Side dishes often get sidelined, but not with these 31 recipes. Each one is designed to steal the spotlight, whether it’s a classic dish with a twist or a surprising flavor combo that plays well with others. These recipes won’t just complement dinner—they’ll have it scrambling to keep up. Perfect for weekdays or hosting, they deliver on taste without complicating your life. Who knew sides could have main-character energy?

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Forget the traditional corn on the cob; Grilled Elote Corn Ribs bring a whole new shape and fun to the table. These smoky, grill-kissed strips are packed with flavor and perfect for sharing. They’re the ultimate side that demands attention. Whether it’s a casual BBQ or a fancy dinner, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. When dinner’s looking boring, this side steps in with flair.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Smoked Cauliflower

With a smoky aroma and tender texture, Smoked Cauliflower is a side dish that’s anything but ordinary. This unexpected twist on a familiar veggie adds depth to any plate. Pair it with meats, grains, or just enjoy it solo—it’s that good. A quick crowd-pleaser that turns heads without overcomplicating the meal. Who knew cauliflower could be this exciting?
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Classic Mac and Cheese

A dish that never goes out of style, Classic Mac and Cheese is comfort food in its truest form. Creamy, satisfying, and rich, it brings everyone to the table. It pairs effortlessly with just about anything, yet it can easily stand alone. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a potluck favorite, this dish holds its own as a timeless side.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese

Fasolakia Lathera

A Mediterranean favorite, Fasolakia Lathera combines vibrant vegetables with rich, herbaceous flavors. This dish is as hearty as it is fresh, making it perfect for year-round enjoyment. It works as a side or even a light meal for those who crave simplicity. Balanced and satisfying, it’s proof that wholesome food can be utterly compelling.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera

Ukrainian Potatoes

With roots in tradition, Ukrainian Potatoes combine comfort and rich flavor in every bite. This dish feels like a warm hug, adding depth to any meal. It’s hearty enough to stand its ground but pairs beautifully with any main course. Perfect for family gatherings or solo dinners, this side is always a winner. Who says simplicity can’t steal the show?
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Turkey Fried Rice

A little unexpected, Turkey Fried Rice brings versatility to the side dish game. Balancing satisfying textures and bold flavors, it pairs with anything from weeknight staples to holiday spreads. It’s quick to prepare yet loaded with personality. Need a side that doubles as comfort food? Look no further; this one delivers without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice

Grilled Asparagus

Take the classic veggie up a notch with Grilled Asparagus, a smoky, charred twist that’s simple yet bold. This dish is crisp and flavorful, ideal for pairing with just about any meal. It works just as well on busy weeknights as on celebratory spreads. Whether the grill’s fired up or not, this side deserves a permanent spot at the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Light yet satisfying, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a showstopper that pairs Mediterranean flair with fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s packed with everything a great side should have—texture, balance, and appeal. Whether for al fresco dinners or busy evenings, it doesn’t disappoint. This salad proves that sides can be as dynamic as mains.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Crispy on the outside and fluffy within, Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are an effortless hit. They deliver texture and flavor that rival even the most elaborate sides. Perfect for any occasion, they’re versatile enough for simple dinners or entertaining. This dish is proof that great sides don’t have to be overthought—they just have to deliver.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

For something that’s fresh, bold, and unique, this side checks all the boxes. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes brings a refreshing, smoky twist to a traditional favorite. This vibrant dish offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors, turning any meal into something memorable. It pairs well with everything from grilled meats to seafood, making it a versatile addition to any table.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

If you’re looking to wow your guests with a side that’s a little out of the ordinary, this dish will not disappoint. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta is the side dish that’ll make everyone rethink how they feel about greens. Rich with savory flavors, it’s an unexpected winner that will add depth to any meal. The crispy pancetta offers a delicious contrast to the tender beet greens, making it a delightful combo.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Whether you’re serving it as part of a vegetarian meal or alongside your favorite protein, it’s sure to be a hit. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are a simple yet impressive side that proves cauliflower can be anything but bland. With just the right amount of grill char, this dish turns a humble vegetable into a showstopper. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but also complements a variety of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

A go-to for potlucks or weekday dinners, this side is a reliable all-rounder that earns its place in the spotlight. Mediterranean Couscous Salad adds texture and a bright, balanced flavor profile to any meal. Its versatile nature makes it a hit with a variety of dishes. Whether serving it warm or chilled, it adapts effortlessly to your table.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Forget your average corn on the cob—Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob brings a bold, smoky flavor to the table. This side is simple yet packs a punch, easily making it the star of any meal. Whether you’re grilling up a storm or simply looking to add something exciting to your dinner spread, it’s sure to turn heads. This is one dish that makes even the most casual meal feel special.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

If you’ve been craving something crunchy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are your answer. These crispy bites of goodness can easily outshine dinner itself, making them a crowd favorite. Whether served as an appetizer or alongside a main dish, they’re the perfect side to keep everyone coming back for more. They offer all the indulgence without any of the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Light and refreshing, Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is the perfect way to celebrate the season. This dish brings together fresh, crisp vegetables in a way that complements any main course. It’s an easy yet elegant side that adds color and texture to your meal. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a holiday spread, it brings just the right balance of lightness and satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Mexican Rice

When you want a side that brings warmth and comfort, Mexican Rice is your answer. This dish is packed with flavor, making it the perfect addition to any Latin-inspired meal. It’s versatile, pairing easily with everything from tacos to grilled meats. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a festive celebration, it always brings the right level of flavor without overwhelming the plate.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is a side dish that combines two classic ingredients in the most satisfying way. The smoky grilled asparagus complements the tender potatoes, creating a balanced and delicious combo. It’s the perfect side for any gathering, adding flavor without complicating the meal. If you’re looking for a go-to salad that works well for both casual dinners and more formal occasions, this one’s a winner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Quick Smoked Tomatoes

For a burst of smoky flavor with minimal effort, Quick Smoked Tomatoes delivers every time. This side takes the common tomato and adds a grilled twist, creating a bold, juicy addition to any plate. They’re perfect for a quick side when you’re in a time crunch but still want something with a lot of flavor. Whether used to complement a simple dish or jazz up a fancy dinner, they’ll never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Whether it’s for holidays, weeknight dinners, or any time you’re looking to serve up something hearty, this dish always hits the mark. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole takes comfort food to the next level. Creamy and rich, it’s the kind of side dish that everyone wants a second helping of. This casserole makes mashed potatoes feel extra special, adding a bit of flair to a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Simple yet full of flavor, Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill turns a basic vegetable into a standout side. The lemon and dill combine for a fresh, tangy finish that complements the mild cauliflower perfectly. This dish adds a burst of brightness to any plate, making it an ideal pairing for meats or seafood. It’s proof that even the simplest ingredients can come together to create something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

If you’re craving a side that’s both sweet and savory, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are your go-to. With just the right balance of flavors, these carrots become an irresistible treat at the dinner table. They’re easy to prepare, but the end result is a dish that feels special every time. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or at a gathering, they’re sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze

Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze takes tropical fruit to a whole new level. The sweet, charred pineapple combined with the tangy lime glaze creates a flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with savory dishes. It’s a side that balances sweetness and zest, offering something unexpected to the meal. Whether for BBQs or any occasion, this side adds an exciting twist that’ll leave everyone wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze

Grilled Ratatouille

For a side that combines vibrant vegetables and smoky flavor, Grilled Ratatouille is a go-to. This French-inspired dish is packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients that add color and depth to your meal. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats or serving as a vegetarian option, this side brings a burst of flavor with minimal effort. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that adds variety and flair to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille

Parisian Potatoes

Elegant yet simple, this side will impress without requiring much effort. Parisian Potatoes bring a sophisticated touch to the table with their buttery, tender texture. These potatoes are cooked to perfection, offering a creamy finish that complements any meal. Whether paired with roasted meats or served as the main attraction, they’re always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes

Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

You’ll find yourself reaching for one after another—they’re that good. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are the side that makes every meal feel more indulgent. These biscuits are light, airy, and loaded with cheesy goodness, making them the perfect complement to any main course. Whether served with soup, salad, or roasted meats, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

Grilled Vegetables

There’s no better way to enjoy fresh produce than with Grilled Vegetables. This dish brings out the natural flavors of your favorite vegetables, enhanced by a bit of smoky char. It’s the perfect side to complement any grilled main course or as a standalone dish for vegetarians. Whether you’re serving a BBQ or looking for a healthy, flavorful addition, these veggies won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Smoked Mac & Cheese

It’s the perfect choice when you want something a little extra, whether for weeknight dinners or holiday spreads. Smoked Mac & Cheese adds a rich, smoky depth to the traditional comfort dish. This side takes the classic mac and cheese and kicks it up a notch, delivering a bold, unforgettable flavor. Pair it with your favorite grilled meats or enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese

Cucumber Salad with Feta

If you’re craving something refreshing and light, Cucumber Salad with Feta hits the spot. This side combines cool, crisp cucumbers with tangy feta cheese for a satisfying bite. It’s the perfect addition to summer meals or a side to balance out richer main dishes. Whether served at a casual gathering or as part of a dinner, it brings just the right balance of flavor without being overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

If you’re looking to serve something that’s both comforting and a little refined, this side is perfect. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds transforms a humble vegetable into a standout side. The crispy, nutty almonds paired with the rich brown butter create an irresistible flavor combo that everyone will love. This dish works with anything from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

German Yellow Beans

Whether served for casual dinners or special occasions, they offer a satisfying, no-fuss addition to any meal. German Yellow Beans offer a unique twist on the classic bean side dish. With a subtle, earthy flavor, these beans pair beautifully with everything from meats to grains. They’re simple to prepare yet loaded with flavor, making them a perfect go-to side.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans