When it comes to a great meal, the main dish often steals the spotlight, but side dishes hold a secret power to round out a dining experience. Chefs have their favorites, and they know that these sides can transform the ordinary into something memorable. This collection of 15 side dishes is adored by chefs for their ability to complement a wide array of main courses. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, these sides are the unsung heroes that deserve a moment in the limelight.
Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)
Russian Potato Salad combines diced potatoes, vegetables, eggs, and mayonnaise, creating a creamy and hearty dish. This salad, often enjoyed during festive occasions, takes about 40 minutes to prepare. Its main ingredients include potatoes, carrots, peas, and pickles, offering a balance of textures and a tangy, savory flavor profile. Chefs appreciate its versatility and the comforting taste that pairs well with various main courses.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)
Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta
Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta is a refreshing dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s a blend of white beans, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. The salad is known for its protein-rich beans and the creamy, crumbly texture of the feta. Its bright, tangy taste makes it a favorite among chefs for a quick, nutritious side.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables are a simple yet satisfying side dish that requires about 45 minutes to cook. The medley typically includes carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, which caramelize in the oven, enhancing their natural sweetness. Chefs love the earthy, robust flavors that emerge from these vegetables when roasted. This dish is a staple for its ease of preparation and ability to complement a wide range of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts take about 20 minutes to make and are a hit for their crunchy texture. The sprouts are tossed with feta, pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction, creating a side that’s both savory and slightly sweet. The combination of the salty cheese and the tartness of the pomegranate is particularly appealing. Chefs often opt for this recipe for its vibrant flavors and quick preparation time.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
Indian-style Okra curry recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)
Indian-style Okra Curry recipe, or Bhindi Masala Gravy, is a rich and aromatic side dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It features okra cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce with a variety of Indian spices. The main ingredients include okra, tomatoes, onions, and a selection of traditional spices. Chefs love the depth of flavor and the comforting, slightly thickened gravy that pairs exceptionally well with rice or bread.
Get the Recipe: Indian-style Okra curry recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)
Worcestershire Green Beans
Worcestershire Green Beans are a tangy twist on a classic side, ready in just 15 minutes. The beans are sautéed with garlic and coated in Worcestershire sauce, resulting in a savory and slightly sweet flavor. This dish is made with fresh green beans and a few simple ingredients. It’s a chef’s go-to for a quick and flavorful vegetable side that elevates any meal.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans
Fried Halloumi Salad
Fried Halloumi Salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, requiring about 20 minutes to prepare. It features crispy fried halloumi cheese atop a bed of greens, complemented by a sweet and tangy dressing. The main ingredients include halloumi cheese, mixed greens, and a variety of vegetables. Chefs are fond of this salad for its satisfying crunch and the interplay of salty cheese with fresh veggies.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad
Ukrainian Cucumber Salad
Ukrainian Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing side that can be made in just 10 minutes. It consists of thinly sliced cucumbers and radishes dressed in a simple sour cream and dill dressing. The main ingredients, cucumbers and radishes, provide a crisp texture, while the dressing adds a creamy tang. Chefs enjoy the simplicity and the fresh, clean flavors that make it a perfect complement to heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad
Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios
Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios is a vibrant side dish that’s ready in about 20 minutes. This salad features a mix of citrus fruits, sliced thinly, with a kick from chili flakes and the crunch of pistachios. Its main components are oranges, grapefruits, and a spicy dressing. Chefs favor this dish for its bold flavors and the contrast between the sweet citrus and the heat from the spices.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Eggplant Tomato Stacks are a visually appealing side that takes roughly 30 minutes to assemble. Layers of roasted eggplant alternate with slices of tomato, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese. The dish is celebrated for its Mediterranean flavors and the combination of the creamy cheese with the vegetables. Chefs value this recipe for its elegant presentation and the harmony of fresh, simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf is a hearty side that requires about an hour to prepare. It combines roasted butternut squash with wild rice, cranberries, and pecans, offering a nutty and sweet taste. The main ingredients are butternut squash, wild rice, and a blend of fall spices. Chefs are drawn to this pilaf for its comforting warmth and the satisfying chew of wild rice.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a savory side dish that can be prepared in about 25 minutes. It features tender cabbage cooked with crispy bacon, onions, and a touch of sugar for balance. The main ingredients are cabbage, bacon, and onion, creating a dish with a smoky, sweet flavor. Chefs appreciate the simplicity and the rich, satisfying taste that pairs well with a variety of mains.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
spring fiddlehead salad with dill-lemon balm kefir dressing
Spring Fiddlehead Salad with Dill-Lemon Balm Kefir Dressing takes about 15 minutes to make and is a celebration of spring flavors. The salad showcases fiddleheads, which are paired with a tangy kefir-based dressing infused with dill and lemon balm. Its main ingredients are fiddleheads, mixed greens, and the unique kefir dressing. Chefs love this salad for its distinctive taste and the freshness of the seasonal fiddleheads.
Get the Recipe: spring fiddlehead salad with dill-lemon balm kefir dressing
Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a classic French side dish that takes about an hour to cook. It consists of stewed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers in a tomato base. The main ingredients are seasoned with herbs like thyme and basil, which contribute to its robust flavor. Chefs are fond of ratatouille for its versatility and the way it showcases the natural flavors of the vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille
Popeyes Coleslaw
Popeyes Coleslaw is a creamy, tangy side that can be whipped up in just 15 minutes. This slaw combines shredded cabbage and carrots with a dressing that’s both sweet and vinegar-forward. The main ingredients are cabbage, carrots, and a mayonnaise-based dressing. Chefs secretly adore this coleslaw for its balance of flavors and its ability to complement fried and grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw