These 19 Easy Side Dishes Helped Me Stop Making Three Versions of Dinner

ByMandy

Making three versions of dinner used to be the norm around here. These 19 easy side dishes finally got everyone on board with one meal. Less juggling means more time to enjoy the evening. Turns out, simple sides can save a lot of sanity.

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus spears served on a plate with two charred lemon halves.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crisp and smoky, this side brings something fresh to the table without being complicated. Grilled Asparagus pairs well with almost anything, making it an easy go-to option for busy nights. Its char adds boldness to dinner without overpowering. Perfect for stretching a meal without cooking extra mains.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

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.

Comfort food at its best, this creamy marvel does all the heavy lifting for your meal. Cheese Grits are the kind of hearty side you lean on when you want zero complaints at the table. It’s warm, filling, and low-stress for any weeknight. A crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits

Baked Rice

A close-up of a bowl of oven-baked fried rice mixed with colorful vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and scallions, with a spoon resting inside.
Baked Rice. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Add heartiness to any spread with Baked Rice, offering an oven-cooked twist. It’s got a lovely balance of texture and fluffiness that’s hard to replicate. Stays soft but firm enough to complement sauces. Hands down to one of those reliable sides everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A bowl of Mexican street corn salad garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Combines bold flavors and textures in a way that feels fresh but not fussy. Mexican Street Corn Salad brings fun energy to your plate without overshadowing your main dish. A great way to add variety and color to dinner. It’s the kind of option that keeps your meals exciting.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Focaccia Bread

Slices of focaccia bread topped with rosemary and flaky salt, arranged on brown parchment paper.
Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Soft and chewy Focaccia Bread takes any meal to the next level without being complicated. Its texture is good enough to eat solo or soak up dips and gravies. A no-fail side to keep on rotation. It adds variety while making everything feel homier.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Cowboy Caviar

Close-up of a mixed salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, black beans, chickpeas, corn, cucumber, red onion, and parsley, being drizzled with dressing.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you want something colorful and packed with different textures, this fits the job. Cowboy Caviar works as a playful side or quick appetizer with minimal hassle. It’s easy to throw into any meal without much effort. Great for livening up the table.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top.
Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A richer choice that pairs well with hearty meals, this feels like a treat even on weeknights. Mississippi Mud Potatoes are your answer when you want the ultimate comfort side. It boasts creamy and crispy textures rolled into one dish. Perfect for sharing and worth the extra serving.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

A bowl of mixed salad with grilled shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fresh, light, and filling, Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing strikes a balance. Each bite feels like a meal, but it pairs well on the side. You’re mixing textures in this one. Great option to have on hand for guests who want something different.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Sourdough Bread

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

The timeless choice for dinner that never feels out of place. Sourdough Bread adds a hearty touch to salads, soups, or even grilled mains. Its chewy texture and subtle tang round out any kind of menu. Always handy for grabbing seconds or using leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread

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.

Put together flavors and texture with Dense Bean Salad, providing substance without being stuffy. A mix you don’t really see every day but works each time. This adds a heartier side option that many prefer instead of leafy greens. Pairs well with anything.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Bread Stuffing

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with stuffing made of bread cubes, cranberries, chopped herbs, and celery.
Bread Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A crowd-pleaser during holidays and comforting all year round, this adds depth to any meal setup. Bread Stuffing is an effortless way to warm up the dinner vibe. Works well alongside meats or even veggie-centered dishes. A simple favorite worth repeating.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing

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.

Lighter by design, but still gives a well-rounded experience for dinners. Healthy Chicken Salad keeps meal prep simple without sacrificing taste or texture. Great for pairing with bread slices or serving over greens. Makes busy nights feel less rushed with one quick addition.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

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.

Sweet and crumbly Southern Cornbread invites variety without being overpowering. Whether you eat it alone or alongside hearty, saucy dishes, it makes sense every time. This works great for all occasions. Balanced enough to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Grilled Vegetables

A platter of grilled vegetables including zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus, bell peppers, and red onions, garnished with chopped herbs.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Brings vibrant variety without doing heavy prep work for each individual veggie. Grilled Vegetables make a practical addition to busy weeks without tons of time in the kitchen. Works well as a light addition alongside richer plates. It’s a simple way to round out your meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

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.

Sharp crunch and bold personality make this easy addition worth breaking out. Crunchy Onion Rings are ideal for nights needing a fun snack that doubles as a side dish. Perfect alongside burgers or even lighter mains. You barely have leftovers once they hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Pico de Gallo

A bowl of pico de gallo with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños with a spoon inside, next to a lime and tortilla chips.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh and vibrant Pico de Gallo gives you a go-to side that doesn’t feel generic. Scoop it with your favorites or add it to anything needing some brightness. It’s flavor-first and texture-packed. Works well for quick backyard dinners or taco nights.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

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.

This option is too irresistible not to include on busy weekdays. Garlic Knots work when you need a fast go-to side that’s quick to enjoy with almost any dish. Soft, lightly packed with punchy flavor that blends with everything. Perfect for grabbing mid-conversation at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crunchy and tangy Red Cabbage Coleslaw balances out heavier meals with a clean bite. Works for cookouts or served alongside heavier dishes. Adds mix to simpler plates without taking over. Good all-around option for any dinner theme.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No one argues when this classic hits the table, making it foolproof for family dinners. Mac and Cheese brings comfort with zero overthinking involved. Creamy, filling, and always a hit, even for picky eaters. A side worth having on repeat like clockwork.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

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