Dinner feeling dull? Spice up the table with 33 side dish solutions that take your regular ingredients to new heights of flavor. Think potatoes, veggies, or grains reimagined as the stars of the show. These sides might have you questioning the point of the entrée. Warning: once you serve these, you’ll become “that person” everyone expects to bring something amazing to potlucks.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
A fun twist on classic corn, Grilled Elote Corn Ribs take an everyday staple and pack it with unexpected flair. The smoky, charred edges balance perfectly with the creamy finish, making it a bold addition to any meal. These ribs are built to steal the spotlight, whether served alongside a backyard BBQ or a casual weeknight dinner. Just be prepared for everyone asking how you made corn so irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Mexican Rice
Simple yet irresistible, Mexican Rice brings vibrant flavor to your table without the fuss. This dish combines fluffy grains with a perfectly balanced seasoning that pairs well with just about anything. It’s the kind of side you’ll find yourself scooping onto your plate twice—maybe three times. Forget boring rice; this one deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
When crispy edges meet fluffy interiors, magic happens—enter Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. These bite-sized wonders are crunchy, golden, and ideal for everything from dinners to snack boards. Their grill-kissed flavor makes them feel like they were made for summer nights. Warning: these might disappear before they even hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Fasolakia Lathera
A Mediterranean staple, Fasolakia Lathera takes vegetables to a whole new level of satisfaction. Its blend of textures and flavors is hearty enough to stand on its own or complement any main dish. Perfect for cozy family meals or larger gatherings, this recipe is a masterclass in simple yet elegant sides. Expect second helpings and happy diners.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
A fresh twist on a classic, Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is a side that’s perfect for any occasion. The smoky asparagus pairs beautifully with tender potatoes, creating a dish that’s light yet satisfying. It’s great for summer cookouts or as a refreshing counterpoint to heavier meals. One bite and it’s clear this isn’t your average salad.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Don’t toss those greens—Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta turns humble leftovers into a savory masterpiece. The salty pancetta complements the earthy greens, creating a side that’s both flavorful and nutritious. It’s a quick way to make a statement with minimal effort. You might start buying beets just for the greens.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Grilled Vegetables
Few things compare to the smoky, charred perfection of Grilled Vegetables. Their natural sweetness is amplified by the grill, creating a side that’s light yet packed with flavor. This dish works beautifully with any main, from hearty proteins to casual cookout classics. Serve these once, and you’ll wonder why every vegetable isn’t grilled.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Parisian Potatoes
Tiny, tender, and loaded with charm, Parisian Potatoes are the perfect addition to any meal. These little gems offer crispy exteriors and fluffy centers that are impossible to resist. Their simplicity makes them versatile for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. Trust us—these potatoes are a crowd-pleaser every time.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Move over, boring cauliflower. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks bring bold flavor and meaty texture to your table. Smoky and slightly charred, these steaks are hearty enough to please even the most skeptical veggie eaters. Serve them up as a side or let them take the spotlight as the main event. Either way, they’re a win.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Simple and packed with flavor, Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a side you’ll find yourself making again and again. Its vibrant mix of textures and flavors makes it versatile enough for casual meals or special occasions. Whether served warm or cold, it always delivers. Bring it to a potluck, and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Your guests will be fighting over the last ear. Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob takes the classic corn on the cob to the next level with a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. The grill adds that irresistible char while preserving the natural sweetness of the corn. Perfect for backyard cookouts, these are just as tasty on their own as they are paired with any dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Light and refreshing, Cucumber Salad with Feta is a perfect balance of crisp, crunchy, and creamy. The feta adds a tangy, salty kick that elevates the simple cucumber, making this salad the perfect side dish for everything from grilled meats to light pasta. It’s a side that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Perfect for hot days when you want something cool and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Smoky and bursting with flavor, Quick Smoked Tomatoes add a new dimension to any meal. These little gems are perfect for topping salads, pasta, or serving as a side. Their balance of smoky richness and natural sweetness is pure magic. You’ll wonder how such a simple addition can make everything taste better.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Ratatouille
If you’re looking for a side that’s both hearty and vibrant, Grilled Ratatouille is a must-try. The mix of perfectly charred vegetables brings out rich, complex flavors, making this dish a standout on any table. It’s a great way to use up those extra garden veggies, and it pairs well with almost anything. This side offers a taste of rustic French cooking with a modern twist.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Fresh and vibrant, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is a standout side that brings something extra to the table. The smoky tomatoes add depth to the classic salad, making it both hearty and refreshing. Perfect for potlucks or weekday meals, this dish always impresses. It’s a simple yet flavorful way to brighten up any spread.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Sweet, tangy, and just a little smoky, Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze is a side that feels like a treat. The glaze adds a rich depth, while the grill brings out the natural sweetness of the pineapple. This side is perfect for summer BBQs or any time you want something a bit different. It’s a fun, unexpected way to enjoy fruit with your meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
You’ll find yourself making these over and over. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. These soft, buttery biscuits are just the right balance of cheese and flakiness, making them impossible to resist. They pair effortlessly with any main course, from roasts to soups, and are the perfect addition to a brunch spread.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta
An easy way to make your vegetables the highlight of the meal. Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta takes those often-overlooked beet greens and turns them into something worth celebrating. The salty pancetta adds a savory depth to the naturally earthy greens, creating a balance that feels both hearty and fresh. This side can easily be made in minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Once you make these, you’ll never want to go back to plain old carrots again. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots bring the sweetness and buttery richness you love, without needing to leave the house. These carrots are tender, slightly caramelized, and finished with a touch of sweetness that makes them hard to resist. They pair wonderfully with any hearty entrée, from roasted meats to fried chicken.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Smoked Cauliflower
A surprising twist on a vegetable classic. Smoked Cauliflower brings a bold, smoky flavor to a vegetable that often gets overlooked. Grilled to perfection, the cauliflower takes on a meaty texture and deep flavor that makes it just as satisfying as any main dish. This side is perfect for BBQs, or when you’re craving something a little different but still familiar.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Whether you’re serving it with a roast or just enjoying it on its own, this casserole will be the star of the meal. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is comfort food at its finest. This dish transforms your regular mashed potatoes into a hearty, baked casserole that’s creamy and full of flavor. It’s the kind of side you can make ahead, which makes it perfect for busy days or holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Whether you’re serving them for game day or as a side to your main meal, these tots are sure to please. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are a fun, indulgent side that’s perfect for anyone who loves crispy, cheesy snacks. These tots are loaded with bacon and cheese, creating a comforting bite that pairs perfectly with just about anything. Be ready for requests for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Easy Mexican Rice
You’ll find yourself making this over and over again. Easy Mexican Rice is your go-to side when you need something flavorful, quick, and versatile. Its light texture and vibrant flavor make it the perfect complement to everything from tacos to grilled meats. The simplicity of this dish doesn’t take away from its bold taste—it’s the kind of side everyone loves to scoop onto their plate.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Bright and fresh, Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes brings the flavors of the season to the table. This salad combines crisp vegetables with creamy potatoes, creating a side that’s satisfying but light. It’s a perfect addition to any meal, especially when you’re craving something fresh but hearty. This dish celebrates the best of spring produce and is great for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
A sophisticated side that’s still easy to make. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds turn an often-misunderstood veggie into a side that’s full of flavor and crunch. The brown butter adds a rich, nutty taste, while the almonds bring an extra texture that makes every bite interesting. This dish is perfect for those who think they don’t like Brussels sprouts—after one taste, they’ll change their minds.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Classic Mac and Cheese
It’s the kind of comfort food that’s perfect for casual dinners and special occasions alike. Classic Mac and Cheese is a side that’s loved by kids and adults alike. Creamy, cheesy, and full of comfort, it’s the dish that’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re making it as a main or serving it as a side, it always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Ukrainian Potatoes
This recipe brings something different to the table, especially if you’re looking to try a new potato dish. Ukrainian Potatoes are a hearty, flavorful side that adds comfort to any meal. The potatoes are prepared in a way that brings out their natural richness, making them a perfect match for roasted meats or grilled veggies. It’s a side that feels like home and is sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Grilled Asparagus
Simple, elegant, and full of flavor, Grilled Asparagus is a side that complements just about anything. The grilling process gives it a smoky depth that makes the natural flavor pop. It’s a great option for light meals or as a side to hearty proteins. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how much it adds to the meal. Grilled asparagus is always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
If you’re looking for a lighter, vibrant side, this is it. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill turns this humble vegetable into a flavorful side that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The bright lemon balances perfectly with the fresh dill, giving the cauliflower an herbaceous, tangy kick. It’s a simple side that’s easy to prepare and pairs well with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Turkey Fried Rice
Serve it alongside almost anything, and it will be a hit. Turkey Fried Rice is the perfect way to repurpose leftovers into something new and exciting. The rice soaks up all the savory flavors, making it a satisfying side or stand-alone dish. It’s quick to make and can be adjusted to fit what you have on hand, making it perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Whether you’re serving it as a light meal or as a side, it’s always a hit. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp brings a fresh, light option to the table with a Mediterranean flair. The shrimp add a touch of elegance, while the orzo gives the salad a satisfying bite. This side is perfect for warmer weather but can be enjoyed year-round.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Creamy Spinach Orzo
A side that will definitely get requested again. Creamy Spinach Orzo is a rich, satisfying side that combines the comfort of creamy pasta with the fresh, earthy flavor of spinach. The orzo gives this dish a nice bite, while the creamy sauce brings it all together into one delicious bowl. Whether served as a side or a light main, this dish is perfect for those who want a little extra indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo
German Yellow Beans
Simple and flavorful, German Yellow Beans are a great side dish that pairs well with both meat and vegetarian meals. The beans are tender and just a bit crisp, with a subtle flavor that’s easy to enjoy. They’re the kind of side that’s perfect for a casual family dinner or a special occasion. This dish proves that sometimes, the simplest sides are the best.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans