Dinner isn’t complete without the supporting cast, and these 31 side dishes are ready to show off. From vibrant colors to crave-worthy textures, they add more to your meal than just, well, “sides.” Think of them as the witty one-liners to your blockbuster meal, turning even the simplest dinner into a feature presentation. Warning: they may upstage the main course and cause some delicious drama.
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy outside, tender inside, Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a side dish made to impress. Their charred edges and fluffy centers make them impossible to resist. Whether served alongside a hearty main or enjoyed solo, they bring the perfect combination of crunch and comfort. These potatoes are proof that texture can transform any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Turkey Fried Rice
With its hearty texture and satisfying flavor, Turkey Fried Rice adds variety to your table. It’s a meal-saver when you need a quick yet filling side to round things out. Every bite offers a delightful combination of chewiness and crunch. Pair it with your favorite dishes for a side that feels like its own little meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
These Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits bring a buttery richness and crisp texture to your table. They’re small enough to nibble yet flavorful enough to stand out. Perfect for pairing with any dish, they provide that extra flair that turns a meal into something special. These biscuits may be “mini,” but their flavor brings a big impact. Serve them warm for a side that no one will leave untouched.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Smoked Cauliflower
Add smoky richness to your meals with Smoked Cauliflower, a dish that offers bold flavor in every bite. The natural texture and subtle smokiness make it a satisfying addition to any plate. It’s versatile enough to pair with everything, yet distinctive enough to shine on its own. Who knew cauliflower could be this captivating and irresistible?
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Creamy and comforting, Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole takes mashed potatoes to another level. It’s the dish that makes you wonder why all potatoes don’t come with a casserole option. Rich and indulgent, it’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or savoring on a quiet evening. No one can resist the magic of potatoes baked to perfection.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Grilled Asparagus
Simple yet bold, Grilled Asparagus is a side dish that packs a smoky punch. The grilling process enhances its natural flavor while adding a touch of charred goodness. It’s a quick, healthy addition to any meal, offering both flavor and elegance. Sometimes, simplicity is all you need to make a dish unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Light yet hearty, Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a refreshing and satisfying side. It balances crisp textures with a hint of savory richness, perfect for any main course. The Mediterranean flavors pop, adding excitement to any meal. This salad is versatile enough to be served cold or at room temperature, making it an easy go-to for various occasions.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
When you want something more than basic corn, Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob is the answer. The smoky flavor and charred edges elevate this simple vegetable into something special. It’s the kind of side dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts or as a surprising addition to any meal. The smokiness creates a flavor profile that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Bright, hearty, and flavorful, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish. The combination of textures and Mediterranean flair makes it stand out. Whether as a main or a side, it balances lightness and richness beautifully. Perfect for bringing a touch of sophistication to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Mexican Rice
Vibrant and full of flavor, Mexican Rice brings boldness to your plate. Its texture strikes the perfect balance between fluffy and hearty, making it a staple at any table. A go-to side dish, it’s versatile enough for tacos, grilled meats, or even eaten on its own. This rice proves that simplicity can be downright delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Combining two classic favorites, Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad offers a mix of charred flavors and creamy satisfaction. This dish balances earthy and fresh elements in every bite. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or a simple dinner at home, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The grilled touch takes this salad to a whole new level.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Nutty, buttery, and downright flavorful, Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds will have even sprout skeptics coming back for seconds. The rich, toasted notes balance beautifully with the sprouts’ natural flavor. They’re a perfect addition to any meal, offering a mix of crunch and warmth. Who knew Brussels sprouts could be this crave-worthy?
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
For a side that’s fresh and zesty, Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill is an unexpected delight. The sharp lemon and bright dill contrast beautifully with the cauliflower’s mild flavor. This dish is a quick, light option that still has the power to bring boldness to your plate. It’s the kind of side that adds just the right touch of personality to a meal.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
A fun, bold alternative to the usual veggie side. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are a great way to serve cauliflower in a new and exciting way. The grill adds a smokiness that takes the flavor of cauliflower up a notch. The texture is hearty enough to hold its own as a main or be the perfect complement to any protein.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Fresh and vibrant, Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes captures the essence of spring in every bite. It’s a light, crisp dish that still feels hearty enough to complement any meal. The combination of vegetables brings a bright pop of color and flavor to your plate. This salad is a perfect side for a springtime gathering or any meal that needs a refreshing touch.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Classic Mac and Cheese
Comfort food at its finest, Classic Mac and Cheese never goes out of style. Its creamy cheese sauce and soft, tender pasta make it a dish that everyone loves. This classic side can be paired with nearly any main course and still hold its own. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, mac and cheese is always a welcome addition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled Vegetables are the epitome of simplicity and flavor. A bit of char from the grill enhances the vegetables’ natural sweetness, making them an easy yet flavorful side. Whether you throw on zucchini, peppers, or anything in between, they offer endless possibilities. The best part? These veggies pair well with almost anything on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Sweet, tender, and full of flavor, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots make a surprisingly perfect side dish. They provide the right balance of sweet and savory, with a tender texture that melts in your mouth. This dish takes comfort food to the next level, giving your dinner a nostalgic touch. You’ll be tempted to make these carrots a regular addition to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Rich, creamy, and smoky, Smoked Mac & Cheese is the kind of side dish you’ll crave long after the meal is over. The smoky flavor enhances the creamy cheese sauce, making every bite feel indulgent. Perfect for casual dinners or holiday feasts, this dish turns mac and cheese into something extraordinary. It’s a classic with a twist that no one can resist.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Nutty, earthy, and savory, Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta is a side dish that packs a punch. The pancetta adds depth and flavor, making the beet greens feel anything but basic. It’s a great way to use up all those beet greens while introducing something different to the dinner table. This dish proves that greens can be exciting and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Parisian Potatoes
Perfect for a dinner party or a weeknight meal, these potatoes never disappoint. Parisian Potatoes bring elegance and flavor together in one simple side. These potatoes are small, round, and perfectly roasted to a golden finish. The light texture and rich flavor make them the ideal accompaniment to a variety of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Crisp, refreshing, and full of flavor, Cucumber Salad with Feta is a perfect side dish for any season. The crunch of fresh cucumbers pairs beautifully with the creamy, salty feta. This simple salad is light yet satisfying, balancing tangy and fresh flavors in every bite. It’s an easy, no-fuss side that will still impress guests at your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Smoky and tangy, Quick Smoked Tomatoes add a burst of flavor to any dish. These tomatoes bring a rich, smoky flavor that transforms even the simplest meal into something special. Whether you toss them in a salad or serve them alongside your favorite protein, they’re guaranteed to enhance your meal. A quick, easy side with a surprisingly bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Creamed Corn
Whether paired with grilled meats or served as a standalone side, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Creamed Corn brings a comforting, velvety texture to your dinner table. Rich and slightly sweet, this dish is the perfect side for any meal that needs a touch of indulgence. It’s the kind of side that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)
This dish gives you all the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal, with a Mediterranean twist. Fasolakia Lathera are a flavorful, simple side dish that brings the taste of Greece right to your table. The beans are tender, with a savory depth that pairs beautifully with any meal. It’s a great way to enjoy green beans in a new, flavorful way.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)
Ukrainian Potatoes
Whether you’re serving them alongside a roast or as a stand-alone side, their flavor will make an impact. Ukrainian Potatoes offer a hearty, comforting side with a flavorful twist. These potatoes are perfect for those who love a simple yet satisfying dish. This dish proves that potatoes don’t need to be complicated to taste incredible.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious, Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze turns pineapple into a showstopper. The grill gives it a smoky depth, while the lime glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and tartness. It’s the perfect side to bring some tropical flair to your meal. You might just find yourself craving this fruity side every time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Fresh, light, and packed with flavor, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes offers a refreshing twist on a classic. The smoked tomatoes add a rich depth to the dish, balancing the crispness of the herbs. This salad works great as a side to grilled meats or a standalone snack. It’s a perfect side for those looking for something light, but still packed with character.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Ratatouille
This dish combines great flavors with a satisfying texture that never disappoints. Grilled Ratatouille takes a medley of vegetables and elevates them with a smoky char. The grilling process brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies, making each bite a flavor-packed experience. It’s a fantastic side for any meal, especially for those looking to add some Mediterranean flair.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor, Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are an irresistible side dish. The cheddar and bacon topping adds a savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft, pillowy tots. Ideal for a casual dinner or a fun snack, they’re sure to steal the show. No one can resist the combination of cheese and bacon on a perfectly crispy potato.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
German Yellow Beans
A great way to add some variety and a pop of color to your table. German Yellow Beans bring a simple yet satisfying crunch to your plate. Their mild flavor and tender texture make them a great side for just about any meal. This dish keeps things fresh and straightforward, providing balance without overshadowing the main course.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans