When it comes to side dishes, it’s easy to feel stuck in a rut of the same old recipes. But what if you could impress your guests with sides that look and taste gourmet, yet are surprisingly simple to make? These 17 recipes will have everyone asking, “Wow, you made this?” without you breaking a sweat in the kitchen. Get ready to upgrade your meal game with these easy and impressive side dishes.
Circassian Fried Cheese with a Middle-Eastern Field Salad
Circassian Fried Cheese with a Middle-Eastern Field Salad takes about 20 minutes to make. This dish combines fried cheese with a fresh salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The cheese is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, while the salad adds a refreshing crunch. It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Circassian Fried Cheese with a Middle-Eastern Field Salad
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard is a vibrant side dish that comes together in 15 minutes. The main ingredients are Swiss chard, garlic, and olive oil. The chard is tender and slightly sweet, with a hint of garlic that enhances its natural flavor. This simple yet tasty dish is perfect for a quick and healthy addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus
Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus is ready in just 10 minutes. The asparagus spears are seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. They come out crispy and flavorful, making them a great side dish or snack. This recipe is a quick way to elevate your vegetable game.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus
Beet Latkes with Poached Egg
Beet Latkes with Poached Egg takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Made with grated beets, these latkes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Topped with a perfectly poached egg, they offer a rich and savory flavor. This dish is a unique twist on traditional latkes that will surprise and delight.
Get the Recipe: Beet Latkes with Poached Egg
Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes
Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes are a traditional dish that takes about 25 minutes to make. The main ingredients are potatoes, flour, and buttermilk. These pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a comforting, hearty taste. They pair well with a variety of toppings, making them a versatile side.
Get the Recipe: Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic is ready in 15 minutes. The Brussels sprouts are cooked to a perfect crisp in the air fryer and then topped with feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, and a balsamic glaze. The combination of flavors is both tangy and sweet, with a delightful crunch. This dish is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
Spinach Colcannon Recipe
Spinach Colcannon Recipe is a creamy, comforting side dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are potatoes, spinach, and butter. The potatoes are mashed to a smooth consistency and mixed with sautéed spinach, creating a rich and flavorful dish. It’s a great way to enjoy a traditional Irish favorite with a healthy twist.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon Recipe
Roasted Cauliflower Casserole with Tomatoes and Capers
Roasted Cauliflower Casserole with Tomatoes and Capers takes about 40 minutes to make. The main ingredients are cauliflower, tomatoes, and capers. The cauliflower is roasted until tender and then combined with juicy tomatoes and tangy capers. This dish offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Casserole with Tomatoes and Capers
Quinoa Fritters with Spring Peas, Feta and Cilantro-Chive Yogurt Sauce
Quinoa Fritters with Spring Peas, Feta and Cilantro-Chive Yogurt Sauce takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The fritters are made with quinoa, peas, and feta cheese, and are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The cilantro-chive yogurt sauce adds a refreshing and tangy flavor. This dish is a tasty and healthy option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Fritters with Spring Peas, Feta and Cilantro-Chive Yogurt Sauce
Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg and Feta Cheese
Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg and Feta Cheese takes about 45 minutes to make. These flaky pastries are filled with a savory mixture of eggplant, tomatoes, and cheeses. The combination of flavors is rich and satisfying, with a perfect balance of textures. They make a great appetizer or side dish that will impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg and Feta Cheese
Mexican Tostones
Mexican Tostones are a crispy and delicious side dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. Made from green plantains, these tostones are fried until golden and then seasoned with salt. They have a crunchy texture and a savory flavor that pairs well with a variety of dips. This dish is a great way to enjoy a taste of Mexico.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Tostones
Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe with Red Wine
Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe with Red Wine takes about 30 minutes to make. The main ingredients are carrots, red wine, and spices. The carrots are cooked until tender and then glazed with a sweet and spicy red wine sauce. This dish offers a unique and flavorful twist on a classic vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe with Red Wine
Spiced Grilled Corn
Spiced Grilled Corn is a flavorful side dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are corn on the cob and a blend of spices. The corn is grilled until charred and then seasoned with the spices, creating a smoky and spicy flavor. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or any casual meal.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Grilled Corn
Fennel and Mango Slaw
Fennel and Mango Slaw is a refreshing side dish that takes about 15 minutes to make. The main ingredients are fennel, mango, and a light dressing. The fennel adds a crunchy texture while the mango provides a sweet and juicy flavor. This slaw is a great way to add a fresh and vibrant touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Fennel and Mango Slaw
Roasted Cauliflower in Green Herb Sauce
Roasted Cauliflower in Green Herb Sauce takes about 35 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are cauliflower and a blend of fresh herbs. The cauliflower is roasted until tender and then tossed in a flavorful green herb sauce. This dish is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy cauliflower with a burst of fresh flavors.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower in Green Herb Sauce
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions is a savory side dish that takes about 20 minutes to make. The main ingredients are green beans, garlic, and fried onions. The green beans are cooked until tender and then tossed with garlic and crispy fried onions. This dish offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures that will complement any meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Eggplant Tomato Stacks is a visually appealing and tasty side dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The main ingredients are eggplant, tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil. The eggplant and tomatoes are layered and roasted until tender, creating a rich and savory flavor. This dish is a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables in a simple and elegant presentation.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks