Don’t overlook the importance of a good side dish! We’ve picked out 17 easy side dishes that pair beautifully with any main course. These recipes are easy to whip up and are perfect for making any meal feel complete. Take a look at these options next time you’re meal planning and find the perfect addition to your next dinner. You’ll see how a simple side can transform your meal from good to great with very little extra work.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Gather around for a side that’s as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs are a twist on classic corn dishes, perfect for any cookout. They bring a smoky flavor that pairs well with a variety of grilled mains. This dish is visually appealing and offers a unique way to enjoy corn.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Cucumber Salad with Feta can brighten up any meal with its fresh and crisp taste. It’s the perfect counterbalance to richer, heavier dishes, providing a refreshing side. The combination of textures and a slight tang makes this salad a memorable addition to any table.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Enjoy the light but hearty flavors of a Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. This dish combines the best of pasta salads with the added richness of shrimp for a fulfilling side. It’s an excellent choice for adding variety to the dinner table. Impress your guests with this flavorful and satisfying side at your next event.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Fried Tomatillos
Try incorporating these for a unique flavor boost that’s sure to impress. Fried Tomatillos add a lively zing to any meal. They’re especially great for those who enjoy a bit of tang and crispness on their sides. These are quick to make and offer a vibrant twist to your traditional meal lineup.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Ukrainian Potatoes
Ukrainian Potatoes bring a comforting and hearty presence to any meal. Known for their satisfying and robust flavor, they’re a favorite at both casual and formal gatherings. This versatile dish can be enjoyed year-round and pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Salmon Pasta Salad
Enjoy the convenience and taste of this versatile salad at your next meal. Salmon Pasta Salad offers a mix of flavors and textures, perfect for those seeking a more substantial side. This dish is particularly popular for picnics and potlucks because it can be served chilled.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Grilled Vegetables
Dig into some easy sides that can level up any meal—grilled vegetables are where it’s at. It’s like a fireworks display of taste on your plate. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just craving something fresh and flavorful, grilled veggies are a sure winner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
Craving some creamy comfort to go with your main course? Look no further than steakhouse creamed spinach. Why settle for mundane side dishes when you can treat yourself to the decadent goodness of creamed spinach? Once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds, guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
Coleslaw
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the classics—coleslaw always hits the spot. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and tangy. Whether you’re firing up the grill or having a picnic in the park, coleslaw is the ultimate sidekick to any dish.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Need something sweet and savory to round out your meal? Look no further than copycat Cracker Barrel baby carrots. Why settle for ordinary veggies when you can upgrade your meal with irresistible sweetness? Whether you serve them as a side dish or a snack, these carrots are guaranteed to steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Mediterranean Rice
Ready for a culinary journey to the Mediterranean? Say hello to Mediterranean rice—a side dish that’ll transport you to sun-drenched shores with every bite. Don’t settle for plain rice and level up your dining experience with the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Let’s spice things up with a Tex-Mex twist on a classic favorite—Tex-Mex Caesar salad. It’s like a party in your mouth. Whether you’re serving it as a side or as a main course topped with grilled chicken, Tex-Mex Caesar salad is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Roasted Radishes
Roasted Radishes can easily improve your mealtime with their vibrant appearance and surprising sweetness once cooked. They transform from peppery to pleasantly mild, perfect for complementing any main dish. Quick to toss together, they’re ideal for those nights when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Radishes
Skillet Cabbage with Bacon
Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this side dish is sure to impress. Skillet Cabbage with Bacon is a down-to-earth dish that brings smoky bacon and sweet cabbage together. This combination is hearty and can easily stand up next to richer proteins.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Cabbage with Bacon
Asparagus with Lemon Sauce
Serving this at your next meal will certainly brighten things up. Asparagus with Lemon Sauce brings a fresh flavor to the table, perfect for waking you up. This side dish is especially good in the spring when asparagus is at its peak. It’s quick to whip up and pairs wonderfully with both grilled meats and seafood.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus with Lemon Sauce
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Try them next time you want something easy yet impressive. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks offer a meaty texture with a smoky, charred exterior. They’re substantial enough to serve as a main course for vegetarians or a robust side for meat-eaters.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
These biscuits are so easy to make and even easier to disappear from the dinner table. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are a perfect treat that pairs well with just about any meal. Each one is packed with cheesy flavor, baked into a light and airy texture.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits