20 Easy Sides and Salads That’ll Brighten Up Your Plate

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If you’re looking to add a burst of flavor and color to your meals, you’ve come to the right place. I’m thrilled to share a collection of easy side dishes and salads that are sure to upgrade any dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, whipping up a quick weeknight meal, or simply craving something fresh and delicious, these recipes are designed to brighten up your plate. So, let’s dive in and explore a world of vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and inspired!

A plate of colorful broccoli slaw with shredded purple cabbage and carrots topped with dried cranberries and pine nuts, next to a red-checked napkin.
Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.
Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Brighten up your plate with Aloo Gobi Masala, a flavorful and comforting side dish that adds a burst of color and flavor to any meal. This traditional Indian dish features tender potatoes and cauliflower cooked in a fragrant blend of spices, offering a satisfying and hearty option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a delicious addition to your next dinner spread. Serve up a bowl of this aromatic masala alongside your favorite curry or rice dish for a complete and memorable dining experience, making it a standout choice for easy side dishes and salads that are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Elevate your side dish game with Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese, a crispy and indulgent treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds. These potatoes are smashed and seasoned before being air-fried to golden perfection, then topped with melted cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness. Quick and easy to make in the air fryer, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve these cheesy smashed potatoes as a side dish or appetizer at your next gathering, adding a flavorful and satisfying touch to any meal and brightening up your plate with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Easy Radish Salad

A plate of radish salad with diced celery and a creamy dressing, accompanied by a glass of water and salt and pepper shakers.
Easy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Refresh your plate with Easy Radish Salad, a simple and vibrant dish that adds a pop of color and crunch to any meal. Featuring crisp radishes tossed with a tangy dressing, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. Quick and effortless to prepare, it’s an ideal option for busy weeknights or as a light lunch or side dish. Whether served alongside grilled meats or as a standalone dish, this radish salad is sure to brighten up your plate and elevate your dining experience with its fresh and zesty flavors, making it a standout choice for easy side dishes and salads that are both delicious and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli salad with bacon bits on a white oval plate, accompanied by a wooden serving spoon on a linen napkin.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Get a flavorful and satisfying dish with Broccoli Salad with Bacon, a classic favorite that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements. This salad features crisp broccoli florets tossed with crispy bacon, red onion, and a creamy dressing for a delightful flavor combination. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an excellent option for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for any occasion. Whether served as a side dish or a light lunch, this broccoli salad is guaranteed to brighten up your plate and satisfy your taste buds with its delicious and comforting flavors, making it a must-have addition to your collection of easy side dishes and salads.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes seasoned with herbs and spices, served on a white plate garnished with parsley.
Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enhance your meal with Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes, a flavorful and versatile side dish that adds a burst of flavor to any plate. These tomatoes are roasted to perfection in the air fryer, intensifying their natural sweetness and creating a caramelized exterior. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re an excellent option for busy weeknights or as a simple appetizer. Whether served alongside grilled meats or tossed into salads, these roasted Roma tomatoes are sure to brighten up your plate and elevate your dining experience with their rich and savory flavor, making them a standout choice for easy side dishes and salads that are both delicious and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Chopped Greek Salad

A fresh greek salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumbers, olives, and peppers, served with a fork and a glass of water on the side.
Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Refresh your plate with Chopped Greek Salad, a vibrant and satisfying dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This salad features crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an ideal option for lunch or as a refreshing side dish for any meal. Whether served as a standalone salad or alongside grilled meats, this Greek salad is sure to brighten up your plate and satisfy your cravings for something fresh and flavorful, making it a must-try addition to your collection of easy side dishes and salads.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese.
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer with Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing, a refreshing and colorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This salad features a mix of fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, tossed in a homemade blueberry dressing. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an excellent option for picnics, barbecues, or as a light and healthy dessert. Whether served as a side dish or a sweet ending to a meal, this berry salad is sure to brighten up your plate and delight your taste buds with its burst of fruity flavor, making it a standout choice for easy side dishes and salads that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Crab Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat.
Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Get a taste of the coast with Crab Fried Rice, a flavorful and satisfying side dish that brings a touch of seafood delight to any meal. This dish combines tender crab meat with fragrant rice, vegetables, and savory seasonings, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout addition to any dinner spread. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this crab fried rice is sure to brighten up your plate and satisfy your cravings for something delicious and fulfilling, making it an excellent choice for easy side dishes and salads that add a touch of coastal charm to your table.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish.
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Upgrade your meal with Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes, a hearty and indulgent side dish that’s bursting with cheesy goodness and savory flavors. These potatoes are baked until tender, then scooped out, mixed with cheese, bacon, and chives, and baked again until golden and bubbly. Simple to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, they’re an excellent option for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Whether served as a side dish or a standalone appetizer, these cheesy loaded potatoes are sure to brighten up your plate and delight your taste buds with their rich and satisfying taste, making them a standout choice for easy side dishes and salads that are both comforting and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background.
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a touch of sweetness to your meal with Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer, a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s sure to please the whole family. These carrots are coated in a sweet and tangy maple glaze, then air-fried to perfection until tender and caramelized. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re an excellent option for busy weeknights or holiday dinners. Whether served alongside roasted meats or as a standalone snack, these maple glazed carrots are sure to brighten up your plate and add a pop of color to your table, making them a standout choice for easy side dishes and salads that are both delicious and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Close-up of a cheesy scalloped potatoes dish in a white baking dish, garnished with parsley.
Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Treat yourself to the comforting flavors of Easy Scalloped Potatoes, a classic side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish features thinly sliced potatoes layered with creamy sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. Simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s an excellent option for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, these scalloped potatoes are sure to brighten up your plate and satisfy your cravings for something warm and comforting, making them a must-have addition to your repertoire of easy side dishes and salads.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Ratatouille

