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31 Side Dishes So Flavorful, They’ll Have Everyone Hovering Around the Table for Seconds

Side dishes this tasty have the power to turn a simple meal into something memorable. With 31 options that bring all the flavor without any fuss, these dishes make it easy to impress. They’ve got everything from crispy crunch to smooth and creamy goodness—enough variety to please every guest at the table. Just don’t be surprised if the sides become the new star of your meals.

Greek Green Beans served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Green Beans. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Spring salad with asparagus and potatoes on a white plate.
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A fresh and vibrant salad that captures the essence of spring. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes brings together the perfect combination of textures and flavors. It’s light, yet filling, and works beautifully with any meal. You’ll find yourself serving this one again and again because it’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Three pieces of grilled cauliflower steaks on a black plate.
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Imagine the smoky flavor of the grill combined with the richness of cauliflower. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are a simple but impressive side that can steal the show. The grill brings out the best in this veggie, turning it into a satisfying dish that everyone will love. This is a side that’s just as much about flavor as it is about texture.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

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Grilled Ratatouille

Close-up shot of Grilled Ratatouille on a black plate.
Grilled Ratatouille. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A mix of smoky, grilled vegetables makes Grilled Ratatouille the perfect side for any meal. The smoky flavors of grilled zucchini, eggplant, and peppers combine to create a dish that’s both light and satisfying. This vegetable-packed side will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that feels healthy but still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This side is a flavor-packed dish that’s light but filling. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp combines fresh, vibrant ingredients that complement each other perfectly. It’s easy to make and brings a bit of elegance to your meal without any extra effort. This is one dish that will have everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Grilled Vegetables

A variety of grilled vegetables on a platter.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

The perfect side for any summer meal, Grilled Vegetables bring out the best in every veggie. Smoky, slightly charred, and full of flavor, these vegetables are a simple but impressive addition to your plate. Whether paired with grilled meats or served on their own, this side will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s healthy, but with so much flavor, no one will mind.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

A plate of Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes topped with parsley.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Refreshing, light, and packed with flavor, Mediterranean Couscous Salad is the perfect side to brighten any meal. This dish balances perfectly between the fluffiness of couscous and the tanginess of Mediterranean flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s always welcome at the table. This simple, yet flavorful salad is guaranteed to have your guests asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Ukrainian Potatoes

Ukrainian Potatoes on a white plate.
Ukrainian Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This side brings a comforting, hearty taste that will have everyone coming back for more. Ukrainian Potatoes are the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re a crowd favorite, and you’ll quickly see why people are asking for seconds. Simple yet satisfying, this dish pairs with anything and is a hit at any table.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Smoked Cauliflower

Smoked cauliflower in a skillet on a wooden table.
Smoked Cauliflower. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you think cauliflower is plain, think again. Smoked Cauliflower transforms this vegetable into a smoky, flavorful side that’s anything but boring. Its crispy edges and savory taste make it a standout that will have guests asking for more. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a unique dish that still feels familiar.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This dish adds a refreshing twist to any meal. Cucumber Salad with Feta combines light and crisp cucumbers with the tang of feta for a perfect balance of flavors. It’s the kind of side dish that complements anything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. Expect your guests to keep going back for more of this easy-to-make favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with all the good stuff, these are a guaranteed hit. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots bring all the comfort of the original, but with a homemade touch. The combination of crispy potatoes and savory toppings will have your guests reaching for seconds. It’s the kind of side dish that will turn your meal into a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

A plate of mini flaky cheese biscuits and a cup of coffee.
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Light, buttery, and irresistible, these biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits will have everyone coming back for more with their melt-in-your-mouth texture. These little guys are surprisingly easy to make but taste like they came from a bakery. You’ll find them disappearing faster than you can bake a new batch.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

Turkey Fried Rice

Top-down shot of Turkey Fried Rice on a black plate.
Turkey Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This isn’t your typical fried rice—this one’s loaded with flavor. Turkey Fried Rice is a hearty side that adds a little extra punch to any meal. It’s the perfect balance of savory and satisfying, and the kind of dish that gets better with every bite. Your guests will be asking for the recipe before they even finish their plates.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta on a white plate.
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

A simple side that’s packed with bold flavors. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta brings out the earthiness of the greens while the pancetta adds a savory richness. This dish is a perfect way to turn a humble vegetable into something special. It’s so flavorful, your guests will want to know how to make it themselves.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds in a shallow yellow bowl.
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nutty, savory, and just the right amount of richness, Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds are a side that will impress everyone at your table. The brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor, while the almonds give the dish the perfect crunch. Even the most skeptical of Brussels sprouts eaters will be reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Close-up shot of Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad on a white plate.
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

This hearty yet light salad combines perfectly grilled asparagus with tender potatoes. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is a side that feels both fresh and satisfying at the same time. It’s a perfect pairing for grilled meats or any light entree. Expect everyone at your table to be coming back for more of this flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes.
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Refreshing, tangy, and just a little smoky, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is a perfect side for any meal. The smokiness adds depth to the traditional tabouli, making it a standout. This side will quickly become a favorite at your table, with guests coming back for more. It’s fresh, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sweet, tender, and packed with flavor, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are a side that everyone can enjoy. They’re the perfect balance of savory and sweet, and the simplicity makes them a go-to for any meal. Expect to see your guests going for seconds, and maybe even thirds. This is one of those sides that never lasts long.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes on a platter.
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Who doesn’t love a good potato? Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate crispy, crunchy side that everyone will love. The outside is perfectly crisp while the inside stays soft and fluffy. This dish is easy to prepare and always gets rave reviews, so don’t be surprised if you have to make extra.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Mexican Rice

A plate of Mexican rice garnished with chopped green onions and herbs served with a spoon.
Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Mexican Rice is the ultimate side for any Mexican-inspired meal. The fluffy rice, combined with the perfect amount of seasoning, makes it a go-to favorite. This dish pairs perfectly with everything from tacos to grilled chicken, and it’s always a hit. You’ll quickly find this rice disappearing faster than you can serve it.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Smoked Mac & Cheese

A skillet filled with Smoked Mac & Cheese.
Smoked Mac & Cheese. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy, cheesy, and with a hint of smokiness, Smoked Mac & Cheese is comfort food at its finest. The smoky flavor adds depth to the already rich cheese sauce, making every bite irresistible. This side is perfect for gatherings, as everyone will be coming back for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that gets better the more you eat.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese

Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Three ears of husked corn were arranged on a dark slate plate.
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sweet, smoky, and perfectly charred, Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob is a side that turns simple corn into something extraordinary. The grilling process adds a flavor that can’t be matched, and it pairs perfectly with just about anything. Expect your guests to want more as soon as they finish their first ear. This is a side that will definitely get everyone talking.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Cauliflower with lemon and dill on a black board.
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill brings a fresh, zesty twist to your table. The combination of tangy lemon and aromatic dill turns this simple vegetable into something extraordinary. It’s light yet flavorful, a great side to balance out richer dishes. Don’t be surprised when this dish disappears faster than you can serve it.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Grandma's Mashed Potato Casserole on a tray.
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

There’s no such thing as too many potatoes, especially when they’re in the form of Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. This dish takes comfort food to the next level with a creamy, cheesy filling that’s topped with a golden, crispy crust. It’s the kind of side that feels like a warm hug in every bite. You’ll be lucky if there are any leftovers, as everyone will be going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Parisian Potatoes

A spoon lifts several Parisian potatoes from a black skillet filled with more Parisian potatoes.
Parisian Potatoes. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Simple, yet packed with flavor, Parisian Potatoes are a side that pairs perfectly with just about anything. These potatoes have a delicate texture that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving chicken, beef, or fish, these potatoes fit right in. You can bet your guests will be asking for seconds as they disappear from the table.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes

Creamed Corn

Smoked Creamed Corn in a black skillet.
Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Comforting, creamy, and sweet, Creamed Corn is the perfect side to complete any meal. The smooth, rich texture makes it a crowd favorite that adds a touch of indulgence to your plate. It’s easy to make but always a hit, and it pairs well with everything from roast chicken to barbecue. Don’t be surprised when this side is gone in a flash, as everyone will want to go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

German Yellow Beans

A bowl of German yellow beans on a wooden table.
German Yellow Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple yet flavorful, German Yellow Beans are the kind of side dish that everyone will want to eat more of. These beans are tender but still have a satisfying bite, and the seasoning brings out their natural flavors. Perfect for any gathering, this dish pairs well with everything from grilled meats to hearty stews. Your guests will keep coming back for more, so be sure to make extra.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans

Classic Mac and Cheese

A portion of Old Fashioned Mac & Cheese on a black plate.
Classic Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Classic Mac and Cheese is the side dish that never goes out of style. Creamy, cheesy, and completely satisfying, it’s the ultimate comfort food. This dish pairs perfectly with just about any meal, making it a versatile favorite. Expect it to disappear fast, as everyone will be going back for more.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese

Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze

Four pieces of Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze on a white rectangular plate.
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

The sweet and tangy combination of Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze makes it the perfect side for any summer meal. The smoky flavor from the grill combines with the buttery lime glaze to create a refreshing and satisfying dish. You’ll find your guests coming back for seconds, and it’s perfect for outdoor gatherings. It’s a dish that’s light, bright, and bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze

Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Smoked tomatoes served on a white rectangular plate.
Quick Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Quick Smoked Tomatoes are a unique side that brings a deep, smoky flavor to the table. These tomatoes are full of savory richness and add an unexpected twist to any meal. It’s a simple dish that feels special, with a flavor that’s unforgettable. Expect to see guests coming back for seconds—they’re that good.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Asparagus on a white square plate.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Smoky, tender, and full of flavor, Grilled Asparagus is the perfect side for any meal. The grill enhances the natural taste of the asparagus, making it an easy yet impressive dish. It pairs beautifully with everything from steaks to seafood, adding just the right amount of texture and flavor. Expect your guests to reach for seconds—this side never lasts long.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Greek Green Beans

Greek Green Beans served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Green Beans. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Simple yet full of flavor, Greek Green Beans are the perfect addition to any meal. The combination of olive oil, herbs, and a little tang makes these beans stand out from the crowd. It’s a side that works well with just about any main dish, and it’s easy to prepare. Your guests won’t be able to resist going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans

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