15 Sides Better Than the Main Dish

Whether it’s crunchy coleslaw or buttery corn on the cob, some sides are undeniably the real stars of dinner. With their vibrant textures and flavors, they keep conversations lively and plates empty. There’s nothing like a fresh, crisp salad to add a bit of excitement to an otherwise ordinary meal. The side dishes are what people talk about later. The main course might be the hero, but the sides are the secret superstars.

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Spring salad with asparagus and potatoes on a white plate.
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A mix of crisp, fresh vegetables stands out on any table. It’s not just the vibrant colors that draw you in, but the textures and flavors. This salad is packed with asparagus, peas, and potatoes, offering a fulfilling bite. Great whether you’re serving it as a side or a light main course. You’ll find people reaching for seconds before touching anything else. It’s a refreshing option that pairs perfectly with nearly any dish.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Grandma's Mashed Potato Casserole on a tray.
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Comfort food at its finest, this casserole brings back those nostalgic family dinner vibes. You’ll love how rich and creamy it is. Everyone always goes back for another serving before even glancing at the main dish. The true star of any gathering, it’s tough to beat grandma’s mashed potato casserole. Combining it with various main courses only highlights its deliciousness. It’s a surefire hit that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Adding a burst of flavor and crunch to your meal, this salad is a great complement to any dish. The mix of fresh veggies gives it a refreshing taste, ideal for a summer meal. Mediterranean Chopped Salad pairs incredibly well with grilled meats or fish. It’s irresistible, and you’ll often find folks loading up their plate with mostly this salad. Perfect for those who want something light and fresh. You can’t go wrong adding this to your meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche served on a pie dish.
Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A versatile option that works well for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. You’ll find this quiche filled with rich, creamy layers of ricotta and fresh asparagus. People will line up for seconds before the main dish even has a chance. Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche never fails to impress with its flavorful blend of flavors and textures. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fits into any meal. Makes for an excellent addition to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A mouthwatering twist on traditional corn on the cob, these ribs will be the hit of your BBQ. The smoky, charred exterior adds an extra layer of flavor. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs steal the spotlight every time they’re served. All ages will rave about them, and they’ll disappear fast. Ideal for adding a unique touch to your outdoor menu. Perfectly complements other grilled dishes and is irresistibly tasty.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

A white bowl filled with seasoned roasted sweet potato cubes, garnished with chopped herbs, with a metal serving spoon on the side and a printed napkin partially visible.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Convenient, delicious, and easy to make, these cubes are a fantastic side. You’ll love the crispy exterior and tender inside of these sweet potato pieces. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Everyone will reach for these first before anything else on their plate. They fit well with nearly any main course, offering a sweet and savory contrast. A true crowd-pleaser for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Beans with Bacon

A white plate with green beans and bacon on it.
Beans with Bacon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This classic combo delivers both flavor and satisfaction. You’ll find it hard to resist the rich, smoky notes of the bacon blended with tender beans. Beans with Bacon is a perfect side that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. It’s the kind of side dish folks pile onto their plates, often going back for seconds. Great for potlucks, family dinners, and more. It’s a warm, hearty option that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Beans with Bacon

Grilled Veggies

Grilled vegetables on a white platter.
Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Mixed vegetables fresh off the grill are a fantastic addition to any plate. The smoky flavor adds a unique twist to simple ingredients. Grilled Veggies complement almost any main course, whether meat or plant-based. People often load their plates with these before they even touch the main dish. Versatile, easy, and healthy, they’re always a hit. Ideal for those looking for fresh, flavorful options.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies

Southern Green Beans

Green beans with sausage on a white plate.
Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

With rich, deep flavors, these green beans are a Southern staple. They pair perfectly with rustic main dishes and are always a favorite. Southern Green Beans always grab attention at any gathering, often being chosen over the main course. The slow-cooked process gives them a unique, savory taste. Family and friends will be going back for more without hesitation. A must-have for your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone in a black dish.
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Luxurious and rich, this spinach dish will leave people wanting more. The smooth texture makes it a perfect complement to roasted meats and other mains. Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone often vanishes fast, with many going back for a second helping. It’s a side dish that stands out, with the mascarpone adding a rich, creamy note. Perfect for holidays and special dinners. This dish boosts any meal it’s paired with.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Green beans with almonds and bacon on a white plate.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

A flavorful twist on a classic, these green beans get an upgrade with almonds and bacon. The nutty crunch and smoky bacon make them hard to resist. Green Beans Almondine with Bacon is a side dish that stands out. Often, people serve themselves a large portion before anything else. Ideal for holidays and special occasions. It adds that extra something to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Grilled Vegetables

A variety of grilled vegetables on a platter.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled vegetables make for a colorful and tasty side that adds a burst of flavor and a touch of char to any meal. It’s a healthy option that appeals to both the eyes and the palate, often garnering more attention than the main course itself. Perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or weekday meals, grilled vegetables are always a crowd favorite and a welcome addition to any table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Pickled Yellow Beans

Pickled yellow beans in a jar on a wooden table.
Pickled Yellow Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bright and tangy, these yellow beans are a refreshing side. The pickling process gives them a unique flavor that pairs well with heavier main dishes. Pickled Yellow Beans are often the first thing people reach for on the table. Great for adding a bit of acidity and crunch to your meals. They provide a nice contrast that keeps everything balanced. Perfect for BBQs and summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Braised potatoes in a pan after cooking.
Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These braised potatoes are a comforting, hearty side perfect for any meal. The garlic and rosemary give a savory depth that blends well with roasted or grilled meats. Many people will fill their plates with Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes before reaching for anything else. The tender texture and bold flavors make it a must-have. Great for family dinners or special occasions. It’s a dependable side dish that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This corn dish brings a new level of deliciousness to your meal. The savory bacon mixed with sweet corn creates an irresistible combo. People will go back for seconds of Bacon Fried Corn before touching anything else. Ideal for summer BBQs and gatherings. The flavors blend perfectly, making it a standout choice. It’s an upgrade from the usual corn sides, adding a unique touch.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

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