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Home » Sides

25 Side Dishes That Are Just as Exciting as the Main Course

Published: Mar 26, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Side dishes shouldn’t be an afterthought—they should be just as great as what’s on the main plate. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or keeping things simple, the right side can make the whole meal better. These recipes bring bold flavors and fresh ingredients that hold their own next to any main course. So, if you’re tired of boring sides, it’s time to give them the attention they deserve.

A plate of Garlic Bok Choy.
10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy. Photo Credit: MOON and spoon and yum

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes with a slice of butter and a golden spoon.
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Instant Pot mashed potato recipe skips the draining step, making it quick and convenient. Garlicky and creamy, it’s a practical side for both special occasions and weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

A close-up image of stuffed baked potatoes.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stuffed baked potatoes with mushrooms, spinach, and melted cheddar come together in 30 minutes. A quick, hearty side that fits well on holiday tables or with casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Tomato Puff Pastry Tart

An overhead image of tomato puff pastry tarts on a serving plate.
Tomato Puff Pastry Tart. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A tomato puff pastry tart with a flaky crust, creamy ricotta, and caramelized tomatoes. Easy to prepare and works well as a light side for brunches or dinner spreads.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Puff Pastry Tart

Sweet Potato Cornbread

An image of a slice of sweet potato cornbread on a plate with butter and honey on top.
Sweet Potato Cornbread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This sweet potato cornbread has a rich, buttery texture with crisp edges. Slightly sweet and golden brown, it’s a reliable choice when you need a quick side for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Colcannon

An overhead image of a large pot filled with colcannon.
Colcannon. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Colcannon combines mashed potatoes with sautéed cabbage and green onions, creating a buttery and flavorful dish. It’s a simple way to add variety to classic sides.
Get the Recipe: Colcannon

10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy

A plate of Garlic Bok Choy.
10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Garlic bok choy comes together quickly, making it a practical side for weeknight meals. Its light, flavorful profile pairs easily with a variety of mains.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy

Easy Egg Rolls

An image of vegan egg rolls arranged on a serving dish with sweet chili sauce on the side.
Easy Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan egg rolls that are crisp and flavorful, ready in 20 minutes. A quick, easy side or appetizer to round out any meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Rolls

One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

One pot gouda cand cream cheese corn in a bowl.
One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gouda and cream cheese corn casserole is rich, creamy, and cheesy. It’s a crowd-pleasing side that pairs easily with roasted meats and holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

Roasted Vegetable Salad

An overhead image of roasted vegetable salad on a serving dish. with the dressing on the side.
Roasted Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted vegetable salad loaded with seasonal flavors and a light vinaigrette. It works well warm or cold, making it a versatile side for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley

A close-up image of Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley.
Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

A roasted vegetable medley packed with layers of flavor in every bite. An easy side that brings variety and texture to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley

Vegan Drumsticks

An image of vegan drumsticks on a plate garnished with fresh green herbs and a lemon wedge.
Vegan Drumsticks. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan drumsticks that are crispy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. They’re a plant-based side that’s easy to make and pairs well with casual meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Drumsticks

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

A fresh, colorful, and wholesome bowl of vegan couscous salad with tofu and a drizzle of dressing to finish it off.
Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Couscous salad with tofu and lemon dressing is quick to prepare. Its light, fresh flavors make it a great side to balance richer mains.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Sautéed Beet Greens

A plate of Sautéed Beet Greens with a fork.
Sautéed Beet Greens. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Beet greens with everything bagel seasoning add a flavorful punch to leafy greens. A simple, versatile side that works with a variety of mains.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens

Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

A plate with three Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes.
Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Garlic butter fondant potatoes are crisp on the outside and soft inside. They add a rich, savory side to any meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

An image of roasted cabbage steaks on a serving plate.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted cabbage steaks are easy to prepare and full of flavor. They make a nutritious side that’s ready in just 35 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash.
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Butternut squash, wild rice, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds come together for a colorful side. It brings a mix of flavors and textures, especially fitting for holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Overhead image of best broccoli salad with creamy dressin on a bowl.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Broccoli salad with bacon, cranberries, and creamy dressing balances crunch, sweetness, and savory notes. It’s a fresh side that complements heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon

Top view of a bowl of Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon.
Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Smoked potato salad made with smoked potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. It’s a bold take on a classic side that brings depth to barbecue or picnic meals.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon

Green Beans and Potatoes

An image of green beans in a serving bowl with a spoon resting on it.
Green Beans and Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green beans and potatoes create a simple yet flavorful dish. Ready in 25 minutes, this side works with everything from roasted meats to casual weekday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes

Lemon Greek Potatoes

Close-up image of lemon greek potatoes in a dish.
Lemon Greek Potatoes. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Lemon Greek potatoes are crispy on the edges and tender inside. Seasoned with olive oil, oregano, and garlic, they bake for just an hour, making them a practical side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Crispy Vegan Roasted Potatoes

Close-up image of cripsy vegan roasted potatoes.
Crispy Vegan Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crispy roasted potatoes finished with a lemon-thyme dressing. Their tangy, herby flavor makes them a great side for heavier dishes, especially during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Roasted Potatoes

Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast

An overview of Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast on a wooden board.
Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This beet and walnut vegetarian roast has earthy sweetness and a rich, nutty texture. It works well as a hearty side, especially for holiday or vegetarian spreads.
Get the Recipe: Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast

Mushroom Focaccia Bread

Plates with slices of Mushroom Focaccia Bread and a fork.
Mushroom Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Marsala mushroom and onion focaccia is soft and fragrant while baking. Its savory flavor makes it a fitting side for soups, salads, or roasted meats.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Focaccia Bread

Espinacas con Garbanzos

A bowl of Spinach and Chickpeas.
Espinacas con Garbanzos. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Espinacas con Garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas) combines fragrant spices with hearty chickpeas. It’s a bold, flavorful side that brings a touch of Spanish tradition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Espinacas con Garbanzos

Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots

A plate of Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots on a wooden board.
Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Maple-roasted rainbow carrots offer natural sweetness and buttery richness. Their bright colors make them a standout side for both casual and special meals.
Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots

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    20 holiday mashed potatoes that feel like pure comfort on a cold night
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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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