The 15 best side dishes to impress even the pickiest eaters

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Looking to wow your guests with sides that even the pickiest eaters will love? Check out this collection for some seriously tasty options. These recipes are sure to make any meal a hit, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just family.

A plate with a bite out of a sweet potato puff.
Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Layered Salad

A layered salad in a clear glass trifle bowl on a wooden board, with peas, lettuce, and red tomatoes, next to a floral patterned cloth.
Layered Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This layered salad is a big hit with everyone! It’s got crispy lettuce, fresh veggies, and crunchy bacon, making each bite delicious. Add some creamy dressing, and it’s filling enough to be a meal all by itself!
Get the Recipe: Layered Salad

Orange Rice

Bowl of rice with chopped celery and orange slices on a wooden table.
Orange Rice. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Hey, citrus fans! This easy oven-baked orange rice is a game-changer. It’s tender, fragrant, and packed with that bright orange flavor—perfect for pairing with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Orange Rice

Cowboy Caviar

A bowl of bean and corn salad with diced avocado, red onion, tomatoes, and cilantro surrounded by tortilla chips.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Bored with boring potato salad? Try Cowboy Caviar instead! This tasty mix of beans and veggies is a total game-changer. Your family will be hooked—whether you scoop it with chips, toss it in a salad, or just eat it straight from the bowl. It’s gonna be the highlight of your next family get-together!
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon.
Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Want to impress everyone at family dinner? Grandma’s Surprise Potatoes are irresistibly delicious. With their cheesy, creamy goodness, your family won’t be able to get enough.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Grape Salad

Grape Salad in clear bowl with green grapes in background.
Grape Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Forget the fancy stuff—this grape salad is where it’s at! It’s a breeze to make, creamy and delicious, and totally brings back those good old memories. Trust me, you’ll be hooked after one bite!
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Skip the complicated salads! This Cabbage Apple Salad is always a hit. It’s incredibly easy to prepare with crisp cabbage, juicy apples, and a zesty dressing. Trust me, it’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Carrot Raisin Salad

A bowl of coleslaw with shredded carrots and raisins on a wooden surface, next to a red and white checkered cloth.
Carrot Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This carrot raisin salad is super fresh and easy to make. Shredded carrots and cabbage mix with sweet raisins, all tossed in a tangy lemon-mayo dressing. It’s a quick and tasty side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Green beans with bacon and almonds on a red plate.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Want something a bit fancy but short on time? Try our Green Bean Almondine. With crispy bacon, creamy almonds, and fresh green beans, it’s a tasty, easy option that feels gourmet without any hassle!
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Sweet Potato Puffs

A plate with a bite out of a sweet potato puff.
Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Get ready to impress your family with our Sweet Potato Puffs! They’ve got a crispy cornflake coating and a soft, sweet potato center that’s totally irresistible. Perfect for any meal, these puffs will be the hit of the table!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

Mexican Macaroni Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Bored with your usual salads? Shake things up with Grandma’s irresistible Mexican Macaroni Salad! It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and a breeze to whip up. Your family won’t be able to get enough!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Three baked potatoes on a blue and white plate.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Forget delivery—let’s keep it simple with loaded baked potatoes! Creamy mashed spuds and melted cheese make for the ultimate comfort food. And they’re super easy to make, so you’ll be chilling in no time.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Craving killer macaroni salad? This Amish recipe is totally addictive! It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy, you’ll never buy store-bought again. Get ready to wow your family with this homemade masterpiece.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Air fryer zucchini and squash on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Want an easy side dish? These air-fried zucchini and squash bites are just what you need! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor – they’re totally addictive. Perfect for any meal or snack!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican corn salad in bowls, garnished with parmesan cheese and lime wedges, with forks on the side.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

No grill? No sweat! This Mexican corn salad is like street corn in a bowl. It’s creamy, spicy, and totally cheesy – the perfect chill side dish. Serve it up with tacos, burgers, or enjoy it on its own!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Baked Beans

A close up image of Homemade BBQ Baked Beans in a black pan with a spoon.
Baked Beans. Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

These slow-cooked beans are total comfort food. With bacon, onions, and garlic for tons of flavor, and a sweet and tangy sauce that ties everything together, they’re thick, rich, and super satisfying. Perfect for cozying up on a chilly day!
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans

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