I Made 17 Sides That Even My Pickiest Eater Didn’t Argue With
It’s no small win when a picky eater stays quiet through dinner, especially with 17 side options that got the silent approval of a full plate. Nothing got dissected, picked apart, or hidden under napkins. There were even seconds, which honestly felt like winning a mini food lottery. No bribes, no threats, just clean dishes.
Cowboy Caviar
It’s a fun mix that’s perfect for dipping or topping on a snack night. Cowboy Caviar combines different textures you’ll love in one bite. It brings color to the table without being overwhelming. You’ll keep coming back for more since it works with practically everything.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar
Potato Salad
Everyone always eats this creamy, chunky mix without complaint. Potato Salad has just the right balance of hearty and smooth for a side dish. Whether scooped up next to barbecue or anything warm, it fits in perfectly. It’s such a table favorite that it’s never left behind.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
Easy Chicken Casserole
This meal is quick to put together and still feels homemade. Easy Chicken Casserole is warm, filling, and perfect to match with simple sides. It’s cozy and just the right size to please any picky eater. Plus, its mild combination makes everyone happy without complicating things.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
The crunch in this dish makes it stand out among other sides. Red Cabbage Coleslaw is fresh but has all the character needed to be memorable. It pairs easily with heavy food while bringing a lighter touch. Having no overwhelming flavors lets it adapt to any meal on the table.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Grilled Zucchini
Cooking doesn’t need to be complex when a simple vegetable shines like this. Grilled Zucchini is tender and smoky while still being fun to eat. It’s one of those must-try sides when someone wants fewer complaints on greens. Its subtle goodness makes everyone grab one without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
This spin on a favorite brings a unique twist to the usual. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese feels familiar while being slightly new for many picky eaters. Creamy with hints of squash, it blends ingredients in a comforting way. Everyone seems to enjoy it without realizing how balanced it is.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Sweet Potato Fries
Crisp and golden but still soft inside, these fries always win over kids and adults. Sweet Potato Fries become a favorite fast because they don’t complicate meals. Whether dipped into something or eaten plain, they disappear quickly. Their mild flavor works with anything at the table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Dinner Rolls
These bread servings go perfectly alongside almost every dish. Dinner Rolls are soft, warm, and something people grab naturally without hesitation. Perfect for pairing or eating alone, they create familiarity. They’re always eaten without questions since no plate feels complete without them.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Funeral Potatoes
Cheesy goodness always makes eating more fun for everybody. Funeral Potatoes have that classic mix of crunch and smooth that fits perfectly next to heavier meals. It’s comfort food that picky eaters don’t resist. This casserole-style side works every single time.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Caesar Salad
The crisp greens combined with a light dressing create balance in this dish. Caesar Salad gives just enough texture to complement warm meals or bold flavors. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser for anyone wanting something lighter on the plate. Even picky eaters don’t mind its straightforward mix.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad
Hasselback Potatoes
These potatoes add a little something extra through their unique style. Hasselback Potatoes are sliced up and baked to perfection in a way everyone loves visually. Besides their appearance, they’re just soft enough while keeping a hint of edge. No one ever passes on these, no matter the meal.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Waldorf Salad
Topped with crunch, this mix brings variety to plain dishes. Waldorf Salad provides added color while also being fresh without being overcomplicated. Its texture is key because it doesn’t overwhelm what’s next to it. It’s definitely a side that disappears as quickly as meals are served.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad
Garlic Bread
Crisp outside and soft inside makes bread ready to steal the show. Garlic Bread can pair with pasta or simply act as the star next to any entree. Its slight garlic flavor tastes good while being universal enough to avoid complaints. Adding it makes dinner plates feel instantly better.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
This side feels complete as soon as it’s served up and ready. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad brings nuttiness and sweetness to balance out meals. The mix works well as something enjoyably mild for picky eaters. People finish bowls quickly since each bite has variety without overdoing it.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Vegetable Fritters
Crispy yet soft, this side feels familiar while still being inviting. Vegetable Fritters give the perfect mix of texture without over-complicating ingredients. Their bite-sized appeal means fast approval during any dinner. Picky eaters don’t question them since fried foods never fail to please.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters
Corn Casserole
Warm and hearty, this is the kind of side that makes everyone happy. Corn Casserole has just enough softness with a touch of richness that it doesn’t go ignored. It fits almost every meal without needing adjustment. Picky eaters don’t think twice before scooping it onto their plates.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Hawaiian Baked Beans
Just sweet enough, this dish turns a typical side into something memorable. Hawaiian Baked Beans cook perfectly alongside grilled or slow-cooked plates. It’s a mild twist on regular beans that lets picky eaters feel comfortable trying them. It’s never left untouched during meals with its unique balance.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans
