These 19 side dishes know how to pull their weight without stealing the whole show. They’re quick, reliable, and make whatever you’re serving look like it had a plan. No overthinking, no complicated prep—just solid support on the plate. Great for when the main course needs backup but you’re low on patience. Dinner suddenly feels way more put together than it actually was.
Mashed Cauliflower ala Mashed Faux Potatoes
Ever thought of reinventing a classic side dish into something lighter but just as satisfying? That’s exactly what you get with a clever twist on the traditional mashed potatoes. By using cauliflower, you create a dish that’s both nutritious and surprisingly similar in texture and comfort. Mashed Cauliflower ala Mashed Faux Potatoes might just become your go-to option for a cozy dinner side.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower ala Mashed Faux Potatoes
Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread
If you’re on the hunt for a side that doubles as a conversation starter, here is one that brings both color and flavor to the table. Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread does just that, offering a tangy taste that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. It’s a game-changer for those looking to keep things low on carbs yet high on taste. Not to mention, it’s a visually appealing way to add a pop of color to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread
Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish
Enter a dish that not only complements heavier mains with its refreshing bite but also introduces an international flair to your dinner table. Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish merges the best aspects of pickling with a Korean favorite, serving up a side that’s sure to spark interest and appetite. It’s the perfect balance of taste and sweetness, making each bite an adventure in flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish
Baked Cabbage Steaks using Air Fryer
By giving it the steak treatment and a quick air-fryer spin, you get a dish that’s not only easy to make but surprisingly full of flavor. Baked Cabbage Steaks using Air Fryer are here to prove that healthy and delicious can indeed go hand in hand. They come out perfectly charred on the edges, tender in the middle, and they are a great way to make your dinners more interesting.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cabbage Steaks using Air Fryer
Coconut Cauliflower Rice
Gone are the days when rice had to be, well, rice. With this side, you’re introduced to a grain-free alternative that’s just as versatile but with a tropical twist. Coconut Cauliflower Rice brings a subtly sweet flavor and fluffy texture, making it an excellent pair to both meat and vegetarian mains. It’s light, it’s easy to digest, and it packs a nutritional punch ‒ what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice
Avocado Egg Salad
Sometimes, the best dishes come from the simplest of combinations, and here’s one that’s as easy as it gets but with a twist. It takes the classic egg salad and upgrades it with the creaminess and health benefits of avocado. Avocado Egg Salad is not just a side; it’s a powerhouse of nutrients with the richness that avocado brings to the table. Whether you’re spreading it on toast or enjoying it by the spoonful, it’s a versatile mix that never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad
Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
Every now and then, you stumble upon a side that’s so good, it could easily steal the show. These aren’t just any onions; they’re thin, golden, and achieve that perfect crunch that upgrades any dish they touch. Crispy Fried Onions Recipe is your ticket to adding an irresistibly crunchy texture and a sweet, caramelized flavor to your meals. They work wonders on top of soups, salads, and steaks, adding depth with each bite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Onions Recipe
Beef Bolognese Gravy
When you’re looking to bring a hearty and meaty accompaniment to the table, nothing does it quite like this one. It marries the richness of beef with a bold tomato base, resulting in a flavorful gravy that’s robust in taste. Beef Bolognese Gravy is the kind of side that transforms a plain bowl of pasta or a simple side of mashed potatoes into a heartwarming meal. It’s all about layering flavors to create a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bolognese Gravy
Gluten Free Dumplings
For those who love the idea of dumplings but need a gluten-free option, here is a solution that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture. These little pockets of joy are tender, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up gravy or broth. Gluten Free Dumplings make it possible for everyone at the table to enjoy a traditional favorite, no matter their dietary restrictions. They’re a testament to the fact that gluten-free doesn’t mean taste-free.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Dumplings
Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad
Picture a dish that’s as refreshing as it is vibrant, perfect for those who are watching their carb intake but not willing to compromise on flavor. This salad offers a fresh take on the classic Middle Eastern dish, packed with herbs and textures that thrill with every forkful. Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad is the ultimate side for those seeking something light, yet fulfilling, to accompany their meals.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad
Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash
Imagine a dish that combines the comfort of cheese with the wholesomeness of cauliflower, all in one creamy, dreamy mash. It’s a fantastic alternative for anyone looking to lower their carb intake while still indulging in something that feels a bit decadent. Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash is a crowd-pleaser, offering the kind of comfort you’d expect from a cheesy dish, but with a lighter touch.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash
Best Salsa
If you’re in charge of bringing the kick to your dinner table, here’s a side that promises to deliver just that. This salsa isn’t just a dip; it’s a vibrant, fresh explosion of flavors that can accompany a variety of dishes. Best Salsa is your shortcut to adding a bit of taste and a lot of freshness to any meal, turning even the simplest dishes into something special. It’s quick to whip up and even easier to fall in love with, thanks to its versatile appeal.
Get the Recipe: Best Salsa
Faux Potato Salad
On a quest to lighten up classic picnic favorites? Here’s a dish that does just that, swapping out potatoes for a lighter base while keeping all the beloved flavors intact. Faux Potato Salad is a testament to creativity in the kitchen, offering a refreshing twist on a traditional side. It’s a brilliant option for those keeping an eye on their carb intake but not willing to give up on their favorite comfort foods.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad
Crispy Low Carb French Fries
This clever take uses an unexpected vegetable, turning it into fries that could easily rival their potato counterparts in both crunch and flavor. Crispy Low Carb French Fries offer the perfect way to satisfy those fast-food cravings without the guilt. They’re the proof that with a bit of innovation, you can make a snack that’s both healthy and indulgent. Plus, they’re a hit with both adults and kids, making them a great side for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Low Carb French Fries
Homemade Cheese Spread
For those evenings when you crave a touch of gourmet without the effort, here’s a side that shines with simplicity and flavor. This spread combines the creamy goodness of cheese with a few pantry staples to create something that’s perfectly paired with crackers, bread, or veggies. Homemade Cheese Spread is the ultimate addition to your appetizer table or as a side to your main meal, bringing a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cheese Spread
Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling
Sometimes, it’s the most unexpected dishes that leave a lasting impression, and this one is no exception. Offering a low-carb alternative to traditional bread dumplings, this dish is soft, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up all kinds of sauces and gravies. Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling is a game-changer for those seeking comfort food without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling
Lecso Vegetable Stew
Bringing warmth and depth to any meal, this stew is a hearty mix of vegetables simmered to perfection. Its rich flavor profile makes it a versatile side that complements a range of dishes, from simple grilled meats to elaborate roasts. Lecso Vegetable Stew is a celebration of vegetables, showcasing their natural tastes and textures in the most delicious way. It’s not just a stew; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Lecso Vegetable Stew
Blueberry Pickled Radishes
When it comes to sides, why not opt for something that stands out with its unique combination of sweet and tart? This dish marries the crispness of radishes with the natural sweetness of blueberries, creating a side that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Blueberry Pickled Radishes are a conversation starter, for sure, bringing an unexpected twist to the pickling game. It’s the perfect addition to upgrade any meal.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Pickled Radishes
Rutabaga Fries
Ever thought about giving your fries a makeover? Here’s a way to do just that, with a veggie twist that’s not only interesting but downright delicious. Rutabaga Fries take the humble root vegetable and transform it into something you’ll want to snack on all the time. They’re a delicious alternative for those looking to switch up their side dish game or add more veggies in a fun and flavorful way.
Get the Recipe: Rutabaga Fries