If you think sides and salads are just boring add-ons to your meals, think again! I’ve discovered a variety of exciting, flavorful options that can level up any main dish and make your dining experience truly enjoyable. With these creative sides and salads, you can transform your meals into vibrant cooking adventures that leave you and your guests craving more.
Shrimp Macaroni Salad
Shrimp macaroni salad is a fresh take on traditional pasta salads, bringing together tender shrimp and macaroni in a creamy dressing. This salad is perfect for serving at gatherings or alongside a main dish for a more exciting side option. Its light and refreshing flavors make it stand out from the usual sides, providing a twist on a well-known favorite. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead, making it both practical and versatile. A great way to change up your usual side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Cheesy loaded twice baked potatoes are a comforting and filling option for those who love a more indulgent side. With cheese, bacon, and green onions, this dish offers a flavorful break from ordinary potatoes. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats or as a stand-alone side for any meal. They’re easy to prepare and bring variety to any table, offering something a little more special. Great for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Vegan Mexican Rice
Vegan Mexican rice is a flavorful and vibrant side that adds a bit of excitement to your meal. This rice dish is ideal for pairing with tacos, enchiladas, or other Mexican-inspired main dishes. It’s a simple and quick option, with ingredients that bring plenty of flavor without overwhelming the meal. A great way to add variety and color to your sides, this recipe is both easy and practical. A perfect addition to any weeknight dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roasted cabbage steaks are a simple yet hearty option for a side dish that’s a little out of the ordinary. The cabbage becomes tender and flavorful when roasted, offering a great alternative to more traditional vegetable sides. It’s a quick dish that pairs well with a variety of proteins, adding variety to your plate. This is a no-fuss recipe that’s great for those looking to try something new. Perfect for when you want to keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Aloo Gobi Masala
Aloo gobi masala is a warm, spiced side that combines potatoes and cauliflower with fragrant spices. It’s a flavorful option that pairs well with Indian dishes or as a side to mix up the usual vegetable options. This dish brings rich flavors to your table and is great for those looking to explore new side dishes. The ingredients come together in a satisfying way, making it a perfect complement to a variety of main courses. A nice way to change up your vegetable sides.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Air fryer sweet potatoes provide a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic side dish with a crispy outside and soft inside. They cook in no time and are perfect for pairing with just about any main dish. These sweet potatoes offer a nice balance of flavor, making them more exciting than traditional mashed or boiled options. A great way to add variety to your meals without much effort. Perfect for adding a bit of flair to your usual sides.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese
Air fryer smashed potatoes with cheese take the classic potato side dish up a notch with crispy edges and a cheesy topping. This dish offers a bit more texture and flavor compared to standard mashed potatoes, making it a fun alternative. It’s a simple and quick recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something a little different. These potatoes pair well with a variety of proteins, adding an extra layer of flavor to your meal. A great way to bring variety to your sides.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese
Zucchini Bruschetta
Zucchini bruschetta offers a fresh take on a traditional favorite by using zucchini as the base instead of bread. This lighter side dish is perfect for pairing with grilled meats or adding to a variety of Italian-inspired meals. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your sides without sacrificing flavor. The combination of zucchini and classic bruschetta toppings makes for a refreshing and light dish that stands out. Ideal for keeping your side dishes interesting.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta
Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Vegan taco stuffed sweet potatoes combine the heartiness of sweet potatoes with taco-inspired fillings, making them a standout side dish. This dish offers a bit more substance than traditional sides, making it ideal for pairing with lighter main courses. The combination of sweet potatoes and seasoned fillings adds a nice variety to your meals. It’s easy to prepare and adds a new twist to the usual potato sides. Perfect for when you want something a little more exciting on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage
Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage offers a savory and crispy twist on a simple vegetable. The air fryer makes this dish quick and easy, and the bacon adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the tender cabbage. It’s a more exciting way to serve cabbage as a side, perfect for those looking to break away from traditional vegetable options. Great for pairing with grilled meats or as a standout side on its own. A flavorful option for changing up your vegetable sides.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage
Apple Salad
Apple salad is a refreshing and light side that pairs perfectly with richer main dishes. The crisp apples, paired with a light dressing, provide a contrast that complements heavier foods. This salad is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. A great way to incorporate fruit into your meal while keeping your sides interesting. Perfect for when you need a fresh and easy dish to balance out your plate.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad
Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
Garlic mashed red potatoes bring a flavorful twist to classic mashed potatoes, with garlic adding a savory kick. These potatoes are creamy and smooth, making them perfect for pairing with a variety of main dishes. They’re easy to prepare and offer a nice alternative to the usual mashed potato recipes. A great option for adding some variety to your side dishes without much extra effort. Perfect for those looking to keep things simple but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
Salmon Salad
Salmon salad is a light yet flavorful side that pairs well with a variety of main dishes, offering something a bit different from typical sides. The salmon adds a bit of substance, while the fresh ingredients keep it from feeling too heavy. It’s quick to prepare and a perfect choice for warmer weather or lighter meals. This dish offers a nice change of pace from the usual side salads, making it ideal for mixing up your meal routine. A fresh and healthy option that stands out from the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Southern fried cabbage with bacon brings a hearty, savory flavor to your table, offering a change from more traditional cabbage sides. The bacon adds a richness that complements the tender cabbage, making it a great choice for pairing with a variety of main dishes. This recipe is easy to prepare and is perfect for those looking for something more substantial. A great way to bring some variety to your vegetable sides. Perfect for adding some extra flavor to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Green Beans with Garlic Butter
Green beans with garlic butter offer a simple yet flavorful side that’s perfect for pairing with a variety of main dishes. The garlic butter adds a richness that makes these green beans more exciting than the typical steamed version. They’re quick to prepare and bring a nice balance of flavors to your meal. A great option for those looking to keep things simple but not boring. Perfect for adding a touch of flavor to your vegetable sides.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter
Crab Fried Rice
Crab fried rice is a flavorful side dish that combines the rich taste of crab with the comforting elements of fried rice. This dish is quick to prepare and pairs well with seafood or grilled meats, offering something a little different from standard rice dishes. The crab adds a unique flavor that sets this dish apart, making it perfect for those looking to mix things up. A great option for adding some variety to your meal without much extra effort. Ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice
Seafood Pasta Salad
Seafood pasta salad brings together fresh seafood and pasta for a light yet flavorful side that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. This salad is perfect for warm-weather meals or as part of a larger spread. It’s quick to prepare and offers a nice change from more traditional pasta salads. A great option for those looking to add some variety to their side dishes. Perfect for keeping things light but still flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad
Chopped Greek Salad
Chopped Greek salad is a fresh and crunchy side that brings Mediterranean flavors to your meal. The combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives offers a refreshing break from heavier sides. It’s quick to prepare and pairs well with grilled meats or lighter main dishes, making it a versatile option. A great way to add variety to your salads while keeping things simple. Perfect for when you want a lighter, refreshing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Air fryer potato wedges offer a quick and crispy alternative to traditional fries, with a soft interior and golden exterior. These wedges are easy to prepare and perfect for pairing with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats. They provide a bit more texture and flavor compared to standard fries, making them a fun alternative. A great way to add variety to your usual side dishes without much extra effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Santa Fe Salad
Santa Fe salad is a vibrant side dish that brings together flavors of the Southwest, offering a refreshing change from typical salads. It’s a great option for pairing with grilled meats or lighter main dishes, with ingredients like black beans and corn adding substance. This salad is quick to prepare and perfect for adding some variety to your usual side dishes. A nice way to bring bold flavors to your meal without much extra effort. Perfect for when you want something a bit different on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Crock pot mac and cheese is a creamy and comforting side dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it an easy option for busy days or when you’re serving a crowd. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes, offering a rich and satisfying option. A great way to bring variety to your table without much extra effort. Perfect for when you want a comforting side that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese