Side dishes often get overlooked, but not anymore. Weeknight dinners are about to get a serious upgrade with these recipes. These sides are quick, easy, and packed with so much flavor that they might just steal the show. Who needs to fuss over the main dish when the sides are this good?
Baked Sliced Zucchini
Baked Sliced Zucchini is a quick side dish that highlights this versatile vegetable. Slice, season, and top with Parmesan before roasting until golden and bubbly. Ready in 20 minutes, great for a nutritious side that pairs really nicely with any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a solid addition to any meal. Tossed in garlic and breadcrumbs for the right amount of crunch and topped with crispy Parmesan, they’re baked until perfect. Ready in under an hour, pairs well with anything.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese hit the spot. Juicy tomatoes topped with mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil are baked until golden and bubbly. Ready in 25 minutes, great as a side or light main. Add balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad is perfect for family dinners or barbecues. Cook the orzo until tender, then toss it with vegetables and a simple dressing. Let it chill in the fridge to let the flavors come together. Keeps well for meal prep or enjoying over a few days.
Get the Recipe: Italian Orzo Pasta Salad
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is pure comfort food. Baked potatoes mashed with crispy bacon, cheese, milk, and sour cream, then baked again until golden and bubbly. Make ahead and reheat for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is all about simplicity. Crunchy cucumbers, sharp onions, and a creamy dill dressing come together in 30 minutes. Perfect for hot days when you want something light and refreshing. Even better after chilling.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Fresh Corn Salad
Fresh Corn Salad brings vibrant flavors to the table. Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, avocado, and crumbled cheese are tossed in a lime dressing. Ready in 40 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner or potluck. Chill before serving.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower turns a simple vegetable into something special. Simmered in chicken stock, brushed with butter, and topped with Parmesan and thyme, this dish roasts to golden perfection. It’s flavorful and comes together in only 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Tuna Macaroni Salad is a budget-friendly dish ready in 40 minutes. Cook elbow macaroni and mix with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, sweet relish, and mustard. Customize with different mustards or swap mayo for Greek yogurt. Perfect for work lunches, weeknight dinners, or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick dish ready in 25 minutes. Use pre-cooked chicken and store-bought Caesar dressing to save time. Perfect for meal prepping, quick dinners, or potluck dishes. Easy to put together, making it a great go-to recipe for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a creamy, flavorful dish ready in 30 minutes. Sauté mushrooms and onions with cauliflower rice, then simmer with broth, cream, and Parmesan. Great for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a quick stovetop side dish that combines tender broccoli florets with sun-dried tomatoes in a rich, creamy sauce. Ready in 25 minutes, low-carb and gluten-free. Swap chicken stock for vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is a great side dish that’s simple to make. Sweet squash, cauliflower, and bacon are roasted together until caramelized. Ready in 45 minutes, full of flavor. Drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a fresh, quick side dish. Sauté cauliflower, onions, and jalapeño with lime juice for bright, bold flavors. Ready in minutes, perfect for when you want something light and easy. Add extra lime juice or zest for more citrus flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are hard to beat. Packed with seasoned sausage and melty cheese, they’re ready in about 45 minutes. Use them as a quick appetizer or side dish. Prepare the filling in advance to save time.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Halloumi Fries
Halloumi Fries are a crunchy, cheesy alternative to regular fries. Thick slices of halloumi cheese are seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika, then baked until crispy and golden. Ready in 25 minutes, perfect for pairing with your favorite dip.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries
Loaded Zucchini Boats
Loaded Zucchini Boats bring big flavor without the fuss. Hollow out zucchinis, fill them with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar, then bake them to perfection. Top with sour cream and chives. Great for a light meal or hearty side.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a simple side dish with lots of flavor. Cabbage is sautéed with sweet onions and crispy bacon in just 25 minutes. Great for when you need a quick side that still packs a punch. Perfect with roasted meats or as a hearty side on its own.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Golden Baked Jicama Fries
Golden Baked Jicama Fries are a lighter alternative to traditional fries. With a slightly sweet, apple-like texture, jicama is boiled and baked until crispy. Sprinkled with sea salt and paprika, ready in about 45 minutes. Great for something different yet delicious.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries
German Potato Salad
German Potato Salad is a classic, hearty side dish popular at potlucks and family gatherings. Tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a tangy vinegar-based dressing come together in under an hour. Serve warm for the best flavor. Keeps well for a few days.
Get the Recipe: German Potato Salad