37 Side Dishes That Will Dress Up Any Meal

Sometimes the side dish makes the whole meal feel special, and that’s what I love about these recipes. They’re quick to put together, easy to pair with just about anything, and they bring extra flavor without extra work. When I want dinner to feel a little more complete, these are the ones I turn to.

Close-up of creamy mashed potatoes topped with melted cheese and sprinkled with chopped herbs in a white speckled dish. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Close-up of macaroni salad with elbow pasta, peas, cheddar cheese cubes, red onion, and a creamy dressing. — Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This pasta salad mixes crisp bacon with ranch flavors and tender pasta, making it both hearty and refreshing. It can be prepared ahead of time, which is helpful for busy days or gatherings. The ingredients come together quickly and don’t require much effort. It’s a simple way to dress up any meal with something flavorful and easy.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven

Roasted zucchini slices with melted cheese and herbs sit enticingly on a white plate, as a fork elegantly holds one piece. — Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Roasting zucchini with parmesan gives it a crisp edge and mild cheesy flavor. It takes little time in the oven, making it a quick option for weeknight dinners. The texture pairs well with meat or fish dishes without being heavy. This makes it an excellent side to add variety to the table.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven

Seafood Pasta Salad

This salad combines pasta with seafood for a cool, refreshing dish that’s easy to prep in advance. It works well for cookouts or as a light side for dinner. The mix of flavors makes it more interesting than a plain pasta salad. It’s a strong choice when you want a side that feels special but simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Slow Cooker Rice

A spoonful of slow-cooked white rice held above a bowl, with a fresh green parsley leaf in the background. — Slow Cooker Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Using a slow cooker for rice takes away the need to watch the stove. It’s hands-off and perfect when cooking larger amounts for family meals. The rice turns out fluffy and ready to pair with almost any main dish. This dependable option makes it easy to round out meals without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Ratatouille

This vegetable dish brings together eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers for a colorful plate. It’s a lighter choice that still feels hearty, and it works well with meats or on its own. The flavors blend smoothly when cooked together, making it comforting but simple. It’s an easy way to add a fresh vegetable side to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and bacon in a white dish, with a serving on a plate beside it. — Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This version of mac and cheese is creamy, rich, and made with plenty of cheese. It doesn’t take long to prepare and is great for feeding a crowd. The texture makes it a favorite next to steak, chicken, or barbecue. As a side, it instantly makes any meal feel more complete.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs. — Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Thick slices of cabbage roasted until golden make a simple but hearty side. They don’t need much prep time and cook evenly in the oven. The result is tender inside with crisp edges. It’s a good way to serve vegetables that feel filling and pair with many meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potato topped with butter and garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a red checkered napkin on the side. — Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooking sweet potatoes in the air fryer makes them crisp outside and soft inside in less time than the oven. They work as a side for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The natural sweetness pairs well with both savory and grilled mains. This method keeps things quick while adding variety to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn. — Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet potatoes filled with seasoned vegetables make a hearty plant-based side. They’re simple to assemble and bake, and they double as a light main dish if needed. The balance of flavor makes them versatile for any table. As a side, they bring something unique without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Aloo Gobi Masala

This Indian-inspired dish uses potatoes and cauliflower with warm spices. It’s simple to cook and pairs well with rice or bread. The vegetables make it filling but not too heavy. It’s a flavorful side that easily rounds out meals.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Air Fryer Home Fries

Air-fried potato cubes with diced green bell peppers on plate. — Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Home fries cook up quickly in the air fryer with a crisp texture. They’re great for breakfast but work just as well as a side for dinner. The small bite-size pieces make them easy to serve. With minimal effort, they bring a comforting option to the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy penne pasta with a fork, placed on a textured surface. — Dairy Free Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This version of mac and cheese is creamy and rich without using dairy. It’s quick to prepare and has a smooth texture that pairs with many mains. The simple ingredients make it approachable for weeknights. As a side dish, it offers the comfort of mac and cheese in a lighter way.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These potatoes are baked, scooped, and filled again with a cheesy mixture for a hearty side. They can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when needed. Each one feels filling enough to stand on its own but pairs well with steak or chicken. They’re a reliable way to make dinner feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Bacon Green Beans

Close-up of a plate with sautéed green beans and bacon pieces, with a fork spearing a few beans. — Bacon Green Beans. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crisp green beans cooked with bacon bring a balance of smoky and fresh flavors. The dish is simple and quick, ready in under 20 minutes. It’s versatile enough to go with chicken, pork, or fish. As a side, it adds both color and flavor to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Tongs holding roasted asparagus with grated cheese on a white platter, surrounded by lemon slices. — Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Asparagus baked with parmesan turns out crisp and flavorful without much work. It only takes a short time in the oven, which is perfect for weeknights. The cheesy coating gives it a little extra flavor. It’s an easy side dish that adds a fresh green option to meals.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background. — Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Carrots glazed with maple syrup cook quickly in the air fryer for a sweet and savory side. They require little prep and make dinner look brighter. The glaze gives them just enough flavor without overpowering the meal. They’re a smart choice when you want a simple but flavorful vegetable dish.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Vegan Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spoon. — Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This rice dish is made with tomato and spices for a flavorful base. It’s quick to prepare and pairs well with beans, chicken, or vegetables. The bright color makes it stand out on the table. As a side, it’s dependable and versatile for many meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley. — Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Potato wedges turn golden and crisp in the air fryer in less time than baking. They’re easy to season and pair with burgers, chicken, or steak. The texture makes them a family-friendly choice. They’re a quick way to add a hearty side without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with parsley, set on a pink cloth napkin, with whole potatoes and a grater in the background. — Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Red potatoes mashed with garlic create a creamy and flavorful side dish. They’re quick enough for weeknights but fit well at holiday meals too. The smooth texture pairs with almost any protein. As a side, they’re a dependable favorite that works for many occasions.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate. — Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Brussels sprouts cook up crisp in the air fryer without needing much oil. They’re ready in minutes and make a great weeknight vegetable. The flavor pairs well with chicken, pork, or beef. With their crunchy texture, they’re an easy way to add greens to a meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Green Bean Casserole

This casserole uses green beans with a creamy base and a crisp topping. It’s easy to prep ahead of time, which makes it great for gatherings. The texture combination makes it stand out from other vegetable sides. It’s a classic dish that instantly rounds out a meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Bowl of roasted sweet potato cubes garnished with herbs. — Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Butternut squash turns soft and caramelized in the air fryer with very little prep. It’s a quick way to add a touch of sweetness to dinner. The cubes cook evenly and can be seasoned in different ways. As a side, it brings variety and color to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes seasoned with herbs and spices, served on a white plate garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roma tomatoes roast quickly in the air fryer, becoming tender and slightly caramelized. They add brightness to the plate without needing much effort. The flavor pairs nicely with chicken, pasta, or fish. They’re a fresh and simple side that works with many meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Close-up of a spoonful of sweet potato casserole with a topping of toasted pecans and marshmallows. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This casserole uses canned yams, making it a quick option that doesn’t require much prep. The smooth and sweet base pairs well with savory mains. It’s a classic dish often served during holidays. As a side, it adds warmth and balance to the table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Ham and Potato Casserole

Ham and potatoes baked together create a hearty, cheesy side dish. It can be made ahead, which is great for busy nights. The layers make it filling enough to pair with lighter mains. It’s a reliable choice when you want a comforting side.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

Crab Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat. — Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fried rice with crab adds a fresh seafood twist to a simple side. It’s quick to cook and can be paired with chicken, beef, or vegetables. The flavor is balanced and light enough to complement heavier mains. It’s an easy way to add variety to the table.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Braised Brussels Sprouts

Plate of roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon slices, served with a creamy sauce. A fork holds one sprout above the dish. — Braised Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Braising Brussels sprouts makes them tender while keeping their natural flavor. This method requires little hands-on time and works for family meals. The dish pairs well with meats or poultry. As a side, it brings warmth and texture to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooking mac and cheese in the crock pot makes it hands-off and convenient. It’s creamy, rich, and perfect for serving a group. The slow cooker keeps it warm, making it good for parties or dinners. As a side, it’s a comfort food staple that pairs with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Italian artisan bread sliced on cutting board. — No Knead Italian Artisan Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This bread bakes up with a crisp crust and soft inside without requiring kneading. It only needs a few ingredients and time to rest. Fresh bread always makes a meal feel more complete. As a side, it works with soups, pastas, and main dishes alike.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background. — Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Potatoes smashed and cooked in the air fryer with cheese turn crisp and golden. They’re quick to prepare and don’t require much cleanup. The combination of soft centers and crisp edges makes them a favorite. As a side, they bring comfort and flavor to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Using frozen fries in the air fryer makes them ready in minutes with no extra prep. They’re crisp on the outside and soft inside. The ease of using them makes dinner simpler on busy nights. As a side, they add both color and variety with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green beans tossed with garlic butter are simple but full of flavor. They cook quickly on the stove, making them great for weeknights. The fresh crunch pairs with chicken, steak, or seafood. They’re an easy vegetable side to round out a meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Wrapping cabbage wedges in bacon gives them a smoky edge while keeping them tender. They cook quickly in the air fryer with little prep. The combination of flavors pairs well with grilled meats. As a side, they bring a unique twist to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Green Bean Tomato Salad

A plate of green beans tossed with cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, accompanied by a fork, on a white surface. — Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This salad combines crisp green beans with juicy tomatoes for a refreshing side. It doesn’t take long to prepare and looks bright on the table. The fresh ingredients make it versatile for pairing with many mains. As a side, it brings balance and color to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini slices topped with tomatoes and herbs create a fresh take on bruschetta. It’s light, quick to prepare, and works well with Italian meals. The vegetables keep it crisp and colorful. As a side, it adds variety without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Close-up of a cheesy scalloped potatoes dish in a white baking dish, garnished with parsley. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce make this a hearty side dish. It can be prepped ahead of time and reheated when needed. The texture pairs well with meats and poultry. As a side, it’s a classic choice for both weeknights and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cabbage and bacon in white serving bowl. — Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cabbage cooked with bacon turns tender and smoky, making it both simple and flavorful. It comes together quickly in one pan. The balance of hearty and fresh makes it versatile for many meals. As a side, it adds comfort and warmth to the table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon