Let’s be real—these 31 side dishes are the main event. You’ll start looking at your plate and wondering why you even need a main course when these sides are so hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Each dish is packed with flavor that stands up on its own, making them worthy of more than just a supporting role at the table. You’ll quickly find yourself filling up on sides and wondering why you haven’t been doing this all along. Once you try these, you might just be calling them dinner from here on out.
Smoked Cauliflower
For a side that brings depth and complexity, smoked cauliflower is the answer. The slow-smoking process creates a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to resist. Smoked Cauliflower works well as a stand-alone side or with a variety of main dishes. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to elevate their vegetable game.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
For a light, flavorful side that doesn’t skimp on texture, Mediterranean couscous salad is a great choice. Mediterranean Couscous Salad mixes the perfect combination of herbs, grains, and fresh veggies. It’s the kind of side that complements almost anything but is flavorful enough to stand alone. Great for when you need something refreshing yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Potatoes can easily become the highlight of the meal, especially when they’re smashed and grilled. Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes bring a crispy, crunchy texture that adds a little extra something. This side is incredibly versatile and pairs with nearly anything. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Mexican Rice
When you need a side that’s flavorful but not overwhelming, Mexican rice is the perfect choice. Mexican Rice is simple, yet it packs in just the right amount of flavor to complement any dish. It’s hearty enough to be filling while remaining light enough to pair with protein or vegetables. A great addition to any meal that needs a little extra heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Ratatouille
This classic French vegetable dish gets a smoky update with grilling. Grilled Ratatouille takes vibrant vegetables and enhances their natural sweetness, adding a unique flavor profile. It’s the perfect option when you want something vegetable-heavy and satisfying without being too heavy. This dish is as versatile as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
When you’re craving a side that has both freshness and richness, look no further. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta combines hearty greens with a smoky, savory twist. This dish is perfect for when you want to skip the meat but still feel satisfied. The balance of textures and flavors makes it a standout choice at any table.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower has a unique way of absorbing flavors, making it the perfect base for grilling. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetable while adding a smoky char. Whether you’re serving it as a side or the main event, this dish holds its own. It’s simple, yet transforms cauliflower into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
When you’re in the mood for a light yet filling side, a Mediterranean-inspired salad hits the spot. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is loaded with fresh flavors that pair perfectly with shrimp. The orzo provides a hearty base while the shrimp adds a protein-packed punch. This side stands up to any main and might even steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Grilled Vegetables
Sometimes the simplest sides are the most satisfying, and grilled vegetables are a perfect example. Grilled Vegetables bring out the natural sweetness and smokiness of the produce. This dish can easily stand alone, offering a variety of flavors in each bite. It’s an ideal side when you want something easy, fresh, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Ukrainian Potatoes
If you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting side, Ukrainian potatoes deliver. Ukrainian Potatoes are rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Whether served with a protein or enjoyed on their own, these potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. This side never fails to add a little extra comfort to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Sometimes, a side can be as indulgent as the main. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, making them the ultimate treat. Perfect for any time you want a side that feels like a snack. This dish adds a fun, comforting element to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
There’s something irresistible about a warm, flaky biscuit, and these mini versions are no exception. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are buttery and full of cheesy goodness, making them an ideal side for any meal. They’re the perfect combination of light, crispy, and savory. These biscuits will have everyone asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
For a side that balances both hearty and light, grilled asparagus and potato salad delivers. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad brings a smoky flavor to the traditional potato salad, making it a standout. The combination of tender potatoes and grilled asparagus creates a texture-rich dish. It’s an easy, delicious side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
If you’re craving tender, perfectly cooked carrots, this copycat recipe has you covered. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots gives you that restaurant-quality side with ease. Sweet and savory, these carrots are great on their own or as a side to any dish. They add just the right amount of flavor and texture, making them a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Cucumber Salad with Feta
For a refreshing side that won’t overwhelm your plate, a cucumber salad is just the thing. Cucumber Salad with Feta offers a crisp, cool bite with just the right amount of tang. This salad can easily stand on its own, but it also complements a wide variety of mains. Light, crunchy, and flavorful, it’s the perfect side when you need something simple yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Cauliflower doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but when paired with lemon and dill, it shines. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill offers a light, refreshing twist on this vegetable, adding brightness without overpowering. It’s a perfect side for any meal where you need something clean and fresh. This dish will quickly become a favorite go-to.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
If you’re looking for a spring-inspired side, this salad is your answer. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is the perfect mix of seasonal ingredients. It’s both hearty and light, offering fresh veggies and satisfying potatoes. A great side for any meal that needs a little green.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Brussels sprouts can be the perfect side when prepared just right. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds brings out their natural sweetness, balanced by the richness of brown butter. The almonds add a nice crunch, making each bite satisfying. This side works well with both simple and hearty mains.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Sometimes the simplest sides are the best, and mashed potato casserole is a prime example. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavors. It’s the kind of side that makes any meal feel complete. This dish never disappoints, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
When you’re looking for something fresh yet hearty, tabouli salad with smoked tomatoes is the perfect choice. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes brings together fresh herbs and smoky richness. This side is both bright and satisfying, offering something a little different for your table. It pairs well with just about any meal.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob doesn’t get much better than when it’s grilled and smoked. Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob brings out the natural sweetness of the corn with a savory, smoky kick. It’s perfect for a summer BBQ or any meal that could use an extra touch of flavor. This side is as simple as it is irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Parisian Potatoes
When you want a side that’s both elegant and comforting, Parisian potatoes are a great option. Parisian Potatoes are rich, buttery, and have a smooth, creamy texture that elevates any meal. They’re perfect for a dinner that calls for something a little extra. This dish is easy to love and always impresses.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Turkey Fried Rice
When you have leftover turkey, turning it into fried rice is the perfect way to repurpose it. Turkey Fried Rice is hearty, flavorful, and loaded with satisfying ingredients. This side works well as a meal on its own or as a complement to your main. It’s an easy way to make leftovers feel fresh.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Smoked Mac & Cheese
For a comforting, smoky twist on a classic, smoked mac & cheese hits the spot. Smoked Mac & Cheese takes creamy, cheesy goodness and infuses it with a rich, smoky flavor. It’s perfect when you want a side that feels like more of a treat than just an accompaniment. You won’t look at mac and cheese the same way after trying this version.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
When you want a side with a punch of smoky flavor, smoked tomatoes are the way to go. Quick Smoked Tomatoes bring an intense, rich flavor that complements any dish. These tomatoes work as a topping, side, or even in a salad. The smoky kick makes them versatile and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus is the perfect vegetable for grilling, and Grilled Asparagus is no exception. The smoky flavor adds a new depth to this already tasty veggie. It’s a side that works with just about any meal, whether you’re having meat or seafood. This simple yet flavorful dish is one you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Creamed Corn
If you’re in the mood for a rich, comforting side, creamed corn is a classic choice. Creamed Corn brings sweetness and creaminess together, creating a side that’s hard to resist. It pairs well with everything from BBQ to a formal dinner. This dish adds a comforting touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
German Yellow Beans
For a side that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, German yellow beans are a great pick. German Yellow Beans are tender, subtly sweet, and pair well with a variety of mains. This dish is perfect for when you want something simple but still flavorful. It’s always a welcome addition to the plate.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans
Classic Mac and Cheese
When you need a side that everyone will love, classic mac and cheese is a safe bet. Classic Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and the ultimate comfort food. This side can steal the show with its rich flavors and smooth texture. It’s a staple that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
For a refreshing yet indulgent side, grilled pineapple with buttery lime glaze is a standout. Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze brings a sweet and tangy combination that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. The smoky char of the pineapple adds depth, while the glaze adds just the right amount of richness. It’s a tropical twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Greek Green Beans
For a simple yet flavorful side, Greek green beans are a great option. Greek Green Beans are tender, flavorful, and can stand alone or complement almost any dish. This side is light, fresh, and perfect for those who love Mediterranean-inspired flavors. It’s easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans