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Side dishes are the best way to really jazz up your main course and wow your entire family! After checking out this roundup, you will never have to wonder what to make as a side dish again!Â
I have come up with my favorite side dishes that you can add to any meal! It’s an easy way to make sure that everyone eating at the table leaves completely full and satisfied! Some of my tried and true favorites are Grilled Asparagus, Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes and Mexican Rice.
Sides for Every Meal
Completing a meal with the perfect side dishes is what will set you apart in your cooking! If you are anything like me, picking out the sides for my meal is half the battle. To save you some time, I have rounded up my absolute favorite sides! Trust me when I tell you that you can’t go wrong with any of these. Because there are so many options, you will for sure be able to find something that fits what you need! There is something for everyone and not only will they taste amazing but they will leave you wanting to try more!
To me, a side dish needs to accomplish a couple of things! First, it needs to be delicious. That should go without saying! Second, it should complement the main dish. And third, it needs to be simple. If I’ve already spent a lot of time in the kitchen cooking the main entree, the last thing that I want to do is spend more time cooking sides! So these dishes are all exactly that! Simple and quick, you will be able to pick and choose any of these side dishes and add them to your meal in no time! You will love every single one of these tasty recipes!!
How to Pick the Perfect Side Dish
Once you’ve cooked your main dish you are done, right? Not quite! You need a few side dishes to really complete your meal! I’ve come up with a few suggestions on how to pick just the right side to complement your meal!
- Thing of something different: Depending on what your main dish is, you want to do something different. If you have pasta as your main dish, you don’t want to choose pasta as a side. Make sure you have some variety!
- Seasonal: Think of what season you are in and what will be the most fresh ingredients. Whether that is apples or zucchini or whatever it may be at the time you are cooking, try to pick a recipe that includes that! Look at what is growing in your garden if you are unsure of seasonal fruits and veggies!
- Food groups: When adding sides to a meal, think of making it well rounded. Don’t repeat the same type of side twice. Maybe roast some vegetables and then have a fresh salad. Or make some potatoes and vegetables to go with your meat.
- Keep they same style: If you are having Mexican food, you probably don’t want to thrown in pasta or breadsticks as a side dish. If you have lemon chicken, maybe you want to add in some lemon flavored vegetables with it! Think similar!
- When in doubt: If you still are stumped, a green salad is always a fantastic go to no matter what!
Roasted Beets
Perfect Roasted Beets are tender, flavorful and vibrant in color. These beets are the perfect companion to most any dish and are delish add ins to salads! Try these today!
Ingredients: beets, olive oil, salt and pepper
Cauliflower Broccoli Salad
This cauliflower broccoli salad is filled with fresh florets and crunchy red onions, tender bacon pieces and chunks of cheese making this a perfect combination for any side salad. Perfect for side salad with the MOST delicious flavors blended together!
Ingredients: fresh broccoli florets, fresh cauliflower florets, red onion, bacon, Colby jack cheese, slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, lite mayonnaise, low fat greek yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper
Roasted Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Spears
If you're looking for the best way to use up all that summer zucchini, this is it! Quick and easy zucchini spears coated in parmesan and garlic and roasted in the oven to perfection.
Ingredients: zucchini, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon peel, garlic clove, oregano, parmesan cheese, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper
Easy Fried Rice
An easy and delicious fried rice that will go perfectly to any chinese dish!
Ingredients: cooked rice *, sesame oil, small white onion,, frozen peas and carrots,, soy sauce, eggs,, green onions,
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Brussel Sprouts
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Brussels Sprouts are sautéed in a rich, thick and creamy parmesan sauce with minced garlic cooked until soft and tender. These make the perfect side dish!
Ingredients: brussels sprouts, olive oil, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, cornstarch, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste
Best Ever Glazed Carrots
Best Ever Glazed Carrots have the most amazing brown sugar glaze and caramelize as they roast! These carrots are so irresistible and are going to be the star of the table!
Ingredients: carrots, olive oil, butter, brown sugar , garlic cloves, pepper, salt, fresh chopped parsley
Air Fryer Broccoli
Crunchy yet tender this Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Broccoli is going to become a favorite side dish. Super quick and easy this is the best way to cook broccoli guaranteed!
Ingredients: broccoli florets, olive oil, garlic, italian seasoning, salt and pepper
Grilled Parmesan Garlic Asparagus
Fresh Asparagus that is grilled gives you char marks and a smoky flavor that is amazing! Within minutes you have tender asparagus coated in parmesan and garlic that will become a family favorite!
Ingredients: fresh asparagus, olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, Garlic Cloves, salt and pepper
Homemade Cornbread
The BEST homemade cornbread from scratch that is moist and comes out perfect every single time!
Ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, cornmeal, all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt
Garlic Balsamic Mushrooms
Ingredients: Olive Oil, Butter, minced Garlic, Mushrooms, Balsamic Vinegar, Light Soy Sauce, Sugar, Pepper, dried Rosemary, chopped green onions or parsley for topping
Garlic Ranch Smashed Potatoes
Garlic Ranch Smashed Potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with the most incredible garlic ranch flavor! These make the perfect side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients: yellow baby potatoes, butter, garlic cloves, Hidden Valley® Original Ranch Seasoning & Salad Dressing Mix shaker, chopped parsley for garnish
Creamy Grape Salad
Ingredients: seedless green grapes, seedless red grapes, (8 opackage cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, brown sugar, chopped pecans
Creamy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
These scalloped potatoes are tender, creamy and so delicious! The parmesan cheese adds such amazing flavor and these are a must make side dish!
Ingredients: butter, all-purpose flour, salt, freshly ground black pepper, whipping cream, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, russet potatoes, Snipped fresh chives for garnish
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Moist, fluffy Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are a staple you will want to use for all your weekday meals. Whether you use them for sliders, sides, or just eat them as-is like me, they will be gone in no time with how sweet and buttery-soft they are!
Ingredients: milk, instant yeast, granulated sugar, Pineapple Juice, butter, vanilla, egg, All Purpose Flour, salt, egg yolk, water
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish! It is a delicious macaroni pasta salad with ham, pineapple, shredded carrots, and green onions, and a tangy dressing.
Ingredients: dry elbow macaroni, pineapple chunks, ham, carrot, green onion, pineapple juice, light mayonnaise, greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Sugar, salt and pepper to taste
Three Cheese Zucchini Gratin
Three Cheese Zucchini Gratin has layers of creamy, cheesy sauce and is topped with a crunchy buttery topping. Ooey-gooey and cheesy, this low-carb take-on comfort food will please any crowd!
Ingredients: butter, all-purpose flour, salt, freshly ground black pepper, whipping cream , grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, Gruyere cheese , zucchini, Snipped fresh chives for garnish
Crispy Garlic Sweet Potatoes
Crispy Garlic Sweet Potato Fries are thick cut sweet potatoes baked in olive oil and then seasoned with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for a crispy outside and a tender inside. The perfect side dish or snack!Â
Ingredients: sweet potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, Black pepper, Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Air Fryer Potato Wedges are crispy with seasoning on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside! These are so insanely delicious you are going to love them!
Ingredients: russet potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt or to taste, Freshly ground black pepper or to taste, freshly grated Parmesan, Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Baked Beans
I am showing you how to make the best baked beans from start to finish. Â Making homemade baked beans is a lot easier than you think!
Ingredients: dried beans, bacon, green bell pepper, white onion, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, water
Baked Zucchini Fries
Baked zucchini fries are crispy on the outside with a crunchy, seasoned crust and tender zucchini inside. It's hard to stop after just one!
Ingredients: small zucchini or 2 large, panko crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, salt, flour, eggs, water
Maple Roasted Brussel Spouts and Butternut Squash
Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Butternut Squash are so simple to make but full of incredible flavor. They are crisp on the edges and soft and tender inside in a delicious maple glaze and surrounded by crunchy pecans and cranberries.
Ingredients: brussels spouts, butternut squash, olive oil, real maple syrup, salt and pepper, whole pecans, dried cranberries
Homemade Refried Beans
Homemade Refried Beans are simple and packed with so much flavor, you will never reach for a can again. These creamy refried beans are perfect for your next Tex-Mex night!
Ingredients: Olive Oil, white onion, garlic cloves, pinto beans*, cumin, chili powder, juice of half a lime, salt to taste
Easy Grilled Corn
Grilled Corn is a family favorite! It's so easy to make this incredibly delicious side dish that you'll have on repeat all summer long.
Ingredients: corn, olive oil
Italian Chopped Salad
Italian Chopped Salad is stuffed with flavor and texture that is highly satisfying. Full of classic Italian flavors, this salad is going to be a huge hit at your next gathering!
Ingredients: romaine, pepperoncinis, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, italian salami, mozzarella cheese, Recipe for Homemade Italian Dressing
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans with Bacon
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans with Bacon is such a delicious and classic side dish. Â Tender green beans cooked in garlic and parmesan with added bacon will be a winner at the dinner table!
Ingredients: green beans, bacon, butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste
Stick of Butter Baked Rice
Stick of Butter Baked Rice is soft and fluffy rice that is loaded with sweet, rich flavors from onion soup and butter. It is quick and easy to prep and bakes in the oven to perfection!
Ingredients: long grain rice,, French onion soup, beef broth, unsalted butter,
Baked Potato Recipe
This Baked Potato Recipe is easy to make with just Russet potatoes and seasonings. Top it any way you like for the perfect side dish at any meal!
Ingredients: small-medium russet potatoes, canola oil, salt, black pepper
Melon Salad with Citrus Honey Mint Dressing
I don't know about you but nothing hits the spot more on a hot summer day than fresh fruit and salads! Combine the two together and our melon salad will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied!
Ingredients: watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, Juice of half lemon, Juice of half of a lime, honey, mint
Easy Garlic Sesame Noodles
A quick and easy garlic sesame noodle recipe that is light and tasty! Add in vegetables and protein to enhance this oriental dish or keep it simple with a garlic sesame flavoring.Â
Ingredients: spaghetti noodles, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, brown sugar, garlic cloves, sesame seeds
Mexican Corn Salad
This Amazing Mexican Corn Salad is hands down an all time summer favorite. Full of fresh, bright, zingy and spicy flavors, it has something for everyone!
Ingredients: corn, red bell pepper, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, cotija cheese, mayonnaise, chili powder, paprika, juice of half a lime
Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are super easy, packed with flavor and have tasty golden crunch. This is going to be one of the best ways to get your kids to say "More Please!" when it comes to their veggies. These are just that good!
Ingredients: Brussel sprouts, olive oil, salt and pepper, parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, Italian seasoning
Mashed Potato Balls
Mashed potato balls are impossible to resist! They have creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, and bacon inside and are crispy on the outside.
Ingredients: peeled potatoes, butter, salt, bacon, grated cheddar cheese, minced chives, large eggs, divided, panko breadcrumbs, cooking oil
Air Fryer Carrots
Parmesan Garlic Air Fryer Carrots are perfectly seasoned and absolutely delicious! This side dish is perfectly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside and so full flavor.
Ingredients: carrots, olive oil, parmesan, italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes. These sweet, creamy potatoes are swirled with maple syrup and sprinkled with salt. The salty sweet flavor makes these the BEST side dish recipe!Â
Ingredients: sweet potatoes, unsalted butter, maple syrup, milk , salt, additional maple syrup, flakey salt (like Maldon Sea Salt Flakes)
Crispy Potatoes with Pesto and Parmesan
These Crispy Potatoes with Pesto and Parmesan are SO easy to make and go with everything! Store-bought pesto is tossed with easy oven-roasted potatoes, and then sprinkled with parmesan cheese. A crowd favorite!
Ingredients: baby Yukon gold potatoes, quartered, olive oil , kosher salt , pesto , shredded parmesan cheese
Garlic Butter String Beans
Garlic Butter String Beans (green beans) are the perfect easy side dish! Everyone will love these delectable tender-crisp string beans. A delicious healthier addition to your table.Â
Ingredients: bags fresh string beans (green beans), butter, garlic, Salt & pepper
California Spaghetti Salad
California Spaghetti Salad is a delicious pasta salad filled with fresh veggies and covered in a zesty Italian dressing. With all those flavors and colors making one beautiful and tasty side dish, there is no doubt this will be the hit of your next gathering!
Ingredients: thin spaghetti,, cherry tomatoes,, cucumber,, red bell pepper,, red onion,, black olives,, Italian salad dressing, Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed, garlic powder
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Candied Sweet Potatoes are just that, sweet and tender, juicy, bright orange sweet potatoes that will warm your home and melt in your mouth! Only 3 ingredients is all you need!
Ingredients: Large Sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar
The Best Funeral Potatoes
A cheesy potato casserole full of melted cheese, sour cream, onions, and garlic with a crunchy top. This is full of amazing flavor and will be the star of the dinner table!
Ingredients: butter, onion, garlic, 30 ounce bag of frozen, shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed -or- 12 small potatoes parboiled and shredded, 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, salt, ground pepper, sharp cheddar cheese, crushed cornflake cereal or panko bread crumbs
Slow Cooker Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fluffy, and extremely delicious. Mashed potatoes just got a whole lot better with the addition of ranch. Plus, it’s all done in your slow cooker.Â
Ingredients: cubed red potato, milk, cream cheese, sour cream, butter, ranch salad dressing mix, dried dill or parsley
Blackberry Lime Fruit Salad
Blackberry Lime Fruit Salad showcases tons of fresh, summer fruit and has a delicious easy dressing. Refreshing, light, and sweet, this fruit salad will be eaten in no time!
Ingredients: orange juice, orange zest , juice and zest from one lemon, juice and zest large lime, honey, vanilla extract, poppyseeds, mandarin oranges, , fresh strawberries, kiwis, seedless grapes, blueberries, mangoes, blackberries, raspberries
Mexican Rice
This Mexican rice is so easy to make! Simmered until tender in broth, salsa, and a mix of spices gives it a ton of flavor, perfect for adding to any fiesta.
Ingredients: long grain white rice, low sodium chicken or vegetable broth, jarred tomato salsa, garlic powder, cumin, salt, chili powder, onion powder, black pepper
Sautéed Brown Butter Garlic Rainbow Carrots
Vibrant colored rainbow carrots get sautéed in brown butter and garlic creating a delicious side dish. They are so tender and flavorful and will become a favorite new side.
Ingredients: butter, garlic, rainbow carrots, red onion, salt and pepper to taste
Grilled Coconut Lime Pineapple
Grilled pineapple is savory and sweet side dish that is soaked in a coconut lime marinade and grilled to perfection. This grilled pineapple recipe is going to be a summertime favorite!
Ingredients: pineapple cut into spears, butter, brown sugar, coconut cream, coconut flakes, juice of one lime
Roasted Lemon Honey Garlic Asparagus
This lemon honey garlic asparagus recipe has a crisp outside with a tender inside cooked in a lemon, honey marinade with minced garlic. This asparagus compliments any main dish and adds a colorful feel to the table!Â
Ingredients: asparagus, olive oil, juice of half a lemon, honey, garlic cloves, salt and pepper
Roasted beet, quinoa, and carrot salad
This roasted beet, quinoa, and carrot salad is packed with healthy and good-for-you ingredients! It’s super flavorful and has the best lemon dressing!
Ingredients: medium beets, medium carrots, olive oil,, Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, mixed greens lettuce, quinoa (uncooked), honey roasted sliced almonds, crumbled goat cheese, red wine vinegar, and ½ tablespoons dijon mustard, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic, olive oil, large lemon