A side dish should do more than take up space on the plate. These 31 options refuse to be the last-picked player at the dinner table. They bring flavor, texture, and just the right amount of attitude to keep things interesting. Whether it’s something crispy, creamy, or unexpectedly bold, these sides make sure no one is stuck pretending to enjoy another forgettable scoop of something bland.
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Light enough to balance a rich main, but hearty enough to hold its own, Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad brings the best of both worlds. Smoky asparagus meets perfectly cooked potatoes in a side dish that doesn’t get pushed aside. It’s the kind of salad that actually makes people excited to eat vegetables. The mix of textures keeps things interesting, making it impossible to leave any behind. If you’re late to the table, good luck finding any left.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Turkey Fried Rice
There’s nothing average about Turkey Fried Rice—it’s the side dish that’s just as good on its own as it is next to the main. It brings bold flavors, the perfect balance of textures, and enough substance to make every bite count. The best part? It somehow tastes even better the longer it sits, but not that it ever gets the chance. If you weren’t quick enough, it’s already gone.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Grilled Ratatouille
Smoky, hearty, and packed with layers of flavor, Grilled Ratatouille is proof that vegetables can steal the spotlight. Each bite brings a mix of soft, charred, and slightly crisp textures that make it impossible to ignore. It’s the kind of side dish that works with everything while still standing out on its own. If you’re expecting leftovers, think again. People will be scraping the dish clean.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Light, fresh, and just hearty enough to be satisfying, Mediterranean Couscous Salad makes sure no one skips over it. It brings the right mix of flavors to keep things interesting while pairing well with almost anything. It’s the side that adds balance to heavier dishes without feeling like an afterthought. Whether piled high or served in small portions, it won’t sit untouched. If you’re looking for something that actually gets finished, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks prove that a simple vegetable can stand up to anything else on the plate. Smoky, slightly crispy, and packed with depth, these aren’t the kind of cauliflower people push around with their forks. They bring flavor, texture, and enough boldness to make even meat lovers take notice. If someone thought they didn’t like cauliflower before, they’re about to change their mind. Expect these to go fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes isn’t just a filler side—it brings balance, texture, and just enough freshness to round out any meal. The combination of crisp, tender, and hearty elements makes every bite worth grabbing. It’s light enough to go with heavier dishes but substantial enough to be satisfying on its own. This is the kind of salad that doesn’t get ignored. If there’s a bowl left untouched, something went wrong.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Grilled Vegetables
No one’s ignoring these. Grilled Vegetables bring just the right balance of smoky flavor and char, turning simple ingredients into something worth grabbing first. They hold their own next to any main dish, adding texture and variety to the plate. Whether they’re piled high or just a small addition, they do more than just fill space. There’s a reason they disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
These aren’t just biscuits; they’re the reason people hover near the bread basket. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits bring layers of crispy edges and cheesy goodness in every bite. They’re small enough to grab a couple without guilt but flavorful enough to make an impression. Perfect for stacking, dipping, or just eating straight off the tray. If leftovers exist, it’s because someone didn’t get the memo.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes know exactly how to keep things interesting. They hold onto every bit of smoky flavor while delivering the perfect contrast in texture. There’s no soft, forgettable pile of potatoes here—these demand attention. The kind of side dish people remember long after the meal. If someone tries to take the last one, expect a debate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Light, crisp, and just salty enough to keep things exciting, Cucumber Salad with Feta isn’t just another green thing on the plate. It balances out heavier dishes, offering a refreshing bite that makes everything else taste even better. It’s not trying to steal the show, but somehow it always does. The kind of dish that disappears faster than expected. No one’s skipping this one.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Smoked Cauliflower
Smoked Cauliflower is what happens when a simple vegetable gets the attention it deserves. It soaks up smoky flavor like a pro, delivering something that tastes way more exciting than expected. Forget about bland, mushy cauliflower—this one holds its own. Whether eaten on its own or next to something hearty, it earns its place on the plate. No need to pretend to like it; people actually will.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
The kind of side dish that makes people wonder why they haven’t been eating it all along. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta take an overlooked ingredient and turn it into something bold and flavorful. The slight crunch, the rich depth, and the balance of flavors make it more than just a way to use up greens. It’s the side people didn’t expect to love but definitely do. No plate will have leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Mexican Rice
No one ever looks at Mexican Rice and thinks, “I’ll skip that.” It’s packed with just enough flavor to stand out while still playing well with everything else on the table. Light yet filling, it adds color and warmth to any meal. This is the kind of rice that doesn’t just sit quietly on the side—it makes sure you notice it. Expect second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled Asparagus doesn’t need fancy sauces or extra toppings to make an impression. It holds onto that smoky char and brings a fresh, crisp bite to every plate. Whether eaten straight off the grill or paired with a rich main, it knows how to hold its own. Simple, bold, and gone before anyone can grab seconds. If you weren’t fast enough, better luck next time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Creamy, comforting, and loaded with just the right amount of flavor, Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is the reason people go back for seconds. It takes everything good about mashed potatoes and makes them even better. The texture is smooth but satisfying, and there’s no way this dish is being ignored. It’s the kind of comfort food that keeps people coming back for more. If there’s any left at the end of the meal, someone’s taking it home.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Sweet, smoky, and just tart enough to keep things interesting, Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze isn’t just another side dish—it’s the one people keep talking about. The caramelized edges bring a deep, rich flavor that pairs well with just about anything. It’s light enough to go with a heavy meal but bold enough to stand out on its own. If you think fruit doesn’t belong on the plate, this might change your mind.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Smoked Mac & Cheese takes a classic and gives it an upgrade that no one saw coming. The smoky flavor blends right into the creamy, cheesy layers, making each bite even better than the last. It’s rich, satisfying, and just indulgent enough to make people forget there are other sides on the table. If you thought regular mac and cheese was good, this takes things to another level. Expect empty plates and zero leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Ukrainian Potatoes
Crispy, golden, and packed with rich, deep flavor, Ukrainian Potatoes prove that simplicity can still steal the spotlight. The balance of textures makes them impossible to ignore, with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside and softness inside. They pair with everything, yet they’re bold enough to stand on their own. If you’re expecting to grab a few later, you might want to get in line now.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
No more avoiding Brussels sprouts—Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds make sure of that. They bring just the right mix of crunch, richness, and nutty flavor to keep every bite exciting. There’s no bitterness, no blandness—just a perfectly cooked dish that people actually want to eat. It’s the kind of side that turns skeptics into believers. If you weren’t a fan before, you probably are now.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Some side dishes just blend in, but Quick Smoked Tomatoes refuse to be ignored. They bring a bold, smoky punch that adds depth to any meal. Soft, juicy, and packed with flavor, they make everything around them taste better. Whether piled onto something or eaten on their own, they don’t get left behind. If you thought tomatoes were boring, think again.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Sweet, smoky, and just messy enough to make it fun, Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob is never left behind. The kernels hold onto every bit of charred goodness, making each bite worth the effort. No extra toppings needed—this corn brings enough flavor on its own. It’s the kind of side dish people talk about long after the meal. If you see someone with two pieces, they know what they’re doing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Parisian Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, buttery on the inside—Parisian Potatoes don’t just sit there waiting to be eaten; they demand attention. Each bite brings a balance of texture and richness that makes them impossible to ignore. They fit in with anything on the table but still manage to stand out. If there’s one side dish that disappears before the main course is even touched, it’s this one.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Classic Mac and Cheese
No one asks, “Who brought the Classic Mac and Cheese?” because it’s always a given. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked, this dish knows exactly why it’s here. It’s the side that gets scooped onto plates before anything else, and anyone who says otherwise is lying. Whether it’s the first helping or the third, it never gets old. If there are leftovers, someone’s already claiming them.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Soft, rich, and just the right amount of sweet, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots prove that simple ingredients can still be unforgettable. They’re tender without being mushy and bring a depth of flavor that makes them stand out. No one’s leaving these untouched on the plate—they’re the kind of side dish that disappears before you know it. If you weren’t planning on grabbing seconds, you might want to rethink that.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Light but satisfying, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp brings the perfect mix of textures and flavors to the table. The orzo keeps things hearty, while the shrimp adds just the right touch of richness. It pairs well with just about anything, but let’s be honest—it’s good enough to eat on its own. If someone is piling their plate with this first, they know what they’re doing.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Greek Green Beans
No more boring green beans—Greek Green Beans bring just the right amount of bold flavor to make sure they’re not ignored. Soft but never mushy, they hold onto a rich depth that makes every bite worth it. They work next to just about any main dish but still manage to stand out on their own. If you thought green beans were just filler, this will change your mind. Expect people to go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
There’s nothing bland about Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill—it’s bright, flavorful, and just unexpected enough to make it interesting. The mix of fresh and rich elements makes it stand out, turning a simple ingredient into something worth grabbing first. It works as a side, a snack, or even a main for those who know what’s good. If someone isn’t piling their plate with this, they just haven’t tried it yet.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Crispy, cheesy, and impossible to eat just one, Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots make every other side dish feel a little less exciting. They bring crunch, richness, and just the right amount of indulgence to keep people coming back for more. No one takes just one, and if they do, they’re coming back for seconds. Whether eaten as a side or straight off the tray, these don’t last long. If you weren’t fast enough, better luck next time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Creamed Corn
Creamed Corn is smooth, rich, and just sweet enough to make every bite feel comforting. It holds onto its texture while bringing enough depth to keep things interesting. Whether served next to a hearty meal or enjoyed on its own, it never gets left behind. It’s the kind of side dish that makes everything else on the plate taste even better. If someone’s scraping the bottom of the dish, no one is surprised.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Fresh, bold, and packed with smoky depth, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes makes sure no plate is left looking boring. The crisp greens and soft, juicy tomatoes bring the perfect contrast, making every bite interesting. It works as a refreshing counterbalance to heavier dishes while still holding its own. No one skips this one, and if they do, they’ll regret it after the first bite. Expect it to go fast.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
German Yellow Beans
There’s no need to dress up German Yellow Beans—they bring enough flavor on their own. They’re crisp, rich, and hold onto just the right amount of seasoning to make them stand out. No bland, mushy beans here—these are the kind people actually want to eat. They disappear quickly, leaving nothing but an empty bowl and a couple of regrets from those who didn’t grab enough. If you thought beans were boring, this will change your mind.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans