What I Made When We Were Low on Groceries—19 Easy Side Ideas

ByMandy

Running low on groceries made dinner tricky, but skipping sides wasn’t happening. These 19 easy ideas used what was left without feeling like a stretch. They came together fast and actually looked planned. Turns out, being short on supplies just meant getting scrappy.

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.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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.

When you’re working with just a few groceries, this seafood salad feels surprisingly refreshing. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing brings together vibrant flavors in a way that’s easy to pull off and enjoy anytime. It’s a smart side dish that doesn’t call for much. Pair it with anything for a quick, easy addition.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

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.

Cooking with basics sometimes surprises you by how good it can be. Cheese Grits are simple and really come through when you’re low on groceries. They’re warm and comforting without a lot of fuss, making them an affordable go-to side. Perfect to serve alongside something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits

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.

Packed with flavor and effortless to pull together, Mexican Street Corn Salad is a quick fix when pantry options run low. It’s a balanced mix that uses minimal ingredients to complement any meal. It works well with grilled dishes or just as itself. Great for stretching what you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

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.

Not every day requires something complicated, but Baked Rice turns up as an easy way to add comfort to your plate. It’s filling on its own and pairs with almost any main dish. Simple techniques make this an efficient side. You’ll love how practical it feels when groceries are limited.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Mango Shrimp Salad

A bowl of shrimp ceviche with diced mango, avocado, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro, with a spoon inside.
Mango Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Seafood meets sweet in this tropical option that feels fresh without complexity. Mango Shrimp Salad brings easy brightness to meals even when ingredients are limited. A refreshing addition that’s light yet hits the mark. Perfect for breaking monotony on pantry-stretch meals.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Grilled Asparagus

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

Looking to add something green but simple? Grilled Asparagus does wonders for keeping things easy while feeling fresh. It’s quick, versatile, and brings balance to heavier meals. A better way to make use of smaller produce without overthinking your side dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

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.

Running low on groceries makes you appreciate versatile pantry staples. Dense Bean Salad turns those staples into something hearty and filling. With minimal prep, it becomes a reliable side option, great for serving with almost anything. Plus, it’s easy to pull together in any pinch.
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.

Leftovers or pantry bread find new purpose in Bread Stuffing. Practical and very filling, it transforms simple ingredients into comfort food. Serve it with poultry or just enjoy it as its own dish. It’s a no-fuss classic that stretches what you already have.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, grated cheese, and dressing.
Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Short on groceries but still craving something fresh? Caesar Salad is a dependable side that doesn’t demand much from your kitchen. It’s well-loved for how easily it pairs with other meals. A surprisingly quick way to bring something light and crisp to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad

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.

Tender potato blends make this dish work well for filling up hungry plates quickly. Mississippi Mud Potatoes combine creamy bites and simple carbs in a no-fuss way. It’s a great option for a side during light grocery days. Big flavor, minimal effort reduces food frustration.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

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.

A friendly option when you’re almost out of food is Healthy Chicken Salad. It uses lean ingredients while being highly versatile as a side dish. Serve it on its own or as a topper for other meals. It’s an easy way to make the most of leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken 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.

Even when you’re low on groceries, Easy Chow Mein has a way of bringing things together. You don’t need much to create this noodle-based side. Once it’s on the table, it can pair with any protein or work just as a hearty standalone. Great for when you want warm, simple comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Making good use of pantry staples is a skill, and Potato Salad proves how far basics can go. It’s filling, affordable, and versatile enough to match most main dishes. Assembly is quick, requiring little kitchen effort. A real crowd-pleaser without fancy ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

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.

Bread shouldn’t be underestimated, especially when it comes to Garlic Knots. Turning dough into a flavorful side feels productive and comforting. They’re a hit at any table, simple to prepare, and great for dipping. Perfect for making an easy addition that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta always seems like the answer when groceries run thin. And Italian Pasta with Salami proves this with a combination that’s both flexible and filling. It’s easy to whip up and works well as a side or standalone dish. Making meal times stress-free when options feel tight.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Crispy Shallots

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

Low on groceries but need something crunchy? Crispy Shallots bring texture to any plate and require very little prep. They add a unique layer of flavor without much effort. Perfect for topping off salads or complementing lighter dishes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Transform leftovers into something fun with Pizza Salad. It’s a quick way to pull mismatched fridge items together and make them shareable. Light but bold, this side works great with nearly anything. A fun mix that proves resourceful cooking can still be tasty.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

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.

Pantry ingredients take on a crispy twist with Crunchy Onion Rings. They’re fast to whip up, great as a snack or quick add-on for any meal. Making them feels straightforward even when groceries are tight. Perfect to enjoy alongside burgers or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Funeral Potatoes

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.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When groceries are sparse, comfort food feels extra welcome like Funeral Potatoes. They use everyday basics to create something hearty and enjoyable. Ideal for pairing with other dishes or simply as an indulgent side. Not complicated, yet endlessly shareable.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

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