When it comes to side dishes, the stakes are high: it’s where flavor meets expectations. These 33 crowd-pleasers are here to save dinner from the dreaded “meh.” No more soggy leftovers or lonely sides no one touches—this lineup guarantees second helpings (and possibly some stealthy third ones). From the reliable staples to a few curveballs, they’ve got one job: to make your main dish look like it has its life together.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of fun, Grilled Elote Corn Ribs bring personality to any plate. These perfectly portioned bites are the definition of shareable, though you might not want to. Each bite feels like a mini celebration, proving side dishes can be exciting too. They’re guaranteed to be the first thing gone, leaving everyone asking, “Why didn’t you make more?”
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Mexican Rice
Perfect as a sidekick to bold entrees or a filler-upper for hungry guests, it always delivers. Mexican Rice is the dependable dish every meal deserves. It sits humbly on the plate, but its subtle blend of flavors quietly wins over even the pickiest eaters. This is the kind of dish that has people piling on seconds without a second thought, wishing they had room for thirds.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Fasolakia Lathera
It’s proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable results. Fasolakia Lathera brings a taste of tradition to the modern table. This classic side dish has a way of making vegetables the highlight, even among hearty mains. Its comforting flavors feel familiar yet unique, a balance that wins over even skeptical eaters. Perfect for pairing or enjoying solo, this dish is the quiet star of any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside, Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are side dish perfection. They manage to be both simple and irresistible, winning over everyone at the table. Their bite-sized appeal makes them a favorite, but it’s their bold flavor that keeps people coming back for more. Add these to your spread, and watch as they disappear before you can grab seconds.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
This side dish will have everyone reconsidering what they thought they knew about tabouli. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes takes a classic dish and adds a smoky twist that makes it feel new again. It balances freshness with a hint of depth, perfect for pairing with a heavier main. The flavors blend so well, that it’s hard to believe such simplicity can pack such a punch.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Parisian Potatoes
Parisian Potatoes bring elegance without the effort, turning a simple side into something special. These bite-sized wonders pack just enough flavor to hold their own alongside even the most robust main courses. They look as good as they taste, making them an instant hit for both casual dinners and fancier gatherings. Warning: they might just outshine everything else on the table.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Grilled Vegetables
It’s hard to mess with the basics, and Grilled Vegetables prove why. Smoky, tender, and full of flavor, this dish makes eating your veggies feel less like a chore and more like a treat. Whether stacked high or spread out as a centerpiece, it complements just about everything on the table. Forget the idea that greens are boring—these veggies bring real fire to the dinner game.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Don’t toss those greens! Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta prove that even the overlooked parts of veggies can shine. This dish brings unexpected flavor to the table, turning simple greens into a must-have side. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hidden gem, surprising and satisfying in every bite. Pair it with your favorite mains, and it’ll steal just enough of the spotlight to be remembered.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Who said cauliflower couldn’t be bold? Grilled Cauliflower Steaks take center stage as a side dish with serious flair. Smoky, hearty, and satisfying, they manage to please both plant lovers and skeptics alike. They’re versatile enough to pair with any meal yet stand out enough to hold their own. A few bites in, and you’ll forget you ever doubted cauliflower’s potential.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
You’ll find it equally at home on a weeknight dinner table or at a more festive gathering. Mediterranean Couscous Salad is the kind of dish that transforms your table into something fresh and exciting. Light, flavorful, and perfect for balancing out heavier mains, this salad offers a burst of refreshing tastes. It’s the type of side dish that everyone talks about, even after the meal is over.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Forget the usual mayo-heavy version—Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad bring freshness and flavor to a classic idea. The smoky, slightly charred asparagus pairs perfectly with hearty potatoes in a way that feels balanced and satisfying. It’s the side dish you didn’t know you needed until it’s the first thing gone. Bring it to the table, and watch as it quietly steals the spotlight from the mains.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Watch as they quickly become a regular feature at your dinners when guests can’t get enough. Quick Smoked Tomatoes are the unexpected side that everyone will be talking about. Their smoky flavor adds a deep richness that’s hard to match in such a simple dish. Whether added to a salad or served on their own, they bring a touch of sophistication to the table.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Light, cheesy, and irresistible, these biscuits add that comforting touch that’s hard to beat at any family dinner. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are the perfect side to get things started on a high note. These little bites of goodness disappear fast, especially when paired with butter. They’re the side dish everyone will reach for without thinking twice.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness to your meal. The char from the grill and the zing of lime make each bite irresistible. Whether served alongside meat or on its own, this dish brings a fun, tropical twist that surprises and satisfies. It’s the kind of side that’s easy to overlook but hard to forget.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Light and refreshing, Cucumber Salad with Feta is a great way to balance out heavier dishes. It’s a simple yet effective side that’s perfect for adding a cool crunch to your plate. The crisp cucumbers and salty feta provide a clean contrast to rich mains, making it a go-to for any dinner. It’s the kind of side that makes you wonder why you don’t make it more often.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
When you want your corn to be a standout, Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob is the answer. Smoky and juicy, this dish offers a satisfying crunch that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a side that’s easy to make, but when done right, it brings a depth of flavor that everyone will appreciate. Toss it on the grill and watch as it becomes the star of your meal, no questions asked.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Everyone knows Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are a favorite, and for good reason. Sweet, tender, and full of flavor, these carrots are the ultimate comfort side dish. They’re easy to prepare and make any meal feel complete. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, they’re the dish everyone will go for when it’s time for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Grilled Ratatouille
Whether served alongside meat or on its own, it’s hard to go wrong with this one. Grilled Ratatouille brings a colorful, flavorful mix of vegetables to the table in a way that feels both rustic and refined. The smoky flavor from the grill gives this classic dish an extra layer of depth, turning it into a side that steals the show. It’s a great way to feature a variety of vegetables in one bite-sized portion.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Easy Mexican Rice
You can always count on this rice to provide a satisfying, reliable side that’s never out of place. Easy Mexican Rice doesn’t need a lot of fanfare to be effective. Its subtle, comforting flavors make it the perfect base for any main dish, from tacos to grilled meats. It’s the kind of side that will quickly become a staple because of how effortlessly it fits in.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Crispy, cheesy, and bacon-packed, Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are the side dish you never knew you needed. They take the humble tater tot to a whole new level with extra flavor in every bite. This side can stand up to even the most decadent main dishes, and it never fails to impress. Just be ready for the inevitable request for a second batch, because these tots disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is the perfect side to bring a fresh vibe to your dinner table. The vibrant veggies bring a pop of color while balancing out richer, heartier dishes. It’s the kind of salad that’s light but still hearty enough to satisfy. This is the kind of side that’s perfect for any season, but it really shines in the spring when everything feels new again.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Smoked Cauliflower
A great option when you want something familiar but with a smoky, unexpected twist. Smoked Cauliflower brings a whole new flavor profile to the table with its smoky, tender bites. Whether as a side on its own or paired with something else, it adds a rich, satisfying depth. People who are usually skeptical about cauliflower will be surprised by how much flavor it brings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Flavorful enough to stand out but subtle enough to complement anything. Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta brings a delightful twist to your dinner table with its deep, savory flavor. The slight bitterness of the greens pairs perfectly with the salty crunch of pancetta, making it a side dish everyone will remember. It’s a great way to make use of those often-discarded beet greens while adding something extra to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Turkey Fried Rice
With the right balance of savory and satisfying, it’s always a winner at the table. Turkey Fried Rice is the side that takes leftovers and turns them into something special. Full of flavor and the perfect texture, it works as both a side dish and a meal on its own. It’s the kind of dish that makes you rethink what fried rice should be, proving that it’s not just for Chinese takeout anymore.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Classic Mac and Cheese
Classic Mac and Cheese is the side that never goes out of style. It’s creamy, cheesy, and the perfect comfort food that makes every dinner feel complete. Whether served with a hearty main or just on its own, it’s always a hit at the table. This dish does a great job of filling in the gaps, adding that extra layer of satisfaction to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
This salad is great for a variety of occasions, from casual dinners to special gatherings. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is light, bright, and a great way to add some flair to your meal. It’s a dish that feels both refreshing and satisfying, thanks to the mix of flavors. The shrimp adds a nice touch of protein, making it a side that’s a little more substantial.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Grilled Asparagus
Simple but impressive, grilled asparagus proves that you don’t need to complicate things to get a great side. Grilled Asparagus is an easy way to add a little extra elegance to your meal. Smoky and tender, it makes for the perfect side, complementing just about anything. It’s the kind of dish that everyone talks about after the meal, and they’ll want you to make it again.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
A great option for anyone who wants a fresh, simple side to bring to the table. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill offers a tangy twist on a classic vegetable. The bright lemon and fresh dill complement the cauliflower in a way that’s both simple and satisfying. It’s an easy side that pairs well with just about anything, especially if you’re looking for something light to balance out richer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds take this often-overlooked veggie and turn it into a star. The nutty flavor of the brown butter and the crunch of the almonds upgrade the sprouts into a must-have side. This dish is great for those who might not usually like Brussels sprouts, but it’s also a hit for fans of these little veggies. It’s rich, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Ukrainian Potatoes
Simple and satisfying, these potatoes are guaranteed to win over your guests. Ukrainian Potatoes bring a comforting, hearty vibe to the table. These potatoes are the type of dish you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again, always feeling satisfied after one serving. They’re the perfect side when you want something filling but still light enough to let the main dish shine.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Bacon Fried Corn
With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this corn dish becomes the crowd-pleaser everyone looks forward to. Bacon Fried Corn is the side dish you make when you want something a little extra. The bacon adds just the right touch of savory richness to sweet corn, making it an instant favorite. It’s the type of side that people rave about long after dinner is over.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn
Creamy Spinach Orzo
Creamy Spinach Orzo is the kind of side that’s perfect for soaking up sauces and juices. The creamy sauce coats the orzo and spinach in just the right way, making every bite satisfying. It’s rich without being overwhelming, and works as a side or a standalone dish. This is the type of dish you’ll find yourself wanting on repeat because it’s both easy and tasty and works with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Comfort food doesn’t get more reliable than this. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole hits the table with that perfect balance of creamy and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that gets scraped clean while everyone debates who got the biggest help. Whether it’s stealing the spotlight or simply supporting the main course, it’s always a crowd favorite. Expect a dish so good, you’ll catch someone asking for leftovers before dinner is even done.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole