Restaurant-quality side dishes you won’t believe you made at home

Photo of author

| Published:

Creating restaurant-quality side dishes at home is easier than you think. These recipes are designed to impress with their flavor and simplicity, making your meals stand out. Each dish is quick to prepare, using ingredients you likely already have. You’ll be amazed at how these side dishes can transform your dining experience, making any meal feel special.

Quinoa salad in a brown bowl, garnished with pita bread.
Greek Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Tomato Burrata Salad

An assembled tomato burrata salad with sliced basil and burrata on a cutting board and a bowl of chopped heirloom tomatoes.
Tomato Burrata Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This salad features juicy tomatoes and creamy burrata, creating a fresh and flavorful dish. It’s ready in just 15 minutes and is perfect for showcasing ripe tomatoes. The burrata adds a rich creaminess that pairs well with the vibrant tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic. Enjoy this as a light side or a refreshing starter.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

A dish of green beans and crumbled tempeh served in a blue-rimmed white bowl.
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlicky green beans with fried onions offer a crispy, savory delight that’s quick to prepare in 20 minutes. The green beans are cooked until tender and tossed with garlic and crispy fried onions. This dish combines textures and flavors, making it a standout side. Perfect for any meal, these green beans are sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie couscous salad in a white serving bowl on a wooden board.
Veggie Couscous Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This couscous salad is packed with fresh veggies and herbs, creating a colorful and nutritious side dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s made with fluffy couscous, crunchy vegetables, and a light lemon vinaigrette. The mix of textures and flavors makes it a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy this healthy and vibrant salad at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini noodle salad on a white square plate with a serving bowl in the background.
Zucchini Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Zucchini noodle salad offers a light, refreshing dish made with spiralized zucchini, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing. This salad comes together in 20 minutes and is a great low-carb option. The zucchini noodles are crunchy and blend well with the bright, citrusy flavors. Perfect for summer, it’s a delicious way to enjoy fresh produce.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken fried rice is a savory, hearty dish made with tender chicken, rice, and a mix of vegetables. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s seasoned with soy sauce and garlic for a rich, flavorful taste. The rice is perfectly cooked and combines well with the juicy chicken and veggies. It’s a satisfying side or main course that feels like takeout at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

A white bowl filled with mashed potatoes mixed with green onions and bacon bits, placed on a striped cloth next to a spoon.
Loaded Cauliflower Mash. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Loaded cauliflower mash is a creamy, cheesy dish that rivals traditional mashed potatoes. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s made with steamed cauliflower, cheese, sour cream, and chives. The result is a rich, comforting side with all the flavors of a loaded baked potato. It’s a great low-carb alternative that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer orzo pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans.
Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Summer orzo salad is a light, refreshing dish made with orzo pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. This salad takes 20 minutes to prepare and is perfect for warm weather. The orzo is tender and mixes well with the fresh vegetables and tangy feta. It’s a delightful side that adds a burst of flavor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans in a white bowl on a wooden table.
Screaming Skillet Green Beans. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Screaming skillet green beans are a quick, flavorful side cooked in a hot skillet with garlic and spices. Ready in just 15 minutes, these green beans are tender yet crisp and packed with bold flavors. The high-heat cooking method gives them a slight char and deep flavor. Perfect for adding a punch to your dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish made with fluffy potatoes, butter, and cream. Ready in 30 minutes, they are smooth, rich, and perfectly seasoned. The buttery taste and creamy texture make them a comforting addition to any meal. Ideal for holidays or weeknight dinners, these potatoes are a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Basic Polenta

Baked mashed potatoes garnished with herbs in a white ramekin and casserole dish.
Basic Polenta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Basic polenta is a versatile side made from cornmeal, cooked until creamy and smooth. This dish takes 45 minutes to prepare and can be served soft or allowed to set and then grilled or fried. The mild flavor of the polenta pairs well with a variety of dishes. It’s a simple, hearty side that’s easy to customize.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta

Worcestershire Green Beans

Overhead shot of worcestershire green beans in a white serving bowl next to a blue towel.
Worcestershire Green Beans. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Worcestershire green beans are a savory side dish made with fresh green beans and Worcestershire sauce. Ready in 20 minutes, they have a unique, tangy flavor that sets them apart. The green beans are cooked until tender-crisp and coated in the flavorful sauce. This dish is a great way to elevate simple green beans.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Greek Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad in a brown bowl, garnished with pita bread.
Greek Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Greek quinoa salad is a nutritious, vibrant dish made with quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Ready in 30 minutes, this salad is tossed with a lemony vinaigrette. The quinoa provides a hearty base that complements the fresh vegetables and tangy feta. It’s a healthy and delicious side that’s perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spicy Korean cucumber salad is a refreshing, spicy side made with crisp cucumbers and a tangy, spicy dressing. This salad is ready in 15 minutes and offers a perfect balance of heat and coolness. The cucumbers are crunchy and refreshing, while the dressing adds a kick of spice. It’s a great accompaniment to any meal, adding a touch of heat and freshness.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous in a white bowl next to an orange and lemons.
Citrus Asparagus Couscous. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus asparagus couscous is a bright, zesty side dish made with tender asparagus, couscous, and a citrus vinaigrette. Ready in 25 minutes, it combines the nutty flavor of couscous with the fresh taste of asparagus and citrus. This dish is light and refreshing, perfect for spring or summer meals. It’s a delightful way to enjoy seasonal produce.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Popeyes Coleslaw

A picture of Popeyes coleslaw copycat recipe in glass bowl.
Popeyes Coleslaw. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Popeyes coleslaw is a creamy, tangy side dish made with shredded cabbage and carrots in a mayonnaise-based dressing. This coleslaw takes 15 minutes to prepare and is perfect for barbecues or picnics. The crisp vegetables and tangy dressing make it a refreshing complement to any meal. Enjoy this classic coleslaw with your favorite dishes.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.