A great side or salad can take any meal from ordinary to unforgettable, and I always find that the right pairing makes everything taste better. Whether you’re looking for something fresh and crisp or warm and comforting, these easy options bring balance and flavor without extra hassle. I’ve rounded up my favorites that fit any occasion, so you’ll always have a go-to side that makes your main dish shine.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with melted cheese, these potatoes bring something extra to any meal. They cook quickly in the air fryer, making them an easy option for busy nights. With a golden crust and cheesy topping, they make even the simplest main dish feel more complete. Serve them alongside your favorite protein or as a fun addition to a casual dinner. A great way to upgrade your usual potato side with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese
Santa Fe Salad
Loaded with fresh vegetables and a mix of bold flavors, this salad is a great way to round out any meal. The combination of textures makes it more exciting than a basic side, and it comes together quickly. It’s light but filling, making it a versatile addition to anything from grilled meats to sandwiches. A simple way to bring something fresh and flavorful to the table. Works well for both quick weeknight meals and larger gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer
These carrots cook up quickly in the air fryer, making them a great addition to any meal without much effort. The maple glaze adds just the right balance of sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors. They pair well with everything from roasted meats to lighter meals. A simple way to add a warm and colorful vegetable to the plate. Perfect for busy nights when you need a no-fuss side dish.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer
Green Beans with Garlic Butter
A quick side that brings rich flavor to any meal, these green beans cook in minutes and go with just about anything. The garlic butter adds a simple but bold touch without being overpowering. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but can also work as part of a more complete spread. A great option when you want a vegetable side that’s flavorful without a lot of effort. Perfect for adding balance to your plate while keeping things simple.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter
Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes
These roasted tomatoes bring out deep, rich flavors in just minutes, making them a great way to add something extra to any meal. The air fryer gives them a perfect texture without needing much oil or time. They work well as a side, a topping for other dishes, or even mixed into pasta. A simple way to get more flavor into your meal without extra steps. Ideal for adding a fresh and slightly roasted touch to whatever you’re serving.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes
Red Skin Potato Salad
This potato salad is creamy, fresh, and easy to put together, making it a great side for any meal. The red skin potatoes hold their texture well, giving it a hearty feel without being too heavy. It pairs well with everything from grilled meats to casual lunches. A simple way to add something fresh and flavorful to the table. Perfect for gatherings or just rounding out a regular weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad
Chopped Greek Salad
Crisp, refreshing, and packed with flavor, this salad is a great way to add something light but satisfying to your meal. The mix of ingredients brings balance, making it more than just a basic side. It’s easy to throw together, making it a good choice for both busy nights and casual entertaining. Works well with a variety of main dishes or even as a light meal on its own. A quick way to add freshness and variety to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
This slow-cooked mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and perfect for rounding out any meal. The crock pot makes it an easy, hands-off option that’s great for busy days. It’s a warm and comforting side that pairs well with everything from roasted meats to casual dinners. A great way to bring homemade mac and cheese to the table without extra effort. Works just as well for weeknights as it does for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Shrimp Macaroni Salad
This creamy pasta salad combines shrimp and fresh ingredients for a side that feels both light and filling. It’s a great choice for warm-weather meals or when you want something different from the usual sides. The flavors blend well, making it a versatile option for pairing with a variety of main courses. It’s easy to make ahead, which makes it convenient for meal planning. A good way to add something fresh and slightly different to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad
Bacon Green Beans
These green beans cook up quickly and get an extra boost of flavor from crispy bacon. They’re a simple way to bring something hearty and flavorful to the table without a lot of effort. The combination of fresh green beans and smoky bacon pairs well with everything from roasted meats to lighter dishes. A great choice when you want a side that’s both easy and full of flavor. Perfect for making any meal feel a little more complete.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans
Braised Brussels Sprouts
These Brussels sprouts cook slowly until tender, bringing out their rich, natural flavor. They’re an easy way to add a vegetable side that feels just a little more special. The texture is soft but still has a bit of bite, making them a great match for both casual and more traditional meals. A simple, no-fuss way to round out your plate with something warm and hearty. Ideal for when you need a reliable vegetable side that pairs well with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
These sweet potatoes cook up quickly in the air fryer, making them a great choice for busy nights. The natural sweetness and crispy edges make them a side that works with a variety of meals. They’re easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect when you need something quick. A good way to bring a warm and hearty option to your plate. Works well alongside everything from grilled proteins to lighter meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these potato wedges are a simple way to add something filling to any meal. The air fryer gives them a great texture without needing extra oil or time. They work well with everything from burgers to roasted chicken. A great alternative to traditional fries when you want something homemade with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick side that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This fried cabbage is packed with flavor, thanks to the smoky bacon and simple seasonings. It’s an easy way to turn a basic vegetable into a side that feels more complete. The tender texture and bold flavors make it a good match for a variety of meals. A great option when you need a warm and hearty vegetable dish. Works well for weeknights or as part of a bigger spread.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Air Fryer Home Fries
These home fries cook up crispy in the air fryer, making them a quick and easy side for any meal. They have just the right amount of crunch on the outside while staying soft on the inside. Perfect for pairing with breakfast or rounding out a casual dinner. A great way to make a homemade potato side with minimal effort. Ideal when you want something filling and flavorful without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries
Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These sweet potatoes are loaded with flavorful taco-inspired toppings, making them a filling and versatile side. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs well with the savory ingredients, creating a balanced bite. They’re easy to prepare and work well alongside a variety of main dishes. A great option when you need something hearty without a lot of effort. Perfect for adding a fun twist to your usual sides.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
These baked potatoes are filled with a rich, cheesy mixture that makes them a standout side for any meal. They have a crispy skin and a creamy, flavorful filling that pairs well with everything from grilled meats to casual dinners. A great way to turn a simple potato into something more filling and satisfying. They can be made ahead, making them a convenient option for busy nights. A solid choice when you want a side that feels a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
These mashed potatoes have a smooth, creamy texture with just the right amount of garlic flavor. The red potatoes give them a slightly rustic feel while keeping them rich and buttery. They’re an easy side that pairs well with everything from roasted meats to lighter meals. A great way to bring a homemade touch to the table without a lot of extra steps. Perfect for rounding out your plate with something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
Zucchini Bruschetta
This fresh and simple dish is a great way to add something light but flavorful to your meal. The zucchini brings a different texture to the traditional bruschetta while keeping things easy to prepare. It works well as a side or a quick appetizer. A good choice when you need something fresh to balance out your plate. Perfect for pairing with everything from grilled meats to pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta
Easy Scalloped Potatoes
These creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes come together with minimal effort, making them a great side for any meal. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes cook until tender, creating a dish that feels hearty and filling. A great option when you want something warm and comforting without too much prep. They pair well with everything from roasted meats to lighter dishes. Ideal for adding a little extra heartiness to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Vegan Mexican Rice
This rice dish is packed with bold flavors and works well as a side for a variety of meals. It’s light yet filling, making it a great option when you want something simple but flavorful. Easy to prepare, it’s a good choice for busy nights or meal prepping. A great way to add variety to your plate without a lot of extra effort. Pairs well with everything from grilled vegetables to heartier mains.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice
Easy Radish Salad
Crisp and refreshing, this radish salad is a great way to add something light and fresh to your meal. The simple ingredients make it easy to prepare while still bringing plenty of flavor. It pairs well with everything from grilled meats to casual lunches. A great way to add a bit of crunch and variety to your plate. Works well for both quick meals and larger gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad
Broccoli Slaw Salad
This slaw is crisp, crunchy, and packed with fresh flavors, making it a great addition to any meal. It’s quick to prepare and holds up well, making it ideal for meal prep or serving at gatherings. The mix of textures keeps things interesting while still being easy to throw together. A good way to bring something fresh and colorful to the table. Perfect for pairing with everything from sandwiches to grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad
Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
These sweet potato fries cook up quickly in the air fryer, making them a great side when you need something fast. They have a crispy outside and a soft inside, making them a good alternative to regular fries. They pair well with a variety of meals, from burgers to lighter dishes. A simple way to bring a warm and slightly sweet side to your plate. Perfect for when you need something easy but still homemade.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
This salad has a mix of crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, and simple seasonings, making it a well-balanced side. It’s easy to prepare and holds up well, making it great for meal prep. The combination of textures keeps things interesting while still being quick to put together. A great choice when you need something fresh but hearty. Works well for both casual meals and bigger gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Apple Salad
This salad combines crisp apples with fresh ingredients for a side that feels both light and filling. It’s a great way to add something fresh and slightly sweet to your meal. The mix of textures makes it more exciting than a basic side. A good option for when you want variety without extra effort. Pairs well with everything from grilled meats to simple lunches.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad
Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan
This asparagus bakes up tender with a slight crispness on the edges, making it an easy and flavorful side. The Parmesan adds just the right amount of extra flavor without overpowering the natural taste. It’s quick to prepare and works well with a variety of meals. A great way to add something green to your plate without extra steps. Perfect for rounding out anything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan
Green Bean Casserole
This classic dish is creamy, warm, and perfect for bringing a little comfort to any meal. It’s easy to put together and always a reliable choice for family dinners or gatherings. The green beans stay tender while blending well with the rich sauce. A great option when you need something filling without too much effort. Works just as well for weeknights as it does for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Tomato Salad
Light, fresh, and full of simple ingredients, this salad is a great way to add variety to your meal. The mix of green beans and tomatoes creates a balance of flavors that pairs well with many dishes. It’s easy to prepare and makes a great side for anything from grilled meats to pasta. A good choice when you need something fresh but filling. Perfect for quick meals or larger gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad