16 side dish recipes that never play second fiddle
These side dishes are easy to mix and match with whatever you’re cooking. The recipes range from lighter options to more hearty choices, so there’s something for every kind of meal. They work just as well for weeknights as they do for gatherings.
Greek Pasta Salad
This Greek pasta salad is super easy and packed with flavor in every bite. It comes with a simple homemade dressing that pulls it all together. Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad
Baked Asparagus Fries
These oven-baked asparagus fries are crispy, easy to make, and way more fun than regular fries. Serve them solo with your favorite dip or pair them with whatever’s on your plate. Get the recipe: Baked Asparagus Fries
Honey Thyme Roasted Carrots
These honey thyme roasted carrots are dangerously snackable. Good luck not eating half before they hit the table. They’re sweet, tender, and super easy with just a few ingredients and barely any prep. Get the recipe: Honey Thyme Roasted Carrots
Garlic Butter Corn
This buttery skillet corn is next-level, with fresh garlic vibes and a sprinkle of parmesan on top. It is super easy and works for both a weeknight dish and for a special occasion. Get the recipe: Garlic Butter Fried Corn
Cheesy Cauliflower Broccoli Bake
This cheesy cauliflower broccoli bake is the side dish you didn’t know you needed. Loaded with veggies and melted cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food to complement any meal. Get the recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet and spicy roasted sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish. With just the right mix of sweetness and heat, they’re sure to step up your meal. Get the recipe: Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Arugula Salad with Parmesan
This easy rocket salad is packed with peppery goodness and dressed in a homemade honey-sweetened lemon balsamic vinaigrette. Topped off with pine nuts and freshly shaved parmesan, it’s a winner every time. Get the recipe: Arugula Salad with Parmesan
Sautéed Green Beans with Shallots
Sautéed green beans with shallots bring the perfect balance of crisp and savory to any meal. Buttery caramelized shallots take this simple side up a notch, whether it’s a Tuesday night or a holiday spread. Get the recipe: Sautéed Green Beans with Shallots
Roasted Carrots With Whipped Feta
Roasted carrots with whipped feta is the kind of side that looks fancy but takes barely any effort. The sweet carrots and tangy, lemony feta are a perfect match, ready in just 20 minutes. Get the recipe: Roasted Carrots With Whipped Feta
Maple Glazed Carrots
These maple-glazed carrots are side dish goals. They’ll steal the show at any meal, sweet, spicy, buttery, and perfectly caramelized. Get the recipe: Maple Roasted Carrots
Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad
This old-fashioned cucumber salad is a light, crisp, and tangy classic. It has the perfect balance of flavors and is super easy, so you can whip up this easy vinegar-based side in no time. Get the recipe: Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad
Three Bean Salad
This three bean salad is the easiest way to add flavor to your spring and summer lineup. It’s crunchy, tangy, and always a hit at any cookout or picnic. Get the recipe: Three Bean Salad
Easy Broccoli Au Gratin
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this broccoli au gratin is the kind of side dish people ask about after the first bite. With fresh broccoli, sharp white cheddar, and nutty gruyère baked until golden and bubbly, it’s always a crowd favorite. Get the recipe: Easy Broccoli Au Gratin
Cherry Tomato Salad
This cherry tomato salad is the perfect side to freshen up any meal. With juicy tomatoes and a light dressing, it’s simple, refreshing, and totally satisfying. Get the recipe: Cherry Tomato Salad
Roasted Root Vegetables
Boiled baby potatoes get smashed, brushed with garlic oil, and air-fried until perfectly crispy. They make a great side or a snack you’ll want to eat straight off the pan. Get the recipe: Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted Potato Salad with Fresh Herbs
This roasted potato salad is bright and full of fresh herbs. A simple homemade dressing and crunchy pistachios make it a fresh and lively side. Get the recipe: Roasted Potato Salad with Fresh Herbs