21 easy sides and salads to change up your weeknight

Photo of author

| Published:

This collection of Easy Sides & Salads is designed to shake up your weeknight dinner routine. Picture hassle-free recipes that not only add a burst of flavor to your meals but also bring a refreshing twist to the table. Whether you’re seeking convenience, variety, or a delightful change from the usual sides, these recipes offer a practical and tasty solution, turning your weeknight dinners into a flavorful adventure without any fuss. Let’s dive into a world where simplicity meets deliciousness, making your weeknight meals both exciting and easy!

Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.
Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Ratatouille

A blue Bowl of Vegan Ratatouille.
Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bring a burst of flavor to your weeknight with Ratatouille, an easy and vibrant side dish that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. This dish is an excellent choice to switch up your regular sides, offering a variety of perfectly cooked vegetables. It adds a burst of color and taste to your weeknight meals with minimal effort, making dinner a colorful and enjoyable experience.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts on a white plate.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Transform your weeknight routine with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, a quick and crispy side dish that’s perfect for busy evenings. This recipe makes Brussels sprouts irresistibly crunchy without sacrificing nutrition. With a short cooking time in the air fryer, it’s a practical and tasty way to change up your regular sides, introducing a delightful crunch to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Cheesy smashed potatoes on a plate next to Christmas decor.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Change up your weeknight dinners with Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes, a cheesy delight that adds a touch of indulgence to your plate. These smashed potatoes are a fantastic choice for a quick and easy side, combining the creamy texture of potatoes with a crispy exterior. With the efficiency of the air fryer, it’s a practical option to switch things up without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Salmon Salad

Salmon salad on white plates and lettuce greens in a bowl.
Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a refreshing and protein-packed option with Salmon Salad, an ideal choice for a light yet satisfying weeknight meal. This salad brings together the goodness of salmon with crisp greens, creating a balanced and flavorful dish. With minimal prep time, it’s a practical addition to your weeknight menu, offering a healthy and delicious alternative to your usual dinner sides.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Air fried glazed carrots in a white bowl next to a checkered tablecloth.
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a touch of sweetness to your weeknight meals with Maple Glazed Carrots in the Air Fryer, a delightful side dish that’s easy to prepare. This recipe offers a quick and efficient way to glaze carrots to perfection, making it a practical choice for changing up your regular sides. With the caramelized maple flavor and a short cooking time, it’s a tasty addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Santa Fe Salad

Santa Fe Salad with creamy dressing.
Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your weeknight dinners with Santa Fe Salad, a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings southwestern flavors to your table. Packed with a variety of ingredients, this salad is a practical choice for those looking to change up their usual sides. With a blend of textures and tastes, it adds a festive touch to your weeknight meals, making dinner a flavorful and enjoyable experience.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steaks on a platter.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Introduce a simple yet delicious side with Roasted Cabbage Steaks, a weeknight-friendly option that’s both easy and flavorful. This recipe transforms cabbage into a savory delight with a crispy edge, offering a practical and wholesome choice for changing up your regular sides. With a short prep time and minimal ingredients, it’s a convenient addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Easy Radish Salad

Easy Radish Salad on plate with glass of water.
Easy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Freshen up your weeknight meals with Easy Radish Salad, a crisp and light side that’s a breeze to prepare. This salad is a practical choice for changing up your regular sides, offering a refreshing combination of radishes and other vibrant ingredients. With minimal effort, it adds a burst of color and crunch to your weeknight dinners, making it a delightful and straightforward addition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn.
Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Explore a hearty and plant-based option with Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, a creative and satisfying dish for your weeknight dinners. These stuffed sweet potatoes are a practical choice for those looking to change up their usual sides while keeping it wholesome. With a blend of flavors and textures, this recipe adds a delicious twist to your weeknight routine, making dinner both enjoyable and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini bruschetta on parchment paper.
Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Change the game with Zucchini Bruschetta, a light and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe is a practical choice for adding a fresh twist to your regular sides, featuring the vibrant flavors of zucchini and tomatoes. With minimal preparation, it’s a delightful addition to your weeknight meals, bringing a taste of Italy to your dinner table without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Upgrade your weeknight dinners with the savory goodness of Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage, a side dish that’s both indulgent and easy to make. This recipe is a practical choice for those looking to change up their regular sides, offering a delicious combination of smoky bacon and tender cabbage. With the efficiency of the air fryer, it’s a quick and tasty addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Air Fryer Home Fries

Air-fried potato cubes with diced green bell peppers on plate.
Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Transform your weeknight meals with the classic appeal of Air Fryer Home Fries, a side dish that brings the perfect balance of crispy and tender. These home fries are a practical choice for adding a comforting element to your regular sides. With a short cooking time in the air fryer, they’re an easy and delicious way to change up your weeknight dinners without sacrificing simplicity or flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish.
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dive into indulgence with Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes, a side dish that’s both hearty and satisfying for your weeknight dinners. This recipe is a practical choice for those seeking a comforting twist to their regular sides, featuring creamy potatoes loaded with cheesy goodness. With a straightforward preparation process, it’s an easy and flavorful addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bring comfort to your weeknight dinners with the creamy goodness of Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, a side dish that’s easy and delightful. This recipe is a practical choice for changing up your regular sides, offering a slow-cooked approach to the classic mac and cheese. With minimal effort, it adds a comforting touch to your weeknight meals, making dinner both convenient and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Vegan Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spoon.
Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your weeknight dinners with Vegan Mexican Rice, a flavorful and plant-based side dish that’s both easy and satisfying. This recipe is a practical choice for those looking to change up their regular sides, featuring a vibrant blend of spices and ingredients. With simple preparation, it adds a delicious twist to your weeknight routine, bringing a taste of Mexico to your dinner table without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate.
Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a touch of elegance to your weeknight dinners with Green Beans with Garlic Butter, a simple and flavorful side dish. This recipe is a practical choice for those wanting to change up their regular sides, offering crisp green beans coated in a savory garlic butter sauce. With minimal effort, it elevates your weeknight meals, bringing a delicious balance of freshness and richness to the table.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley.
Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Upgrade your weeknight dinners with the simplicity of Air Fryer Potato Wedges, a side dish that’s both crispy and convenient. These potato wedges are a practical choice for changing up your regular sides, offering the perfect balance of a golden exterior and a fluffy interior. With the efficiency of the air fryer, they’re a quick and tasty addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire, ensuring a delightful crunch in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese.
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Freshen up your weeknight dinners with Berry Salad, a vibrant and fruity side dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. This salad is a practical choice for those looking to change up their regular sides, combining a variety of berries with a luscious blueberry dressing. With minimal preparation, it adds a burst of color and sweetness to your weeknight meals, making dinner a delightful and wholesome experience.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate.
Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Freshen up your weeknight dinners with Green Bean Tomato Salad, a crisp and flavorful side dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. This salad is a practical choice for those looking to change up their regular sides, combining crisp green beans with juicy tomatoes. With minimal preparation, it adds a burst of color and goodness to your weeknight meals, making dinner both delightful and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green Bean Casserole

Two bowls of green bean casserole on a cutting board.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bring a classic favorite to your weeknight dinners with Green Bean Casserole, a comforting and easy-to-make side dish. This recipe is a practical choice for changing up your regular sides, featuring green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce. With a straightforward preparation process, it adds a nostalgic touch to your weeknight meals, ensuring dinner is both convenient and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.
Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your weeknight dinners with the flavorful Aloo Gobi Masala, a side dish that brings the best of Indian cuisine to your table. This recipe is a practical choice for those looking to change up their regular sides, featuring potatoes and cauliflower in a fragrant masala. With a straightforward preparation process, it adds a delightful and spicy twist to your weeknight meals, ensuring dinner is both convenient and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.