If you’re looking for ways to make dinnertime easier, these 33 side dishes are your secret weapon. No more negotiating or begging your kids to eat vegetables—they’ll be asking for more without you even having to ask. From kid-friendly spins on classic sides to fresh, flavorful new ideas, these dishes are sure to keep your little ones satisfied and your dinner table drama-free. The best part? You won’t have to wonder what’s for dinner anymore.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
For a fun twist on your standard corn on the cob, Grilled Elote Corn Ribs offer a smoky, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This grilled side is a hands-on favorite that your kids will love to snack on. It’s perfect for a summer cookout or a weeknight dinner. Your family will keep asking for more, making it an easy side that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Fasolakia Lathera
Kids will love how hearty it is, and you’ll love the simplicity. Fasolakia Lathera is a Mediterranean side that makes eating vegetables exciting again. With a mix of savory flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat more greens without the fuss. This dish is both filling and satisfying, making it a great companion to just about any main course.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
A simple potato salad gets a flavorful boost when paired with grilled asparagus. The smoky char from the grill enhances the crispness of the asparagus and adds depth to the potatoes. This side works well with just about any meal, from grilled meats to light fish dishes. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is the perfect combination of hearty and fresh, making it a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Mexican Rice
This side dish is a great addition to any meal, especially when paired with your favorite main. Mexican Rice brings a bit of excitement to the table with its flavorful, tender texture. It’s simple to make but adds that extra touch that takes dinner from basic to satisfying. Even picky eaters will find themselves reaching for seconds with this comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Looking for a side that’s crispy and soft at the same time? Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes hit that sweet spot. The crispy exterior gives way to a fluffy, tender inside, making them irresistible to kids. With minimal effort and big flavor, this side dish is sure to become a regular on your family’s dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
For a fresh, light side, Mediterranean Couscous Salad hits the mark. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, with couscous providing a satisfying base. This salad works well with grilled meats or as a standalone dish, and it’s something the whole family will enjoy. Even kids who aren’t big fans of salads will love the fun, vibrant flavors in this one.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
If you’re looking to add some depth of flavor to your meal, Quick Smoked Tomatoes are the way to go. The smoky flavor turns these tomatoes into something much more exciting than a basic side. They’re easy to prepare and add a nice contrast to grilled meats or even just a simple pasta dish. Kids will find the smoky sweetness irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
A great way to sneak in healthy ingredients while keeping things exciting. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes offers a refreshing twist on the classic with the rich, smoky flavor of tomatoes. This side is light yet full of flavor, making it a great match for grilled meats or a standalone dish. The combination of fresh veggies and the smoky depth makes it an easy hit with everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Vegetables
Want to get your kids to enjoy veggies? Grilled Vegetables turn the humble vegetable into a smoky, flavorful side that’s both fun and delicious. The grill gives them a charred flavor that’s hard to resist, even for picky eaters. Whether served alongside grilled chicken or burgers, this side works for just about any meal. Give it a try, and you’ll have them asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Parisian Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, Parisian Potatoes bring a satisfying texture to your dinner. They’re a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor that kids will love. With minimal preparation, this side dish is quick to make and works with nearly any main course. This is the kind of potato side that you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Looking for a veggie side that’s both hearty and flavorful? Grilled Cauliflower Steaks take this often overlooked vegetable and turn it into a delicious, smoky dish that even the kids will love. The grilling process brings out the natural sweetness and adds a satisfying char. It’s a simple way to serve up cauliflower, and it pairs well with just about any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
If you’re looking to make beet greens more exciting, adding pancetta is the perfect solution. This Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta brings together savory, crispy pancetta with tender greens, creating a side full of rich flavor. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without hearing complaints. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes a great addition to any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Your family will love the contrast of smoky and sweet in each bite. Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze takes your typical fruit side and turns it into something extraordinary. The pineapple caramelizes on the grill, while the buttery lime glaze adds a tangy-sweet finish. It’s a fun, tropical addition that pairs well with barbecue or any grilled meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
If your kids love the carrots from Cracker Barrel, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots will be a hit at home. These sweet, tender carrots are cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning. They pair well with almost any meal and are simple enough to prepare in a snap. It’s a guaranteed way to get the kids to eat their veggies without a fuss.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Easy Mexican Rice
With its mild flavor, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Easy Mexican Rice is a simple yet flavorful side that complements any Mexican-inspired meal. It’s light and fluffy with just the right amount of seasoning, making it perfect for tacos, fajitas, or burritos. This rice is easy to prepare and will quickly become a family staple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
You won’t hear anyone complaining when these are on the table. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots bring all the crispy, cheesy goodness you love in one perfect bite. These loaded tots are packed with flavor, and the combination of cheddar and bacon makes them a crowd favorite. They’re great as a side or even as a fun snack.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
An easy way to introduce more vegetables into your meals while keeping things delicious. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is a light, fresh dish that celebrates the best of spring produce. The tender asparagus and peas pair perfectly with creamy potatoes, making it a satisfying yet refreshing side. This salad can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are the perfect side for any meal, with their buttery, cheesy flavor. These biscuits are light and fluffy, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether paired with soup, salad, or served on their own, they’re always a welcome addition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Your kids won’t stop asking for this corn. Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob adds a smoky depth to the classic corn on the cob. The grilling process gives the corn a satisfying char and a boost of flavor, turning a simple vegetable into a standout side. Perfect for summer meals or cookouts, it’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Cucumber Salad with Feta
It’s quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Cucumber Salad with Feta is a crisp, refreshing side that balances perfectly with the salty tang of feta cheese. It’s a simple dish that’s light, cool, and ideal for pairing with grilled meats or enjoying on its own. This salad offers a mix of textures and flavors, making it a family-friendly hit.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Grilled Ratatouille
Great way to get more veggies onto the dinner table in a fun, flavorful way. Grilled Ratatouille takes this classic French dish and gives it a smoky twist on the grill. The vegetables char perfectly, creating a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the freshness of the produce. This colorful side works great with almost any main dish, especially grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
A dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds, guaranteed. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole brings comfort food to the next level with its creamy, cheesy goodness. This casserole is a hit at family gatherings or weeknight dinners. The mashed potatoes are baked to perfection, with a golden, crispy top that adds texture and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
The mild flavors work well with both meats and vegetarian meals. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill offers a light, fresh flavor that pairs well with just about anything. The citrusy zing of lemon combined with the herbal notes of dill transforms this simple vegetable into something special. It’s an easy-to-make side that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Ukrainian Potatoes
Whether served with meats or as a stand-alone side, these potatoes are sure to please. Ukrainian Potatoes are a hearty, flavorful side that will fill everyone up. This dish transforms simple potatoes into something special with a blend of seasonings and textures. The simple preparation makes them an easy addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Even kids who usually avoid them will be reaching for seconds. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds turns a vegetable that often gets a bad rap into a family favorite. The rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter and crunch of the almonds create a delicious contrast with the sprouts. It’s a simple yet flavorful way to prepare Brussels sprouts.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Your family will love this fun twist on mac and cheese. Smoked Mac & Cheese takes the classic comfort food and gives it a smoky upgrade. The creamy cheese and pasta are complemented by the smoky flavor, making this dish something truly special. It’s perfect as a side or a standalone meal when you want a little extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta
A perfect side for any main dish that needs a little extra flavor. Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta turns a humble vegetable into a rich, flavorful side. The crispy pancetta complements the earthy flavor of the beet greens, creating a balanced dish that’s hearty and satisfying. It’s a great way to introduce beet greens into your meals without overwhelming the palate.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Smoked Cauliflower
This smoky version of cauliflower will have even the kids asking for more. Smoked Cauliflower brings a smoky, savory twist to this often-underestimated veggie. The grill adds depth and flavor, transforming cauliflower into a satisfying side. It pairs well with almost any main dish, especially grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Classic Mac and Cheese
With its simple ingredients and rich flavor, it’s hard to beat. Classic Mac and Cheese is the comfort food everyone loves. The creamy cheese sauce coats every piece of pasta, making it a satisfying side or meal on its own. It’s perfect for all ages, from picky eaters to adults craving nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Grilled Asparagus
The crispy edges make it a standout vegetable dish. Grilled Asparagus is the perfect side to elevate any meal. The grilling process brings out the natural sweetness of the asparagus, adding a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with just about any main course. It’s simple to prepare and cooks in just a few minutes, making it a quick option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Turkey Fried Rice
Perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a satisfying option for dinner. Turkey Fried Rice is a great way to use up leftover turkey in a flavorful, filling dish. The rice absorbs the savory flavors, making it a tasty side or even a main meal. It’s quick to make and can be customized with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
A perfect dish for when you want something a little more exciting than your typical salad. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a fresh, light dish that’s packed with flavor. The tender shrimp pairs beautifully with the orzo and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, creating a satisfying side that works with a variety of main dishes. It’s easy to prepare and can be served warm or chilled.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Creamed Corn
This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone can agree on. Creamed Corn is a comforting side that’s easy to prepare and always a hit. The rich, creamy texture and natural sweetness of the corn make it a perfect addition to any meal. It’s great with barbecue or grilled meats, or even as a stand-alone side.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn