You’ll Never Need a Side Dish Again With These 27

A good side dish shouldn't just sit on the plate—it should actually make you excited to eat it. These recipes aren't just good fillers; they're the kind of thing you look forward to just as much as (or more than) the main dish. They're bold, reliable, and straight-up great. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just want something that actually tastes like it took effort (without a ton of effort), these are perfect.

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

Creamed Spinach

An overhead image of creamy spinach in a pot. — Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This creamed spinach, made with three cheeses, comes together in about 30 minutes. It makes a bold and reliable side that holds up well with grilled or roasted mains.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Pasta e Piselli

Pasta e piselli, made with peas and Pecorino, comes together quickly and keeps ingredients simple. It’s a strong side for weeknights when time is limited but comfort matters.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Korean Pickled Radish

A close-up of a glass jar filled with small, cubed pieces of radish, seasoned with red chili flakes. — Korean Pickled Radish. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick-pickled Korean or Daikon radish brings crisp texture and tangy flavor. This side pairs easily with tacos, sandwiches, or grilled mains, especially when something sharp and refreshing is needed.
Get the Recipe: Korean Pickled Radish

Mushroom Tartlets

A close up image of a single mushroom tartlet on a serving plate. — Mushroom Tartlets. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Flaky puff pastry and mushrooms baked with creamy cheese make these tartlets quick to prepare and visually appealing. They’re a solid side when you want something that looks like it took more effort than it actually did.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Tartlets

Mango Avocado Salad

An overhead image of avocado salad in a serving bowl. — Mango Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mango and avocado tossed in a lemon vinaigrette come together in minutes. This light salad works well as a side for outdoor meals or when you want something that balances heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Overhead view of green beans placed on a paper towel on a platter. — Din Tai Fung Green Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Garlic green beans made with four ingredients are quick to cook and full of flavor. This side works well with almost any main and doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms are fast to cook and bring strong flavor without much prep. This side pairs easily with many mains and works well when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Mushrooms

Dandelion Greens and Beans Skillet

Dandelion greens sautéed with beans form a hearty side that’s quick to make. It’s a practical option when you want more greens on the plate in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Greens and Beans Skillet

Espinacas con Garbanzos

Chickpeas, greens, and spices make up this savory dish rooted in Spanish cooking. It’s a dependable side that fits into a variety of meals.
Get the Recipe: Espinacas con Garbanzos

Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

A top-down view of stir-fried green beans with coconut on a white plate, accompanied by a white napkin and fork. — Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stir-fried green beans with coconut and Indian spices are ready in 30 minutes. They make a flavorful side that pairs naturally with rice or flatbreads.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

Zesty Butter Beans

Butter beans cooked until creamy make a low-effort, hearty side. They can be served on their own or over grains when you need something filling and versatile.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Butter Beans

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Black bean salad with cilantro lime dressing takes just 10 minutes to prepare. It’s a fast and fresh side that works with a wide range of mains.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Mushroom Focaccia Bread

Baked mushroom focaccia made with parmesan and wine has a great aroma and texture. It’s a strong side to serve with soups or vegetable-based mains.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Focaccia Bread

Easy Mango Salsa

An overhead image of mango salsa in a serving plate. — Easy Mango Salsa. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fresh mango, onion, and herbs combine in this salsa that’s ready in minutes. It’s a useful side to pair with tacos, fish, or grilled meats when something bright is needed.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mango Salsa

Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Spinach artichoke stuffed mushrooms are simple to make and visually appealing for gatherings. The creamy filling makes them a dependable side with strong flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

An overhead image of vegan white bean chili with toppings. — Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

White bean chili made from pantry staples is ready in about 30 minutes. It makes a hearty side that’s easy to throw together on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

Crispy Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce

Roasted turnips with butter and chives have great texture and a clean finish. They make a smart alternative to potatoes and work well as a side for most mains.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce

Spinach and Arugula Salad

A mix of spinach and arugula creates a crisp salad that’s easy to pull together. This side works well to lighten heavier dishes or balance bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Arugula Salad

Wax Beans with Garlic & Basil

Sautéed yellow wax beans with garlic and basil make the most of summer produce. This quick side brings a clean, fresh flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Wax Beans with Garlic & Basil

Mango Salad

Quick to assemble, this mango salad includes a bold dressing and fresh ingredients. It’s a smart side for warmer days or lighter meals.
Get the Recipe: Mango Salad

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Creamy mushroom risotto delivers deep flavor without being complicated. It works as a hearty side when you want something that feels substantial but still manageable.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Air fryer frozen green beans come out crisp with a bit of lemon for brightness. They’re a quick, hands-off side for busy days or when the oven’s already full.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Air Fryer Mushrooms

Garlic soy-coated mushrooms are ready in 20 minutes using an air fryer. This quick side requires little attention and works well across a range of meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mushrooms

Pineapple Mango Salsa

Sweet mango and pineapple mixed with jalapeño and lime create a fast salsa with balance. This side adds freshness to tacos, grilled meats, or chips with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Mango Salsa

Roasted Radishes with Rosemary and Honey

Roasted radishes mellow in flavor when cooked with rosemary and honey. They make a simple side that adds variety without adding much prep.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Radishes with Rosemary and Honey

Fresh Radish Cucumber Salsa

With radish, cucumber, and bell pepper, this crunchy salsa skips tomatoes for a fresher approach. It’s a useful side for summer meals or anything from the grill.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Radish Cucumber Salsa

Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

Vegetarian stuffed mushrooms with walnuts, cranberries, and cheese come together quickly. They’re a strong side when you want something easy that still feels a bit elevated.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms