17 sides and salads to eliminate dinner dullness

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Are you tired of the same old side dishes and salads that accompany your dinners? I get it. They can sometimes feel uninspired and dull. That’s why we’re diving into a world of vibrant and flavorful sides and salads that will breathe new life into your dinner table. Whether you’re looking to add some excitement to your meals or simply want to upgrade your dining experience, these recipes are sure to do the trick.

From colorful salads bursting with fresh produce to innovative side dishes that pack a punch of flavor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These dishes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some extra veggies and nutrients without sacrificing on taste.

So, if you’re ready to banish dinner dullness once and for all, join me as we explore a collection of sides and salads that will transform your meals from mundane to magnificent. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these exciting and delicious dishes that are sure to become staples in your recipe collection.

Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.
Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Aloo Gobi Masala

Enjoy the light and flavorful Aloo Gobi Masala, perfect for summer days. This dish combines the freshness of potatoes and cauliflower, making it a satisfying yet refreshing meal. With minimal cooking time, it’s a breeze to prepare and ideal for a quick lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Get the irresistible crunch of Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese, a delightful summer treat. These potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with gooey melted cheese. With minimal prep and cooking time, they’re perfect for satisfying cravings on hot summer days.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Easy Radish Salad

Beat the summer heat with the refreshing Easy Radish Salad, offering a burst of crispness and flavor. This salad is a delightful blend of fresh radishes, greens, and a tangy dressing, making it a light and satisfying choice for summer meals. Quick to prepare, it’s an excellent option for a side dish or a light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad

Broccoli salad with bacon bits on a white oval plate, accompanied by a wooden serving spoon on a linen napkin.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Enjoy the classic flavors of summer with Broccoli Salad with Bacon, a crowd-pleasing favorite. This salad combines crunchy broccoli florets with savory bacon bits and a creamy dressing, creating a refreshing dish that’s perfect for picnics and barbecues. Quick and easy to make, it’s a must-have for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Experience the simple yet satisfying flavors of Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes, perfect for summer dining. These tomatoes are roasted to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness and enhancing their savory notes. With minimal effort required, they’re a convenient choice for adding a burst of flavor to your summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Chopped Greek Salad

Dig into a bowl of freshness with the Chopped Greek Salad, an ideal choice for summer dining. This salad features crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, and creamy feta cheese, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Quick and easy to assemble, it’s a delicious and nutritious option for hot summer days.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese.
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Get the vibrant flavors of summer with the Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing, a refreshing and nutritious dish. This salad combines a variety of fresh berries with crisp greens and a tangy blueberry dressing, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Quick to prepare and bursting with antioxidants, it’s the perfect summer salad for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Crab Fried Rice

Transport yourself to the coast with Crab Fried Rice, a delightful dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. This fried rice is infused with the sweet and savory taste of crab meat, complemented by fragrant jasmine rice and crisp vegetables. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of crab in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Enjoy pure comfort food with Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes, a hearty and delicious option for more exciting dinners. These potatoes are filled with creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy sour cream, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, they’re a dinner staple you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background.
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Upgrade your meals with Maple Glazed Carrots in the Air Fryer, a sweet and savory side dish that’s sure to impress. These carrots are coated in a delicious maple glaze and air-fried to perfection, resulting in caramelized edges and tender centers. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, they’re a delightful addition to any dinner menu.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Treat yourself to the creamy and comforting flavors of Easy Scalloped Potatoes, a classic dish perfect for small gatherings. This recipe features thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich and cheesy sauce, baked to golden perfection. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s an effortless way to enjoy a crowd-pleasing side dish everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Crisp up your meal with Air Fryer Potato Wedges, a satisfying and healthier alternative to traditional fries. These wedges are seasoned to perfection and air-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, with a fluffy interior. Quick and easy to make, they’re perfect for serving alongside burgers, sandwiches, or as a snack for small gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Air-fried potato cubes with diced green bell peppers on plate.
Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Home Fries

Enjoy the taste of Air Fryer Home Fries, a crispy and flavorful side dish that’s quick and easy to make. These home fries are seasoned with herbs and spices, then air-fried to perfection, resulting in crispy edges and tender centers. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for summer barbecues, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Ratatouille

Transport yourself to the south of France with Ratatouille, a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for evening dining. This traditional Provencal stew features a medley of summer vegetables, including tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, simmered in a savory herb-infused sauce. Quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors, it’s a delightful way to celebrate the bounty of summer produce.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Upgrade your meals with Roasted Cabbage Steaks, a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. These cabbage steaks are seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, then roasted until tender and caramelized. With minimal ingredients and hands-on time, they’re an easy and delicious way to enjoy cabbage year round.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Dig into comfort food heaven with Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, a creamy and indulgent dish perfect for smaller gatherings. This recipe combines tender pasta with a rich and cheesy sauce, cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. With minimal effort required, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to be a hit at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Green Bean Casserole

Enjoy the classic flavors with Green Bean Casserole, a timeless dish that’s perfect for intimate dinners. This casserole features tender green beans smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for added crunch. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a comforting and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and fresh salads.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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