More than just a side – 17 dishes everyone will rave about

Photo of author

| Published:

Side dishes have spent way too long being ignored, but these recipes are here to flip the script. They bring enough personality to the table to grab the spotlight and have everyone whispering about them instead of the main course. From weeknight dinners to big gatherings, this lineup proves that the sides can shine just as brightly, maybe even brighter.

Crispy Baked Zucchini served on a white plate.
Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green Beans served in a white bowl.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Forget being “just a side”—Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans have main-character energy. They bring comfort and flavor that get everyone talking long after the meal ends. This dish doesn’t just sit on the plate; it steals the show with every bite. Don’t be surprised when people start calling them the highlight of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Best Salsa

Salsa in a container with chips around.
Best Salsa. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A party isn’t a party without a bold side, and Best Salsa ensures all the attention lands on your spread. It brings a fresh, vibrant kick that pairs well with just about anything. Add it to your chips, tacos, or even as a topping, and watch it disappear faster than you can replenish. This is one of those dishes that makes everything else on the table shine.
Get the Recipe: Best Salsa

Faux Potato Salad

A white bowl of potato salad with mayonnaise.
Faux Potato Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

You’ll fool even the pickiest eaters with Faux Potato Salad, a dish that skips the usual ingredients while keeping the same hearty charm. It’s light, but not light on flavor, and fits in perfectly next to mains of all kinds. The texture and taste will have everyone debating whether it’s better than the original. Who knew reinventing a classic could be this fun?
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

Crispy Low Carb French Fries

Keto French Fries on the table with ketchup and mayo.
Crispy Low Carb French Fries. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

No one will believe these are low carb once they take a bite of Crispy Low Carb French Fries. They come out golden and crunchy, proving you don’t need traditional options to satisfy a craving. Whether you’re dipping or eating them straight, these fries are a crowd-pleaser. It’s a side that earns a spot in the spotlight every single time.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Low Carb French Fries

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Coconut Cauliflower Rice inside golden plate with lime slices.
Coconut Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

A little twist makes all the difference, and Coconut Cauliflower Rice delivers just that. The subtle flavor upgrade takes a basic side dish and makes it perfect for pairing with bold mains. You’ll be reaching for this one every week because it’s as flexible as it is unexpected. Nobody walks away from this dish without asking how it’s made.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Lecso Vegetable Stew

A girl holding a big casserole filled with vegetable stew.
Lecso Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Comfort food meets versatility with Lecso Vegetable Stew, a dish that adapts to any mealtime vibe. It’s hearty, colorful, and fits as easily next to meat as it does with other veggies. What makes this special is how it brings everyone back for seconds, even the skeptics. It’s more than just a side; it’s a conversation starter in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Lecso Vegetable Stew

Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish

Chicken mu in a brown bowl.
Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

When your plate needs a little something extra, Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish comes to the rescue. The refreshing bite cuts through heavier dishes, keeping the balance just right. It’s one of those sides that keeps your palate guessing and guests reaching for more. Who says a side can’t steal the spotlight?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh Salad inside colorful bowls.
Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Take a traditional favorite and make it your own with Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. It’s fresh, light, and just different enough to make everyone pause and ask what’s new. Perfect for pairing with mains or enjoying on its own, this salad brings balance to any table. You’ll be surprised how much attention a humble salad can get.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Rutabaga Fries

Rutabaga Fries serves in a glass.
Rutabaga Fries. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Shake up your fry game with Rutabaga Fries, the alternative you didn’t know you needed. They’re crispy, rewarding, and hold their own against any dipping sauce. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these fries deliver every single time. Prepare for these to become a repeat request from anyone who tries them.
Get the Recipe: Rutabaga Fries

Homemade Marinara Sauce

Marinara Sauce in a white bowl.
Homemade Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A great side starts with great flavor, and Homemade Marinara Sauce delivers in spades. It pairs beautifully with just about everything, upgrading your dishes without stealing the show. Keep it on hand, and you’ll find it works wonders as a dip, topping, or even a secret ingredient. This is one of those recipes that turns a good meal into a great one.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Marinara Sauce

Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Baked Riced Cauliflower in a bowl with a spoon.
Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Your weeknight dinner routine just got easier with Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower. It’s a no-fuss, flavorful option that fits seamlessly into any meal. Whether you’re keeping things simple or pairing it with something more elaborate, this dish never disappoints. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest options are the most loved.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat

Ground Beef Taco Meat inside a white plate with smaller bowls of veggies and sauces.
Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Transform taco night with Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat, the base that makes your fillings shine. It’s seasoned to perfection, turning any shell or bowl into something special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this side ensures everyone leaves happy. There’s a reason tacos are universally loved, and this is a big part of it.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat

Steamed Artichoke

An artichoke in a bowl with lemon slices and a fork.
Steamed Artichoke. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

When you want something unique yet approachable, Steamed Artichoke fits the bill. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough for everyday meals. Pair it with your favorite dip or just enjoy it on its own—it’s a side that keeps things interesting. Watch as even first-timers become fans in no time.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichoke

Almond Flour Taco Shells

Almond Flour Keto Taco Shells on a white board.
Almond Flour Taco Shells. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Switch up taco night with Almond Flour Taco Shells, a creative twist that adds something special to your spread. These shells are sturdy enough to hold all your fillings but light enough to make you want seconds. They pair well with just about anything, proving you don’t need traditional options to have a great meal. Once you try these, it’s hard to go back.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Taco Shells

Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread

Bright purple beet spread inside a ceramic bowl.
Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

When you want a side that doubles as a conversation piece, Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread comes through. The rich color and bold flavor make it a standout on any table. It’s perfect for spreading, dipping, or even enjoying straight from the bowl. You’ll find yourself making it again and again just for the rave reviews.
Get the Recipe: Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread

Crispy Baked Zucchini In Oven

Crispy Baked Zucchini served on a white plate.
Crispy Baked Zucchini In Oven. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Healthy doesn’t mean boring, especially when you’ve got Crispy Baked Zucchini In Oven on the menu. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and work as a side or snack that no one can resist. Pair them with your favorite mains, and they’ll hold their own every time. This dish proves that veggies can be just as exciting as anything else on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Zucchini In Oven

Homemade Curd Cheese

Curd cheese inside a cup with frozen berries.
Homemade Curd Cheese. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Step up your cheese game with Homemade Curd Cheese, the side that feels indulgent without being over the top. Its creamy texture works perfectly as a topping, a dip, or even just spread on some bread. You’ll love how versatile it is, fitting into breakfast, lunch, or dinner with ease. It’s one of those dishes that turns heads for all the right reasons.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Curd Cheese

Leave a Comment

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