29 Side Dishes That Prove A Meal Is Only As Good As What’s Next To It

ByMandy

A good main is nice, but a great side makes it look even better. These 29 side dishes show up like backup dancers who actually outshine the lead. They’re dependable, bold, and absolutely not just there for decoration. People may forget the main, but these? Hard to ignore.

Chipotle black beans cooked and in a serving bowl.
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheese Grits

Creamy polenta in a skillet, topped with chopped herbs and black pepper, and stirred with a wooden spoon.
Cheese Grits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A beloved Southern dish, Cheese Grits are smooth and comforting, perfect alongside breakfast or dinner. They might just become your go-to comfort food once you’ve had them. No table feels quite complete without their heartwarming presence. They complement any meal impeccably.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits

Healthy Chicken Salad

Close-up of a salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing on a bed of leafy greens.
Healthy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For a healthier plate, consider adding Healthy Chicken Salad. Packed with nutrients, it keeps you energized throughout your day. While light and nutritious, it performs well as a side or main dish. Pair it with your favorite sandwich for a well-balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Close-up view of cooked bacon strips and fried eggs on a white plate, garnished with parsley.
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Aim for crunch at your next meal with Crispy Air Fryer Bacon. Perfect on a breakfast plate or to enhance other dishes, it’s crisp without the mess. It cooks up quickly and pairs wonderfully with both savory breakfasts and salads.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A staple at any family gathering, Corn Casserole offers warmth and comfort beside any main dish. Its presence on the table is always welcome, ensuring that guests leave satisfied. Round out any dinner with this hearty and fulfilling side.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Dense Bean Salad

A spoonful of chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and feta cheese being served from a bowl.
Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re looking for something both filling and nutritious, Dense Bean Salad is the ideal choice. Paired with lighter dishes, it adds texture and substance. This hearty side leaves everyone feeling full and content. Firm, wholesome, and delicious, it’s a sure hit.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Easy Chow Mein

A close-up view of a plate of chow mein stir-fried noodles with vegetables and black sesame seeds, with chopsticks visibly picking up a portion.
Easy Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring a touch of Asian flair to your meal with Easy Chow Mein. It’s not just easy to prepare, but also pairs superbly with savory dishes. Ready in moments, this side dish makes any dining experience more complete. It’s especially handy when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

A bowl of freshly made Copycat Chipotle corn salsa with a serving spoon in it.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh and vibrant, Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa is perfect beside tacos or your favorite grilled meats. Its lively colors and fresh taste can be prepared for any gathering without much fuss. Enjoy the burst of life it brings to your usual recipes.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Sourdough Bread

Sliced loaf of bread on a cutting board with a knife beside it.
Sourdough Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For a versatile bread option, try Sourdough Bread. Ideal with both dinner and as part of a hearty breakfast, its freshness is unbeatable. Enjoy the comfort of biting into a slice of homemade bread that effortlessly cleans up every last bit of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Every scoop of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad offers a mix of textures with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for packing in lunches or spreading on sandwiches, it brings a refreshing twist to any setting. Whether served alone or as part of a buffet, it’s always popular.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Crispy Shallots

A pile of crispy shallots on a plate.
Crispy Shallots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add a crispy punch to your dishes with Crispy Shallots. These can be sprinkled over almost any dish for added texture or enjoyed by themselves for their crunch. They’re surprisingly addictive and enhance everything from soups to salads.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs.
Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you need comfort food swiftly, Easy Chicken Casserole comes to the rescue. Warm, inviting, and enriching, it’s perfect alongside a simple salad. Ideal for busy nights, this casserole fills you up with rich flavors and minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme.
Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables are an effortless way to add color and nutrition to your meal. This simple side dish roasts a colorful medley of roots to tender perfection. Minimal effort for a wholesome addition that’s perfect alongside roast meats.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Garlic Bread

Slices of garlic bread topped with chopped parsley and sea salt sit enticingly on a wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of salt and fresh cloves of garlic.
Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When pasta night rolls around, Garlic Bread is your answer for a matching side. Golden, buttery, and full of aroma, it’s a staple no one can resist. It’s perfect for mopping up extra sauces and enhancing every meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bring luxury to your plate with Dauphinoise Potatoes. This rich side dish is famously creamy and tender. It complements robust dishes like steak or roasted poultry perfectly, adding an element of refined taste to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Hawaiian Baked Beans

