Sides are the quiet helpers of weeknight dinners — they’re always there when you need something quick and reliable to pull everything together. Whether you’re rushing to get dinner on the table or looking for something simple but still great, these sides have got you covered.
Baked Sliced Zucchini
When you’ve got one of those nights where you want something quick and healthy, this Baked Sliced Zucchini is a great choice. You only need to slice the zucchini, season it, top it with Parmesan, and bake. In about 20 minutes, you have a light and fresh dish, making it a nice contrast to heavier mains. Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want to eat something good for you.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
These Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are the side you can count on when you’re craving something crispy and full of flavor but don’t have the time or energy for complicated recipes. With a simple mix of garlic powder, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan, you get crunchy potatoes on the outside and soft inside in less than an hour. They’re hearty enough to pair with steak or chicken and work with lighter meals like salads.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
If you’re tired of the usual sides but still want something easy, these Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella hit the spot. Slice some tomatoes, top them with mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil, and pop them in the oven. They’re ready in 25 minutes, bringing a fresh, cheesy vibe to your dinner table. It’s the kind of dish that feels a bit special without adding stress to your night, which is always a win when juggling a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the side dish you want when looking for something rich and hearty but don’t have the time to get fancy. Mashed baked potatoes are mixed with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and milk, then baked until crispy on top. It’s a comforting, filling dish perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead when you know the week will be busy — just what you need when you’ve got a lot on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is a great option for those nights when you need something light and refreshing, but time isn’t on your side. It’s ready in 30 minutes with crisp cucumbers, fresh onions, and a creamy dill dressing that comes together smoothly. This salad is even better if you make it ahead, which means less stress when dinnertime hits. Whether juggling a busy schedule or just wanting something fresh, this salad is always a kind and easy choice.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Fresh Corn Salad
Fresh Corn Salad makes busy nights easier with its simple ingredients and fresh flavors. In about 40 minutes, you’ve got a salad full of corn, avocado, tomatoes, and crumbled cheese tossed in a lime dressing. Chill it a bit, and it’s ready for whatever you’re serving. This salad fits perfectly into a quick dinner at home or a dish to bring to a potluck, giving that touch of homemade comfort without demanding much of your time.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad
Halloumi Fries
Halloumi Fries are a great option for those nights when you need something quick but still want to switch things up. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re made by baking thick slices of halloumi, seasoned with garlic and paprika, until crispy and golden. No frying means less mess, but you’ll still get that crunchy, cheesy bite. It’s a simple side that feels special, perfect for adding variety to your weeknight meals without much extra work.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad is perfect when you need something that feels fresh but doesn’t take much effort. It’s a simple mix of cooked orzo, chopped veggies, and a light dressing. You can make it ahead, and it holds up well in the fridge, which makes it a great side for meal prep or those nights when you need to grab something fast. It’s a solid, no-stress side that gives you a break on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Italian Orzo Pasta Salad
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a perfect choice when you want a quick side that still feels like you put some effort into it. This dish brings together tender broccoli in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes for a bit of tang and nuttiness, all in about 25 minutes. It’s the side that works well when you want something that’s not too heavy but still packed with flavor. You can even make it ahead and reheat it later, which is always a win when your to-do list is extra long.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is your go-to when you need something quick but filling. With pre-cooked chicken, pasta, and Caesar dressing, it’s ready in 25 minutes and fits perfectly into those busy nights when you don’t have much energy to spare. The pasta adds a bit of heartiness, making it a great side for just about any meal. It’s also easy to prep ahead, so you can have it ready whenever you need.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
German Potato Salad
German Potato Salad is here for you on those nights when you need something reliable and homemade, but you’re short on time. It’s a simple mix of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a tangy vinegar dressing, and it comes together in less than an hour. The best part is you can make it ahead, and it’ll still taste great later. It’s a perfect side for a busy evening, pairing well with whatever you’ve got planned for dinner.
Get the Recipe: German Potato Salad
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a great way to bring something flavorful to the table without hassle. Roasted with butter, Parmesan, and thyme, this dish is ready in 30 minutes, giving you a side that feels a little more special but doesn’t take much effort. If you’re looking for something simple and homemade but don’t want to cook too much, this cauliflower is here to help make dinnertime a little easier and more fun.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Tuna Macaroni Salad is great when you need something easy and reliable, especially on those busy nights. Elbow macaroni, tuna, and hard-boiled eggs combine with mayo, mustard, and relish to create a creamy dish in about 40 minutes. You can switch mayo for Greek yogurt if you prefer. What’s helpful is you can make this ahead, and it works well cold or at room temperature. Plus, it’s affordable, making it a perfect option for feeding the family or prepping for the week.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is perfect for nights when you want something comforting but still light. It’s ready in 30 minutes, combining mushrooms, onions, and cauliflower rice with a creamy Parmesan finish. The best part is it’s low-carb but still feels hearty, making it a great side for any main dish. This one’s flexible, too, so you can tweak it based on what you have on hand. It’s there for you when you need something simple but still delicious after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is the side that handles itself. This dish takes over an hour to make, but most of that time is just waiting for the oven to do its job. The squash and cauliflower roast up nicely with crispy bacon, giving you a sweet flavor that’s perfect for adding to any meal. If you want to add extra flavor, drizzle some maple syrup on top before serving. It’s a great side when you need something low-maintenance but still delicious.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a great pick when you need a fresh, light side ready in minutes. It’s made with sautéed cauliflower rice, onions, and jalapeños, then finished with lime juice for a nice citrusy kick. It’s simple, but the flavors work well with almost any meal, especially if you want to keep things light. You can even add more lime to brighten it up further. It’s a quick, easy side that’s there for you when you need something fast and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect side when you want something that feels special but doesn’t take too much effort. You get mushrooms filled with a flavorful sausage and cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection. It’s ready to serve in about 45 minutes. They look fancy enough to impress but are incredibly easy to throw together. You can even prep the filling beforehand, so all you need to do is stuff and bake when you’re ready. It’s a side that’s got your back when things get busy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Loaded Zucchini Boats
Loaded Zucchini Boats make a great weeknight when you need something quick but filling. Hollow out some zucchini, fill them with bacon and cheddar, and bake until everything melts together. In under an hour, you’ve got a hearty side that’s easy to pull together. Top with sour cream and chives for a little extra flavor. This recipe is great when you need something comforting but don’t have the time or energy to overcomplicate things. It’s an easy side to rely on, perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a side dish that doesn’t require much from you but gives a lot in return. In just 25 minutes, you’ve got tender cabbage, crispy bacon, and sautéed onions all working together for a simple but comforting side. It’s quick to make and easy to handle, so you won’t juggle too much in the kitchen. This dish is great when you’re short on time but still want something that feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Golden Baked Jicama Fries
Golden Baked Jicama Fries are a great alternative for something crispy but lighter than traditional fries. Boiling the jicama first, then baking it with a little sea salt and paprika, gives you that crunch without feeling heavy. It takes over an hour to make, but most is hands-off time, so it’s easy to manage on busy nights. These fries work well with almost anything, perfect when you want to change up your side dishes but still keep things simple.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries