Main dishes get the credit, but these 17 side recipes quietly make every meal better without needing the spotlight. They work for Sunday dinners, Tuesday lunches, and potlucks without fuss. No overthinking, just solid food that gets along with everything on the table. Somehow, they’re always the ones people ask about first.
Squash Casserole
Looking for something warm and hearty that works year-round? Squash Casserole delivers that perfect balance between creamy and slightly crisp textures, making it a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and dinners. Its versatility lets it shine at any gathering without feeling overly fancy. Whether for Sunday dinner or a quick lunch, this dish fits easily into any meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Walnuts
Mixing earthy flavors with a creamy and crunchy pairing is where Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Walnuts excels. It’s colorful, filling, and works equally well as a side or a light main. Add this to your potluck menu, and it’ll catch everyone’s attention without overpowering the table. It’s ideal for those moments you want something effortless yet impressive.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Walnuts
The Backyard Table
Get it NOW and level up your outdoor dining! The Backyard Table - Recipes for Summer Cookouts features 34 of Chef Jenn's BEST recipes for outdoor eating and entertaining.
You'll get ad-free recipes like:
- Grilled Corn Guacamole
- Grilled French Onion Burgers
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Blueberry Grunt
- and so many more!
Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!
Get it now, at a special introductory price of $7.99. That's over 50 pages of foodie love at your fingertips!
Buy Now!Grandma’s Mashed Potatoes
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of Grandma’s Mashed Potatoes at a Sunday dinner or holiday table. With its fluffy texture and rich flavor, it’s one of those sides that disappears quickly. It complements a wide range of mains, making it truly adaptable. You can easily have this at lunch or as the star item among other sides at a big gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potatoes
Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad
Fresh and packed with flavor, Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad makes a perfect addition to any potluck table. Its appeal lies in its hearty mix of ingredients that serve well as a side to grilled mains. Light yet filling, it’s a dish that feels appropriate on just about any occasion. Try it for a weekday lunch when you want something easy yet packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Classic Black Bean & Corn Salad
The BEST Sautéed Kale
Got a meal that needs a healthy but flavorful boost? The BEST Sautéed Kale brings a balance of simplicity and great taste that’s hard to beat. It’s a dish that pairs beautifully with heartier mains or stands out at potlucks as a lighter option. Perfect for when you’re looking to incorporate something simple and wholesome into your lineup.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Sautéed Kale
Easy Three Bean Salad
If you’re looking for a side that’s quick and hearty, Easy Three Bean Salad checks all the boxes. It’s perfect for potlucks because it transports well and pairs well with nearly any dish. Served cold, it’s great for gatherings or weekday lunches without needing much effort. Plus, it’s one dish that always seems to go first at the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Three Bean Salad
Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon
Want something hearty that feels like comfort on a plate? Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon combines rich flavors and a satisfying bite. It’s a filling side perfect for Sunday dinner or even a lunch leftovers situation. This dish is great for pleasing guests at potlucks who enjoy traditional flavors with something extra.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
Refreshing yet unique, Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad stands out with its distinct texture and light flavors. Its simplicity makes it versatile enough for quick lunches or large dinners. It’s one of those sides that feels like something different on the table. Perfect for when you want an easy, crowd-pleasing option.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon
Looking for something that can stand out while still being easy to make? Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon does just that with its mix of smooth and crunchy textures. It pairs perfectly with both light and hearty mains. Whether chilling at a casual potluck or part of a fancy dinner spread, it’s a side everyone appreciates.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon
Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Dressing
Dishes that feel light yet pack enough flavor to stand out are sometimes the hardest to find. Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Dressing combines different textures into a balanced, unique side. It complements dishes ranging from grilled meats to slow-cooked meals. Perfect for shaking up the usual rotation of sides, this salad fits a wide variety of themes and tastes surprisingly adaptable.
Get the Recipe: Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Dressing
Smoked Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts don’t always get their due, but Smoked Brussels Sprouts make them impossible to pass up. The smoky flavor adds depth that pairs exceptionally well with roasted meats or grilled dishes. Try it out at a holiday dinner or even a casual family meal. It also works as an interesting change from standard potluck sides.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts
Creamed Corn
When classic dishes are called for, Creamed Corn is a no-fuss side that hits the mark. Its smooth, rich consistency makes it perfect for pairing with everything from Sunday dinners to barbecue lunches. It’s easy to serve, kid-friendly, and great for any gathering regardless of the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Grilled Ratatouille
When variety is key, Grilled Ratatouille delivers with its mix of textures and flavors that feel equally at home at fancy dinners or casual potlucks. It’s wholesome, filling, and colorful without being flashy. Great as a main for vegetarians or as a robust side for everyone else. You’ll love how it brings balance to heavy dishes effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Looking for a classic, easy-to-please side? Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots offer that nostalgic sweetness and soft texture that pairs wonderfully with roasts or grilled proteins. Perfect for dinners or even a lighter lunch plate, they please even non-veggie-lovers. Add them to a potluck spread, and you’ve got a side everyone gravitates to.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Fried Tomatillos
Unique sides that are still versatile aren’t as common as you’d think. Fried Tomatillos fit the bill thanks to their texture and balanced flavor. Great at potlucks or as part of weekend dinners, they add something distinct without feeling out of place. There’s enough richness for comfort but a lightness that complements hearty mains nicely.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Bacon Fried Corn
Corn gets an upgrade with Bacon Fried Corn, adding a touch of smoky richness. It’s the perfect mix of familiar and comforting with just a little extra flavor to keep people interested. A hit at family dinners or potlucks, it’s the side everyone wishes there was more of. Great for pairing with grilled dishes or hearty mains.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn
Mexican Black Beans
Need a side that’s hearty, flavorful, and crowd-ready? Mexican Black Beans make a great addition to tacos, rice, or even as a standalone for lunch. It’s a go-to for casual or themed meals and holds its own in bigger spreads. Easy to make with loads of flavor packed in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans