A meal without good side dishes is just a missed opportunity. There’s no rule saying mac and cheese only belongs at family gatherings or that green bean casserole requires a special occasion. These dishes are ready to upgrade any meal, whether it’s a quick dinner or a slow Sunday spread. The main course may get all the credit, but the sides do the real work of making every bite better.
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
A salad that actually belongs on the dinner table instead of just being an afterthought. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes brings in bright flavors and a mix of textures that work with almost anything. It’s fresh enough for warm weather but hearty enough to stick around year-round. This is not just another leafy side that gets pushed to the edge of the plate. It holds its own and deserves a permanent spot on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower isn’t trying to be anything else here—it just happens to be great on its own. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks bring a smoky, charred flavor that proves vegetables deserve a spot on the grill. They work just as well next to a steak as they do as a main dish. It’s the kind of side that makes you rethink how good simple food can be. Give it a try, and it might just become a regular.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Some sides do their job quietly, and others demand attention. Mediterranean Couscous Salad is the second kind, bringing bold flavors and just enough texture to keep things interesting. It’s light but satisfying, making it a great match for anything from grilled fish to roasted meats. There’s no reason this dish should only show up at special occasions. It works just as well on a random Tuesday.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and just the right amount of char from the grill. Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are the side dish that makes any meal better. They bring in the best of both roasting and grilling, making them hard to resist. They’re simple enough for everyday meals but special enough for a gathering. This dish won’t be left sitting on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Mexican Rice
A side that’s anything but boring, Mexican Rice packs in bold flavors that work with more than just tacos. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why plain rice is even a thing. Great with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or just about anything that needs a boost. It’s easy to make but always feels like it took more effort than it did. No need to wait for a themed dinner night—this one belongs in the regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Ukrainian Potatoes
Not all potato dishes are created equal. Ukrainian Potatoes bring something extra to the table with their hearty texture and rich flavors. They fit in just as well with roasted meats as they do alongside lighter dishes. If you’re looking for a side that’s satisfying without being overcomplicated, this is it. These potatoes make any meal feel like comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Smoked Cauliflower
This isn’t the usual roasted vegetable sitting on the side of the plate. Smoked Cauliflower brings a deep, rich flavor that holds up next to any main dish. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a weekend cookout, this dish adds something special without stealing the show. It works in any season, making it a regular, not just a guest star. If cauliflower had a better PR team, it would’ve been famous years ago.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
There’s no reason to let greens go to waste, especially when they taste this good. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta are proof that a simple side can be just as satisfying as the main dish. The savory balance makes it a great pairing for anything from grilled meats to hearty pastas. It’s the kind of dish that surprises people who claim they don’t like greens. One bite usually changes their minds.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Some dishes are best when they keep things simple. Cucumber Salad with Feta is light, crisp, and just the right amount of savory to make any meal better. It’s a go-to side when something fresh is needed without extra effort. Whether paired with grilled meats or a casual lunch, it always delivers. There’s no reason this dish should only show up in summer—it belongs on the table year-round.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Biscuits don’t need an occasion, and they certainly don’t need to be served only with breakfast. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are perfect alongside soups, roasted meats, or even just as a snack. The layers are light, and the cheese adds just enough richness without being over the top. They’re small enough to grab one more without hesitation. No one ever regrets putting biscuits on the table.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Turkey Fried Rice
Leftover turkey doesn’t have to be boring. Turkey Fried Rice turns it into something worth looking forward to, packed with bold flavors that work well with any meal. It’s quick, satisfying, and far better than just reheating yesterday’s dinner. This isn’t just for the holiday season—turkey deserves better than a once-a-year spotlight. Keep this dish in rotation, and leftovers will never feel like an afterthought again.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Classic comfort food gets a serious upgrade with Smoked Mac & Cheese. The added smoky depth makes it even richer and more satisfying than the usual version. It’s just as at home at a backyard barbecue as it is on a holiday spread. This dish doesn’t belong in the “special occasion only” category—it deserves a spot in the regular lineup. Once you try it, plain mac and cheese won’t be enough.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is good, but Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob is better. The smoky, slightly charred flavor brings out the best in this classic side. It works for summer cookouts, but there’s no reason to limit it to one season. Pair it with grilled meats, and hearty salads, or even eat it on its own. Once you’ve had it this way, boiled corn won’t cut it anymore.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Cauliflower gets a fresh, bright twist in Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. The balance of flavors makes it stand out without overpowering the rest of the meal. It’s a great way to add a little variety to the dinner table without a lot of extra effort. This dish works well with both light and hearty main courses, making it a year-round staple. There’s no reason cauliflower should be boring.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Some side dishes try too hard, but this one keeps things simple. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad brings together fresh flavors with a little smoky char that makes it stand out. It works just as well at a backyard cookout as it does next to a weeknight meal. There’s no reason potato salad should be limited to picnic season. Give this one a permanent spot on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Simple doesn’t have to mean boring. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots bring in just the right amount of sweetness and depth to make them a favorite. They work just as well next to a roast as they do alongside a quick weeknight dinner. This dish proves that even basic vegetables can steal the spotlight. No need to save them for restaurant visits when they’re this easy to enjoy at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Grilled Ratatouille
This isn’t the kind of ratatouille that gets baked and forgotten. Grilled Ratatouille takes those classic flavors and gives them a little extra depth with smoky, charred edges. It’s perfect as a side or even piled onto grilled meats or crusty bread. The flavors are bold but not overpowering, making it a great balance to any main dish. Once you try it this way, you won’t go back.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
A little pasta, a little seafood, and a lot of flavor. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is light but satisfying, making it a perfect side or even a main course. It’s fresh, easy to pair with other dishes, and works in any season. Whether it’s part of a casual dinner or a bigger spread, it never feels out of place. Once you try it, it’ll be a regular in the meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Grilled Vegetables
A simple side done right can steal the show. Grilled Vegetables bring in deep, smoky flavors with just the right amount of crisp edges to keep things interesting. They pair well with everything from grilled meats to hearty grain dishes, making them one of the most versatile sides around. There’s no need to wait for barbecue season—this dish works year-round. The grill isn’t just for burgers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
No one ever complained about having Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots on the table. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, they make any meal feel a little more indulgent. Whether served as a side or a snack, they don’t last long. They’re proof that sometimes the simplest dishes are the best ones. No need to order takeout when these can be made anytime.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Sweet and smoky come together in Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze. The caramelized edges and bright flavors make this dish stand out. It’s great as a side for grilled meats, but it also works as a dessert. There’s no need to wait for summer to enjoy this one. Once you try it, grilled pineapple won’t just be a vacation treat anymore.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Brussels sprouts have come a long way from being the side everyone avoided. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds turn them into a dish people actually look forward to. The combination of rich, nutty flavors and a little crunch makes them a great addition to any meal. These aren’t the overcooked sprouts of the past. Once you try them like this, they might just become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
A little smoke goes a long way, and Quick Smoked Tomatoes proves it. The deep, rich flavor makes them perfect for topping grilled meats, tossing them into salads, or eating on their own. They’re simple, but they don’t taste that way. This dish works as a side or even as an add-on to other meals. Once you try them, you’ll start looking for excuses to make them again.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus doesn’t need much to be great, and Grilled Asparagus is proof of that. The smoky char brings out its natural flavor, making it a perfect match for anything from steak to pasta. It’s simple, quick, and works with almost any meal. There’s no reason to save it for special occasions. This one belongs on the table all year.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Some recipes stick around for a reason. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is creamy, rich, and comforting, making it a side dish that never disappoints. It’s just as good for a casual dinner as it is for a big gathering. This isn’t just another mashed potato recipe—it’s the kind people go back for. If leftovers exist, they won’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Creamed Corn
Not all corn dishes are created equal. Creamed Corn is rich, comforting, and adds a little something extra to any meal. It’s great with grilled meats, barbecue, or just about anything needing a little extra texture. No reason to wait for a holiday—this dish belongs on the table all year. One bite and it’s clear why it’s a classic.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Greek Green Beans
A side dish that’s simple but full of flavor. Greek Green Beans bring in just the right mix of fresh and savory, making them a great match for almost anything. They work with grilled meats, roasted dishes, or even as a stand-alone option. No need to overcomplicate things when the ingredients do the work. Once you try them, plain green beans won’t be enough.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Fresh meets smoky in Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes, giving this classic dish a bold twist. It’s light but flavorful, making it a great pairing for grilled meats or heavier main courses. It works as a side or even a stand-alone dish when something refreshing is needed. Once you try it, plain tabouli won’t be enough. This one is a keeper.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Parisian Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor. Parisian Potatoes prove that simple ingredients can make a big impact. They work with everything from steak to roasted vegetables, making them one of the most versatile sides around. Whether for a fancy dinner or a casual meal, they always fit in. Good potatoes never go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Classic Mac and Cheese
Some recipes don’t need reinvention. Classic Mac and Cheese is creamy, rich, and exactly what it should be. It’s the side dish that never disappoints, whether at a backyard barbecue or a holiday dinner. There’s no need for complicated extras when the original is this good. This one is always worth making.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
German Yellow Beans
A simple side that brings big flavor. German Yellow Beans are a hearty, comforting dish that works with almost any meal. Whether served alongside roasted meats or lighter fare, they bring just the right balance. There’s no need for complicated ingredients when a dish is this good on its own. This is one of those recipes that stick around for a reason.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans