21 Side Dishes That Make Every Meal Better
Looking for a good side dish recipe? These 21 side dishes are the ones people always ask for. A little crispy, a little creamy, a little fresh. Basically, everything you want can be on the table.
Italian Green Bean Salad
This cold Italian green bean salad works for everything from summer BBQs to cozy holiday dinners. Mix up the veggies, toss in some cheese, and use your favorite Italian dressing. I00t’s super easy and always a hit. Get the recipe: Italian Green Bean Salad
Sauteed Carrots
These simple sautéed carrots might end up stealing the show. A little caramelization, along with some salt and pepper, is all it takes to make them totally craveable. If the tops are still on, toss those in too. Get the recipe: Sauteed Carrots
Crispy Oven-Baked French Fries
Oven-baked fries are the perfect side dish for any meal. Crispy, golden, and full of all the potato goodness, they’re a homemade twist on the classic fry you’ll love. Get the recipe: Oven Baked French Fries
Parmesan and Chive Almond Flour Biscuits
These Parmesan chive biscuits are gluten-free, made with almond flour, and incredibly easy to make. Crispy edges, fluffy middles, and ready in under 30 minutes. Just add soup, salad, or butter and call it a win. Get the recipe: Parmesan and Chive Almond Flour Biscuits
Cajun Corn on the Cob
Summertime is corn season, and Cajun corn on the cob takes everyone’s favorite BBQ summer side dish and spices it up with a Cajun kick. A little spice complements sweet corn deliciously. Get the recipe: Cajun Corn on the Cob
Spring Onion Potato Salad
This spring onion potato salad is a tasty side dish that mixes the crispness of fresh spring onions with the creamy goodness of tender potatoes. Fresh herbs infuse every bite with flavor. Get the recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad
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
Mexican Street Corn
Mexican street corn is a bold and tasty dish that tastes great with any meal. Pan-fried corn is coated with a creamy blend of mayo, cheese, and spices, giving you all the deliciousness of street food without the grill. Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn
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
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
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
Sautéed Balsamic Asparagus with Parmesan
Asparagus is a favorite, and it’s even better with a good balsamic kick. This easy sautéed balsamic asparagus comes together fast and works with just about anything: weeknight dinners, special occasions, you name it. Get the recipe: Sautéed Balsamic Asparagus with Parmesan
Roasted Root Vegetables
These honey-glazed root veggies roast up sweet and golden with just the right amount of caramelization. Carrots, parsnips, and golden beets bring all the color and cozy vibes. They’re easy to throw together and pair well with almost everything. Get the recipe: Roasted Root Vegetables
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
Stick of Butter Rice
Ditch boring rice and try stick of butter rice, which is a retro recipe with just four simple ingredients and all the creamy, comforting vibes. Rich, buttery, and totally delicious, it’s the side dish everyone will ask for at dinner. Get the recipe: Stick of Butter Rice
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Veggie skewers made with zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers are grilled to perfection and drizzled with tangy balsamic vinegar and brushed with a fresh garlic herb sauce. This goes with everything. Get the recipe: Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
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
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is ultra creamy and cheesy but way lighter than the classic version. Quick, easy, and delicious, it’s the perfect comfort food. Serve it as a side or a meatless main at your BBQ. Get the recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Grilled Potato Salad with Sour Cream Dressing
Grilled potato salad is an old favorite with a twist. Cooking the potatoes on a grill adds smoky flavor, and the creamy dressing takes it to a new level. If you aren’t a fan of classic potato salad, try this no mayo version. Get the recipe: Grilled Potato Salad with Sour Cream Dressing
Roasted Carrots and Asparagus with Tarragon Butter
Time to level up your veggie side dish game with these roasted carrots and asparagus, topped with fresh tarragon herb butter and toasted pistachios. It’s simple, gorgeous, and perfect for any occasion with just a few easy ingredients. Get the recipe: Roasted Carrots and Asparagus with Tarragon Butter
Parsley Buttered Potatoes
Parsley buttered potatoes are one of those sides that just works with everything. They’re simple, cozy, and honestly hard to stop eating. Serve them with dinner or sneak a few straight from the pan. No judgment. Get the recipe: Parsley Buttered Potatoes