When you’re setting the table for dinner, don’t overlook the power of great side dishes. These 17 side dish offerings are so compelling, they might just overshadow the main course. They bring a whole new level of excitement to your meal without needing the spotlight, enhancing your dining experience quietly but effectively. With each dish designed to pair beautifully with various entrees, you’ll find they enrich your meal rather than simply accompany it.
Cheesy Garlic Spaghetti Squash
A crowd-pleaser with a twist, spaghetti squash pairs up with cheese and garlic to become the star of your meal. Serve it up, watch it disappear, and know you’ve just found the perfect complement to any dish. Busy weeknights or festive tables, Cheesy Garlic Spaghetti Squash fits right in. Your fork is ready for something different, and here it is.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Spaghetti Squash
Cinnamon Apples
Think of your kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon and apples as you prepare a side that will steal hearts. Sweet with a hint of spice, Cinnamon Apples goes beyond the usual to offer a comforting accompaniment to any main course. Ideal for cozy gatherings or as a treat on its own, it’s simplicity perfected. Dessert or side, the choice is yours – either way, it’s a winner.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Marinated Tomatoes
Here’s a side that brings fresh tomatoes into the limelight, bursting with flavors that only marinating can achieve. Nothing fancy, just a simple side that offers a refreshing break from the heavy hitters. Perfect for grilling season or brightening a winter meal, these Marinated Tomatoes will become a regular request. Pull up a chair, your palate is in for a surprise.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes
Amish Macaroni Salad
Ditch the ordinary with a side dish that’s a nod to tradition with a tangy twist. Amish Macaroni Salad comes together in a way that’s hard to forget and even harder to pass up on a second helping. Great for picnics or potlucks, this old-time favorite never gets old. Just one bite and you’ll understand why it’s a classic hit.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad
Aloo Gobi Masala
Indulge deep into a world where potatoes and cauliflower are anything but ordinary. Infused with spices and cooked to perfection, Aloo Gobi Masala commands attention on any table. Whether you are a spice enthusiast or looking for a veggie fix, this is your go-to. Simple ingredients, bold outcome – a combo that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala
Popeyes Coleslaw
Coleslaw can often be a wallflower, but not when it’s mimicking a fast-food favorite known for its tang and crunch. Making any meal feel like a special treat, it’s tough to resist its creamy charm. Perfect for barbecues or sandwich side-kicks, Popeyes Coleslaw brings in the fun. Friendship with salads, rekindled.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Sometimes, the simplest additions can make the loudest statement. Enter air-fried Broccoli – a no-fuss side that offers a crisp texture and just the right touch to any meal. Busy schedules meet their match with this quick fix. Greens that even the pickiest eaters will reach for – score one for easy nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Mexican Corn Salad
Fiery and festive, Mexican Corn Salad compels even the most reserved diners to take a second glance. It’s corn in a vibrant, casual ensemble, ready to compliment your main dishes with élan. Perfect for when you need a break from the norm and want a side with some character. Patio dinners just got a bit more interesting.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad
Roasted Maple Root Vegetables
When humble roots get a maple makeover, plates get a touch of Roasted Maple Root Vegetables that’s hard to ignore. Autumnal hues meet a hint of caramelization for a comforting addition to your dining table. Think of your holiday spread with a side that whispers homestead chic. Tuck in, there’s warmth in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Maple Root Vegetables
Avocado Egg Salad
Call it a side or a spread, Avocado Egg Salad blurs the lines with its rich taste and versatile use. Avocado and eggs come together for a lush experience that stands out in a sea of salads. Brunches beg for it; lunch boxes hope for it. When you want a side that could very well be the main attraction, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad
Homemade Tater Tots
Once you’ve had a taste of homemade, these Homemade Tater Tots will become a staple on your menu. Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, they’re far from your average side. Serve them at parties, sneak them into lunch menus, they’ll fit in just about anywhere. A tried and true treat, they’re everyone’s favorite bite-sized wonder.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Tater Tots
Cabbage Apple Salad
Cabbage Apple Salad marries the crispness of apples with the sturdy nature of cabbage. A simple combination that yields a crisp texture and light flavor, perfect for balancing out any rich meal. Think of it as the quick fix for adding brightness to your spread. Get ready for a refreshing crunch that pulls its weight.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad
Arroz Verde
Rice rarely takes center stage, but when it’s imbued with the essence of herbs and veggies, it transforms into something more. It subtly enhances the dining experience with its green hue and garden-fresh taste. Pairs flawlessly with a variety of cuisines, making it a versatile choice for any food lineup. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or special occasion, Arroz Verde fits the bill.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde
Chicken Miso Soup
Sometimes a side can be the soothing element your meal is calling for. Rich with umami and the comfort of chicken, this Chicken Miso Soup sidesteps the bland and heads straight for memorable. Ideal for those chillier nights or when you’re craving a touch of warmth. Let each spoonful bring a moment of calm to the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Miso Soup
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Bring some excitement to the table with a side that packs a punch yet remains light and crisp. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is ideal when you’re looking to complement heavier mains or add a spark to the menu. Lace up for a flavor kick that won’t be forgotten.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
When potatoes get the au gratin treatment, they emerge as irresistible stacks that guests will attack. Perfectly portioned, they ensure a pleasing crunch and tender center. Ideal for those who want their side to be neatly presentable and full of charm. Gone are the days of mundane potato sides; let Au Gratin Potato Stacks tempt you.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Green Bean Casserole
This homestyle favorite takes green beans and transforms them into a must-have side with its creamy texture and crunchy topping. Green Bean Casserole is a universally beloved dish that transitions smoothly from regular weeknight dinners to the center of holiday meals. Simplicity meets comfort, and it’s clear why this dish remains a steadfast tradition.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole