17 simple side dishes that go with any meal

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Looking for some easy and versatile side dishes to round out your meals? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve gathered a collection of recipes that are quick to whip up and pair beautifully with just about anything you’re planning to serve. From crispy air-fried veggies to cozy, cheesy grains, these sides are guaranteed to make your dinner table a little more exciting without a lot of extra work.

A bowl of pesto couscous with tomatoes and basil.
Pesto Couscous. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cheesy Quinoa

Cheesy quinoa in a white bowl.
Cheesy Quinoa. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This quinoa mixed with zucchini and cheese is a clever way to sneak more veggies into your meals. It’s comforting, easy to make, and goes well with anything.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Quinoa

Garlic Balsamic Roasted Asparagus & Potatoes

Garlic Balsamic Roasted Asparagus and Potatoes in a white baking dish.
Garlic Balsamic Roasted Asparagus & Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted asparagus and potatoes with garlic balsamic seasoning are made all on one sheet. This side is as simple as it gets and perfect for weeknights or special dinners.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Balsamic Roasted Asparagus & Potatoes

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Golden roasted air fryer baby potatoes on a serving plate with a wooden and metal spoon.
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These air fryer baby potatoes get super crispy on the outside and stay creamy inside. They’re a breeze to make and go great with whatever you’re having for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage

Purple cabbage steaks roasted until crispy in the air fryer on a plate.
Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cabbage comes out of the air fryer with a crisp edge and tender middle, seasoned simply with garlic, onion, and salt. It’s a quick, easy side that fits right in with any plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage

Air Fryer Carrots

Simply seasoned roasted air fryer carrots on a plate with coarse sea salt garnish.
Air Fryer Carrots. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

In just 20 minutes, you can have air fryer carrots that are seasoned to perfection with a nice crunch. They’re a no-brainer side dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrots

Pesto Couscous

A bowl of pesto couscous with tomatoes and basil.
Pesto Couscous. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pesto couscous is ready in 10 minutes and adds a nice touch to regular couscous. It’s a great side that complements both meat and seafood well.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Couscous

Roasted Pesto Potatoes

Pesto potatoes on a blue plate.
Roasted Pesto Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Easy roasted potatoes with pesto (and optional bacon) are a simple side that goes perfectly with meat or fish. They’re quick to prep and sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pesto Potatoes

Grilled Potato Wedges

Grilled potato wedges on grates of charcoal grill.
Grilled Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These potato wedges are grilled with just olive oil and spices, resulting in a crispy outside and soft inside. They’re the perfect side for steak or any meal, really.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Potato Wedges

Garlic Basil Wax Beans

Wax beans with garlic and basil on a plate with a fork.
Garlic Basil Wax Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Wax beans tossed with garlic and basil make a simple, fresh side dish. It’s a great way to enjoy summer veggies and complements any main dish nicely.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Basil Wax Beans

Roasted Radishes with Rosemary and Honey

Rosemary honey roasted radishes on a plate with dipping sauce.
Roasted Radishes with Rosemary and Honey. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Oven-roasted radishes mellow out in flavor with a touch of rosemary and honey, making a great spring side dish that’s simple and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Radishes with Rosemary and Honey

Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

Crispy air fryer green bean fries with yogurt dip on a plate.
Air Fryer Green Bean Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy green bean fries from the air fryer, served with a spicy dip, are a great way to make a healthy snack or side. They’re something different that everyone will like.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Frozen broccoli florets roasted on an air fryer tray.
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Say goodbye to mushy broccoli with this air fryer recipe. You get crispy, tasty florets that are a snap to make. Perfect for adding a quick and easy veggie side to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air fryer sweet potato rounds with a parmesan herb crust garnished with thyme sprigs on a plate.
Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

In just 15 minutes, these sweet potatoes come out of the air fryer with crispy edges and a soft center. The parmesan herb coating makes them an easy and great side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Broccoli Cauliflower Gratin

Broccoli cauliflower gratin with serving spoon in a baking dish.
Broccoli Cauliflower Gratin. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A cheesy gratin that transforms broccoli and cauliflower into something everyone wants to eat. With cheese and breadcrumbs, this side is a hit and pairs well with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Gratin

Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Air fryer red potatoes on a white plate with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Air Fryer Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crispy air fryer red potatoes are easy to season just how you like and make in 30 minutes. They’re a perfect side that pairs with anything you’re serving.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Two crispy air fryer hasselback potatoes with chives, garlic and butter on a white plate.
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Hasselback potatoes from the air fryer come out golden with crispy edges. They’re seasoned with garlic and chives, making them a perfect match for nearly any dish. Plus, they’re super easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Cauliflower Bacon Gratin

Cauliflower bacon gratin in a white baking dish with serving spoon.
Cauliflower Bacon Gratin. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cauliflower and bacon baked in a creamy sauce create an irresistible side. It’s a great way to make veggies the star of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Bacon Gratin

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