Don’t ever endure dull dinners: 23 sides ready to save the day

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Let’s get real—those stale dinner routines need a makeover. This roundup of 25 side dishes will make your mains stand up and take notice. Seriously, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try these sooner.

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want to add some zest to your dinner? Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is the side dish you didn’t know you were missing. It’s refreshing, it packs a punch, and it’s far from boring.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted hasselback potatoes on a baking sheet with parmesan.
Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No more bland spuds for you. Hasselback Potatoes are a twist on the classic that’ll win everyone over. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious, and trust us, they’re a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re tired of basic fries, try Sweet Potato Cubes. They’re not only delicious but also a healthier alternative. They’ll make your dinner plate pop, both in color and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Broccoli Casserole

Someone serving broccoli casserole.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Forget boiled-to-death veggies. Broccoli Casserole is a game-changer. It’ll take your dinner from “so-so” to “so good,” and no one will ever call broccoli boring again.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Vegetable Fritters

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Seeking something beyond the usual greens? Vegetable Fritters to the rescue. These tasty bites turn ordinary veggies into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Elevate your meal with Dauphinoise Potatoes. This is the side dish that makes you forget you’re eating a side dish. Creamy, dreamy and oh-so-delicious.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle rice in a bowl with sliced lime and spoons.
Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Plain rice, be gone. Cilantro Lime Rice will make you forget you ever settled for less. It brings your dinner to a whole new level.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Yellow Squash Casserole

Squash casserole being served with a wooden serving spoon.
Yellow Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Don’t let the squash get squashed in your meal plan. Yellow Squash Casserole turns an often-overlooked veggie into the life of the party.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

A bowl of freshly made Copycat Chipotle corn salsa with a serving spoon in it.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Corn salsa doesn’t have to be an afterthought. This Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa brings the fiesta to your dinner plate. It’s a party in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bored of the same old sides? Corn Casserole is the hero your dinner needs. It’s like comfort food, but without the food coma afterward.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No more dull salads. Easy Caprese Salad comes to your rescue with fresh flavors that’ll lighten up any heavy meal. Simple, yet impactful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Chipotle black beans cooked and in a serving bowl.
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want to add a protein punch? Copycat Chipotle Black Beans offer that without overshadowing your main dish. It’s a side that stands its own.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Chili and Lime Corn

Three chili and lime corns on a skillet.
Chili and Lime Corn. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who knew corn could be this exciting? Chili and Lime Corn takes a simple vegetable and turns it into a zesty delight. No more bland meals here.
Get the Recipe: Chili and Lime Corn

Pineapple Casserole

Pineapple casserole in a casserole dish with a serving spoon in it.
Pineapple Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a surprising twist, try Pineapple Casserole. It’s the tropical touch your dinner didn’t know it needed. It’s fun, it’s tasty, and it’s different.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

Air Fryer Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Air Fryer Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Boring potatoes? Not anymore. Air Fryer Baked Potato brings speed and flavor to your table. A hassle-free side that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potato

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Give your meal a touch of comfort with Southern Mash. It’s the classic side dish that never fails to satisfy. Creamy, dreamy and utterly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

A person scooping a sweet potato casserole out of a baking dish.
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Step up your dinner game with Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows. It’s a side dish that almost steals the show. Sweet, savory, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Aloo Gobi

A bowl of cauliflower curry with tomatoes and cucumbers.
Aloo Gobi. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spice things up a bit with Aloo Gobi. It’s a flavorful, satisfying side that works with almost any main course. Your dinner table just got a lot more interesting.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi

Fingerling Potatoes

Fingerling potatoes in a serving bowl.
Fingerling Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The name says it all: Fingerling Potatoes are small but mighty. They make for a side dish that’s as fun as it is tasty.
Get the Recipe: Fingerling Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with green bean casserole with a spoon in it.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste..

Stop settling for soggy green beans. Green Bean Casserole transforms this underrated vegetable into something truly special. It’s a casserole that even the kids will love.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast potatoes in a serving bowl, with serving spoons and a small bowl of fresh parsley.
Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Why limit breakfast potatoes to the morning? Bring them to the dinner table and let them shine. Quick, easy, and no morning alarm required.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

Pesto Corn

Pesto corn on the cob on a serving plate.
Pesto Corn. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ordinary corn just won’t cut it anymore. Pesto Corn is here to elevate your meal with a burst of flavor that’s as unexpected as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Corn

Mashed Potato Fritters

A stack of mashed potato fritters.
Mashed Potato Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mashed potatoes in a fritter form? Yes, please. These little bites bring the fun factor to your meal without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Fritters

Dum Aloo

Dum aloo in a balti dish, with roti by the side of it.
Dum Aloo. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dum Aloo is the perfect option when you want something hearty but not overpowering. It complements any main dish while still holding its own.
Get the Recipe: Dum Aloo

Sweet Potato Fritters

Sweet potato fritters in a stack.
Sweet Potato Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet Potato Fritters are like little bites of heaven. They give a sweet twist to your meal without being overly sugary.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters

Air Fryer Asparagus

Air fried asparagus with garlic and parmesan on a white plate.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who thought asparagus could be this good? Air Fryer Asparagus brings crispiness to the table without the oil. Your meal just got a healthy upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Chili Potatoes

Chili potato recipe served in white bowl with a fork.
Chili Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Forget the basic fries; try Chili Potatoes. They’re the side dish that brings a little heat and a lot of taste. They make everything better.
Get the Recipe: Chili Potatoes

Aloo Bonda

A plate of international fried potato with green leaves on it.
Aloo Bonda. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want to add a touch of international flair? Aloo Bonda takes your dinner around the world without leaving your dining room.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Bonda

Aloo Tikki

International potato cakes with tomatoes and ketchup on a wooden cutting board.
Aloo Tikki. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Aloo Tikki takes the humble potato to a whole new level. It’s the side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Tikki

Aloo Palak

Two bowls of potato and spinach curry on a green cloth.
Aloo Palak. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Aloo Palak is a side dish that packs a lot of flavor. It’s perfect for when you want something different, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Palak

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