Trying to find the right side dish can be harder than picking the main. Some days you want crispy green beans with a little crunch, other times it’s all about creamy mashed sweet potatoes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner more interesting, these sides bring serious flavor. Here are the 21 best side dish recipes you can make tonight.
Need a fast side that doesn’t taste like a shortcut? Heat a skillet with olive oil, add garlic, then toss in canned asparagus after draining and rinsing. Sear for a few minutes until lightly browned, then finish with lemon juice and black pepper. It’s fresh-tasting, simple, and ready in only 6 minutes.
Light, crisp at the edges, and seasoned just right, oven roasted zucchini brings out the veggie’s natural sweetness without getting soggy. It’s a quick, healthy side that goes with almost anything. Add garlic, parmesan, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor. It’s low effort, low carb, and always a crowd pleaser.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, Potato Rosti is the ultimate comfort food side dish. Made by grating potatoes, seasoning them with salt and pepper, and pan-frying them in a thin layer until golden brown, this Swiss delicacy is perfect alongside grilled meats or as a base for poached eggs.
Sliced thick and roasted or grilled, cauliflower steaks are a hearty and tasty alternative to meat. With a crispy outside and tender center, they soak up all the seasoning you throw at them. Perfect as a main or side, they’re a great option for both vegetarians and veggie lovers.
Who said veggies had to be boring? Crispy Green Beans are here to prove otherwise! These delightful green beans are coated in a light, seasoned batter and baked or air-fried until they reach crispy perfection. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch, and watch as even the pickiest of eaters reach for seconds.
Rich, buttery, and full of savory depth, sautéed mushrooms are the perfect side when you want something earthy and satisfying. Cooked low and slow with garlic and herbs, they soak up all the flavor and pair beautifully with steaks, chicken, or even pasta. They’re simple to make but taste like something from a fancy bistro.
Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and kissed with truffle oil, these potatoes feel like a major upgrade with minimal effort. Tossed with herbs and a hint of parmesan, they’re the kind of side dish that disappears fast. Fancy enough for guests but easy enough for Tuesday night dinner, they turn any meal into a treat.
When sweet potatoes hit the grill, something magical happens. The natural sugars caramelize, giving them a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with a smoky char. Toss them in a little olive oil, sprinkle some salt, and you've got a side that’s not just tasty but also packed with nutrients.
Glazed carrots are a sweet and savory delight that adds a splash of color to your plate. By gently sautéing carrots in honey and butter, you create a tender and glossy treat that enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetable. It's an elegant side dish that is simple to prepare but tastes gourmet.
Light, healthy, and full of flavor, Zucchini Noodles (aka "zoodles") are the perfect low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Simply spiralize fresh zucchini into noodle-like strands and sauté them in the Instant Pot with your favorite sauce, like marinara or pesto.
These little red jewels are a burst of flavor in every bite. Cooking them quickly at high heat makes their skin blister while keeping the inside juicy and sweet. Toss them with some olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt, and you've got a simple yet stunning side that complements just about any main dish.
This impressive, flower-like appetizer is not only visually stunning but also sinfully delicious. The Blooming Onion is made by cutting a whole onion into a blossoming shape, dipping it in seasoned batter, and deep-frying it to golden perfection. Serve it with a zesty dipping sauce for a fun, shareable side dish that will have everyone reaching for more.
Twice Baked Potatoes on the grill take the classic side dish to a whole new level. The smoky flavor from grilling enhances the fluffy potato filling, mixed with cheese, bacon, and herbs. It's a crowd-pleasing treat that adds a delightful twist to your grilled meals.
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, air fryer gnocchi is a total game changer. No boiling, no mess, just toss it with a little oil and your favorite seasonings. You’ll get golden bites in under 15 minutes. Serve them with dip, sprinkle with cheese, or snack on them straight from the basket.
Shirazi salad is a refreshing Iranian salad that combines diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs. The salad is typically dressed with a simple mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Shirazi salad is light, tangy, and packed with flavors. It serves as a perfect side dish for grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a refreshing salad on its own.
Bok choy gets a fun twist in the air fryer, turning into a crispy, flavorful side that’s ready in minutes. With a little olive oil and seasoning, the leaves crisp up while the stems stay tender. It’s a light, healthy side dish that pairs well with any meal.
This smooth and savory side deserves more attention. Start by steaming green beans until tender, then blend them with butter, garlic, and a splash of cream. Green bean puree adds color, flavor, and a silky texture to any plate. It’s perfect under grilled meat or fish and makes a great change from mashed potatoes or rice.
These aren't your average zucchini slices. Baked until crispy and golden, they offer a healthier alternative to fries. Whether you add Parmesan cheese or keep them simple with olive oil and herbs, these slices are an easy way to get people munching on their greens. Plus, they're so tasty, even kids will be asking for seconds.
Looking for a wholesome and hearty side dish? Look no further than Brown Rice and Vegetables. This versatile dish combines fiber-rich brown rice with a colorful array of sautéed veggies, like bell peppers, onions, and carrots. Season it with your favorite herbs and spices, and you've got a nutritious side dish that's not only good for you but also bursting with flavor. Take that, white rice!
Simple, rustic, and oh-so-satisfying, Carrots and Potatoes are the perfect side dish for your next family dinner. Toss these root veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them until they're tender and caramelized. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle them with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. This crowd-pleasing dish pairs beautifully with roast chicken, beef, or even fish. Talk about versatile!
Add a little fiesta to your dinner table with Spanish Rice! This flavorful side dish is made by sautéing rice in a tomato-based sauce, along with onions, bell peppers, and a blend of spices like cumin and paprika. Simmer it all together until the rice is tender and the flavors are beautifully melded.
Say hello to Mashed Sweet Potatoes, a sweet and savory side dish that's sure to win over your heart! These velvety, creamy mashed sweet potatoes are whipped with butter, a touch of cream, and a hint of cinnamon for an unforgettable flavor experience. Pair them with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even a Thanksgiving feast.
Brussels sprouts finally get the love they deserve when bacon enters the picture. The crispy edges, smoky flavor, and salty bite make this side dish hard to stop eating. Roast them together until caramelized and golden, then watch them disappear. Even Brussels haters might come around once they get a taste of this no-fuss favorite.
Get ready for a taste of the tropics with Black Beans and Rice! This hearty, wholesome side dish features tender black beans simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce with onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and oregano. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying, protein-packed side that pairs beautifully with Latin American and Caribbean main courses.
Thick, golden, and full of flavor, potato wedges are the ultimate anytime side. Whether you use an air fryer (like I do) or oven, they come out crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. Toss them with garlic, herbs, or smoky paprika for extra kick. Dip them in anything or nothing at all, they’re that good on their own.