectly alongside anything you pull off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Spinach Orzo Salad
This orzo and spinach dish is a refreshing take on a classic side, bringing a perfect balance of flavors and textures to your grilled meal. The tender orzo pasta blends beautifully with fresh spinach, while savory ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan bring it all together for a satisfying bite. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this dish is a quick and flavorful addition that pairs well with anything fresh off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Cucumber Salad
Refresh and hydrate with this cool and crisp cucumber salad, perfect as a side dish on hot summer days when cooking is out of the question. Enjoy the simplicity of fresh cucumbers, herbs, and a tangy dressing that will invigorate your palate.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad
Mashed Potatoes
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with our Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Creamy, velvety-smooth potatoes, seasoned to perfection, prepared in a fraction of the time using the Instant Pot. Get ready to savor this classic side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Ignite your taste buds with this chipotle grilled corn recipe. Sweet and smoky, each tender ear of corn is infused with a chipotle-compound butter and grilled to perfection for a mouthwatering side dish bursting with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Corn on the Cob
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
A Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad brings fresh, vibrant flavors to your meal with its mix of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy red onions. This light and refreshing salad is seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and a simple olive oil dressing, making it the perfect side dish for grilled meats. Packed with vitamins and bursting with flavor, it’s an easy, healthy addition to any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Dive into the indulgent layers of Smoked Brie Potato Gratin, where creamy potatoes and smoky brie cheese create a luscious and comforting dish that is perfect for special occasions or cozy evenings at home. Experience the rich, cheesy goodness with every forkful.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Spanish Rice
Spanish rice is the perfect side to serve alongside any grilled Mexican dish. Made with simple ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices, it adds a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled meats. This dish is easy to prepare at home and tastes even better than the restaurant version, making it an ideal addition to your grilled meals.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice
Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos
Get ready to experience nachos like never before with our Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos. Crispy French fries topped with succulent pulled pork, melted cheese, and an array of delicious toppings make this dish a true crowd-pleaser. This makes for both a fantastic snack for game night and a fun meal with its flavorful and satisfying layers.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos
Veggie Pasta Salad
Savor the taste of summer with this mayo-free pasta salad. This refreshing and light salad combines al dente pasta with fresh veggies like corn and tomatoes, plus tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a satisfying side dish.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pasta Salad
Tomato Quinoa Salad
This fresh and vibrant salad combines the crispness of tomatoes, cucumber, and the nutty texture of quinoa for a nutritious side that pairs perfectly with grilled dishes. It’s a great way to use up the fresh produce from your garden while creating a meal that’s both light and satisfying. You can easily make it ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for busy nights when you want a refreshing side to complement your grilled favorites.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Spinach Caprese Salad
This spinach and caprese salad is the perfect side for grilled dishes, offering a fresh and vibrant mix of flavors. The juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and salty prosciutto come together for a satisfying bite. It’s a light, refreshing choice that pairs wonderfully with any grilled meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Caprese Salad
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This recipe takes Brussels sprouts from boring to crave-worthy. Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky layer of flavor, while the high roasting temperature caramelizes the sprouts for a sweet and slightly nutty taste. It’s a simple side dish that complements any protein and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Savor the wholesome goodness of a harvest quinoa salad, filled with quinoa, butternut squash, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and roasted red peppers. The nutty quinoa pairs perfectly with the sweet squash and cranberries, while the feta adds a tangy creaminess. This colorful salad offers a delicious mix of textures and flavors, making it an ideal side for grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Homemade Smoky Baked Beans
Making homemade baked beans is simpler than you might think, and the taste is far better than anything from a can. With a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness, these beans are sure to become a favorite side dish. Once you try them, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Smoky Baked Beans