A plate of Hawaiian baked beans garnished with a pineapple slice and chopped herbs.
Hawaiian Baked Beans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a unique twist on a classic side, Hawaiian Baked Beans blend sweet and savory flavors exquisitely. These beans are a standout with any barbecue or tropical-themed meal, providing a pleasant surprise on the taste front. They’re perfect for bringing something different to the table.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes it’s the simple extras that steal the show at any meal. Garlic Knots bring a soft, inviting bite that’s perfect alongside your main dish. They’re easy to grab and even easier to enjoy. Don’t be surprised if they go fast.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Cobb Salad

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A Cobb Salad stands its ground as a robust companion to any meal. It’s packed with variety and a rich addition to the table. Dig in fork-first and enjoy how it complements your main course. Every bite offers its own little mix.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Dinner Rolls

Close-up of freshly baked golden-brown dinner rolls, with one roll partially torn to show its soft, fluffy interior.
Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soft and warm, Dinner Rolls are a comforting classic. Pass them around the table for a communal touch. Break them open, watch the steam rise, and enjoy with a dab of butter. They round out any meal with a hint of homey charm.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seven Layer Salad is a colorful feast for the eyes as well as the palate. It’s layered with texture and contrast, perfect as a meal’s trusty sidekick. It’s always a crowd-pleaser with each layer offering a new taste. It keeps well, making it a solid pick for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted hasselback potatoes on a baking sheet with parmesan.
Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tired of the same old spuds? Hasselback Potatoes offer an impressive twist. They come out of the oven crisp and inviting. Plate them up and watch them disappear—no one can resist those golden, buttery layers that look way fancier than the effort it takes.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Crunchy Onion Rings

A close-up of crispy, golden-brown onion rings sprinkled with chopped parsley and black pepper on a white parchment-lined surface captures perfection in every bite.
Crunchy Onion Rings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re looking for something with crunch, Crunchy Onion Rings are it. They add a satisfying snap to any plate. Pass around these golden rings and listen to the satisfying crunch. Perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle rice in a bowl with sliced lime and spoons.
Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a fresh side dish, turn to Cilantro Lime Rice. It’s light, fluffy, and packed with a fresh kick. It pairs well with an array of main dishes, particularly those with a kick. You’ll be scooping seconds before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Southern Cornbread

Close-up of two stacked pieces of cornbread with melted butter on top, showcasing a golden-brown crust and moist, crumbly texture.
Southern Cornbread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Southern Cornbread is down-home cooking at its best. It’s dense, moist, and mildly sweet. A perfect companion for soaking up sauces and gravies. A slice or two completes any plate with a touch of Southern hospitality.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spice up your meal with Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. This salad is bold and full of kick. It’s a refreshing change from the usual sides. It might just steal the spotlight with its punchy presence—and honestly, it’s got more personality than half the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Vegetable Fritters

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, Vegetable Fritters are a hit. They’re a versatile side that fits into any meal plan. Dunk them in your favorite sauce or eat them as is. They’re sure to be gobbled up in no time.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Southern Mash is creamy comfort in every spoonful. It’s a familiar favorite that never disappoints. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this dish has you covered. It’s the ultimate partner to any savory main.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in a white bowl.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These peppers are a bright and bold choice for your side dish lineup. Stuffed Peppers are substantial enough to stand alongside any main dish. They bring a pop of color and a variety of textures to your plate. Grab one and dig in – forks optional!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who doesn’t love Sweet Potato Fries? They’re a trendy alternative to regular fries and just as addictive. Serve them up crispy and watch them vanish. They’re the side dish you can’t stop reaching for—especially when paired with your favorite dip. Warning: you might end up skipping the main course entirely.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Chipotle black beans cooked and in a serving bowl.
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans bring restaurant vibes right to your dinner table. These beans go with pretty much anything, trust me. They’re hearty and a staple in your side dish game. Bowl them up and watch them become the star player.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

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