If you’re looking to mix things up at mealtime, consider adding one of these 19 innovative sides to your menu. They range from light and healthy options to hearty, comforting choices, all guaranteed to pair well with your favorite mains. It’s a simple way to upgrade your dining experience without too much fuss. They are ideal for those looking to add a little extra flair to their meal, ensuring guests are left both satisfied and inspired.
Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Dive into the comforting warmth of Easy Scalloped Potatoes, a perfect side dish for any family dinner. These creamy potatoes are baked to perfection, achieving a golden crust that’s hard to resist. They easily complement any main course, adding a touch of home-cooked sophistication without overpowering other flavors on the plate. Ideal for both casual and formal gatherings, they promise to satisfy everyone’s craving for something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Easy Oven Asparagus
A straightforward, elegant side that complements any main dish. Roasting asparagus enhances its natural flavors, bringing out a slight nuttiness that’s hard to resist. Easy Oven Asparagus requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for those nights when you want a quick, healthy side that still feels a bit special.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
This hearty side dish is packed with flavors that meld beautifully over slow cooking, offering a rich, comforting taste. Ratatouille with an Italian Flair takes the classic French stew and infuses it with Italian herbs for a mediterranean twist. It’s versatile enough to serve with pasta, crusty bread, or as a standalone dish, ensuring it will be a staple in your recipe rotation.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Chicken Fried Rice
This side can easily become a main meal, packed with flavors that are robust enough to stand on their own. Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying dish that brings the aromatic allure of stir-fried rice straight to your kitchen. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover rice and can be customized with whatever you have on hand, making it a smart and delicious option for a no-waste kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Classic Mushroom Bourekas
Filled with a delicious mushroom blend, these bourekas are flaky on the outside with a moist, flavorful filling. Classic Mushroom Bourekas are savory pastries that make for an excellent side or appetizer. They are perfect for gatherings or as a tasty snack during the week. Plus, they’re always a hit with guests looking for something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mushroom Bourekas
Marinated Tomatoes
A simple yet delightful addition to any meal, bursting with fresh flavors that capture the essence of summer dining. Marinated Tomatoes can be served as a refreshing side or a vibrant topping for grilled meats, bringing a bright contrast to richer flavors. It’s perfect for enhancing a barbecue or lightening a hearty dinner, and its ease of preparation makes it ideal for quick, nutritious eating.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes
Cheese Puffs Air Fryer
Cheese Puffs made in the Air Fryer offer a delightful twist on a classic snack. These puffs are incredibly light and airy, providing a perfect crunch with every bite. They work great as a standalone snack or alongside a meal as a playful appetizer. Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from the plate, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or during a family game night.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Puffs Air Fryer
Coconut Cauliflower Rice
A fantastic choice for those seeking a lighter, flavorful alternative to traditional side dishes. Coconut Cauliflower Rice brings a fresh flair to your table, combining the nuttiness of cauliflower with a subtle sweetness from coconut. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of cuisines, offering a versatile option that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just change up your weeknight routine, this dish is a go-to.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice
Air Fryer Red Potatoes
The ultimate side dish for those who love their potatoes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside – Air Fryer Red Potatoes. This method not only speeds up cooking time but also reduces the oil needed, making it a healthier choice. They are an excellent companion to both meat and vegetarian mains, adding a robust texture and rich flavor to any meal. Ideal for busy cooks, these potatoes deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Utica Greens
A dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table with its rich, savory profile. Known for its comforting blend of greens and a subtle kick of spice, Utica Greens serves as a fantastic side or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, especially during colder months, providing a warming, nutritious option that’s both traditional and inventive.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens
Cabbage Apple Salad
A crisp, refreshing mix that offers a crunchy texture and a sweet-tart flavor profile. Cabbage Apple Salad is a lively accompaniment to any meal, especially effective for balancing out spicy or rich main dishes. This salad is not only quick to toss together but also adds a splash of color and freshness to your dining table, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
This rice dish is known for its buttery richness and subtle spices, making it an ideal side for steak or chicken. Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice is your ticket to bringing the restaurant experience home. It adds a luxurious touch to any meal, allowing you to recreate famous flavors in your own kitchen. Perfect for dinner parties or a family feast, it’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing
A classic side that never goes out of style. This version of Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing offers a creamy, tangy twist that complements everything from barbecue to sandwiches. It’s incredibly easy to whip up and even better when made ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. A staple at picnics and potlucks, it’s a reliable choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing
Potato Wedges
These wedges can be seasoned in various ways, making them incredibly versatile and a perfect match for nearly any meal. Potato Wedges are a universally loved side dish, known for their crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Whether served at a casual family dinner or as a snack during a get-together, they are always a popular choice.
Get the Recipe: Potato Wedges
Vodka Sauce Spaghetti Squash Boats
Filled with rich, creamy vodka sauce, these squash boats are satisfying without the heaviness of regular noodles. Vodka Sauce Spaghetti Squash Boats offer a creative and lighter alternative to traditional pasta dishes. They’re a fun way to serve up dinner and are sure to catch the eye at any gathering. Plus, they make a great conversation starter!
Get the Recipe: Vodka Sauce Spaghetti Squash Boats
Broccoli Casserole with Crackers
A comforting dish that combines the hearty texture of broccoli with a crispy cracker topping. Broccoli Casserole with Crackers is a fantastic side for chilly evenings and pairs well with both meat and vegetarian mains. This casserole is both filling and comforting, making it a favorite for family dinners and potluck gatherings alike.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Crackers
Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free)
A delightful side dish that’s both keto-friendly and gluten-free. Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus uses the air fryer to create asparagus that’s perfectly crispy and topped with Parmesan for a savory finish. It’s a simple, quick option for anyone following a specific dietary regimen without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free)
Crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This salad combines the best of both vegetables, offering a satisfying crunch and a dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is a vibrant, textural dish that’s both healthy and flavorful. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to add more vegetables to their meals in an appetizing way.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Sourdough Discard Seed Crackers
These crackers are packed with seeds, offering a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor. Sourdough Discard Seed Crackers are a resourceful and tasty way to use up sourdough discard. They’re perfect for pairing with cheeses or dips, or just for snacking on their own. Environmentally conscious and delicious, they’re a great addition to any eco-friendly kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Seed Crackers