27 unforgettable salads and sides that save boring dinners

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If you’re tired of the same old dinner routine and looking to jazz up your meals, you’re in for a treat. I’m unveiling a collection of unforgettable salads and sides that are not only incredibly easy to make but will rescue even the most mundane dinners. From vibrant, flavor-packed salads to hearty, satisfying sides, these recipes are a game-changer for anyone wanting to add a dash of excitement to their dining experience. Get ready to transform your meals into memorable moments because who said saving dinner couldn’t be deliciously fun? Let’s dive into the world of sensational salads and sides that will turn your ordinary dinners into extraordinary feasts!

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese.
Berry Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.
Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Take your dinner up a notch with the aromatic blend of Aloo Gobi Masala. This comforting Indian dish transforms a medley of potatoes and cauliflower into a flavorful side dish. The preparation is uncomplicated, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quick and satisfying side to brighten any dinner. With its rich spices and hearty texture, this dish effortlessly adds a touch of warmth to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Cheesy smashed potatoes on a plate next to Christmas decor.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Upgrade your side game with these crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes, generously topped with cheese. The air fryer’s magic ensures a quick and hassle-free preparation, delivering golden perfection. This recipe turns mundane potatoes into a crowd-pleasing dish that pairs exceptionally well with dinner mains. The cheesy goodness adds a comforting element, guaranteeing your side will be the star of any dinner table, effortlessly rescuing lackluster meals from monotony.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts on a white plate.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a crunchy and nutritious touch to your salads with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. The air fryer transforms these humble veggies into a crispy delight, offering a hassle-free way to elevate your dinner. The quick cooking time and minimal effort required make this recipe an excellent choice for those seeking a hassle-free yet impactful side. The Brussels sprouts’ earthy flavor and satisfying crunch ensure that your side dish truly stands out, rescuing dinners from the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Vegan Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spoon.
Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Infuse a burst of flavors into your dinner with Vegan Mexican Rice. This plant-based delight brings a South-of-the-border flair to your dining experience. The simplicity of preparation ensures that you can effortlessly incorporate this recipe into your dinner. The rice’s vibrant colors and savory profile add a delightful twist, rescuing dinners from monotony and making every meal explore exciting and satisfying flavors.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese.
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Take your dinner up a notch with a burst of sweetness from Berry Salad featuring a luscious Blueberry Dressing. This refreshing and vibrant dish effortlessly transforms any ordinary salad into a memorable experience. The juicy berries and flavorful dressing provide a delightful contrast to the greens. Quick to prepare and bursting with colors, this recipe is a go-to for rescuing dinners from dullness.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cabbage and bacon in white serving bowl.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bring a touch of Southern comfort to your dinners with Southern Fried Cabbage featuring crispy bacon. This hearty side dish adds a savory depth to your meals. The straightforward preparation and the rich combination of flavors make this recipe an excellent choice for those seeking a quick and satisfying addition to their evening menu. Rescue your dinners from the mundane with this soulful and flavorful cabbage dish.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Slow Cooker Rice

A bowl of rice with a fork and spoon in front of a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Simplify your meal preparation with Slow Cooker Rice, the perfect side to rescue dinners from monotony. The slow cooker effortlessly delivers fluffy and perfectly cooked rice without constant attention. This practical recipe frees up your time while ensuring your salads are paired with a satisfying and dependable side. The simplicity of this dish makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a hassle-free addition to their Unforgettable Salad and Side recipes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Chopped Greek Salad

A colorful chopped Greek salad in a white bowl.
Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Experience the freshness of Mediterranean flavors with Chopped Greek Salad. This vibrant and crisp salad brings together a variety of ingredients for a satisfying and wholesome side dish. With minimal effort, this recipe allows you to create an Unforgettable Salad and Side that effortlessly rescues dinners from the ordinary. The combination of crisp vegetables and tangy feta cheese adds a burst of flavor, making this salad a standout addition to your dining menu.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate.
Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a burst of color and crunch to your salads with Green Bean Tomato Salad. This simple yet delightful recipe pairs perfectly with your Unforgettable Salads and Sides, offering a refreshing twist to your dinner table. The combination of fresh green beans and juicy tomatoes creates a vibrant and satisfying dish that requires minimal effort but leaves a lasting impression. Rescue dinners from monotony with this easy-to-make, flavorful salad.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini bruschetta on parchment paper.
Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Take your dinner up a notch with the Italian flair of Zucchini Bruschetta. This refreshing and savory dish transforms ordinary meals into a flavorful experience. The lightness of zucchini combined with the robust flavors of bruschetta provides a satisfying addition to your dinner. With a straightforward preparation process, this recipe rescues dinners from dullness, adding a touch of sophistication to your meals without compromising on ease and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli Salad with bacon on a plate.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Upgrade your dinner with the savory goodness of Broccoli Salad featuring crispy bacon. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between freshness and indulgence, making it an ideal choice for your dinner. The crisp texture of broccoli combined with the rich flavor of bacon adds depth and satisfaction to your salads, effortlessly rescuing dinners from the ordinary. With minimal effort, this dish becomes a go-to for ensuring every meal is a delightful experience.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Green Bean Casserole

Two bowls of green bean casserole on a cutting board.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Unleash the comforting and classic appeal of Green Bean Casserole on your dinner table. This timeless recipe seamlessly integrates into your meal, adding a rich and savory component to your main dish. The creamy texture and savory notes of the casserole make it a perfect choice for rescuing dinners from monotony. With minimal effort, this dish becomes a reliable and flavorful addition to your menu, ensuring your meals are both satisfying and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley.
Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a crispy and satisfying element to your dinner with Air Fryer Potato Wedges. This recipe combines the convenience of the air fryer with the classic appeal of potato wedges, creating a delightful side dish. With minimal effort and quick cooking time, these potato wedges rescue dinners from monotony, ensuring your meals are complemented by the perfect balance of crispy and tender. Elevate your cooking game with this straightforward yet flavorful addition to your dining menu.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Home Fries

Air-fried potato cubes with diced green bell peppers on plate.
Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Transform your meals with the rustic charm of Air Fryer Home Fries. The air fryer ensures these home fries are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, adding a satisfying crunch to your meals. With a quick cooking time and minimal effort required, this recipe rescues dinners from dullness, making it the star of any meal. The classic appeal of home fries effortlessly complements any main dish, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steaks on a platter.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a hearty and satisfying component to your dinner with Roasted Cabbage Steaks. This simple yet flavorful recipe transforms ordinary cabbage into a savory delight. The roasting process enhances the cabbage’s natural sweetness, providing a perfect complement to your meal. With minimal effort, this dish rescues dinners from the ordinary, ensuring your meal becomes a memorable experience of textures and flavors that ups your overall dining enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of broccoli slaw with a dressing on it.
Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enhance your dinner with the crisp and crunchy texture of Broccoli Slaw Salad. This refreshing dish effortlessly combines the goodness of broccoli with the satisfying crunch of slaw. With minimal effort and a quick preparation time, this recipe becomes a go-to for rescuing dinners from monotony. The vibrant colors and satisfying texture ensure that your dinner combination stands out, making every meal a delightful journey of flavors and textures that ups your dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Red Skin Potato Salad

