Side dishes can often be the unsung heroes of a meal, adding variety and flavor to the table. Whether you’re serving up a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, the right side dish can easily steal the spotlight. These 17 side dishes are so irresistible that they might just outshine the main course. Get ready to let your dinner table be taken over by these must-try sides.
Spinach Colcannon
Spinach Colcannon brings together creamy mashed potatoes with fresh spinach and leeks. Ready in just 30 minutes, this side dish is rich, hearty, and full of earthy flavors from the potatoes and spinach. The butter and cream make it irresistible, making it hard to ignore alongside any main dish. Let this side take over your dinner table, one bite at a time.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon
Quinoa Fritters with Spring Peas, Feta, and Cilantro-Chive Yogurt Sauce
Quinoa Fritters combine crispy quinoa and peas with a refreshing cilantro-chive yogurt sauce. Ready in 25 minutes, the fritters offer a satisfying crunch with a salty kick from feta. The tangy yogurt sauce perfectly balances the dish. When these fritters hit the table, they’ll make you question whether you need a main.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Fritters with Spring Peas, Feta, and Cilantro-Chive Yogurt Sauce
Roasted Cauliflower Casserole with Tomatoes and Capers
Roasted Cauliflower Casserole pairs tender roasted cauliflower with juicy tomatoes and tangy capers. Ready in 40 minutes, the caramelized cauliflower adds depth to this rich, savory dish. Each bite delivers a balance of flavors that’s hard to resist. This side could easily be the reason people forget about the meat.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Casserole with Tomatoes and Capers
Spiced Grilled Corn
Spiced Grilled Corn brings smoky, slightly spicy flavors to the table in just 15 minutes. The blend of spices enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, giving it an irresistible kick. Perfect for barbecues or as a summer staple, it complements any meal. Once you try it, this corn will become the star of your dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Grilled Corn
Beet Latkes with Poached Egg
Beet Latkes offer a crispy, slightly sweet bite with a perfectly poached egg on top. In just 30 minutes, you get a mix of textures and flavors that’s ideal for brunch or as a side. The unique combination elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. You might forget the main course once these latkes hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Beet Latkes with Poached Egg
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
Crispy Brussels Sprouts meet tangy feta, sweet pomegranate, and a balsamic glaze for a flavor-packed side. Ready in 20 minutes, the air-fried sprouts add a delightful crunch, while the mix of sweet and savory elements makes each bite stand out. It's an explosion of textures and tastes. This side will demand all the attention at your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions deliver a flavorful punch in just 25 minutes. The garlic gives the beans a robust taste, while the fried onions add a satisfying crunch. It’s the kind of simple yet bold side that pairs perfectly with any main dish. Don’t be surprised if these beans steal the spotlight at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Fennel and Mango Slaw
Fennel and Mango Slaw combines crisp fennel and sweet mango for a refreshing side ready in 20 minutes. Dressed with a light vinaigrette, this slaw offers a balanced mix of tangy and sweet flavors. It’s a great complement to grilled meats or even a stand-alone light side. One taste, and you’ll forget there’s anything else on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Fennel and Mango Slaw
Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots with Red Wine
Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots with Red Wine are a rich, aromatic side ready in 35 minutes. The carrots are cooked until tender and glazed in a flavorful red wine mixture that brings both sweet and spicy elements. It’s a dish that adds depth to any meal. These carrots might just outshine everything else on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots with Red Wine
Circassian Fried Cheese with Middle-Eastern Field Salad
Circassian Fried Cheese brings crispy, golden fried cheese together with a refreshing field salad. In just 20 minutes, this savory side is full of texture contrasts that enhance any meal. The crispy exterior of the cheese and the fresh salad make every bite enjoyable. Once this dish hits the table, it’s hard to look away.
Get the Recipe: Circassian Fried Cheese with Middle-Eastern Field Salad
Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes
Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, ready in 30 minutes. These traditional potato pancakes have a mild, comforting flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. They’re perfect with sour cream or your favorite toppings. Expect these pancakes to take center stage once they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes
Sautéed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Sautéed Swiss Rainbow Chard is a vibrant, nutrient-packed side ready in just 15 minutes. Cooked with garlic and olive oil, this chard offers a slightly bitter yet savory flavor. The earthy taste and colorful presentation make it a standout dish. This chard will make sure your dinner table pops with flavor and color.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Mexican Tostones
Mexican Tostones offer crispy, twice-fried plantains with a savory hint of sweetness, ready in 30 minutes. These golden bites are perfect for dipping in guacamole or salsa, adding a satisfying crunch to any meal. They’re deliciously simple but impactful. When these tostones hit the plate, they’re hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Tostones
Roasted Cauliflower in Green Herb Sauce
Roasted Cauliflower tossed in a bright herb sauce is ready in 40 minutes, delivering a burst of freshness to your meal. The cauliflower is tender yet crispy, with the herby garlic, parsley, and lemon juice sauce adding zest. This dish will liven up any plate. With flavors this fresh, you might forget there’s anything else.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower in Green Herb Sauce
Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg, and Feta Cheese
Balkan Bourekas are flaky pastries filled with rich eggplant, tomatoes, Jarlsberg, and feta cheese, taking about 50 minutes to make. The combination of crispy pastry and cheesy, savory filling creates a satisfying bite. The hint of sweetness from the tomatoes adds balance. Bourekas this good might just steal the show at your meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg, and Feta Cheese
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Eggplant Tomato Stacks layer roasted eggplant and fresh tomatoes for a tasty side ready in 30 minutes. This dish is topped with herbs and olive oil for a fresh, satisfying flavor. Each bite is a delightful blend of roasted and raw textures. Serve these stacks, and you’ll see why they’re a must-have on any table.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus
Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus gives you crispy, tender asparagus spears in just 15 minutes. With a touch of seasoning, the asparagus is light yet flavorful, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. This side is quick and easy but delivers in taste. Serve it, and watch the asparagus quickly become the favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus
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