21 sides that’ll be everyone’s new favorite part of the meal

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Easy side dishes can really shine and sometimes even outshine the main dish, no matter how much care you’ve put into it. You might have a great roast or grilled something just right, but these sides are here to step in and really pull everything together. Think of them as the perfect support that makes the whole meal feel more complete.

A bowl of orzo pasta salad with chopped tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, red onions, basil, and crumbled feta cheese.
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

A roasted whole cauliflower head topped with herbs and seasoning on a baking tray.
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a great choice for a simple side that shines. With just butter, chicken stock, and Parmesan, this cauliflower roasts in the oven until it’s golden and flavorful. It’s easy to prep and ready in 30 minutes, so you can take care of other things while it cooks. This dish is perfect for those nights when you need something that pairs well with anything. Plus, it’s a great way to make vegetables feel a little more special without fancy ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are perfect when you need a crispy, flavorful side that doesn’t take forever. They’re coated with garlicky breadcrumbs and Parmesan, baking up golden and crunchy on the outside while staying soft inside. They’re ready in half an hour and work great with just about any meal. These potatoes are especially handy for weeknights when you want something special without much work. And since they’re made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, they’re easy on your wallet, too.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked sliced zucchini with parmesan on a white plate.
Baked Sliced Zucchini. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Sliced Zucchini is a side dish that’s quick and light, and it still manages to steal the show. Slices of zucchini get baked with Parmesan and Italian seasoning, coming out crispy and full of flavor in just 20 minutes. This side is great for nights when you want something simple that still tastes great and helps you get some extra veggies in. It’s also a budget-friendly option that works with almost anything you’re serving.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

German Potato Salad

Close-up of a spoon lifting a serving of German potato salad garnished with chopped parsley. The salad contains sliced potatoes, bacon bits, onions, and a light dressing.
German Potato Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

German Potato Salad brings a little something extra to the table with golden potatoes, crispy bacon, and tangy vinegar dressing. It’s a great side for family dinners or potlucks, where you need something filling and flavorful that can hold its own. Ready in under an hour, this salad is served slightly hot, making it a great alternative to your typical cold potato salad. It’s a perfect addition to any meal, and the leftovers hold up well, so you can enjoy it the next day, too.
Get the Recipe: German Potato Salad

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting, filling side that easily becomes a favorite. Creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese come together in this simple casserole that bakes up perfectly in the oven. It’s a great dish for family dinners or gatherings because it’s easy to prep and can be made ahead of time. This one hits the mark if you’re looking for a hearty side that can outshine the main dish but doesn’t take too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are a great way to add some heartiness to your table without a lot of effort. Juicy mushrooms stuffed with sausage and cheese baked until golden brown. It’s ready in 45 minutes, giving you a side that’s filling and easy to make. These mushrooms are perfect for busy nights when you still want to serve something that feels special. They’re a great side for any meal and can even stand on their own as a snack or appetizer. It’s a simple dish that feels fancy but easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese garnished with parsley.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese are a perfect side dish for something quick and easy that still feels special. Juicy tomatoes topped with mozzarella and Parmesan are baked to perfection. Done in just 25 minutes, it’s a flavorful dish perfect for bringing something extra to the table without a lot of work. Pair them with pasta, grilled meats, or a light salad for a balanced meal. This side can easily outshine the main dish with its fresh, cheesy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Italian Orzo Pasta Salad

A bowl of orzo pasta salad with chopped tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, red onions, basil, and crumbled feta cheese.
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Italian Orzo Pasta Salad is a light, refreshing side that comes together quickly and works well with just about any main dish. Toss orzo with fresh veggies and a simple dressing, then let it chill in the fridge for the flavors to come together. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy nights or when you’re hosting a dinner. The salad keeps well for a few days, so you’ve got a side that’s easy to make and perfect for the days to come.
Get the Recipe: Italian Orzo Pasta Salad

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Zucchini Boats are a great way to turn simple ingredients into something hearty. Hollowed-out zucchinis are filled with crispy bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and chives, making them a filling side or even a stand-alone meal. Ready in just 50 minutes, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something that feels indulgent but is still packed with veggies. This is a great option if you’re looking for a side that’s easy to make but can still outshine the main course.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is the perfect refreshing side when you need something light and easy. With crisp cucumbers and onions tossed in a creamy dill dressing, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. The fresh flavors make it a great choice for hot days or when you need something that balances out heavier mains. This dish brings a lot of flavor without a lot of work, and it’s great for making ahead and keeping in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Loaded Tater Tots

A close-up of loaded tater tots topped with melted cheese, bacon, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of creamy sauce being added from a white spoon.
Loaded Tater Tots. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Tater Tots are a comfort food side perfect for any occasion. Crispy tots are topped with cheddar, bacon, sour cream, and green onions, turning a simple snack into a crowd-pleasing dish. Ready in just 35 minutes, these are great for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want something quick and comforting. The toppings make the tots extra special. If you’re looking for a simple side everyone will love, these tots are perfect and might even outshine the main dish with their big flavors.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots

Fresh Corn Salad

A bowl of fresh salad featuring corn, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and crumbled cheese, mixed with herbs.
Fresh Corn Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fresh Corn Salad is a bright, fresh side that’s great for any meal. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s packed with fresh corn, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, and crumbled cheese, all tossed in a lime dressing. It’s light but still filling, making it perfect for when you want something fresh and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats or as part of a casual dinner, this salad is a great way to add something refreshing to the table.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi fries with dill dip on a plate.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Halloumi Fries are a simple and quick side that brings flavor and texture to the table in just 25 minutes. Thick slices of halloumi cheese are baked until crispy, making them a great option when you need something that feels a little special. They’re perfect as a snack or a side and pair well with any meal. The crispy outside and soft inside make these fries a real treat. If you’re looking for a side that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress, these fries can steal the spotlight from the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A pan of creamy broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a quick and easy side that feels comforting and flavorful. In just 25 minutes, you get tender broccoli mixed with a creamy cheese sauce and the rich flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. This dish is a great option when you need something simple but still want it to feel special. It’s perfect for family dinners or even when you’re having guests over. The flavors blend well, and they come together quickly with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Quinoa Chickpea Salad

A bowl filled with a quinoa salad that includes chickpeas, chopped red bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs, presented on a light-colored surface.
Quinoa Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Quinoa Chickpea Salad is the kind of side that easily steals the spotlight. It’s packed with quinoa, chickpeas, and fresh veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers, tossed with lemon-garlic dressing. This salad is filling but still light, making it a great side for busy days when you need something healthy but quick. It’s perfect for meal prep, too, as it keeps well in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Chickpea Salad

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is perfect when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish replaces traditional rice with cauliflower, which cooks fast and blends well with earthy mushrooms and a creamy garlic sauce. It’s ready in 30 minutes, so it’s great for weeknights when you need a quick side that’s still rich and flavorful. Pair it with roasted meats or enjoy it on its own.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is a hearty, comforting side that brings together sweet roasted squash, crispy bacon, and tender cauliflower. In just 50 minutes, everything caramelizes in the oven for a flavor-packed dish that feels like comfort food without being too heavy. This one’s perfect when you want something filling but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It pairs well with almost any main dish, and honestly, it might be the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

A bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is the perfect quick side when you’re short on time but still want something fresh and light. The bright flavors of lime and cilantro bring the cauliflower rice to life, making it a great side for tacos, grilled chicken, or fish. It’s ready in just 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for weeknights when you need to get a side on the table fast. This dish is low-carb and packs a lot of flavor without much effort, making it a great option for meal prep, too.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon shows that you don’t need a ton of ingredients to make something great. This simple side comes together with just cabbage, onions, and crispy bacon and is ready in 25 minutes. The bacon adds a nice crunch while the cabbage turns tender and flavorful. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something quick that’s still filling and delicious. This side pairs perfectly with pork, chicken, or even sausages.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

In FDL library.
Golden Baked Jicama Fries. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Golden Baked Jicama Fries are a lighter alternative to regular fries but still pack a great crunch. Seasoned with sea salt and paprika, these fries bake for 40 minutes, giving you plenty of time to get the rest of dinner ready. They’re great as a snack or paired with burgers or grilled chicken. If you’re looking for a slightly different side dish but easy to make, these jicama fries are perfect for mixing things up.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Tuna Egg Salad

A close-up of a bowl of tuna egg salad mixed with celery, onions, and dill, topped with freshly ground black pepper, with a spoon placed on the side.
Tuna Egg Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Egg Salad is a perfect side for when you need something quick and filling. Hard-boiled eggs and tuna are mixed with Greek yogurt, celery, and red onions for a simple yet protein-packed salad that’s ready in just 25 minutes. This salad is great as a light meal or paired with sandwiches or grilled meats. It’s easy to throw together and doesn’t take much time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Egg Salad

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