23 side dishes everyone will beg you to make again

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Bring excitement to your table with these 23 unforgettable side dishes that pair perfectly with any meal. From creamy casseroles to vibrant roasted veggies, these recipes are so good, they’ll have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe! Whether it’s a casual dinner or a holiday feast, these sides are sure to steal the show.

A bowl of coleslaw with shredded carrots and raisins on a wooden surface, next to a red and white checkered cloth.
Carrot Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Sweet Potato Puffs

A plate with a bite out of a sweet potato puff.
Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

You’re gonna love these Sweet Potato Puffs! Crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside—they’re seriously addictive. Perfect as a snack or a side dish, they go with just about anything. They’re crazy easy to whip up, and trust me, they’ll be gone before you know it. Make extra, just in case!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

Mexican Macaroni Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Sick of the same old salads? Try Grandma’s Mexican Macaroni Salad! It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and super easy to make. Your family will be going for seconds, and it goes great with pretty much anything! Plus, it’s a simple way to mix things up without any extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Three baked potatoes on a blue and white plate.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Whip up some loaded baked potatoes for the coziest side dish ever! Creamy potatoes, gooey cheese, and so easy to make—you’ll be kicking back in no time. They go with pretty much anything, or just grab a fork and dig in solo!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Layered Salad

A layered salad in a clear glass trifle bowl on a wooden board, with peas, lettuce, and red tomatoes, next to a floral patterned cloth.
Layered Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This layered salad is a total crowd favorite! It’s got crunchy lettuce, fresh veggies, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing that make it super tasty. It’s filling enough to be a meal and so easy to make. Plus, it’s always the first thing to disappear at dinner!
Get the Recipe: Layered Salad

Orange Rice

Bowl of rice with chopped celery and orange slices on a wooden table.
Orange Rice. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Citrus lovers, you’re gonna love this! This easy oven-baked orange rice is so tender and full of bright, zesty orange flavor. It goes with pretty much anything you’re serving, and trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe. Bonus: it’s crazy simple to make!
Get the Recipe: Orange Rice

Cowboy Caviar

A bowl of bean and corn salad with diced avocado, red onion, tomatoes, and cilantro surrounded by tortilla chips.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Impress your friends with some Cowboy Caviar! This tasty mix of beans and veggies is perfect for dipping with chips, tossing in a salad, or just grabbing a spoon and digging right in. It’s simple, fresh, and everyone will love it. Trust me, it won’t last long!
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon.
Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Need something new to try? Grandma’s Surprise Potatoes are always a hit! Cheesy, creamy, and totally delicious, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. They’re super easy to make too, and trust me, they disappear fast every time! Perfect for any meal or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Green beans with bacon and almonds on a red plate.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Want something quick that still feels fancy? Give our Green Beans Almondine a try! With crispy bacon, creamy almonds, and fresh green beans, it’s so easy and full of flavor. Perfect for dinner when you want a little something extra!
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Carrot Raisin Salad

A bowl of coleslaw with shredded carrots and raisins on a wooden surface, next to a red and white checkered cloth.
Carrot Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This carrot raisin salad is super easy to throw together and tastes so fresh! It’s got shredded carrots and cabbage, sweet raisins, and a tangy lemon-mayo dressing that just works. Perfect side for any meal, and the best part? It’s ready in no time and always a hit!
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Grape Salad

Grape Salad in clear bowl with green grapes in background.
Grape Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Who needs fancy dishes when you’ve got this creamy grape salad? It’s super easy, super tasty, and perfect for just about any occasion. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked and want it on the table all the time. Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser! Seriously, everyone will ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Skip the fancy salads—this Cabbage Apple Salad is the real star! It’s got crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, and a tangy dressing that you’ll totally love. Super easy to make for a quick dinner or a side dish that’ll disappear in no time. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

A baking dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a portion served out.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Whip up this creamy mac and cheese with cheddar, Gruyere, and a buttery panko-Parmesan topping for any occasion, and get ready to impress your friends! It’s cozy, cheesy, and so good you’ll probably see everyone going back for seconds (or thirds).
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a super easy one-pot meal that comes together in 30 minutes! It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with good-for-you ingredients—perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to sneak in some veggies without anyone knowing. You’ll definitely be making this one again!
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Orange Fluff Salad

A blue bowl of orange fluff with mandarin orange and mini marshmallows.
Orange Fluff Salad. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This orange fluff is super light and totally melts in your mouth. It tastes just like an orange creamsicle, but without the mess—so you can enjoy all the flavor, no cleanup required! Perfect for any time you want a sweet, refreshing treat.
Get the Recipe: Orange Fluff Salad

Pineapple Rice

Pineapple Rice. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This pineapple rice is sweet, spicy, and full of tropical flavor with just the right savory kick. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, so it’s a win for pretty much everyone. Whether you serve it as a side or enjoy it solo, it’s the perfect light, tasty meal. You’ll definitely want to make it again!
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Rice

Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans

A slow cooker filled with Boston baked beans ready to be served.
Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Dig into some classic Boston Baked Beans, slow-cooked to perfection. With a perfect mix of savory and sweet, they make the ultimate comfort food. Whether as a side or the main event, this dish is sure to hit the spot!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans

Easy Chinese Chives Recipe: Stir Fry With Eggs

Chinese chives recipe.
Easy Chinese Chives Recipe: Stir Fry With Eggs. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This Chinese chives dish is super easy to throw together and packed with garlicky goodness. It’s got that soft, fluffy texture that makes it perfect for a quick meal when you’re hungry but don’t feel like spending too much time in the kitchen. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make all the time—so tasty and simple!
Get the Recipe: Easy Chinese Chives Recipe: Stir Fry With Eggs

Green Bean Tomato Salad

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

Green bean tomato salad is a super fresh and tasty side dish you can enjoy all year long. It’s easy to whip up and full of healthy ingredients that’ll have you feeling awesome. Plus, it’s the perfect dish to bring to any get-together!
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

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

This Lebanese Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad is super easy and ready in just 10 minutes, making it a perfect healthy side for any meal. It’s a fun twist on classic tabouli—gluten-free, grain-free, low carb, vegetarian, and diabetic-friendly, with hemp seeds instead of bulgur wheat.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Pistachio Fluff Salad

Pistachio salad topped with nuts and cherries.
Pistachio Fluff Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pistachio fluff salad is super easy to whip up with just 5 ingredients. Also called Watergate salad, it’s one of those no-fuss dishes you can make ahead and enjoy whenever. Perfect for potlucks or a quick dessert fix!
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Fluff Salad

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Frozen broccoli florets roasted on an air fryer tray.
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Frozen broccoli is a total lifesaver for a quick side dish, but let’s be real—no one wants it all mushy! This air fryer recipe turns it into crispy, tasty florets that everyone will devour. Super easy, super fast, and it’ll definitely become a family favorite. Plus, it’s the perfect way to sneak in some veggies without any complaints!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Greek Green Salad

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish.
Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Prasini Salad will have you feeling like you’re in Greece! It’s packed with crispy romaine hearts, creamy feta, fresh scallions, and dill, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a side for any meal, it’s super easy to make and always a hit!
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Pasta Salad without Mayo

Overhead image of a pasta salad without mayo.
Pasta Salad without Mayo. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This Pasta Salad without Mayo is super fresh and totally fuss-free! Packed with crunchy veggies and a homemade dressing that really brings it all together, it’s the perfect side dish for pretty much any meal. Whip it up ahead of time, and it’s ready to go whenever you are!
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad without Mayo

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