Dinner doesn’t need complicated sides slowing things down. 31 simple sides bring variety without extra effort, making any meal feel more complete without a long prep time. Some are classics, others switch things up just enough to keep things interesting, and all of them prove that a side dish doesn’t have to be fancy to be good. They’re reliable, quick to make, and never the reason you’re still in the kitchen long after dinner should’ve started.
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Combining the best of both worlds, this salad brings together grilled asparagus and tender potatoes. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad offers a smoky flavor that pairs well with the soft, creamy potatoes. It’s a perfect side for a barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, it comes together quickly and easily, making it a go-to option.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Classic Mac and Cheese
Comfort food at its finest, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Classic Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a perfect side for any meal. Whether you’re pairing it with a steak or serving it on its own, it’s sure to satisfy. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this mac and cheese is a true classic.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Turkey Fried Rice
A quick and hearty side, this dish transforms leftover turkey into something new and flavorful. Turkey Fried Rice is the perfect option when you want something filling and easy to prepare. The rice soaks up all the savory flavors, making it a satisfying complement to almost any main course. This is a great way to use up leftovers while creating a tasty side that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Cucumber Salad with Feta
This side dish brings a refreshing crunch to any meal. Cucumber Salad with Feta offers a perfect balance of creamy and crisp, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of main courses. It’s easy to make and pairs well with grilled meats or seafood. If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful salad, this one is a great option. It’s light enough to serve heavy dishes without overwhelming the flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this side gives a delicious twist to your typical potato dish. Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are simple to prepare and pair beautifully with meats or grilled veggies. They add a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor that everyone will enjoy. With the air fryer doing most of the work, it’s a quick, hassle-free side that brings big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
These light, flaky biscuits are perfect for those moments when you want something comforting without too much effort. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits have just the right amount of richness and cheesiness to complement any meal. They’re great for breakfast or as a side to soups and stews. Whether served warm or at room temperature, they’re always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Grilled Asparagus
With a light smoky flavor and perfect grill marks, this side is sure to impress. Grilled Asparagus offers a tender bite that’s both hearty and fresh. It’s easy to make, and it pairs beautifully with almost any main course, from steak to seafood. The char from the grill brings out the natural flavors of the asparagus, making it a perfect addition to your dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Mexican Rice
This side brings a flavorful, savory option to your dinner table. Mexican Rice adds a wonderful texture and depth to complement any dish, especially tacos or grilled meats. It’s simple to make, and you can easily adjust the seasoning to match your preferences. This rice is a great way to add a little extra flair without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Smoked Cauliflower
A simple yet satisfying side, this dish brings a smoky depth to the mild flavor of cauliflower. Smoked Cauliflower offers a unique twist on a classic vegetable, making it a great addition to any meal. It’s easy to prepare and can be paired with a variety of meats or vegetarian dishes. The smoky flavor enhances the natural sweetness of the cauliflower, making it a favorite at any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
For something a little different, this side offers a mix of savory, earthy flavors. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta are full of flavor and offer a great way to enjoy greens in a new way. The crispy pancetta complements the tender beet greens, creating a well-balanced side dish. Perfect for a light dinner or as part of a larger spread, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Light and refreshing, this salad offers a great balance of textures and flavors. Mediterranean Couscous Salad is full of vibrant ingredients that make it a great pairing with grilled meats or seafood. It’s a versatile side that’s easy to make and can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a bigger meal. The combination of couscous and Mediterranean ingredients creates a dish that’s both filling and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Vegetables
Full of smoky flavor, this side dish is a great way to highlight fresh seasonal vegetables. Grilled Vegetables are simple to prepare and can easily be customized with your favorite veggies. They pair well with everything from grilled meats to pasta, making them a versatile choice for any meal. The grill enhances the natural flavors, making these veggies a standout side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Parisian Potatoes
These potatoes have a smooth, creamy texture that makes them a great addition to any meal. Parisian Potatoes offer a mild yet rich flavor, making them versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes. They’re quick to make and add a touch of elegance to your dinner table. Whether you’re serving them with roasted chicken or a simple salad, they won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Smoky, rich, and packed with flavor, these tomatoes make a fantastic side to any grilled dish. Quick Smoked Tomatoes have a tender texture and a depth of flavor that complements almost anything they’re served with. It’s a quick and easy way to bring a smoky twist to your meals. These tomatoes are simple to make, yet they add a bold, rich element to your dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
This side brings a bright, fresh flavor to your dinner table. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill enhance the mild cauliflower with a zesty touch from the lemon and the fresh, herby flavor of dill. It’s a great addition to any meal, whether you’re having grilled meats or a vegetarian dish. Quick and easy to make, this side is as tasty as it is simple.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Smoky, sweet, and incredibly satisfying, this side takes classic corn on the cob to a whole new level. Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob brings a rich depth of flavor, making it the perfect addition to a summer barbecue or any grilled meal. It’s easy to make and pairs well with everything from burgers to grilled vegetables. The smoky finish adds a unique flavor that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Comfort food with a twist, this dish brings smoky flavors to a classic favorite. Smoked Mac & Cheese adds an extra layer of depth to the creamy, cheesy texture of the pasta. It’s the perfect side to complement grilled meats or a hearty main course. The smoky notes make this mac and cheese a standout dish that’s sure to be a hit at your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Grilled Ratatouille
A great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables, this dish is full of flavor and color. Grilled Ratatouille brings smoky and caramelized flavors to tender vegetables, making it a perfect side for almost any meal. It’s a wonderful option for a vegetarian dinner or a hearty accompaniment to meats. The variety of textures and flavors makes it an exciting addition to your dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
For a hearty yet healthy side, these steaks are perfect for grilling season. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks offer a smoky flavor with a satisfying texture that pairs well with almost anything. They’re simple to prepare and add a unique twist to your usual vegetable sides. Whether you’re serving them as a main or alongside meats, these steaks are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
This side brings the best of spring into every bite. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes combines fresh, seasonal ingredients into a vibrant and satisfying salad. The combination of tender asparagus, sweet peas, and creamy potatoes makes it a perfect complement to your main course. Whether served chilled or warm, this salad is a refreshing option that pairs with a variety of meals.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy, this side brings a tropical twist to your meal. Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze enhances the natural sweetness of pineapple with a buttery glaze that’s balanced with a hint of lime. It’s an easy side to prepare and adds a refreshing touch to any dish. The combination of flavors is sure to brighten up your dinner and add a fun, tropical flair.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
German Yellow Beans
These beans offer a tender texture and earthy flavor, making them an excellent addition to any dinner. German Yellow Beans are simple to prepare and offer a unique twist on traditional green beans. They pair well with almost any main course, from steaks to roasted poultry. This side is easy to make and brings a fresh, wholesome flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this casserole is a comforting side. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is rich and filling, making it a great addition to any dinner spread. It’s perfect for holidays or casual weeknight meals, adding warmth and satisfaction to your table. The creamy potatoes melt in your mouth, making this dish a favorite for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
These Brussels sprouts are cooked to perfection, offering a crispy, nutty finish. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds add a savory, rich flavor that complements both meat and vegetarian dishes. The brown butter enhances the natural sweetness of the sprouts, while the almonds provide a delightful crunch. This side is quick, eand asy, and adds a sophisticated touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Sweet, tender, and full of flavor, these carrots make the perfect side. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are simple to make yet bring big flavor to your table. They’re a great complement to almost any main course, from meats to vegetarian dishes. The sweetness of the carrots shines through, making them a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Ukrainian Potatoes
Hearty and comforting, this dish offers a satisfying side to any main course. Ukrainian Potatoes are simple to make yet packed with flavor, providing the perfect balance of crispy and tender. They’re great with roasted meats, grilled sausages, or even on their own. This side adds a wholesome, filling option to your dinner without requiring much prep time.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Fresh, tangy, and satisfying, this salad brings a unique twist to a classic dish. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes combines the bright flavors of traditional tabouli with the smoky depth of the tomatoes. It’s perfect as a light side or a refreshing addition to a larger meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser at any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
A fun and indulgent side, these tots are crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are the perfect pairing with burgers, sandwiches, or even on their own as a snack. They offer a satisfying crunch with the savory taste of cheddar and bacon. Easy to make and totally addictive, these loaded tots are always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Creamed Corn
Creamy, comforting, and simple to prepare, this side is a classic. Creamed Corn adds a smooth, rich texture that complements almost any main course. Whether served with roasted meats or as part of a holiday meal, it’s sure to satisfy. This dish brings a touch of warmth and richness to your dinner table without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
This light, flavorful salad is perfect when you want something fresh and satisfying. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp brings together the flavors of the Mediterranean on a quick and easy side. The orzo provides a great base while the shrimp adds a protein-packed punch. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)
This dish brings a fresh, Mediterranean flavor to your table. Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans) are tender and flavorful, cooked with simple ingredients to bring out the natural taste. It’s a great side for grilled meats or as a light vegetarian dish. This dish is easy to prepare and packs a punch with its vibrant, savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)