19 side dishes that’ll have everyone asking, ‘Who made this?’

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Get ready to bring the “wow” factor to your next meal with these must-try side dishes. From comforting favorites to bold, flavorful bites, these recipes will have everyone asking, “Who made this?” Trust us, you’re about to be the star of the table!

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.

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

Grape Salad

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

Forget the fancy dishes—this creamy grape salad is all you need! It’s super easy, totally delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Once you try it, you’ll want it on the table all the time. Plus, it’s a total hit with everyone!
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 where it’s at! It’s super easy to throw together with crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, and a tangy dressing that ties it all together. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need a no-fuss side that everyone will love!
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

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 make and super fresh! Shredded carrots and cabbage, sweet raisins, and a tangy lemon-mayo dressing come together for the perfect side. It’s great for any meal, and the best part? It’s ready in no time!
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Sweet Potato Puffs

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

These Sweet Potato Puffs are sure to be a hit! Crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside—what’s not to love? They’re the perfect snack or side dish for any meal. Plus, they’re super easy to make and disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

Mexican Macaroni Salad

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

Bored of the same old salads? Try Grandma’s Mexican Macaroni Salad instead! It’s creamy, full of flavor, and a total breeze to whip up. Bet your family will be going for seconds! Perfect side for pretty much any meal, too. Plus, it’s a great way to switch things up without any extra fuss!
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! Creamy potatoes, melty cheese, and super easy to make—you’ll be chilling in no time. Perfect for pairing with all any main dish!
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 hit! It’s got crunchy lettuce, fresh veggies, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing on top. It’s so tasty and filling, it could totally be a meal. Plus, it’s super easy to make and always the first thing to disappear at the dinner table!
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.

Hey citrus lovers! This easy oven-baked orange rice is a total crowd-pleaser—perfect for any dinner. It’s super tender, packed with bright orange flavor, and goes great with pretty much anything on the table. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
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.

Want a new favorite? Grandma’s Surprise Potatoes are a total hit! Cheesy, creamy, and so tasty, they’ll have everyone going back for seconds. Always a winner, and super easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

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 when you’re in a pinch, but mushy veggies? No thanks! This air fryer recipe gives you crispy, seasoned florets that everyone will actually want to eat. It’s super easy, and you’ll be making it all the time once you try it!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus on a Baking Tray.
Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This super easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus is a healthy and tasty side dish with a little sweetness, crispy edges, and tender bits. Drizzled with some olive oil, these roasted veggies go great with pretty much anything!
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus

Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole

A dish of granola with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary.
Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This almond, cranberry, and sweet potato stuffing with a berry granola topping is the perfect sweet and salty combo. It’s a side dish that’ll totally steal the show at any meal. Plus, that crunchy granola on top? So good—everyone will want the recipe!
Get the Recipe: Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole

Brocolli Salad with Bacon

A bowl of broccoli salad with bacon.
Brocolli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a tasty, low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free dish. It combines crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing, with cheese and nuts adding extra flavor and crunch. It’s super easy to whip up in about 15 minutes, making it a perfect side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Brocolli Salad with Bacon

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 dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes! It’s creamy, full of flavor, and packed with nutrients, making it the perfect side for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing!
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 totally packed with tropical flavor, with just the right savory twist. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, so it’s great for pretty much any crowd. Serve it up as a side dish, or enjoy it on its own for a light and delicious meal!
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Rice

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