There’s a reason these 31 side dishes never fail—they do their job without making a fuss. They’re the kind you can count on to round out any meal, complement any main, and keep guests happy. Some add richness, others bring freshness, and a few have a habit of disappearing first. No overthinking, no complicated steps—just sides that deliver every time. If the main dish has an ego, it might need to toughen up.
Grilled Vegetables
There’s something about grilling that makes any vegetable better, and Grilled Vegetables are proof. They work with any meal, from casual cookouts to weeknight dinners, without adding extra hassle. A little char, great texture, and just enough seasoning make them a go-to option when a meal needs balance. They complement everything from steak to seafood, and no one ever complains about having seconds. If they do, they just haven’t tried them yet.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Parisian Potatoes
Some potato dishes try too hard, but Parisian Potatoes keep it simple and let the flavor do the work. They bring a perfect mix of crisp and tender, making them just as good for a fancy dinner as they are for a quick weeknight meal. Whether paired with roasted meats, grilled seafood, or even a vegetarian main, they never feel out of place. The best part? They’re the kind of side that gets eaten before anything else on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Grilled Asparagus
Some vegetables don’t need much to be great, and Grilled Asparagus is a perfect example. A quick grill brings out its natural sweetness and adds just the right amount of char to keep things interesting. It works with anything—steak, chicken, seafood, or even pasta—without stealing the spotlight. It’s simple but never boring, making it a side dish that always delivers. If there’s one green that never disappoints, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Mexican Rice
A side that’s packed with flavor but never overwhelming, Mexican Rice belongs on any table. It’s hearty enough to stand next to bold dishes but balanced enough to pair with lighter meals. The texture is spot on, with just the right amount of fluff and bite to keep it interesting. Whether served with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or anything in between, it always fits right in. If a meal needs a little extra something, this is the answer.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Some salads lean on greens, but Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad take a different route. It’s hearty without being heavy, making it the perfect balance for rich or light meals alike. The mix of textures keeps it interesting, with grilled asparagus adding just the right touch of char. Whether served at a cookout, a casual dinner, or a holiday table, it never feels out of place. If potatoes could pick a best friend, asparagus would probably be it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Classic Mac and Cheese
There’s comfort food, and then there’s Classic Mac and Cheese, a side that needs no introduction. It’s creamy, cheesy, and exactly what any meal needs when something warm and satisfying is required. Whether served alongside barbecue, roasted meats, or just on its own, it’s always a favorite. No fancy twists, just the kind of mac and cheese that keeps people coming back for more. If leftovers happen, they won’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Light, crisp, and perfectly balanced, Cucumber Salad with Feta works with almost anything. It’s the refreshing contrast a meal needs when paired with rich or hearty dishes. A mix of fresh flavors and creamy texture makes it just as good for a summer barbecue as it is for a cozy dinner. It’s one of those sides that never feels too heavy but still leaves an impression. If there’s ever a meal that needs a little balance, this one delivers.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are everything a potato side should be. They’re the kind of dish that gets picked off the plate before anything else. Whether served alongside steak, chicken, or even something light like fish, they always fit right in. No complicated flavors, just a perfect balance of texture and seasoning that works every time. Good luck saving any for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Small but packed with flavor, Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits prove that a good side doesn’t need to be complicated. They’re rich, buttery, and just the right amount of cheesy without overpowering the meal. Perfect for dipping, stacking, or just eating straight off the tray, they work with soups, roasts, and everything in between. If you make a batch expecting leftovers, think again. These tend to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Turkey Fried Rice
This dish makes great use of leftovers, but Turkey Fried Rice is more than just a backup plan. It’s packed with bold flavors, plenty of texture, and just the right balance of hearty and light. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a quick side, it holds its own next to any main dish without stealing the show. Whether served alongside something grilled, roasted, or stir-fried, it always fits right in. If leftovers somehow make it to the next day, consider it a rare accomplishment.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
A good salad doesn’t need to be complicated, and Mediterranean Couscous Salad proves that. It brings freshness, great texture, and a mix of flavors that work with just about anything. It’s light enough to keep things balanced but still satisfying enough to be noticed. Whether paired with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables, it does its job without taking over the plate. And if there are leftovers, they only get better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Sometimes, a simple side dish surprises you, and Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill is one of those. It’s light yet flavorful, with just enough punch to hold up against rich or heavy mains. Whether served next to grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even hearty pasta, it never feels out of place. The combination of bright and earthy flavors makes it one of those sides that disappears fast. Anyone expecting plain cauliflower is in for a nice surprise.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
A side that looks impressive without being complicated, Grilled Cauliflower Steaks hold their own next to any main. They get a perfect char on the outside while staying tender inside, making them a great choice for any meal. Whether paired with grilled meats, seafood, or even pasta, they add just the right amount of texture and flavor. They’re hearty enough to stand alone but play well with anything else on the plate. Anyone who thinks cauliflower is boring hasn’t tried these.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Some salads are just meant to go with everything, and Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes does exactly that. It’s light but satisfying, bringing a mix of crisp, tender, and fresh flavors to balance out any meal. Perfect for spring and summer menus, it pairs just as well with grilled dishes as it does with roasted favorites. There’s no overthinking this one—it’s a side that fits in wherever it lands. If you’re lucky, there might even be leftovers for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
A little smoke goes a long way, and Quick Smoked Tomatoes proves it. They bring depth and richness to any meal without being overpowering, making them a great side for meats, seafood, or even pasta. They’re just as good warm as they are at room temperature, so they fit into any spread effortlessly. Whether piled onto bread, mixed into salads, or eaten straight from the plate, they never go unnoticed. If tomatoes had a way to show off, this would be it.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Smoked Cauliflower
