Sides and salads don’t have to be an afterthought—they can make or break a meal. That’s why I’ve pulled together this list of options that bring fresh flavors, hearty textures, and plenty of variety to your table. Whether you’re hosting dinner or just spicing up a weeknight, these ideas will make every meal feel more complete and exciting.
Green Beans with Garlic Butter
Fresh green beans tossed in garlic butter are a simple yet flavorful choice to enhance any main dish. This side is ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. The buttery garlic glaze adds richness without being overpowering. A reliable way to bring vegetables to the forefront of your meal. A fantastic option to replace ordinary steamed veggies.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter
Braised Brussels Sprouts
Slow-cooked Brussels sprouts become tender and flavorful, making them an appealing addition to dinner. This recipe is quick to prepare yet feels special enough for guests. The savory flavor complements roasted or grilled main courses seamlessly. If you’re looking to add more variety to your veggie sides, this one delivers. A satisfying way to make Brussels sprouts stand out.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts
Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of tender potatoes in a creamy sauce make this a comforting and practical side for any meal. Perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight roasts, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep, it’s a low-effort way to add a hearty element to your plate. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with meat-based main courses. It’s a go-to side that never feels boring.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These sweet potatoes are stuffed with a savory taco-inspired filling, offering a hearty, satisfying side. They’re easy to prepare and packed with flavor that complements Mexican-style meals. The combination of sweet and savory ingredients ensures this dish stands out. A creative way to serve sweet potatoes that’s far from plain. Perfect for spicing up your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Salmon Salad
Light yet flavorful, this salmon salad is a great way to add variety to your side dish lineup. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great choice for busy days. Fresh ingredients make it vibrant and refreshing without overpowering your main dish. A smart option for adding seafood to your meal without much effort. It’s a welcome change from heavier sides.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these potato wedges are a family-friendly side dish. They’re quick to make in the air fryer and go with almost any meal. The seasoning adds just the right amount of flavor to keep things interesting. A fun alternative to traditional fries that still feels familiar. Great for pairing with burgers, chicken, or grilled veggies.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Apple Salad
A crisp and refreshing apple salad is the perfect way to lighten up your meal. It’s simple to prepare and balances sweet and tangy flavors beautifully. The crunch of apples pairs well with roasted or grilled dishes. A great way to add freshness to your plate without much prep time. This salad brings variety to your table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage
Cabbage takes on a smoky flavor when wrapped in bacon and cooked in the air fryer. This dish is easy to make yet feels indulgent enough for a special meal. The crispy edges and savory bite make it a memorable side. It’s an easy way to make cabbage anything but boring. Ideal for serving with steak, pork, or chicken.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage
Aloo Gobi Masala
A classic blend of potatoes and cauliflower in a spiced masala sauce, this side is full of warmth and flavor. It’s a wonderful addition to Indian-inspired meals or as a change of pace from typical side dishes. Simple to prepare yet packed with bold spices, it’s sure to impress. A fantastic choice for brightening up your plate. Perfect for mixing up your regular side dish routine.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer
These air-fried carrots with a maple glaze are a sweet and savory side that comes together quickly. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs perfectly with the glaze, adding depth to the dish. Easy to make, they’re a great option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. A side that feels simple yet special, without much effort. Perfect for adding variety to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer
Ratatouille
This medley of vegetables is a flavorful way to add more color and variety to your meal. It’s simple to prepare and works well as a side for roasted meats or fish. The combination of tender veggies and herbs makes this dish stand out. A great way to make vegetables exciting and versatile. Perfect for breaking away from plain sides.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Crispy and golden on the outside, these air-fried Brussels sprouts are an easy crowd-pleaser. They’re ready in minutes, making them perfect for busy evenings. The crispy texture and savory flavor make this side anything but ordinary. A versatile option that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. A simple way to enjoy vegetables without feeling repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Santa Fe Salad
This Southwestern-inspired salad is loaded with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. It’s quick to toss together and brings a vibrant touch to any meal. The combination of ingredients adds texture and excitement to your plate. Perfect for pairing with grilled or roasted mains for added variety. A fresh, flavorful way to mix up your usual side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad
Zucchini Bruschetta
A creative twist on a classic appetizer, zucchini bruschetta makes a light and flavorful side dish. It’s quick to prepare and brings a fresh touch to your meal. The zucchini base adds variety while keeping things simple. Perfect for serving alongside pasta or grilled dishes. A side that’s far from ordinary yet easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Packed with cheese, bacon, and chives, these potatoes are a hearty, flavorful side. They’re easy to prepare and feel like a special addition to any meal. The creamy filling and crispy topping make them a family favorite. Perfect for adding variety to your weeknight dinners or holiday spreads. A comforting side that’s never boring.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
A classic side dish, green bean casserole is always a welcome addition to the table. This version is easy to prepare and works well for both everyday meals and special occasions. The creamy sauce and crispy topping make it a reliable favorite. A simple way to make green beans feel more exciting. Great for complementing roasts, poultry, or vegetarian mains.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Air Fryer Home Fries
These crispy home fries are quick to make in the air fryer and pair well with any meal. They have a golden, crunchy texture on the outside with a soft center. A versatile side dish that works with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Perfect for switching things up from plain roasted potatoes. An easy way to bring variety to your table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries
Broccoli Slaw Salad
Crunchy broccoli slaw salad is a fresh and easy side that adds variety to your meals. With its mix of textures and flavors, it’s a great complement to grilled or roasted mains. Quick to toss together, it’s ideal for busy weeknights. This salad is a refreshing way to enjoy vegetables without being repetitive. A practical and simple addition to your side dish rotation.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad
Red Skin Potato Salad
This creamy red skin potato salad is a perfect addition to any meal, whether casual or festive. Its simple ingredients make it quick to prepare without sacrificing flavor. The slight tang from the dressing balances perfectly with the soft potatoes. A great way to add a hearty, classic option to your meal. Perfect for mixing up your side dish lineup and impressing guests.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad
Vegan Mexican Rice
This flavorful rice dish is a great way to bring bold flavors to your meal. Easy to make and packed with spices, it’s a versatile option that pairs well with a variety of mains. It’s a simple side that brings variety to your plate without extra effort. A wonderful choice for when you need something different from standard rice dishes. Perfect for complementing tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice
Shrimp Macaroni Salad
Creamy and refreshing, shrimp macaroni salad is a great side dish for any occasion. The shrimp adds a seafood twist, making it stand out from traditional pasta salads. It’s quick to prepare and works well for both weeknight meals and gatherings. Perfect for balancing heavier main courses or as a light side to grilled dishes. A reliable way to keep your meals interesting and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad
Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
Creamy and rich, garlic mashed red potatoes are an easy side that pairs with nearly any main dish. They’re quick to prepare and bring a comforting element to your plate. The garlic adds just the right amount of flavor without being overwhelming. A practical option for weeknights or special occasions alike. A simple way to make mealtime feel more complete.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
These roasted cabbage steaks are an easy and flavorful way to serve vegetables. They’re quick to prepare and offer a unique twist compared to other sides. The caramelized edges and tender center make this dish stand out. A great option to pair with grilled or roasted proteins. Perfect for mixing up your vegetable game without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes
Juicy and slightly caramelized, roasted Roma tomatoes in the air fryer make a simple yet versatile side. They’re quick to prepare and full of natural flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. A great option for adding freshness and depth to your plate without much effort. These tomatoes work beautifully alongside pasta, meats, or as a salad topping. Perfect for adding variety to your vegetable sides.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams
This sweet potato casserole is a comforting, sweet side that’s easy to make using canned yams. The creamy texture and flavorful topping make it a standout addition to holiday spreads or family dinners. Quick to prepare, it’s a practical option when time is short but you want something special. A great way to add variety to your table without much effort. Perfect for mixing up your usual side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams
Slow Cooker Rice
Simple and hands-off, slow cooker rice is a practical side that complements almost any meal. It’s easy to prepare and frees up your time to focus on the rest of your dinner. The fluffy texture and versatile flavor make it a reliable choice for any menu. Perfect for serving alongside stir-fries, curries, or grilled meats. A no-fuss option for adding variety to your sides.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice
Green Bean Tomato Salad
Fresh green beans and ripe tomatoes come together in this vibrant salad, perfect for brightening up your meals. Quick to prepare, it’s a side that works well for both casual dinners and special occasions. The combination of textures and flavors keeps things interesting without extra effort. A great way to make vegetables more exciting on your plate. Perfect for complementing roasted or grilled mains.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad
Crab Fried Rice
This crab fried rice is a flavorful and satisfying side that’s simple to prepare. The addition of crab adds a seafood twist, making it stand out from ordinary rice dishes. It’s quick to make and pairs well with a variety of main courses. A great option for adding something different to your table. Perfect for breaking away from plain sides without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese
Crispy and cheesy, these air fryer smashed potatoes are a fun and flavorful side dish. They’re quick to make and offer a unique twist compared to traditional potato dishes. The golden edges and melted cheese make this side feel extra special. Perfect for serving with burgers, steak, or grilled chicken. A great way to keep your meals interesting and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese