Finding the perfect partner for your main dish doesn’t have to be complicated—just pick one of these 17 sides and call it a win. They’re easy enough for busy nights yet special enough to look like you actually planned ahead. From classics that always hit the mark to unexpected pairings that steal the show, there’s no wrong choice here. With these sides, even a quiet weeknight dinner can feel like a step up from the usual.
Mexican Rice
If you’re in the mood for a bit of Latin flair, Mexican Rice will do the trick. It comes together fast, offering a colorful addition to your evening meal. Spicy hints and tender grains make every bite a mini escape to a festive beachfront dinner. Pair it with your main dish to transform an everyday meal into a fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Ever have beet greens tucked away in your fridge and wonder how to use them? Toss them into a hot pan and watch them transform with Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta. This dish adds a slightly salty twist, thanks to the pancetta, turning what might be overlooked into a side that deserves a spotlight of its own. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it’s a flavorful complement to both meat-centric meals and vegetarian plates.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Chicken Fried Rice
Uncomplicated and endlessly adaptable, stir up some Chicken Fried Rice when you want a side that isn’t just filler. It works as a perfect partner for your leftover rotisserie chicken, helping to minimize waste and maximize taste. With its homey essence, this side dish comfortably wedges into your meal lineup, whether you’re aiming for a casual dinner or something with a bit more zing. Plus, it’s a hit with folks of all ages, making mealtime a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Sometimes, you want your side dishes to look as impressive as they taste but without a lot of fuss. Au Gratin Potato Stacks are your go-to when you’re after something that looks a tad fancy yet still feels homey. These individual servings are a conversation starter and will catch eyes with their layered appeal. They’re sure to add a little ‘oomph’ to your dinner spread while still being comforting at heart.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
For a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this one’s a winner. Crispy on the outside yet tender inside, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are a modern twist on a classic. They’re a breeze to whip up and serve as a guilt-free pleasure. Busy cooks will love how this dish makes mealtime easier and more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Bringing a side dish that steals the show might just be your next move with Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. This dish is all about that fun twist on a classic, giving your guests a hands-on experience they’ll chat about. It’s easy to prepare, and even easier to love, as each bite brings out a smoky, fresh-from-the-grill taste. They fit right into backyard gatherings or as a playful addition to a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
When you’re up for blending textures and tastes in a wholesome side, give Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad a shot. This combination brings earthy and hearty elements together, ready to stand beside your main dish. As a lighter take on traditional potato salads, it offers a nod to health while still being filling. It’s perfect for those days when you want to keep things easy but interesting on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Classic Mac and Cheese
Who doesn’t love a good old comforting bowl of Classic Mac and Cheese? It’s a familiar favorite that brings a cozy feeling with every spoonful. Serve it up bubbling from the oven and watch it disappear faster than you can say cheese! It’s the ultimate comfort food that fits into any meal, pleasing from the youngest at your table to the oldest.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Picture a side dish that’s light yet packed with diverse flavors; that’s where Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes comes into the frame. It’s a refreshing change of pace, ideal for when you want a dish that stands out without overshadowing the star of the meal. With its balance of ingredients, it’s a nifty pick for times when the meal needs a refreshing element. This one’s likely to become a repeat offender on your menu.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Sometimes, a classic restaurant side dish is what you crave at home, and Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots fits that bill. They bring out a subtle sweetness that intermingles wonderfully with any home-cooked meal. It’s a straightforward dish that’ll have your family asking for seconds, if not thirds. Plus, it’s a charmingly simple way to get kids on board with their veggies.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Looking to add green to your meal in a not-so-boring way? Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes offers a vibrant bowl of wholesome goodness. This salad effortlessly ties in different textures and tastes that pair well with both light and hearty mains. It’s the type of side that brings a splash of color and nutrition to your plate, without any complexity.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Got a bit of time and a hankering for something that’ll bring a wow factor to your spread? Whip up some Quick Smoked Tomatoes and bask in the rich, smoky undertones they provide. This dish isn’t just about the taste; it’s a visually appealing addition that can dress up any meal. You’ll find that they’re surprisingly simple to make yet remarkable enough to be remembered.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Bringing back memories of family gatherings, Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is like a warm hug on a plate. This casserole stands out with its creamy texture and comforting presence. It’s one of those ‘make you feel at home’ dishes that pairs seamlessly with just about everything. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t have a soft spot for grandma’s cooking?
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Grilled Ratatouille
For a touch of rustic French countryside, try some Grilled Ratatouille alongside your chosen entrée. This dish is all about celebrating vegetables, with a smokiness that comes from the grill. It’s laid-back yet sophisticated in flavor, making it versatile for both casual meals and more fancy affairs. What’s great is that it fits into a healthy eating style without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Looking for something crisp, cool, and effortlessly tasty? Cucumber Salad with Feta is your answer. It’s a refreshing side for just about any main dish and brings together a nice crunch with creamy cheese. It’s the kind of no-muss, no-fuss dish that’s always welcome at a meal, especially when you want to keep things light.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Imagine pulling apart a warm, flaky Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuit and that mouth-watering aroma hits you. These little guys are perfect for scooping up gravy or simply as a buttery treat to complement your meal. They’re small enough to fill out the table without making anyone too full for the main course. Bridging the gap between casual and gourmet, they are sure-fire crowd-pleasers.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Greek Green Beans
Sometimes, it’s all about taking a simple veggie and giving it a twist. Greek Green Beans are that side dish that pairs the humble bean with flavors that resonate with comfort. They’re a fantastic sidekick to any Mediterranean-inspired meal, or even just your Tuesday night chicken. This is the kind of dish that suggests a laid-back sophistication without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans