Simple and tasty – 21 side dishes that complete any meal

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Let’s face it: the main course might get all the attention, but it’s these simple yet effective side dishes that hold everything together. With their ability to complement any plate and add that extra layer of satisfaction, they’re the real secret to a successful meal. So next time you’re planning dinner, remember that these sides aren’t just backup—they’re the reason everyone keeps coming back for more.

Extra Crispy Keto Tater Tots Croquettes inside white bowl.
Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green Beans served in a white bowl.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Sometimes a meal feels incomplete, and that’s where Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans steps in to save the day. It’s simple but does the job of tying everything together like it was made for the spotlight. This side dish works so well that you’ll forget it was meant to play a supporting role. Add it to the table, and suddenly every bite feels like it’s part of something much bigger.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Best Salsa

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

A burst of flavor on the side can transform any meal, and Best Salsa does that without breaking a sweat. It’s the kind of side that works with everything, from a bowl of chips to grilled meats, adding just the right amount of zing. Its versatility means it’ll never go to waste, and it’s simple enough to whip up anytime. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how your meals ever survived without it.
Get the Recipe: Best Salsa

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 crave crunch without the grease, Crispy Baked Zucchini In Oven delivers exactly what you need. These golden, crispy rounds are as fun to eat as they are to pair with mains, making them an easy crowd-pleaser. They bring just enough texture and flavor to make meals feel complete while sneaking in some veggies. Once they’re on the table, you’ll realize they’re not just a side—they’re the main event.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Zucchini In Oven

Faux Potato Salad

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

With all the classic flavors of a traditional favorite, Faux Potato Salad proves you don’t need the carbs to have something incredible. It’s a side that feels both nostalgic and fresh, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Whether served at a barbecue or a casual dinner, it manages to stand out without taking over. Everyone will be asking how you made it, and you might just keep it as your little secret.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Coconut Cauliflower Rice inside golden plate with lime slices.
Coconut Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Light, fluffy, and perfectly paired with hearty mains, Coconut Cauliflower Rice gives your meals a fresh twist without complicating things. Its subtle flavor works as a perfect backdrop for bolder dishes, absorbing just enough to enhance every bite. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare while still feeling unique enough to add variety to your routine. Once it’s on your plate, it might just outshine everything else.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh Salad inside colorful bowls.
Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

If you’re looking for a fresh and balanced side, Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad is here to deliver. It’s light enough to complement heavier mains yet flavorful enough to stand on its own when needed. The textures and bold flavors keep each bite interesting without ever feeling overpowering. Add it to your lineup, and you’ll always have a reliable option that feels just right.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish

Chicken mu in a brown bowl.
Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

A tangy bite can do wonders for a meal, and Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish knows exactly how to bring it. Its crisp texture and sharp flavor create the perfect contrast to rich or spicy mains, making it an easy favorite. It’s the kind of side that works for everything from casual dinners to fancier meals. Once it’s on the table, you’ll wonder why you didn’t include it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish

Lecso Vegetable Stew

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

When you want something hearty but still light, Lecso Vegetable Stew is the side to turn to. Its rich, bold flavors make it a natural fit with a variety of dishes, while its simplicity keeps it approachable. It’s perfect for those who appreciate something comforting without being overly heavy. Serve it alongside your meal, and it might just steal the spotlight without even trying.
Get the Recipe: Lecso Vegetable Stew

Homemade Curd Cheese

Curd cheese inside a cup with frozen berries.
Homemade Curd Cheese. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Creamy, versatile, and endlessly useful, Homemade Curd Cheese can upgrade almost any meal. Whether spread on bread, paired with fruits, or served as a simple side, it fits seamlessly into any occasion. Its fresh flavor and smooth texture make it a reliable go-to for both casual meals and more formal settings. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself making excuses to include it at every opportunity.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Curd Cheese

Rutabaga Fries

Rutabaga Fries serves in a glass.
Rutabaga Fries. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

For anyone who loves fries but wants a lighter twist, Rutabaga Fries are a game-changer. These crispy strips deliver all the satisfaction of traditional fries but with a fraction of the heaviness. They’re easy to pair with mains, making them an ideal side that feels indulgent without overdoing it. You’ll find it hard not to reach for “just one more” as they disappear from the table.
Get the Recipe: Rutabaga Fries

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.

If you need something vibrant to brighten up your meal, Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread has you covered. Its earthy flavor and rich color add personality to any plate without overpowering other dishes. Whether you’re spreading it on bread or pairing it with proteins, it’s versatile enough to work in any setting. Once you’ve had a taste, you’ll see why it’s an instant crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread

Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Baked Riced Cauliflower in a bowl with a spoon.
Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

When a side dish needs to be simple yet effective, Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower steps up effortlessly. It’s fluffy, light, and perfectly adaptable to just about any main dish, soaking up flavors without becoming overbearing. Whether you’re serving a saucy entrée or something more subtle, it fits right in without any fuss. After just one serving, you’ll realize it’s a kitchen staple you can’t do without.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Low Carb Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese sauce in a small cast iron.
Low Carb Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

While it’s often thought of as a main, Low Carb Bolognese Sauce works just as well as a side for adding rich, savory flavor to your plate. Whether you pour it over veggies, bread, or something else entirely, it transforms simple meals into something special. Its depth of flavor and adaptability make it a true mealtime MVP. Once you’ve had it, you’ll find endless ways to incorporate it into your meals.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Bolognese Sauce

Avocado Egg Salad

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

A creamy and rewarding option, Avocado Egg Salad is the kind of side that works for any time of day. Its smooth texture and rich flavor make it perfect for everything from brunch spreads to dinner plates. It feels like a step up from the ordinary without being too complicated. Add it to your meal, and you’ll find yourself wishing you made a double batch.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Steamed Artichoke

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

If you’re looking to add something elegant to your meal without much effort, Steamed Artichoke is the perfect pick. Its tender leaves and subtle flavor are a great match for richer dishes, creating a balance that feels just right. Not only does it look impressive on the table, but it’s also a fun and interactive side. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll see why it’s a classic that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichoke

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.

Even though it’s a taco star, Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat can easily take on the role of a flavorful side. Whether spooned over rice or served with a crisp salad, it brings a punch of flavor that enhances any meal. It’s the kind of dish that’s so versatile you’ll keep finding new ways to serve it. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to for spicing things up on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat

Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling

Keto steamed bread on a wooden board sliced.
Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Soft, fluffy, and unexpectedly light, Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling is the perfect way to round out a meal. Its simplicity lets it pair beautifully with a variety of mains while still holding its own as a side. It’s great for soaking up sauces or just enjoying on its own with a bit of butter. Once you’ve had a taste, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling

Homemade Marinara Sauce

Marinara Sauce in a white bowl.
Homemade Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A bold and rich addition to any meal, Homemade Marinara Sauce works just as well as a side as it does a topping. Use it to dip, spread, or drizzle—it’s as versatile as it is flavorful. Its simple ingredients make it an easy choice for pairing with mains, adding just the right amount of balance. Once it’s on your plate, you’ll never want to go without it again.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Marinara Sauce

Almond Flour Taco Shells

Almond Flour Keto Taco Shells on a white board.
Almond Flour Taco Shells. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Versatile and sturdy, Almond Flour Taco Shells go beyond their usual role as taco holders to become a great side dish. Whether used as a crunchy bread substitute or a vessel for your favorite toppings, they always deliver. They’re light enough to avoid overshadowing mains but add just enough interest to make meals feel unique. Once you’ve had them, you’ll keep finding excuses to make more.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Taco Shells

Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

Extra Crispy Keto Tater Tots Croquettes inside white bowl.
Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Crunchy, golden, and endlessly rewarding, Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes bring a little fun to every meal. They’re perfect for pairing with mains or just snacking on their own, making them a hit for any occasion. Their texture and flavor balance out heavier dishes while adding a playful touch to the plate. After just one bite, you’ll see why they’re an instant favorite.
Get the Recipe: Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

Korean Pickled Radish

Korean Pickled Radish served in a bowl.
Korean Pickled Radish. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Adding a bold and tangy element to your meal is easy with Korean Pickled Radish on the table. Its crisp texture and bright flavor make it the perfect counterbalance to richer dishes, creating a harmony that just works. It’s the kind of side that feels like a small but essential part of any well-rounded meal. Serve it up, and watch as it disappears faster than you’d expect.
Get the Recipe: Korean Pickled Radish

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