Close-up of a wooden spoon holding ratatouille, featuring chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, garnished with parsley.
Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Transport yourself to the south of France with Ratatouille, a rustic and flavorful vegetable dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This classic French dish features a colorful array of vegetables, including tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions, all simmered together in a rich tomato sauce. Simple yet elegant, it’s perfect for showcasing the bounty of summer produce. Whether served as a side dish or a light vegetarian meal, this ratatouille is sure to brighten up your plate and delight your palate with its vibrant flavors and hearty textures, making it a perfect choice for easy side dishes and salads that celebrate the season’s harvest.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a delicious twist to your dinner with Roasted Cabbage Steaks, a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. These cabbage steaks are seasoned with herbs and spices, then roasted until tender and caramelized. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re a great option for busy weeknights or holiday dinners. Whether served alongside grilled meats or as a standalone dish, these roasted cabbage steaks are sure to brighten up your plate and add a pop of color and flavor to your meal, making them an ideal choice for easy side dishes and salads that are both tasty and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dig into comfort with Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, a creamy and indulgent side dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners at home. This classic comfort food is made with tender pasta shells smothered in a rich and cheesy sauce, then slow-cooked to perfection in the crockpot. Simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s an excellent option for family gatherings or potluck dinners. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this crockpot mac and cheese is sure to brighten up your plate and warm your soul with its comforting flavors and hearty textures, making it a standout choice for easy side dishes and salads that are both delicious and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Green Bean Casserole

A ramekin of green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions, served on a wooden table.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Celebrate the flavors of the season with Green Bean Casserole, a classic and comforting dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals. This casserole features tender green beans tossed in a creamy mushroom sauce, then topped with crispy fried onions and baked until golden and bubbly. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an excellent option for busy cooks. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this green bean casserole is sure to brighten up your plate and add a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your meal, making it a perfect choice for easy side dishes and salads that are both comforting and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a crispy and flavorful side dish with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal. These Brussels sprouts are seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and a dash of lemon juice, then air-fried until golden and caramelized. Quick and easy to make, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or holiday dinners. Whether served as a side dish or a snack, these air fryer Brussels sprouts are sure to brighten up your plate and satisfy your cravings for something healthy and delicious, making them an excellent choice for easy side dishes and salads that are both nutritious and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of colorful broccoli slaw with shredded purple cabbage and carrots topped with dried cranberries and pine nuts, next to a red-checked napkin.
Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Up your salad game with Broccoli Slaw Salad, a crunchy and refreshing dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. This salad features crisp broccoli slaw tossed with a tangy dressing made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, then topped with dried cranberries and sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a great option for busy cooks. Whether served as a side dish or a light lunch, this broccoli slaw salad is sure to brighten up your plate and tantalize your taste buds with its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch, making it a standout choice for easy side dishes and salads that are both delicious and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Level up your meal with Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage, a savory and indulgent side dish that’s perfect for any meal. This dish features cabbage wedges wrapped in crispy bacon and air-fried until golden and caramelized. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or holiday dinners. Whether served as a side dish or a standalone appetizer, this bacon-wrapped cabbage is sure to brighten up your plate and satisfy your cravings for something savory and delicious, making it an excellent choice for easy side dishes and salads that are both tasty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Vegan Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spoon.
Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your meal with Vegan Mexican Rice, a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for taco nights or Mexican-themed dinners. This rice is cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, then simmered until tender and infused with savory flavors. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this vegan Mexican rice is sure to brighten up your plate and add a touch of south-of-the-border flair to your meal, making it a standout choice for easy side dishes and salads that are both delicious and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Apple Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, air-fried apples, red onions, nuts, and crumbled cheese.
Apple Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a taste of autumn with Apple Salad, a crisp and refreshing dish that’s perfect for fall gatherings or holiday dinners. This salad features a colorful mix of apples, celery, and walnuts tossed in a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt and honey. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a great option for busy cooks. Whether served as a side dish or a light dessert, this apple salad is sure to brighten up your plate and tantalize your taste buds with its sweet and tangy flavors, making it a standout choice for easy side dishes and salads that celebrate the season’s bounty.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

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