There’s roasted cauliflower, and then there’s Smoked Cauliflower—a side dish that takes things up a notch. It’s smoky, tender, and full of deep flavor, making it a great match for grilled meats, rich sauces, or even simple roasted dishes. The texture is just right, with a balance of crisp edges and soft bites that keep things interesting. Whether served as a side or mixed into other dishes, it holds its own. If cauliflower could brag, this would be its moment.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Greens don’t always get the attention they deserve, but Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta might change that. The greens stay tender while soaking up rich, savory flavors, making them the perfect complement to any meal. Whether paired with roasted meats, seafood, or even a grain dish, they add depth without stealing focus. It’s a great way to use every part of the beet while making a side dish that actually gets eaten. Anyone who skips the greens is definitely missing out.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Grilled Ratatouille
A classic dish with a grilled twist, Grilled Ratatouille brings bold flavors and great texture to any meal. The vegetables get just enough char to enhance their natural sweetness, making them a great match for roasted meats, seafood, or even pasta. It’s a side that works for summer cookouts, cozy dinners, and everything in between. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it never feels out of place. If vegetables had a way of showing off, this would be it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Mac and cheese is always a favorite, but Smoked Mac & Cheese takes it to another level. The smoky flavor adds depth without overpowering the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes this dish a classic. It pairs perfectly with barbecue, grilled meats, or even on its own as a comfort-food side. Whether served at a casual dinner or a big gathering, it’s always a hit. If there’s ever a fight over the last spoonful, don’t be surprised.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Ukrainian Potatoes
When it comes to potatoes, Ukrainian Potatoes keep things simple while delivering big flavor. They’re hearty, comforting, and a great match for anything from roasted meats to lighter vegetable dishes. The texture is just right, with a mix of crispy and tender bites that make every forkful satisfying. They’re the kind of side that works just as well at a family dinner as they do at a holiday gathering. If a potato dish could feel like home, this would be it.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of rich, Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze is a side that surprises in the best way. It’s a perfect contrast to grilled meats, barbecue, or even lighter seafood dishes. The caramelized edges and bright flavors make it a standout, whether served warm or at room temperature. It’s one of those dishes that gets attention without even trying. If fruit had a way of stealing the show, this would be it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
German Yellow Beans
A classic dish that never feels out of place, German Yellow Beans bring a satisfying mix of texture and flavor. They work with roasted meats, grilled dishes, or even alongside simple grain-based meals. The balance of tender beans and rich flavors makes them a go-to side for any occasion. Whether served at a holiday meal or an everyday dinner, they always fit right in. If beans could have a comfort-food version, this would be it.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Corn is good, but Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob takes it up a level. The smoky flavor adds depth, while the grill gives it a perfect balance of crisp and juicy bites. It pairs well with anything from barbecue to seafood, making it a go-to for any occasion. Whether eaten straight off the cob or cut into salads, it’s a side that never sticks around long. If summer had a signature dish, this would be a strong contender.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
A pasta salad that doesn’t feel heavy, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is the perfect balance of fresh and hearty. The orzo gives it just enough bite, while the shrimp adds a satisfying touch. It works well as a side for grilled meats or seafood, but it’s also substantial enough to stand alone. Great for gatherings, meal prep, or a quick dinner addition, it’s a dish that keeps things simple without being boring. If a side could be both light and filling, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Some recipes stick around for a reason, and Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is one of them. It’s creamy, comforting, and just the right amount of indulgence, making it a perfect side for any meal. Whether paired with roasted meats, holiday spreads, or a simple weeknight dinner, it always hits the mark. It’s the kind of dish that gets scraped clean every time, with no leftovers in sight. If there’s one potato dish that never fails, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
If Brussels sprouts had a way to win over skeptics, Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds would be it. The balance of rich, nutty flavors and tender texture makes them a standout side. Whether served with roasted meats, grilled dishes, or even vegetarian mains, they bring something extra to the table. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a holiday meal. Anyone still holding a grudge against Brussels sprouts hasn’t tried these.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Sometimes, simple is best, and Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots prove it. They’re tender, slightly sweet, and just the right balance of rich and light. A great side for everything from roasted meats to casual weeknight dinners, they fit in wherever they land. There’s nothing complicated here, just a side that works every single time. If vegetables could be comfort food, this would be one of them.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
A fresh, flavorful side that holds its own, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes brings a little something extra. The smoked tomatoes add depth, making it a great match for grilled meats, seafood, or even as part of a larger spread. It’s light but satisfying, packed with texture, and never feels like an afterthought. Whether served at a cookout or a holiday table, it always finds a place. If salads could have personality, this one would be full of it.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)
Some side dishes do more than just sit on the plate, and Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans) is one of them. These beans soak up bold flavors while keeping their tender texture, making them a standout companion for any meal. Whether paired with grilled meats, seafood, or even a simple rice dish, they always deliver. They work for casual dinners, holiday spreads, or even meal prep. If green beans ever wanted an upgrade, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots don’t play around. They bring crunch, richness, and just enough indulgence to make them impossible to ignore. A great match for burgers, barbecue, or even a casual snack, they fit in anywhere. Whether served as a side or a shareable appetizer, they never last long. If tater tots had a big-league version, this would be it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Creamed Corn
There’s corn, and then there’s Creamed Corn, a side that takes things up a notch. It’s rich, smooth, and just the right amount of hearty without being too heavy. Perfect alongside barbecue, roasted meats, or even as part of a holiday spread, it’s a dish that always gets scooped up quickly. The balance of creamy texture and natural sweetness makes it an easy favorite. If there’s ever a side that keeps people coming back for seconds, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn