Side dishes are often the highlight of any meal, adding flavor, texture, and balance. These 15 recipes show how a simple side can completely transform your dinner. Whether you’re craving something light and fresh or rich and comforting, there’s a side dish to fit every taste. Forget just filling up space on the plate—these sides are the real stars.
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Eggplant Tomato Stacks combine eggplant, fresh tomatoes, and cheese for a satisfying dish. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The savory, slightly tangy taste makes it a great side for any main course. This dish is a hearty vegetarian option.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Fennel And Mango Slaw
Fennel and Mango Slaw is a light, refreshing dish with a mix of crunchy fennel and sweet mango. It takes around 15 minutes to make. The flavors are bright and slightly sweet with a bit of crunch. Perfect as a side to balance out richer entrees.
Get the Recipe: Fennel And Mango Slaw
Russian Piroshki
Russian Piroshki are baked or fried dough pockets filled with vegetables or meat. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The combination of soft dough and savory filling is satisfying. They make a great snack or side to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Russian Piroshki
Dill Zucchini Fritters
Dill Zucchini Fritters are crispy, golden treats made with zucchini, dill, and seasonings. They take about 20 minutes to make. The fresh zucchini gives them a light texture while the dill adds a burst of flavor. Ideal as a side or snack.
Get the Recipe: Dill Zucchini Fritters
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic combine savory and sweet flavors. Ready in 20 minutes, they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside. The feta and pomegranate add a delightful richness and sweetness. This side is full of flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic
Spinach Colcannon Recipe
Spinach Colcannon is a twist on the classic Irish dish with mashed potatoes, spinach, and green onions. It takes around 30 minutes to make. The creamy mashed potatoes are enhanced by the fresh spinach. It’s a comforting and flavorful side to pair with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon Recipe
Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers
Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers are simple to prepare and packed with flavor. You can make it in about 30 minutes. The lemon adds a refreshing zing while the roasted vegetables bring out a deep, savory taste. This dish makes a great side for any protein.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers
Fennel Salad With Pears, Apples, And Mustard
Fennel Salad with Pears, Apples, and Mustard combines fresh fennel with crunchy pears and apples, dressed in a tangy mustard sauce. It takes about 15 minutes to make. The mix of sweet and tangy flavors works perfectly together. This side is light and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Fennel Salad With Pears, Apples, And Mustard
Delicata Squash With Feta, Red Onions And Dukkah
Delicata Squash with Feta, Red Onions, and Dukkah is a savory-sweet dish with a delightful crunch. It takes around 40 minutes to prepare. The sweet squash pairs beautifully with the salty feta and crispy dukkah. This side dish is packed with flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Delicata Squash With Feta, Red Onions And Dukkah
Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers
Sauteed Cabbage with Peppers is a quick and easy side dish that’s both healthy and flavorful. It takes about 20 minutes to cook. The cabbage softens while the peppers add a burst of color and flavor. This dish pairs well with meats or can be served as a main.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers
Whole Roasted Cauliflower In Smoky Tomato Sauce
Whole Roasted Cauliflower in Smoky Tomato Sauce is a flavorful, hearty dish that makes a great side. It takes about 40 minutes to roast. The smoky tomato sauce complements the tender roasted cauliflower. It’s an ideal side dish to accompany any main course.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Cauliflower In Smoky Tomato Sauce
Sweet And Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe With Red Wine
Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots with Red Wine are roasted to perfection with a tangy glaze. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The sweet and savory combination of flavors is unique. These carrots make a perfect side for any holiday meal or weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet And Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe With Red Wine
Almond, Cranberry And Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole is a hearty, flavorful side with a combination of sweet and nutty ingredients. It takes around 45 minutes to prepare. The sweet potatoes and cranberries balance each other out with the crunch from the almonds. This dish is perfect for any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Almond, Cranberry And Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
Endive Spears With Celery Root Remoulade, Cranberries And Pepitas
Endive Spears with Celery Root Remoulade, Cranberries, and Pepitas are a light, crunchy side dish. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The tangy remoulade adds a creamy contrast to the crisp endive, while cranberries and pepitas add sweetness and crunch. This side is full of variety in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Endive Spears With Celery Root Remoulade, Cranberries And Pepitas
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard is a simple, healthy side that can be ready in about 20 minutes. The chard’s earthy flavor is complemented by the sautéed garlic. This dish pairs perfectly with roasted meats or as a standalone side. It’s light but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Tell Me What You Think!