Looking for ways to add more excitement to dinner? These 31 side dishes know how to make an entrance. Forget bland, boring sides—these are the ones that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Packed with flavor and creativity, these dishes pair perfectly with everything from comfort food to something a little more upscale. Who says sides can’t be the most interesting part of the meal? Get ready to be impressed.
Turkey Fried Rice
When you’re looking for a side that adds some hearty flavor to your plate, look no further than Turkey Fried Rice. This dish gives you a satisfying combination of flavors and textures, ideal for pairing with grilled meats or a lighter main. It’s quick to make and versatile, so you can easily adjust it to complement your meal. Plus, it’s filling without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
For a fresh, colorful side, consider a couscous salad that balances texture and flavor. Mediterranean Couscous Salad brings that perfect mix of tangy and savory notes. Whether served with grilled chicken or as part of a veggie spread, it adds a pleasant variety to your meal. It’s an easy-to-make side that feels both light and substantial.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Looking for a veggie side with a bit of brightness? Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill offers a fresh and light flavor that complements almost any main course. The zesty lemon and fragrant dill brighten up the cauliflower, creating a balance of freshness and depth. It’s a great addition to a meal when you need something simple yet full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Grilled Vegetables
A simple way to make any meal more exciting is with a side that packs in flavor and texture. Grilled Vegetables are just that, with their smoky finish and crispy edges. These veggies work wonders alongside meats, pastas, or even by themselves for a lighter meal. If you’re looking for a side that can easily complement a variety of mains, this one is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Parisian Potatoes
Looking to elevate your potato game without the extra fuss? Parisian Potatoes do just that with their golden crispy crust and tender inside. Perfect for pairing with roasts, grilled meats, or a simple salad, they add a satisfying crunch to any plate. This side is the ideal choice when you want something familiar but with a little twist.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Cucumber Salad with Feta
For a light and refreshing side, a crisp salad is the way to go. Cucumber Salad with Feta brings a cool, zesty crunch that complements heavier meals. It’s the perfect balance to rich dishes, offering a clean, bright contrast. This side is both simple to prepare and easy to enjoy, making it a reliable option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Potatoes can easily steal the show, especially when prepared just right. With Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes, you get a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. They pair perfectly with burgers, chicken, or even grilled fish, making them a versatile side. This side dish brings out the best in potatoes, giving them a whole new level of deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
A warm, cheesy biscuit can easily be the star of your meal, especially when it’s as good as Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits. These biscuits are buttery, flaky, and perfectly paired with everything from soups to grilled meats. They’re an easy side that adds a bit of indulgence without feeling too heavy. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
For something a bit more substantial than your typical veggie side, Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are a great option. With their smoky flavor and satisfying texture, they can stand up to even the heartiest mains. They pair especially well with meats, making them a perfect option for a lighter yet hearty side. It’s a twist on your typical veggie dish, and it’s bound to impress.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Looking for a side that’s a little lighter yet still filling? Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes brings together fresh, vibrant ingredients that are perfect for pairing with grilled meats or lighter mains. The asparagus adds a crisp bite, while the potatoes offer comfort without being too heavy. It’s a simple but satisfying dish that’s sure to brighten your plate.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
If you’re looking for a side that brings out the flavor of summer, Quick Smoked Tomatoes are a must-try. The smokiness adds depth to the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a perfect side for grilled meats or pasta. It’s quick, easy, and adds a fun twist to your usual veggie sides. This simple dish is packed with flavor and ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Smoked Cauliflower
When you want something unexpected yet simple, Smoked Cauliflower delivers. The smokiness adds a new dimension to the mild cauliflower, turning it into a bold side. This dish pairs well with just about any main, from grilled meats to vegetarian meals, making it a versatile choice. It’s an easy side that makes cauliflower more interesting without overwhelming your plate.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus can be the perfect side to complement almost any dish, and grilling it just takes it to the next level. Grilled Asparagus adds a light smokiness and a touch of crispness that works wonders with fish, meats, or even pasta. It’s an effortless side that doesn’t need much attention but still packs in flavor. When you need something simple and satisfying, this one’s a go-to.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Mexican Rice
Looking for a side with a little flair? Mexican Rice gives your meal a burst of flavor, adding texture and spice to balance out the main course. It pairs perfectly with anything from tacos to grilled chicken, making it a versatile choice. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, it’s the perfect accompaniment for when you want something a bit more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
A side that combines the best of both worlds is always a good idea. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad brings together hearty potatoes and fresh, smoky asparagus for a well-rounded dish. This side works perfectly with grilled meats, offering a light yet filling option for any meal. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with just about anything on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Classic Mac and Cheese
Sometimes, all you need is a comforting classic, and Classic Mac and Cheese is just that. This cheesy side is a crowd-pleaser, with a creamy texture that pairs well with anything from grilled meats to BBQ. It’s a side that never goes out of style and always hits the spot. For those moments when you want something familiar and satisfying, this dish is the perfect choice.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
When you want a veggie side with a little more punch, Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta is the perfect option. The savory pancetta adds a rich flavor to the greens, making it an exciting addition to any meal. It pairs perfectly with meats and brings a bit of depth to your plate. If you’re looking for something different but still comforting, this side is a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Grilled Ratatouille
Grilled Ratatouille is a vegetable-packed side that brings a burst of flavor to your meal. This dish is perfect for pairing with grilled meats, offering a smoky depth that enhances the vegetables’ natural sweetness. It’s an easy way to enjoy your veggies without them feeling like an afterthought. This side is light yet filling, making it a great option for a variety of meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
If you’re looking to add a bit of sweetness and smoky flavor to your meal, Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob is the answer. This side gives your corn a delicious smoky finish, making it a great match for BBQs, grilled meats, and more. Simple to make but full of flavor, it’s a classic that’s always a hit. Serve it as a side and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
When you want a side that feels like a meal, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp delivers. The orzo adds a satisfying bite, while the shrimp brings a touch of elegance to the dish. This salad pairs perfectly with grilled seafood or chicken, offering a fresh, light complement to your main. It’s easy to prepare and looks impressive without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
When you need a side that feels like home, Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is the answer. This casserole takes mashed potatoes to a whole new level with a crispy golden topping. It’s the perfect addition to any dinner table, offering a comforting side to accompany meats or even just by itself. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
If you want to turn a humble vegetable into something special, Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds is a must. The brown butter gives them a rich, nutty flavor, while the almonds add a satisfying crunch. This side pairs well with anything from pork to roasted chicken, offering a savory option that adds depth to your meal. These sprouts are a twist on the classic, and they don’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Looking for a sweet, simple side to complete your meal? Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are the answer. Their natural sweetness and light glaze make them an easy addition to any dinner. They work well with roasted meats or as part of a lighter meal, adding a touch of sweetness without overpowering the rest of your plate. Quick and tasty, they’re always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Looking for a fresh, smoky side to add to your meal? Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is a flavorful option that’s perfect for pairing with grilled meats or seafood. The smoked tomatoes bring an extra layer of depth to the dish, while the fresh herbs keep it light and refreshing. This salad adds color and flavor, making it a great choice when you need something vibrant on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)
When you want a veggie side that’s both hearty and fresh, Fasolakia Lathera fits the bill. These Greek green beans bring a delicious, olive oil-rich flavor to the table, making them perfect for pairing with grilled meats or light dishes. They’re easy to make and add a satisfying element to any meal. This side offers a great balance of freshness and richness in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
For a side that adds a bit of indulgence, Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are the way to go. Crispy and cheesy, they’re the perfect accompaniment to burgers, chicken, or anything grilled. These loaded tots give your meal an extra boost of flavor and texture. They’re simple to make and totally satisfying, making them a fun addition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Smoked Mac & Cheese
If you’re looking for a side that’s both comforting and a little bit daring, Smoked Mac & Cheese is the answer. The smoky flavor adds a whole new layer of depth to the classic mac and cheese, making it stand out. Whether paired with BBQ or grilled chicken, it’s a rich and creamy side that complements almost any main. It’s familiar, but with a smoky twist that makes it extra special.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Ukrainian Potatoes
When you need a simple yet hearty side, Ukrainian Potatoes are a great choice. These potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect side for meats or vegetables. They’re easy to make and always satisfying, giving your meal an extra bit of substance. This side is straightforward but brings a lot of comfort to the table.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Want to add something sweet and tangy to your meal? Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze is a great choice. The sweetness of the pineapple combined with the citrusy glaze is a perfect balance to rich or savory mains. This side is a great way to end a BBQ or freshen up a heavy meal. It’s simple, but the flavors make it stand out.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Bacon Fried Corn
Want to add a savory twist to your corn? Bacon Fried Corn gives you a smoky, rich flavor that pairs well with just about anything. This dish is a perfect complement to BBQ, grilled meats, or even just as a side for a weeknight dinner. It’s a fun, flavorful way to enjoy corn, with the bacon adding an irresistible depth. It’s simple, but the flavor speaks for itself.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn
German Yellow Beans
German Yellow Beans are a simple yet flavorful side that pairs well with everything from roasts to grilled meats. Their tender texture and light flavor make them an ideal accompaniment. Whether served alongside a heavier main or as part of a lighter meal, they’re a great way to add variety to your plate. Easy to prepare, they bring just the right amount of flavor.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans