You’re Not Even Trying Until You Make These 28 Sides

Sides are where you show you’re actually trying—not just phoning it in. These are the dishes that can steal the whole meal if you do them right. We're talking about bold flavors, great textures, and recipes that are easy enough to make on a weeknight but still feel like you made an effort. If your main dish is solid, these sides make it memorable.

Close-up image of mango salad with a wooden spoon in a white bowl. — Mango Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Pasta e Piselli

Pasta e piselli, made with peas and Pecorino, is quick and easy to prepare. It works well as a side when you're short on time but still want something comforting.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Mango Avocado Salad

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

Mango and avocado are tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to create a fresh, no-fuss salad. It’s a good side for outdoor meals and comes together in just 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Mushroom Tartlets

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

Flaky puff pastry baked with mushrooms and cheese makes these tartlets ready in about 35 minutes. They're a strong side when you need something that looks polished without taking too much time.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Tartlets

Creamed Spinach

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

Three cheeses bring depth to this creamed spinach, inspired by a Southern classic and ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a strong choice for pairing with grilled or roasted mains.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

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.

Thinly sliced daikon radish is quickly pickled to keep its crunch and tang. This side fits well with tacos, sandwiches, or Korean-style dishes.
Get the Recipe: Korean Pickled Radish

Mushroom Focaccia Bread

Mushroom focaccia, made with wine and parmesan, fills the kitchen with a rich aroma as it bakes. This comforting side works especially well with soups or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Focaccia Bread

Mango Salad

Mango salad with bold dressing comes together fast with only a few steps. It’s a fresh side for warmer days or light lunches.
Get the Recipe: Mango Salad

Pineapple Mango Salsa

Mango and pineapple meet jalapeño and lime in this quick salsa. Its bright, balanced flavor makes it a good side when you want something easy and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Mango Salsa

Air Fryer Mushrooms

Mushrooms tossed in a garlic soy mixture cook in just 20 minutes using an air fryer. This quick side is simple to prepare and works with a wide range of meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mushrooms

Spinach and Arugula Salad

Spinach and arugula combine in this fresh salad with a crisp bite. It’s a simple side that balances heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Arugula Salad

Crispy Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce

Roasted turnips with butter and chives come together with minimal effort. They’re a straightforward side that brings good flavor and texture to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce

Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms cook quickly and bring depth to the plate. They’re a practical side that complements almost any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Mushrooms

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.

These garlic green beans use just four ingredients and come together fast. They’re a versatile side that pairs well with most mains.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Espinacas con Garbanzos

Chickpeas and greens come together in Espinacas con Garbanzos with a mix of spices. This rich side fits easily into everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Espinacas con Garbanzos

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Black bean salad with cilantro lime dressing is ready in 10 minutes and needs no cooking. It’s a quick side that adds freshness and substance to the table.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Garlic Herb Bread Wreath

This garlic herb bread wreath comes together simply and pairs well with rich or festive mains. It's a solid side for holiday spreads or special meals.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Bread Wreath

Fresh Radish Cucumber Salsa

A mix of radish, cucumber, and bell pepper gives this salsa crunch and brightness. It’s a fresh side that fits well with grilled mains or summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Radish Cucumber Salsa

Easy Mango Salsa

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

Fresh mango, herbs, and onion come together in minutes for a quick salsa. It’s a bright, fresh side that goes well with tacos, grilled meat, or seafood.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mango Salsa

Zesty Butter Beans

Creamy butter beans take little prep and can be served alone or with grains. They make a hearty side that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Butter Beans

Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms filled with walnuts, cranberries, and cheese make a quick side with contrast in texture and flavor. They work well when you want something that feels a bit more put-together.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Frozen green beans crisp up in the air fryer and are finished with lemon. They’re a reliable side for busy days or low-effort meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Creamy mushroom risotto packs flavor without being fussy to make. It works well as a side when you're after something hearty but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Roasted Radishes with Rosemary and Honey

Roasted radishes mellow in flavor and get a touch of sweetness from honey. This simple side brings a new angle to familiar vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Radishes with Rosemary and Honey

Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

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

This white bean chili is made from pantry staples and ready in about 30 minutes. It's a hearty side that works well on nights when you need something easy to put together.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy White Bean Chili

Wax Beans with Garlic & Basil

Yellow wax beans are sautéed with garlic and basil in just a few steps. This easy side is a good way to use summer vegetables with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Wax Beans with Garlic & Basil

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 take about 30 minutes to prepare. This side pairs well with rice or flatbreads and brings bold flavor to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms filled with spinach and artichoke are quick to prepare and serve well in gatherings. Their creamy filling makes them a dependable side with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Dandelion Greens and Beans Skillet

Dandelion greens and beans cook quickly to create a plant-based dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a smart side for getting more greens on the table.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Greens and Beans Skillet