Today, let’s dive into the wonderful world of easy side dishes. You know, those culinary gems that have the power to transform any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a fancy feast, easy side dishes are your secret weapon for adding flavor, nutrition, and flair to the table. Buckle up and enjoy the scroll through 50 easy side dishes that will bring that WOW factor to your meal.
Vegetables
1. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Zucchini
If you’re looking for the best way to use up all that summer zucchini, this Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Recipe is it! Quick and easy zucchini spears coated in parmesan and garlic and roasted in the oven to perfection.
2. Sauteed Lemon Garlic Green Beans
You just need a couple pounds of fresh green beans plus some essential fridge staples like a few cloves of garlic and a lemon for this easy side dish. Serve these Sauteed Lemon Garlic Green Beans with a roast chicken and a side salad for a complete and delicious meal.
3. Honey Glazed Carrots
These honey glazed carrots are an easy sheet pan recipe that transforms the everyday carrot into a show-stopping sweet and savory side dish (that’s also highly addictive).
4. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
It’s hard to improve on simple roasted Brussels sprouts, but a splash of balsamic vinegar and a drizzle of honey bring the flavors to life. This is an unforgettable side dish!
5. Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Zest
This recipe for Steamed Broccoli with Garlic, Lemon Zest and Chili flakes will become your “go-to” broccoli recipe. This side dish is simple & full of amazing flavor! Vegan, healthy and can be made in 15 minutes!
6. Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
Spices and just a bit of sugar turn a head of cauliflower into a caramelized, spicy treat, ready in just 40 miCnutes. This simple side dish recipe for roasted cauliflower also gives the veggie a wonderful tender texture, with irresistible crispy edges.
7. Stir-Fried Cabbage with Vinegar
Chinese sauteed cabbage is a quick and satisfying veggie side dish for any occasion. The cabbage is tender and slightly sweet, while the vinegar and fresh aromatics lend pops of flavor.
8. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chili Lime Butter
In this classic Fourth of July side dish, the butter is elevated with honey, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Corn on the Cob has never tasted so dang good!
9. Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Make perfectly roasted sweet potatoes that are fluffy on the inside and lightly browned at the edges for an easy side dish. Add a few sliced red onions to the roasting tin, to add a pop of colour.
10. Catalan Sautéed Spinach
Catalan-Style, Sauteed Spinach with Garlic, Golden Raisins and Pine nuts is a simple healthy side dish that can be made in 25 minutes.
Grains and Legumes
11. Quinoa Salad with Cucumber and Tomato
Tomato Cucumber Feta Quinoa Salad offers the crunch of cucumbers, fresh tomatoes and creamy feta mixed with healthy, filling quinoa and topped with a light lemony dressing. This healthy salad recipe makes a delicious and easy side dish to your summer meals, BBQ or picnics.
12. Brown Rice Pilaf with Herbs
Brown Rice is dressed in a sauce of olive oil, onion, herbs, salt and pepper for a fragrant side dish that can be served warm or cold. Herbed Brown Rice Pilaf is a side dish to pull out of the hat to flesh out any meal, with sophistication!
13. Tomato Lentil Soup
This Healthy Tomato Lentil Soup is a soup of wonders. With a refreshing tomato and herb flavour, and the thickness of a luxurious bolognaise sauce, this wonderful soup adds a taste explosion that is flexible enough compliment any meat.
14. Black Bean and Corn Salad
This black bean and corn salad is a fresh mix of black beans, corn, red peppers, jalapeno and avocado, all tossed in a zesty cilantro lime dressing. An easy salad that’s the perfect side dish for any meal!
15. Garlic Parmesan Couscous
Couscous is a crazy healthy side dish– it’s packed with protein and fiber! When it is jazzed up with Garlic and Parmesan, it’s a whole new level of deliciousness. Add it to your dinner tonight – you won’t be disappointed!
16. Lemon Herb Orzo
This Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs makes the best side dish for fish, chicken, steak, lamb or shellfish. You can even serve this with roasted veg and keep it vegetarian.
17. Chickpea Salad with Feta and Cucumber
This Chickpea Cucumber Feta Salad has all the best flavors. Loaded with chickpeas, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, and fresh basil, this salad is so easy to make and is the perfect side dish for any meal!
18. Wild Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms and Thyme
Mushroom and Wild Rice Pilaf will become your new favorite side dish! It’s packed with flavor and texture from brown butter, juicy sweet raisins, crunchy almonds, and oregano, with nutty wild rice and earthy sautéed mushrooms. You’ll love this one pot side or light main recipe all year round.
19. Whole Wheat Garlic Breadsticks
Whole Wheat Breadsticks made from scratch are easy to assemble and are ready in about 30 minutes. These breadsticks have a bit of a golden crust, but are soft and fluffy inside yet chewy throughout. Perfect for your pasta night or any time you’re craving breadsticks.
20. Barley Salad with Roasted Vegetables
A seasonal barley salad that features plenty of summer produce – tomatoes, zucchini, basil. This easy side dish is refreshing and delicious at the same time!
Potatoes and Root Vegetables
21. Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are an easy and delicious side dish you will keep making. Just peel a few sweet potatoes, cut them into wedges or rounds, toss with some olive oil, sprinkle with spices, and bake at a high temperature until lightly browned. So good!
22. Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic and Herbs
This mashed cauliflower is a fabulous side dish for weeknight dinners. And while it may be a low-carb alternative to classic mashed potatoes, it’s just as delicious, creamy, and flavorful – plus, it’s quicker to make!
23 Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
These extra-crispy Baked Potato Wedges are quick and easy to make and come out perfect every time. Oven-baked potato wedges are great as a side, appetizer, or even as a delicious snack on their own.
24. Smashed Red Potatoes with Rosemary
These Garlic Smashed Potatoes are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside with a burst of rosemary garlicky flavor. They are so easy to make and packed full of flavor. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, but easy enough to make as a side dish in the week.
25. Curry Roasted Parsnip Fries
Parsnip Fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, cook really fast, and have the texture of a sweet potato fry. And when tossed in a bit of oil, salt, and curry powder, the flavors are absolutely smashing. Plus, they’re quick and easy to prepare — just 5 ingredients, 1 pan, and 30 minutes required!
26. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Hash
Quick and easy hashes are fabulous one-pot meals for those nights when getting dinner on the table fast is a priority. This Sweet Potato Hash brings the flavours of Mexico to the table for a side dish that’s sure to impress!
27. Rutabaga and Carrot Mash
Carrot and rutabaga mash is a great alternative to mashed potatoes and so quick and easy to make. Slightly sweet in flavor, the vegetables are mashed together with sour cream and butter for a rich side dish that is full of flavor.
28. Baked Turnip Fries
Turnip fries taste just as good as your favorite crispy French fries but have fewer carbs and baked in the oven for a healthy, low carb side dish.
29. Butternut Squash and Apple Bake
Even those who aren’t fans of squash will enjoy this side dish. Sweet slices of butternut squash are topped with apples covered in a cinnamon-sugar glaze for a quick and easy dinner accompaniment
30. Potato and Leek Soup
A French classic, this creamy potato leek soup is quick, easy, and comforting.
Salads and Slaws
31. Classic Caesar Salad
This Classic Caesar Salad recipe is a crisp, crunchy, homemade version tossed with a traditional Caesar salad dressing and garlic croutons. It’s made restaurant-style, with golden egg yolks and anchovies, for a flavour bomb that’s sure to glamourize any meal.
32. Greek Salad with Homemade Dressing
When you’re looking for a side dish that will always impress, a classic Greek salad is hard to beat. Filled with fresh veggies, tangy feta, and a simple dressing made of ingredients you might already have in your fridge, this bright salad is one you’ll turn to all spring and summer long.
33. Coleslaw with Greek Yogurt Dressing
This Greek Yogurt Coleslaw is full of crisp cabbage and crunchy carrots that are tossed in a healthy coleslaw dressing gracefully seasoned with classic flavors and without mayo. It’s a colorful and homemade condiment or side perfect for hot dogs, burgers, tacos or any of your summertime grilling favorites.
34. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
In this jazzed up Caprese salad, a balsamic glaze adds a pop of tangy-sweet flavor to every bite.
35. Kale Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts
Cranberry Walnut Kale Salad is a festive salad that will be the perfect healthy greens for any holiday gathering!
36 Asian Slaw with Peanut Dressing
This cool and crunchy Asian slaw is a delicious way to eat your colors! Paired with shrimp, chicken or beef, this flexible side dish will bring delicious exotic flavours that are sure to excite your palate.
37. Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
This Beetroot and Goat’s Cheese Salad proves that salads are far more than just greens. Ready in just 5 minutes, this salad is great as either a side dish or a light lunch. The sweetness of the beetroot and salty creaminess of the goat’s cheese are a perfect combination in this easy salad recipe.
38. Mango Avocado Salad with Lime Dressing
Avocado Mango Salad is a fast and refreshing salad recipe full of flavor and taste. This savory mango salad combines the flavors of cumin, chili powder, and honey with ease that leaves you wanting just “one more bite”. Use this simple avocado & mango salad as a main entree, or a healthy salad snack throughout the day!
39. Spinach and Strawberry Salad
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing is an eye-popping side dish that’s sure to bring elegance to any meal. Whether you need a healthy lunch or are looking for a salad to bring to a party that people actually want to eat, this strawberry spinach salad is the recipe for you!
40. Southwest Quinoa Salad
Southwest Quinoa Salad is a quinoa salad made with black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, avocado, onion, and a flavorful cilantro lime vinaigrette. This is the perfect salad for potlucks, parties, or meal prep!
Miscellaneous
41. Roasted Garlic Hummus with Crudites
This super creamy roasted garlic hummus recipe will keep for up to five days, covered, in the refrigerator. It’s a perfect side dish for quick lunches, or a mid-afternoon snack with crudites, bruschetta or just a plain old carrot!
42. Homemade Salsa and Baked Tortilla Chips
Learn how to make easy homemade tortilla chips with delicious dips for your next party. Make a batch of crunchy bites, creamy guacamole and smoky salsa.
43. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans
These Quinoa Black Bean Crockpot Stuffed Peppers topped with cilantro, Pepperjack cheese, sour cream, and avocado are making Monday dinners everywhere just a little more wonderful.
44. Avocado Egg Salad
Avocado egg salad takes your classic egg salad recipe and adds healthy avocado for a creamy, nutritious and tasty new side dish recipe you’re sure to love.
45. Deviled Eggs with Greek Yogurt
These deviled eggs are made with thick and creamy Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. They are well-seasoned, mildly spicy, creamy, and delicious! And since they’re ready in just 20 minutes, it’s easy to whip them up anytime.
46. Cucumber Tomato Bruschetta
This cucumber caprese bruschetta is a bright and flavorful summer appetizer with cucumber, tomatoes, basil, garlic and fresh mozzarella served on toasted baguette slices.
47. Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Honey
Filled with honey and cinnamon, Simple Honey-Baked Apples are a perfect sweet side dish for when the weather turns cold. With just 4 ingredients and less than 10 minutes prep time, making this tasty recipe couldn’t get any simpler!
48. Edamame with Sea Salt
Edamame is a go-to appetizer in Japanese restaurants, and for good reason. It’s light, nutrient-rich and comes together in minutes. And now you can prepare them at home to kick-off your next dinner party or as a quick summer snack.
49. Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce
Whip up a thick, refreshing Marinara Sauce to go with these Zucchini Noodles, and you’ve a side dish made in heaven.
50. Cauliflower Buffalo Bites
If you’re looking for a healthy low-carb game day snack to add to your spread for Super Bowl Sunday, make these delicious oven baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. It’s a really easy recipe to make with simple ingredients that will wow your friends!
Conclusion
Just remember, easy side dishes are like secret weapons for upgrading any meal, making it not just tasty but also wholesome and satisfying. Keep things simple, opt for fuss-free yet nutritious options that won’t break the bank, and don’t be afraid to get creative! With a dash of imagination in your cooking, every meal becomes a breeze and a joy to devour.
