If you’re looking for quick, no-fuss sides that still deliver, check out 31 simple sides. Forget the endless chopping, simmering, and stirring. These straightforward sides take little time but offer big, satisfying flavors that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering, these sides are the solution to your busy schedule.
Grilled Vegetables
When you want something quick and flavorful, grilled vegetables are always a good choice. Grilled Vegetables take just minutes on the grill and deliver a smoky, savory flavor that complements any meal. You don’t need to worry about complicated prep, making them perfect for a busy weeknight. These veggies add a colorful and tasty element to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Parisian Potatoes
Looking for a side that’s simple but feels a little more gourmet? Parisian Potatoes are a great way to take ordinary potatoes and turn them into something special. They come together quickly and add a comforting touch to any meal. This easy-to-make side pairs well with just about anything and always satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Cucumber Salad with Feta
If you’re craving a cool, crisp side, this cucumber salad is your go-to. Cucumber Salad with Feta brings together refreshing cucumbers and creamy feta, creating a light yet flavorful dish. It’s ready in minutes and pairs perfectly with any meal, adding a nice contrast to heavier dishes. This salad is ideal when you need something simple but delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
When you’re looking for a crispy, golden side with minimal effort, these potatoes are the answer. Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes deliver the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness without the extra work. You get a hearty, satisfying side dish that pairs well with nearly any main course. This recipe is quick, easy, and always hits the mark when time is tight but you want something flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Turkey Fried Rice
If you have leftover turkey and need a quick side that’s both filling and flavorful, this dish fits the bill. Turkey Fried Rice takes those leftovers and turns them into a savory, satisfying side in under 30 minutes. It’s easy to make and works with almost any protein you’re serving. Perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without fussing in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
This is a side that’s light yet filling, with flavors that pop without too much prep. Mediterranean Couscous Salad is perfect when you want something fresh and vibrant, but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. It’s quick to whip up and pairs wonderfully with almost any meal. This salad adds a bright, refreshing touch to your plate with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
If you need a light, fresh side that takes almost no time to prepare, this one’s for you. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill enhances the vegetable’s natural flavor with a simple yet bold combination. It’s a great side when you want something quick and healthy, adding a burst of flavor to your meal. This dish is perfect for pairing with anything from grilled meats to light pasta.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
These bite-sized biscuits are the perfect combination of flaky and cheesy, ideal for any meal. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits come together quickly and add a comforting, savory touch to your plate. They’re a great side for any occasion, from casual dinners to holiday spreads. Simple to prepare but always a crowd-pleaser, they’re an easy way to elevate your meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Smoked Cauliflower
This side takes cauliflower to the next level with a smoky flavor that adds depth without extra effort. Smoked Cauliflower is easy to prepare, but it delivers big flavor, making it a standout addition to any meal. It’s the perfect way to transform a simple vegetable into something memorable. Quick, simple, and full of flavor, this side is always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Grilled Asparagus
When you need a vegetable side that’s fresh, flavorful, and quick, grilled asparagus is always a great option. Grilled Asparagus comes together in just a few minutes, offering a smoky char that enhances the natural taste of the asparagus. It’s a perfect side that complements just about any meal, adding color and flavor to your plate. You don’t have to spend a lot of time to enjoy this delicious vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Mexican Rice
When you’re looking for a side that’s easy but packed with flavor, this rice is perfect. Mexican Rice takes minimal time to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights. It’s the perfect complement to any Mexican-inspired meal, adding a savory depth to your plate. Simple to make but always flavorful, it’s a side you can count on every time.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
For something a little different, these grilled cauliflower steaks are a great option. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are hearty, smoky, and flavorful without requiring a lot of time or effort. They’re the perfect side when you want something substantial but still light. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, these steaks are an easy choice.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
This is the perfect side when you want something fresh and vibrant. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes brings together crisp asparagus, tender peas, and creamy potatoes in a dish that’s both light and satisfying. It’s quick to put together and adds a fresh element to your meal. This salad is perfect for spring when you want something easy but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
If you want a side that’s full of smoky flavor but doesn’t take much time, this is a great option. Quick Smoked Tomatoes give your meal a savory kick without any complicated steps. The smoky depth enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, making them a perfect complement to any dish. It’s a fast way to add bold flavors to your plate with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
This salad is the ideal side when you want something hearty yet light. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad combines smoky grilled asparagus with tender potatoes, creating a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare. It’s great for a quick weeknight meal or a casual gathering. Simple, yet it delivers all the flavor you need with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
For a quick, satisfying side that brings a smoky sweetness, this corn on the cob is a winner. Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob adds a rich, smoky flavor to the natural sweetness of corn, making it a standout side. It’s easy to prepare, and the grilling process brings out all the best flavors. Perfect for pairing with almost any main dish, this corn is quick and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
This is a light yet filling side that’s ready in no time, making it a great go-to for busy days. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp brings together tender orzo and shrimp in a quick, flavorful salad that pairs well with any main course. It’s an easy-to-make side that feels like a special dish, even though it only takes minutes. A great option when you need a quick, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is creamy, hearty, and so easy to make, making it the perfect side for any meal. It’s great for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want something comforting. This dish is a simple, no-fuss side that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
If you want a side that’s simple but still impressive, this one is a winner. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds bring a rich, nutty flavor to the sprouts, taking them from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s a quick dish that adds a gourmet touch without the extra effort. The crispy almonds and brown butter make this side unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Classic Mac and Cheese
Quick, comforting, and satisfying, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Classic Mac and Cheese is a comfort food classic that never goes out of style. It’s creamy, cheesy, and so easy to make, making it a great side when you need something filling in no time. This dish pairs well with nearly any main course and is always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
If you want a side that’s simple but packed with flavor, this is the one. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta combines earthy greens with crispy pancetta for a savory, satisfying dish. It’s easy to make and adds a unique flavor to your meal. This side is perfect when you need something healthy but still delicious.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Grilled Ratatouille
If you want a vegetable side that’s hearty and full of flavor, grilled ratatouille is an easy go-to. Grilled Ratatouille brings together a mix of vegetables that are smoky, tender, and full of flavor. It’s a simple side that complements any meal and works well with grilled meats or pasta. With minimal prep and big flavor, it’s an easy way to add variety to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots give you that same indulgent side from your favorite restaurant but with less effort. Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon, these tots are perfect for any meal. They come together quickly and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them as a side or snack, they’ll be a hit every time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Smoked Mac & Cheese
It’s quick to prepare and always a crowd favorite when you need something hearty. Smoked Mac & Cheese is a comforting classic with a smoky twist that takes it to the next level. This side is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for when you want a dish that’s both easy and indulgent. The smoky flavor adds a unique depth, making it a standout on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Ukrainian Potatoes
If you’re looking for a simple side that everyone will enjoy, this one’s a great choice. Ukrainian Potatoes are a hearty, comforting side that’s easy to prepare and always satisfying. These potatoes are creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal, from weeknight dinners to special occasions. They take minimal time to cook but bring big flavor to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Grilled pineapple is a quick and easy side that adds a burst of sweetness to your meal. Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze takes the tropical fruit to the next level with a tangy glaze that’s full of flavor. This side pairs perfectly with grilled meats or even on its own as a light snack. It’s simple to make and always impresses with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
German Yellow Beans
When you want a simple, hearty side that pairs with almost anything, these beans are a great choice. German Yellow Beans are easy to prepare and have a savory flavor that complements a wide range of dishes. They’re quick to cook and add a nice touch to any meal. If you need a straightforward side that’s never boring, these beans are the perfect option.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
If you’re craving those tender, flavorful baby carrots from your favorite restaurant, this recipe has you covered. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots bring the sweetness and savory flavor of the original dish to your home in no time. They’re quick and simple to make, making them a perfect side for any meal. These carrots add a touch of sweetness and warmth to your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes adds a smoky twist to the fresh, vibrant flavors of a classic tabouli salad. It’s a light, refreshing side that’s perfect for warm-weather meals. The smoked tomatoes give the dish a rich, savory depth that complements the fresh herbs. Quick to prepare, this salad is a great choice when you need something easy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Bacon Fried Corn
Bacon and corn are always a winning combination. Bacon Fried Corn is a simple but flavorful side that brings savory bacon and sweet corn together in perfect harmony. This dish is quick to make and adds a nice richness to any meal. It’s the ideal side for busy nights when you want something flavorful without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn
Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)
Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans) brings a savory, comforting flavor to a simple green bean side. These beans are easy to make and offer a satisfying depth of flavor without much effort. Perfect when you need something quick yet filling, this side complements almost any meal. A simple dish that packs in big flavor with minimal work, it’s a great addition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)