Side dishes often don't get the attention they deserve, but that changes now. We’ve gathered a collection of recipes that can easily stand on their own. These dishes are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're planning a family dinner or a festive gathering, it's time to let your side dishes shine and take center stage on your table.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic is a quick 20-minute dish that combines the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts with tangy feta and sweet pomegranate seeds. The balsamic glaze adds a rich, savory touch to the mix. This recipe makes for a delightful appetizer or side dish that's both healthy and flavorful. It's perfect for those who want a fast yet sophisticated addition to their meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard is a vibrant dish that takes just 15 minutes to prepare. The chard is cooked with garlic and olive oil, bringing out its natural flavors and adding a slight bitterness. This recipe makes for a nutritious side dish that pairs well with any main course. It's an easy way to incorporate more greens into your diet.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg and Feta Cheese
Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg, and Feta Cheese is a savory pastry that takes about 45 minutes to make. The flaky dough encases a rich filling of roasted eggplant, juicy tomatoes, and a blend of Jarlsberg and feta cheeses. This dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It's perfect for a hearty snack or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg and Feta Cheese
Quinoa Fritters with Spring Peas, Feta and Cilantro-Chive Yogurt Sauce
Quinoa Fritters with Spring Peas, Feta, and Cilantro-Chive Yogurt Sauce is a wholesome dish ready in 30 minutes. The fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, thanks to the quinoa and peas. Feta adds a creamy, tangy element, while the yogurt sauce provides a refreshing finish. It's a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Fritters with Spring Peas, Feta and Cilantro-Chive Yogurt Sauce
Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes
Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes are a traditional dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Made with grated potatoes, flour, and buttermilk, these pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They have a mild, comforting flavor that's perfect for breakfast or brunch. Pair them with your favorite toppings for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes
Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe with Red Wine
Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots with Red Wine is a flavorful side dish that takes about 25 minutes to make. The carrots are cooked until tender and then glazed with a mixture of red wine, honey, and spices. This gives them a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor. It's an excellent accompaniment to roasted meats or poultry.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe with Red Wine
Spinach Colcannon Recipe
Spinach Colcannon is a hearty dish that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. This twist on the traditional Irish dish combines mashed potatoes with sautéed spinach and green onions. The result is a creamy, flavorful side that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It's a great way to enjoy your greens in a comforting form.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon Recipe
Fennel and Mango Slaw
Fennel and Mango Slaw is a refreshing dish that takes just 15 minutes to put together. The crunchy fennel and sweet mango create a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. This slaw is dressed with a light vinaigrette, making it a perfect side for grilled meats or fish. It's a quick and easy way to add some zest to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Fennel and Mango Slaw
Fried Ripe Sweet Plantains
Fried Ripe Sweet Plantains is a simple yet delicious dish that takes about 10 minutes to prepare. The plantains are fried until golden and caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness. This recipe makes for a great snack or side dish. It's a popular choice in many Caribbean and Latin American cuisines.
Get the Recipe: Fried Ripe Sweet Plantains
Roasted Cauliflower Casserole with Tomatoes and Capers
Roasted Cauliflower Casserole with Tomatoes and Capers is a flavorful dish that takes about 40 minutes to make. The cauliflower is roasted to perfection and combined with juicy tomatoes and tangy capers. This casserole offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It's a great vegetarian option for a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Casserole with Tomatoes and Capers
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Eggplant Tomato Stacks is a simple and elegant dish that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. Slices of eggplant and tomato are layered with mozzarella and basil, then baked until tender. The result is a delicious and visually appealing appetizer or side dish. It's a perfect way to enjoy fresh summer produce.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Crispy Ottolenghi's Air Fryer Asparagus
Crispy Ottolenghi's Air Fryer Asparagus is a quick 15-minute dish that brings out the best in asparagus. The air fryer makes the asparagus crispy on the outside while keeping it tender inside. This recipe is seasoned with simple spices, enhancing the natural flavor of the asparagus. It's a great side dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Ottolenghi's Air Fryer Asparagus
Spiced Grilled Corn
Spiced Grilled Corn is a flavorful dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The corn is grilled to perfection and then coated with a blend of spices that add a smoky, savory taste. This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues or as a side dish for any grilled meats. It's a quick and tasty way to enjoy corn.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Grilled Corn
Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe with Guava and Cheese
Colombian Baked Plantains with Guava and Cheese is a unique dish that takes about 30 minutes to make. The plantains are baked until soft and caramelized, then topped with sweet guava paste and creamy cheese. This combination creates a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. It's an excellent choice for a dessert or a sweet snack.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe with Guava and Cheese
Roasted Cauliflower in Green Herb Sauce
Roasted Cauliflower in Green Herb Sauce is a flavorful dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The cauliflower is roasted until tender and then drizzled with a fresh herb sauce. This recipe offers a delightful mix of earthy and herby flavors. It's a great vegetarian option that pairs well with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower in Green Herb Sauce
Circassian Fried Cheese with a Middle-Eastern Field Salad
Circassian Fried Cheese with Middle-Eastern Field Salad is a unique dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The fried cheese is crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, paired with a fresh and tangy salad. This combination creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. It's a perfect appetizer or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Circassian Fried Cheese with a Middle-Eastern Field Salad
Beet Latkes with Poached Egg
Beet Latkes with Poached Egg is a colorful dish that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. The latkes are crispy and slightly sweet, made from grated beets. Topped with a perfectly poached egg, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It's a great option for breakfast or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Beet Latkes with Poached Egg
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions is a simple yet flavorful dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The green beans are sautéed with garlic and topped with crispy fried onions. This combination creates a delicious and satisfying side dish. It's perfect for any meal and adds a touch of crunch and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Mexican Tostones
Mexican Tostones are a crunchy and savory snack that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The green plantains are fried twice to achieve their crispy texture and are often seasoned with salt. They make an excellent appetizer or side dish, especially when paired with a dipping sauce. This recipe is a tasty way to enjoy plantains in a different form.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Tostones
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The rice is stir-fried with chicken, vegetables, and soy sauce, creating a savory and well-balanced meal. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rice and makes for a great weeknight dinner. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Cheesy Garlic Spaghetti Squash
Cheesy Garlic Spaghetti Squash is a comforting dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The spaghetti squash is baked until tender and then mixed with a cheesy garlic sauce. This recipe offers a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes without sacrificing flavor. It's a delicious and healthy option for a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Spaghetti Squash
Worcestershire Green Beans
Worcestershire Green Beans is a flavorful side dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The green beans are sautéed with Worcestershire sauce, adding a savory and slightly tangy flavor. This recipe is a quick and easy way to elevate your green beans. It's perfect for adding a bit of zest to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans
Vegetable Fritters
Vegetable Fritters are a versatile dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. Made with a mix of grated vegetables and simple seasonings, these fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish. This recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables and enjoy a tasty treat.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters
Tell Me What You Think!