21 side dishes that’ll make you forget about the main course

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Some meals start with good intentions, but then someone brings out one of the 21 sides that make the main dish feel like a backup singer. These aren’t just extras—they’re the reason people start hovering around the table early. You could plan a meal around something else, but once these show up, they kind of take over. No one’s talking about the roast anymore—they’re too busy going back for thirds.

Cheese Puffs with fresh parsley.
Cheese Puffs Air Fryer. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb French Fried Onions

A wooden bowl filled with crispy fried onions, placed on a wooden tray.
Low Carb French Fried Onions. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

If you’re keeping tabs on your carb intake but love crunchy, savory snacks, look no further. These onions switch up the game by offering a snackable option that won’t have you missing traditional versions. Low Carb French Fried Onions are perfect as a topping or on their own, making greens and burgers shine without the guilt. With a crispy texture, they’re a go-to for a fulfilling crunch.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb French Fried Onions

Faux Potato Salad

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

Missing potato salad but not the carbs that come with it? This alternative has all the creamy, comforting goodness you seek without the potatoes. Faux Potato Salad uses a clever substitute that’ll make you double-take, ensuring you can indulge without compromise. It fits right into any meal, pairing seamlessly with both barbecue and sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

Almond Flour Biscuits

Almond Flour Biscuits on top of each other with chives.
Almond Flour Biscuits. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Say goodbye to missing out on fluffy biscuits just because you’re watching your wheat intake. These biscuits made from almond flour offer a wonderful counterpart to any meal, providing a buttery, fulfilling addition without the usual carbs. Almond Flour Biscuits bring comfort to your table, making sure everyone can enjoy a warm, comforting side.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Biscuits

Fried Cheese Balls

Keto Fried Cheese Balls with parsley.
Fried Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Imagine a side that doubles as a conversation starter. Fried Cheese Balls are just that, meltingly gooey on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. They’re a joy at any gathering, making even the simplest meals feel like a celebration. Ideal for dipping or enjoying on their own, they’re a versatile side that adds a bit of fun to dining.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cheese Balls

Baked Cabbage Steaks using Air Fryer

Roasted cabbage wedges topped with herbs and seasonings.
Baked Cabbage Steaks using Air Fryer. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

When you think steak, cabbage might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but these Baked Cabbage Steaks using Air Fryer will change that. With a crispy edge and a tender middle, they’re a flavorful surprise that complements any main dish beautifully. They’re so good, they might just steal the show. This method brings out a smoky sweetness in cabbage, making it a star on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cabbage Steaks using Air Fryer

Green Bean Casserole

A baked green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A classic dish reimagined, Green Bean Casserole remains a crowd-pleaser while bringing a touch of nostalgia to the table. Its creamy, crunchy texture invites you for seconds, proving that traditional sides can feel new again. Perfect alongside any main, it holds its own with flavor that complements without overpowering.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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.

Introducing a vibrant side that jazzes up your meal with a pop of color and a burst of flavor, Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread is not your average addition. It’s a versatile spread that works wonders on sandwiches or as a dip, adding a sweet, earthy flavor that’s hard to beat. This spread brings a healthy, flavorful punch to your dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread

Lecso Vegetable Stew

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

Dig into the rich, hearty flavors of Lecso Vegetable Stew, a traditional dish that promises to warm you from the inside out. This stew isn’t just about comfort; it’s loaded with nutritious goodness, making it a balanced side or even a main on its own. It’s a flavorful journey through garden-fresh produce, cooked down into a savory blend that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Lecso Vegetable Stew

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.

Who says taco meat is just for tacos? Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat proves it’s versatile enough to be the highlight of your plate. It’s packed with bold flavors, making anything it pairs with taste better. From topping salads to stuffing peppers, it’s the side that often becomes the main attraction. It’s a simple yet impactful way to spice up your meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat

Veggie Noodles

Palmini noodles inside skillet.
Veggie Noodles. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

If you’re looking for a fresh, light side that still satisfies, Veggie Noodles are the answer. Spiralized vegetables offer a wonderful twist on traditional noodles, bringing color and crunch to your plate. They’re an ideal pair for any sauce or dressing, making them a versatile addition to your culinary arsenal. This dish is all about keeping it light without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Noodles

Crispy Fried Onions Recipe

A bowl with crispy fried onions.
Crispy Fried Onions Recipe. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Upgrade your sides with something that adds texture and a burst of flavor with each bite. Crispy Fried Onions Recipe is a simple yet transformative addition, turning basic dishes into something extraordinary. They work wonderfully atop soups, salads, or casseroles, lending a fulfilling crunch that’s hard to resist. These onions are a game-changer for texture lovers.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Onions Recipe

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing in a glass bowl with a stick of veggie.
Homemade Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Forget store-bought versions; Homemade Ranch Dressing is where it’s at, offering a fresh, herby kick to any dish. This dressing shines as a dip or a drizzle, bringing life to vegetables, salads, and more. It’s the kind of side that makes you want to eat your greens, proving that homemade is always better when it comes to flavor. This dressing is a testament to the power of fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ranch Dressing

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe Skewers Style

Bacon wrapped brussels sprouts on skewers.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe Skewers Style. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Bring a bit of whimsy to your greens with Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe Skewers Style. This dish pairs the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts with the savory goodness of bacon, all conveniently skewered for easy enjoyment. They’re a hit at parties and family dinners alike, proving that sometimes, the best flavors come on a stick. These skewers make eating your veggies fun.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe Skewers Style

Avocado Egg Salad

Avocado Egg Salad on a salad leaves.
Avocado Egg Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Avocado Egg Salad isn’t just another side; it’s a creamy, dreamy addition that brings a dose of healthy fats to the table. It’s rich yet refreshing, perfect for spreading on toast or enjoying by the spoonful. This salad shows that combining simple ingredients can produce something extraordinary, making it a versatile choice for various eating occasions.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

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

For those who love their greens with a bit of a crunch, Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven delivers. It offers a healthier take on fried snacks, giving you golden edges and soft centers. This side dishes out comfort without the heaviness, ideal for pairing with main courses or enjoying as a snack. Who knew zucchini could be so tempting?
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

Steamed Artichoke

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

Delve into a world of subtle flavors with Steamed Artichoke, a side that’s all about savoring the moment. It brings a tender, earthy component to your meal, serving as a gentle reminder that sometimes simplicity shines brightest. Paired with a dip or enjoyed on its own, this artichoke challenges the notion of what makes a side dish stand out.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichoke

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Fries

A plate of breaded and fried chicken fries garnished with herbs, served with a bowl of red dipping sauce and a green dip in the background.
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Fries. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Who needs regular fries when you can have Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Fries? This side brings the crunch and the protein, offering a guilt-free way to indulge in a crispy treat. They’re perfect for dipping, snacking, or simply adding a bit of excitement to your plate. This is the side dish you pull out when you want to please both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Fries

Cauliflower Rice Recipes

Various bowls of creamy cauliflower dishes.
Cauliflower Rice Recipes. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Rice is great, but have you tried Cauliflower Rice Recipes? This side dish is all about versatility, offering a low-carb alternative that’s surprisingly fulfilling. Whether you flavor it boldly or keep it simple, it’s a chameleon on the dinner table, ready to complement any cuisine. It’s the ultimate “goes with anything” dish, proving that cauliflower can indeed work wonders.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice Recipes

Sugar Free Rainbow Pickled Daikon

Three bowls with diced pickled daikon.
Sugar Free Rainbow Pickled Daikon. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Brighten up your meal with a touch of whimsy and a punch of flavor, thanks to Sugar Free Rainbow Pickled Daikon. This side dish is as beautiful as it is tasty, offering a crisp, tangy addition to any plate. It’s a conversation starter, presenting a vibrant mix of colors and a clear, tangy flavor that cuts through richer dishes. This pickled daikon promises to be a memorable part of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Free Rainbow Pickled Daikon

Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

Cheese Puffs with fresh parsley.
Cheese Puffs Air Fryer. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

For a side that’s light, airy, and undeniably cheesy, Cheese Puffs Air Fryer are a must-try. They come out of the air fryer ready to impress, with a texture that’s both crispy and melt-in-your-mouth. Perfect for those who love cheese in every form, these puffs make snacking before, during, or after the meal a wonderful experience. They’re the side that cheese lovers have been dreaming of.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

Best Salsa

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

No side dish rounds out a meal quite like Best Salsa, with its combination of fresh, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s a versatile addition that can top off nachos, tacos, or even a simple piece of grilled chicken, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. Homemade salsa brings a burst of freshness to your table, proving that sometimes, the best flavors come from the simplest of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Best Salsa

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