Red potato salad in bowl with bacon and parsley garnish.
Red Skin Potato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a classic touch to your dinners with Red Skin Potato Salad. This timeless recipe brings together tender red potatoes with a flavorful dressing, creating a satisfying and hearty side dish. With minimal effort and a straightforward preparation process, this potato salad rescues dinners from dullness, ensuring your meals are both comforting and delicious. The creamy texture and savory notes make this dish a reliable addition to your dining menu, effortlessly enhancing every meal with its classic appeal.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sink your teeth into the savory delight of Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. This recipe combines the crispy goodness of bacon with the tenderness of cabbage, creating a flavorful and satisfying side. The air fryer ensures a hassle-free preparation, making this dish an ideal choice for your meal. With minimal effort, this recipe rescues dinners from monotony, adding a touch of indulgence to your main dish and making every meal a delightful experience of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a comforting and cheesy touch to your dinner with Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. This classic dish effortlessly complements your main dish, providing a satisfying and indulgent component to your meals. The slow-cooking process ensures that the mac and cheese are rich and flavorful, making every bite a delightful experience. With minimal effort required, this recipe rescues dinners from dullness, ensuring your salads become a comforting journey of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Air fried glazed carrots in a white bowl next to a checkered tablecloth.
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Transform your dinner with the sweet and savory notes of Maple Glazed Carrots prepared in the air fryer. This recipe effortlessly combines the simplicity of preparation with a burst of flavor, adding a delightful twist to your table. The air fryer ensures a quick and efficient cooking process, rescuing dinners from dullness with minimal effort. The glazed carrots bring a touch of sweetness, making this dish a standout addition to your dinner menu and ensuring every meal is a delightful experience of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn.
Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Change up your dinner with the bold and flavorful twist of Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. This plant-based delight seamlessly integrates into your dinner, providing a hearty and satisfying meal element. The combination of savory taco flavors with tender sweet potatoes adds a delightful contrast to your table. With a straightforward preparation process, this recipe rescues dinners from dullness, ensuring your meal becomes a memorable journey of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Easy Radish Salad

Easy Radish Salad on plate with glass of water.
Easy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a refreshing and crisp touch to your meals with Easy Radish Salad. This simple yet vibrant recipe effortlessly enhances your dinner, providing a burst of freshness to your meals. With minimal effort and a quick preparation time, this radish salad becomes a go-to for rescuing dinners from monotony. The crisp texture and peppery notes of radishes ensure that your meal stands out, making every bite a delightful experience of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Small baking dish with scalloped potatoes.
Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Savor the creamy and comforting goodness of Easy Scalloped Potatoes. This classic recipe adds a satisfying and flavorful component to your dinners, making it an ideal choice for rescuing meals from dullness. The creamy layers of scalloped potatoes effortlessly complement the freshness of your salads, ensuring a delightful and hearty dining experience. With a straightforward preparation process, this dish becomes a reliable addition to your cooking game, enhancing every meal with its comforting appeal and savory richness.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad in white serving bowl.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Take your dinner up a notch with the savory and refreshing taste of Seafood Pasta Salad. This delightful recipe seamlessly combines the goodness of seafood with the satisfying texture of pasta, providing a hearty and flavorful addition to your meals. With minimal effort and a quick preparation time, this seafood pasta salad rescues dinners from monotony, ensuring your salads become a memorable journey of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate.
Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a touch of sophistication to your meals with Green Beans featuring Garlic Butter. This simple yet flavorful recipe effortlessly enhances your meals, providing a savory and satisfying element to your dinners. The garlic-infused butter enhances the green beans, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. With minimal effort and a quick preparation time, this dish becomes a go-to for rescuing dinners from dullness, making your meals a delightful experience of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Ratatouille

A blue Bowl of Vegan Ratatouille.
Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bring a taste of France to your meals with Ratatouille, a classic vegetable medley that effortlessly enhances your dinner. This hearty and flavorful dish adds a touch of sophistication to your meals. The combination of colorful vegetables and aromatic herbs creates a visually appealing and satisfying addition to your plate. With a straightforward preparation process, this recipe rescues dinners from monotony, making your meals a memorable experience of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish.
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Savor in the comforting and cheesy goodness of Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. This classic recipe adds a satisfying and flavorful component to your meal, making it an ideal choice for rescuing dinners from dullness. The cheesy topping and fluffy potato interior create a delightful contrast of textures, ensuring every bite is a memorable experience. With minimal effort and a straightforward preparation process, this dish becomes a reliable addition to your menu, enhancing every meal with its comforting appeal and savory richness.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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