Side dishes are the backbone of any memorable meal, and this lineup of 31 proves it. From the simplest flavors to unexpected twists, these dishes aren’t just supporting acts—they’re stealing the show. They’ll have your family arguing over which one takes the crown long before the main course even has a chance to shine. Warning: This could lead to seconds… of the sides.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
This is the kind of side that adds a burst of freshness and texture to any meal. Mediterranean Couscous Salad is light yet satisfying, and the mix of flavors keeps things interesting without overwhelming the main dish. It’s the perfect side to bring some color and variety to the table. Everyone will appreciate the bright, balanced flavors, and it’s a dish that’s sure to please all ages.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Mexican Rice
When it comes to side dishes, Mexican Rice is always a winner. With the perfect balance of seasoning, it adds just the right amount of flavor without taking over the meal. This side pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, from tacos to grilled meats, making it versatile and easy to serve. It’s sure to be a favorite at every meal, with everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
You can’t go wrong with crispy and creamy, and Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes hit that balance perfectly. The outside gets nice and crispy while the inside stays fluffy, making it a side that everyone will want to try. Whether you’re grilling burgers or serving a holiday roast, these potatoes will quickly disappear from the table. Prepare for seconds, because once you try them, you won’t stop eating.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Grilled Vegetables
There’s something special about Grilled Vegetables that makes them a favorite side every time. The smoky grill marks give them an added depth of flavor, while the fresh crunch stays intact. Whether served with steak, chicken, or as part of a vegetarian spread, these veggies hold their own on the plate. They’re a quick favorite that’s always in demand, especially when grilled to perfection.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
If you’re looking for a side that’s a little different, Quick Smoked Tomatoes are just the thing. They bring a rich, smoky flavor that complements many dishes without overshadowing them. These tomatoes are a perfect match for grilled meats or as part of a veggie spread. Before the meal even starts, everyone will be picking their favorites from this smoky treat.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
For a fresh take on a classic, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes offers a zesty combination that pairs beautifully with any meal. The smoky twist on traditional tabouli adds a layer of depth, making it a go-to option for any occasion. It’s light yet flavorful, offering a crisp contrast to heavier dishes. Prepare for a few seconds to be taken, because this side dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Add a little sweetness to your meal with Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze. The grill brings out the natural sugars, while the glaze adds the perfect touch of brightness. It’s the kind of side that works well with grilled meats or even as a unique addition to a salad. Before the meal is over, this pineapple will have everyone reaching for more, leaving just the memories of its sweet, tangy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Prepare to see the plate emptied fast, because these carrots always disappear quicker than you expect. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are a side that’s both simple and satisfying. The sweetness of the carrots, paired with the right seasoning, makes them a favorite at any meal. They work well as a complement to a variety of main dishes, from roasts to barbecues.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Easy Mexican Rice
Once it’s served, you’ll find people coming back for seconds every time. Easy Mexican Rice is the perfect side dish when you want something that’s full of flavor without any fuss. This rice is both light and hearty, with just the right amount of seasoning to make it the ideal match for tacos or grilled meats. It’s a side dish that works for just about any meal, bringing warmth and flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice
Parisian Potatoes
If you want to impress with minimal effort, Parisian Potatoes are the way to go. These little potatoes are elegant, flavorful, and versatile enough to complement almost any main dish. Their creamy texture and perfect size make them ideal for passing around at family dinners. Before you know it, the plate will be empty, and everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Watch as these steaks disappear quickly, leaving nothing but grill marks behind. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are a fantastic way to add a hearty yet light side to your meal. They offer a satisfying texture that’s just right, with a smoky flavor that comes from the grill. Whether you’re serving them alongside a vegetarian dish or as a side to grilled meats, they’re a great addition to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
When it comes to greens, Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta brings a savory twist that turns a simple side into something memorable. The earthy flavor of the greens is balanced by the richness of the pancetta, making it an irresistible option. This dish works well with everything from roasted meats to grilled fish, bringing both flavor and texture to the table. You can count on everyone reaching for a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
A simple dish, but it’s always one of the first things to disappear off the table—everyone loves that smoky, grilled goodness. Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob adds a smoky twist to a classic side. The rich, charred flavor from the grill makes it a standout addition to any barbecue or family meal. With each bite, the sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the smoky char.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Cucumber Salad with Feta
For a cool, refreshing side, Cucumber Salad with Feta is the answer. The crispness of the cucumbers paired with the creamy feta adds a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor. This salad is the perfect contrast to heavier, richer main dishes, giving a light, fresh balance to the meal. It’s an easy-to-make side that’s always a hit, disappearing from the table as quickly as it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Grilled Ratatouille
A little smoky, a little hearty, and full of flavor, Grilled Ratatouille brings a colorful mix of vegetables to the table in a new way. The grill adds a depth of flavor that takes this dish from simple to spectacular. Whether served as a main for vegetarians or alongside grilled meats, it’s sure to be a hit. This dish not only tastes great, but it adds a vibrant touch to your spread, making it a favorite for all.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
If you’re in the mood for something crispy and savory, Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are the answer. These tots are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, with the perfect balance of cheesy and salty goodness. They’re a great snack on their own or as a side to complement your main dish. Get ready for the whole family to argue over who gets the last one.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is a refreshing side that brings together the best of the season’s fresh vegetables. The combination of textures makes it stand out, and the lightness of the salad complements any heavier main course. This dish is a fantastic way to introduce vibrant, in-season produce to the table. It’s one of those sides that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the stomach.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
If you love comfort food, Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits will have you coming back for more. These bite-sized biscuits are the perfect balance of soft, cheesy, and flaky, making them an ideal side for any meal. They go great with anything from soup to a big roast, and they’ll quickly become a crowd favorite. Don’t be surprised when these biscuits disappear as fast as you can bake them.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
When you want to take Brussels sprouts to the next level, Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds are the way to go. The nutty richness of the brown butter pairs perfectly with the crispy sprouts, while the almonds add an extra layer of texture. This side is a perfect balance of savory and crispy, offering something new for even those who might not normally reach for Brussels sprouts. It’s an easy favorite that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Whether served at a family dinner or as a side for a barbecue, it’s a side that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Smoked Mac & Cheese adds a whole new level of flavor to a classic comfort food. The smoky notes blend beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce, making this side unforgettable. It’s the kind of dish that has everyone returning for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta
For a side that combines savory and earthy flavors, Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta is the perfect choice. The bitterness of the greens is balanced by the richness of the pancetta, creating a satisfying combination. This side works well with any main dish, adding a depth of flavor to your meal. It’s an easy yet impressive option that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With a smooth, creamy texture and just the right amount of crisp on top, it’s easy to see why this side is so loved. This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and pairs well with any protein. Once it’s on the table, you’ll find everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds).
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
If you’re looking for a side that’s a bit more refined, Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill fits the bill. The fresh, citrusy flavor of the lemon perfectly complements the mild, earthy taste of the cauliflower. This dish adds brightness to any meal, making it an excellent side to rich or savory mains. Once everyone tries it, they’ll be surprised at how quickly it becomes a favorite on the table.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Ukrainian Potatoes
Whether for a casual dinner or a family holiday, these potatoes are sure to become a go-to. Ukrainian Potatoes offer a hearty, flavorful option that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. This side brings a satisfying texture and flavor that pairs well with just about anything. The potatoes are seasoned and cooked to perfection, creating a comforting dish that everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Turkey Fried Rice
Before you know it, everyone will be asking for the recipe—this one won’t last long on the table. Turkey Fried Rice is a great way to use up leftovers and turn them into a flavorful side dish. The rice is cooked perfectly, with bits of turkey adding a savory touch. It’s an easy, quick option that pairs wonderfully with a variety of proteins.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
For a lighter, seafood-infused side, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp brings a burst of flavor to any meal. The tender shrimp and fresh ingredients make this salad a refreshing option. It’s the perfect balance of light and hearty, offering a delicious complement to grilled or roasted meats. Once served, this dish will become a favorite that everyone reaches for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Creamed Corn
Creamed Corn is a classic side that brings a sweet and creamy texture to your meal. The rich, smooth consistency makes it the perfect complement to heartier dishes. Whether served at a holiday dinner or a casual family meal, this dish always hits the mark. It’s one of those sides that disappears fast, with everyone coming back for more of that sweet, creamy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Smoked Cauliflower
Smoked Cauliflower is a surprisingly flavorful side that’s full of smoky goodness. The smokiness enhances the natural flavors of the cauliflower, making it a perfect match for grilled meats or as a standalone dish. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional roasted vegetables, offering something a bit different with a unique twist. Once you serve it, everyone will be reaching for more, enjoying its smoky richness.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Classic Mac and Cheese
You can’t go wrong with a bowl of Classic Mac and Cheese on the table. This rich and creamy dish is the ultimate comfort food that pairs well with just about anything. Whether as a side or on its own, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. This is the kind of dish that has everyone going back for seconds, filling up their plates again and again.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Grilled Asparagus
For a simple yet flavorful side, Grilled Asparagus is always a winner. The char from the grill adds a rich, smoky flavor, making it the perfect complement to almost any meal. It’s a light, healthy side that brings both texture and flavor without overpowering the main dish. You’ll quickly find everyone reaching for the last stalk, as it’s just that good.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Fasolakia Lathera – Greek Green Beans
Looking for a side that stands out without being complicated? Fasolakia Lathera is a flavorful, simple dish that pairs well with just about anything. It’s an easy way to bring something fresh to the table, and it holds its own beside any main course. Whether you’re having a casual dinner or a holiday meal, this dish will quickly become a favorite for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera – Greek Green Beans