Boomers are passing down these 15 side dish recipes for a reason

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Get ready to bring a little nostalgia to the dinner table with these 15 timeless side dish recipes that have stood the test of time. Passed down through generations, these classic dishes have a way of stealing the show at any meal. From creamy casseroles to savory veggie sides, you’ll see why Boomers keep these recipes in rotation.

Green beans with bacon and almonds on a red plate.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Layered Salad

A layered salad in a clear glass trifle bowl on a wooden board, with peas, lettuce, and red tomatoes, next to a floral patterned cloth.
Layered Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This classic layered salad is a fan favorite! With crispy lettuce, fresh veggies, and crunchy bacon, it’s loaded with flavor in every bite. Add some creamy dressing, and it’s filling enough to be a meal on its own!
Get the Recipe: Layered Salad

Grape Salad

Grape Salad in clear bowl with green grapes in background.
Grape Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Forget the fancy stuff—this grape salad is where it’s at! It’s super easy to make, creamy, and delicious, plus it totally brings back those good old vibes. You’ll be hooked after just one bite! Seriously, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to whip up all the time!
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Forget the fancy salads! This classic Cabbage Apple Salad is always a winner. It’s super easy to toss together with crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, and a zesty dressing. Trust me, the fresh flavors really pop!
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Carrot Raisin Salad

A bowl of coleslaw with shredded carrots and raisins on a wooden surface, next to a red and white checkered cloth.
Carrot Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This carrot raisin salad is super fresh and a breeze to whip up! It’s got shredded carrots and cabbage mixed with sweet raisins, all tossed in a tangy lemon-mayo dressing. Perfect as a quick and tasty side for any meal!
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Sweet Potato Puffs

A plate with a bite out of a sweet potato puff.
Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Get ready to impress your family with our classic Sweet Potato Puffs! With a crunchy cornflake coating and a soft, sweet potato center, they’re totally irresistible. Perfect for any meal, these puffs are sure to be a hit at the table!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

Mexican Macaroni Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Bored with your usual salads? Shake things up with Grandma’s irresistible Mexican Macaroni Salad! It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and a breeze to whip up. Your family won’t be able to get enough!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Three baked potatoes on a blue and white plate.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Skip the delivery and go for something easy: loaded baked potatoes! With creamy mashed potatoes and gooey melted cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food. Plus, they’re a breeze to whip up, so you can relax in no time!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Orange Rice

Bowl of rice with chopped celery and orange slices on a wooden table.
Orange Rice. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Hey, citrus fans! This easy oven-baked orange rice is a game-changer. It’s tender, fragrant, and packed with that bright orange flavor—perfect for pairing with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Orange Rice

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Green beans with bacon and almonds on a red plate.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Need a quick and fancy dish? Check out our Green Bean Almondine! With crispy bacon, creamy almonds, and fresh green beans, it’s a super tasty and easy option that feels gourmet without all the effort!
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Cowboy Caviar

A bowl of bean and corn salad with diced avocado, red onion, tomatoes, and cilantro surrounded by tortilla chips.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Bored with the same old potato salad? Give Cowboy Caviar a try! This awesome mix of beans and veggies is a total game-changer. Your family will love it—whether you scoop it up with chips, toss it in a salad, or just dive in with a spoon. It’s gonna be the star of your next family get-together!
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon.
Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Want to impress the family at dinner? Grandma’s Surprise Potatoes are totally irresistible! With their cheesy, creamy goodness, everyone will be begging for seconds. Trust me, these are a hit every time!
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican corn salad in bowls, garnished with parmesan cheese and lime wedges, with forks on the side.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

No grill? No worries! This Mexican corn salad is like street corn in a bowl. It’s creamy, spicy, and super cheesy—perfect for a chill side dish. Serve it with tacos, burgers, or just dig in on its own!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

In the mood for some seriously good macaroni salad? This Amish recipe is totally addictive! It’s creamy, super flavorful, and way too easy—you’ll never go back to store-bought. Get ready to impress your fam with this homemade goodness!
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Air fryer zucchini and squash on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Craving a simple side dish? Dive into these air-fried zucchini and squash bites, inspired by the classic fritters! With a crispy exterior and tender interior, they’re packed with flavor and totally irresistible. Whether paired with your meal or enjoyed as a snack, you won’t be able to get enough!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Baked Beans

A close up image of Homemade BBQ Baked Beans in a black pan with a spoon.
Baked Beans. Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

These slow-cooked beans are the perfect comfort food! They’re loaded with bacon, onions, and garlic for a ton of flavor, plus a sweet and tangy sauce that ties it all together. Thick, rich, and super satisfying—just what you need for a cozy day!
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans

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