A great side dish doesn’t just sit there—it steals the show. These 31 side dishes bring bold flavors, perfect textures, and just the right balance to make any meal better. Some are crispy, some are creamy, and a few might make the main course a little nervous. Whether it’s a classic favorite or a surprising twist, these sides prove that the best part of the plate isn’t always in the center.
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Light, crisp, and just the right amount of refreshing, Cucumber Salad with Feta adds balance to any meal. The mix of textures keeps things interesting, with crunch and creaminess working together. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t overpower but makes everything else taste better. Perfect as a side or even a quick snack, it holds its own in any spread. Some dishes try too hard—this one just does its job well.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Who knew cauliflower could be this good? Grilled Cauliflower Steaks prove that a vegetable can be just as satisfying as anything else on the plate. The grill brings out a deep, smoky flavor while keeping the inside tender. Each slice holds up to bold seasonings, making it anything but plain. It works as a side, but honestly, it could be the whole meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Fluffy, flavorful, and packed with just the right balance of ingredients, Mediterranean Couscous Salad is anything but boring. Every bite has a mix of textures that keeps things interesting. It’s light enough to complement a heavy main dish but bold enough to stand out on its own. Whether it’s part of a big meal or a quick lunch, it never feels like an afterthought. A good side dish should make everything better—this one delivers.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Vegetables
A good char brings out the best in vegetables, and this mix proves it. Grilled Vegetables deliver smoky, caramelized bites that pair well with just about anything. Some pieces are crisp, some are tender, and all of them soak up whatever seasoning they’re given. Whether piled on a plate or tucked into something else, they hold their own. No need to choose a favorite—just grab a fork and see what disappears first.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
These little biscuits don’t last long, and for good reason. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits have layers of buttery, cheesy goodness that make them impossible to ignore. They’re light yet rich, with just the right amount of crunch on the outside and softness inside. Whether eaten alone or dunked into something saucy, they do their job well. Expect them to be the first thing people reach for—and the first thing to run out.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy edges, fluffy centers, and just enough seasoning to make them stand out—Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are all about texture and flavor. They hold up to any dipping sauce, but they don’t need one. The grilling step takes them up a notch, adding a smoky crispness that makes them even better. They’re the kind of side that disappears fast, with everyone reaching for just one more. If a potato can steal the show, this might be the one.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Smoky, cheesy, and packed with flavor, Smoked Mac & Cheese takes comfort food to another level. The smoke adds a depth that makes it richer and more satisfying. Every bite is creamy, with just the right amount of crunch from the top layer. It’s the kind of dish that stands out, even when paired with something bold. If mac and cheese needed an upgrade, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Comfort food at its finest, Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is rich, creamy, and impossible to resist. It takes a simple side and turns it into something special, with layers of texture and flavor. Whether scooped onto a plate or straight from the dish, every bite is satisfying. It’s the kind of side people look forward to, no matter what else is being served. If there’s one thing that never has leftovers, it’s this.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of caramelized, Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze brings a bright contrast to any meal. The grill enhances the natural flavors, making each bite even better. It’s a side that works with both savory and sweet dishes, keeping things interesting. Whether served alongside a hearty main or as a snack on its own, it never feels out of place. A little unexpected, but always a good choice.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Smoked Cauliflower
Forget bland and boring—Smoked Cauliflower brings bold flavor and a texture that holds up to any dish. The smokiness adds depth, making every bite more interesting. It’s not just a background player; it stands out in the best way. Whether paired with something hearty or served solo, it’s the kind of side that makes an impact. If cauliflower had a personality, this one would be the most interesting at the table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Fresh, vibrant, and full of texture, Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes brings variety to the table. The mix of crisp, tender, and creamy makes every bite different. It’s light enough for warmer days but hearty enough to hold its own. This isn’t just a pile of greens—it’s a balanced, well-thought-out dish. A good salad shouldn’t feel like an obligation, and this one never does.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Turkey Fried Rice
Leftovers don’t stand a chance when Turkey Fried Rice is on the menu. Packed with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of crispness, it turns simple ingredients into something special. It’s a great way to bring everything together on one plate. Whether served alongside something else or eaten straight from the pan, it never disappoints. Fried rice isn’t just a side—it’s the part people remember.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Grilled Ratatouille
Smoky, tender, and packed with flavor, Grilled Ratatouille takes a classic dish and gives it a bold twist. The grill adds an extra depth that brings out the best in every ingredient. Each bite is layered with different textures, making it as satisfying as it is flavorful. It pairs well with just about anything or stands strong on its own. This isn’t just a side—it’s the kind of dish that steals the plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Classic Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked, Classic Mac and Cheese is the definition of comfort food done right. Every bite is rich and satisfying, with a texture that keeps it interesting. The top layer adds just the right amount of crunch, while the inside stays smooth. It works as a side, but let’s be honest—it could be the whole meal. No matter what else is on the plate, this one always disappears first.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Tender, sweet, and full of flavor, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots turn a simple vegetable into something special. The seasoning adds just enough to make each bite more interesting without overpowering. They’re the kind of side that balances out a meal, bringing in a bit of sweetness and texture. Whether served alongside a hearty dish or eaten straight from the bowl, they never feel like an afterthought. Carrots don’t always get the spotlight, but they deserve it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Ukrainian Potatoes
Hearty, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, Ukrainian Potatoes bring comfort and texture to any meal. Every bite has just the right mix of crispiness and softness, making them easy to love. They work well as a side but could easily be the main event. Whether paired with something rich or enjoyed on their own, they never disappoint. Potatoes are always a good idea, and this dish proves why.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Nutty, caramelized, and packed with flavor, Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds make a strong case for being the best side on the plate. The brown butter adds a richness that takes them to another level, while the almonds bring just the right amount of crunch. It’s the kind of dish that surprises people in the best way. Whether served alongside something heavy or light, they always hold their own. Brussels sprouts deserve more credit, and this dish gives it to them.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Crisp, smoky, and full of flavor, Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is far from ordinary. The combination of textures makes each bite interesting, while the grilled touch adds an extra layer of depth. It’s hearty without being heavy, making it a perfect balance to any main course. Whether served warm or chilled, it always holds up. A salad that’s more than just an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Earthy, savory, and packed with flavor, Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta proves that greens don’t have to be boring. The pancetta adds just the right amount of richness, balancing out the fresh bite of the greens. It’s a side that feels simple but delivers a lot more than expected. Perfect as an addition to a larger meal or eaten straight from the pan. A little underrated, but definitely worth making.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Mexican Rice
Bold, fluffy, and packed with just the right balance of flavors, Mexican Rice is anything but plain. Every grain is coated with seasoning, making sure there’s no bland bite. It pairs well with just about anything, soaking up whatever flavors it’s served with. Whether it’s a side to a big meal or eaten straight from the pot, it never disappoints. Rice should never be boring, and this one makes sure of that.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Asparagus
Simple, smoky, and full of flavor, Grilled Asparagus is proof that a few good ingredients can go a long way. The grill brings out its natural sweetness while keeping a bit of crispness. It works well as a side to just about anything, adding a fresh contrast to richer dishes. Whether served with a squeeze of something bright or eaten straight from the grill, it always delivers. Some sides are complicated—this one gets right to the point.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Parisian Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor, Parisian Potatoes take the simple potato and make it something special. Every bite has just the right amount of seasoning, with a texture that keeps things interesting. They pair well with anything, but they’re good enough to eat on their own. Whether roasted to perfection or tossed with something extra, they never last long. Potatoes don’t need much to be great—this dish proves it.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Light, flavorful, and packed with a mix of textures, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is the kind of dish that fits in anywhere. The orzo adds just the right amount of bite, while the shrimp brings a hearty element to the mix. It’s fresh enough for a warm day but satisfying enough to be more than just a side. Every bite has something different, keeping things interesting from start to finish. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Bright, fresh, and full of flavor, Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill proves that simple ingredients can make a big impact. The balance of citrus and herbs brings out the best in the cauliflower without overpowering it. It’s light but still satisfying, making it the perfect contrast to heavier dishes. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it always keeps its texture. Cauliflower doesn’t need much to shine, and this dish is proof.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Hearty, rich, and loaded with bold flavors, Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the kind of side that feels like a full meal. Every bite is packed with layers of texture, from creamy to crispy. They’re the perfect mix of indulgent and comforting, making them impossible to resist. Whether served alongside something simple or paired with another heavy dish, they hold their own. If there’s a side dish that gets scraped clean first, it’s this one.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Juicy, smoky, and full of bold flavor, Quick Smoked Tomatoes add depth to any meal. The smoke enhances their natural sweetness, making them stand out on any plate. They work well as a side, a topping, or even eaten straight from the dish. A simple ingredient turned into something special with just the right touch. Tomatoes have range, and this dish proves it.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Sweet, smoky, and packed with flavor, Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob takes a classic favorite and makes it even better. The grill adds just enough char to bring out a deeper taste while keeping the kernels juicy. It’s the kind of side that works at any meal, from casual cookouts to big gatherings. Whether slathered in something extra or enjoyed as is, it never disappoints. Corn has always been good, but this version is even better.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with smoky flavor, Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots make regular potatoes look boring. The crunch on the outside gives way to a soft, flavorful center, with every bite loaded with bold ingredients. They’re rich, satisfying, and impossible to stop eating. Whether served as a side or the main event, they disappear fast. If there’s one thing better than tots, it’s tots taken to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Creamed Corn
Sweet, creamy, and just the right amount of rich, Creamed Corn turns a simple ingredient into something smooth and satisfying. The natural sweetness shines through, while the velvety texture makes it the perfect complement to any meal. It’s hearty without being heavy, making it a reliable go-to for just about any spread. Whether spooned onto a plate or eaten straight from the dish, it always hits the spot. Some sides try too hard—this one just works.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Fresh, bold, and full of texture, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes brings a smoky twist to a classic dish. The balance of crisp, chewy, and juicy ingredients makes every bite interesting. It’s light enough to keep things refreshing but has enough depth to stand on its own. Whether served as a side or piled onto something else, it holds up. A little smoky, a little fresh, and a lot of flavor in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Greek Green Beans
Tender, flavorful, and slow-cooked to perfection, Greek Green Beans take a simple vegetable and turn it into something special. The seasonings soak into every bite, making them rich without being heavy. They’re soft but never mushy, holding just enough texture to keep things balanced. Whether served as a side or mixed into something bigger, they bring depth to any meal. Green beans don’t always get attention, but this dish changes that.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans