19 Side Dishes Because One Option Is Never Enough

ByMandy

One side dish is never enough when there are 19 that deserve a spot on the table. These recipes prove the sides can easily outshine the main event without even trying. Piling your plate high with extra options suddenly feels like a smart move. Honestly, nobody’s going to miss the main course once these show up.

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

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.

Seafood lovers will enjoy this hearty mix that pairs shrimp with fresh greens. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing has a creamy, smooth addition that ties everything together. It’s a dish that balances light preparation with bold flavors. Perfect as a versatile side for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

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.

Simple yet packed with flavor, this side dish is ideal for large meals or even smaller midweek spreads. The fluffy texture of Baked Rice ensures a complementary addition to any main course. This option works well for soaking up sauces. Great for bringing depth to the table without overpowering other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

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 refreshingly light option, this prepared chicken dish offers protein-packed versatility in every bite. Healthy Chicken Salad fits well at both casual dinners and larger events. Its mix doesn’t overwhelm, making it easy to pair with robust mains. A balanced dish that’s always crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

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.

Creamy with bits of richness, this side takes comfort food to the next level. Cheese Grits is a warm, hearty choice that complements almost anything. Though simple, it offers plenty of depth to your plate. A great go-to for gatherings or quieter nights at home.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits

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.

This flavorful creation combines pasta with cured meat to achieve a mix that’s both filling and fun. Italian Pasta with Salami brings a rich-in-taste touch to any side lineup. It’s an easy option when you want bold additions for your meal. Great for sharing at casual or formal events alike.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Caesar Salad

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

A crisp mix adds freshness to your meal and balances heavier dishes on the table. Everyone knows Caesar Salad for its crunch and smooth flavor blend. It’s a reliable go-to whenever a green addition is needed. Perfect for complementing meals without being overcomplicated.
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.

When you need a hearty addition, this option brings creamy layers mixed with deeply fulfilling textures to any spread. Mississippi Mud Potatoes fit seamlessly next to mains like grilled meats or other staples. It’s filling but doesn’t overshadow other dishes. A comforting side ideal for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

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, pillowy bread easily becomes a crowd favorite with its welcoming texture. Focaccia Bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or more elaborate mains. Its simplicity highlights flavors rather than competes with them. Perfect for every type of meal, from everyday dinners to fancy occasions.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

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.

Bringing bold elements together in one bowl, this option bursts with layers of texture. Mexican Street Corn Salad is a fun way to add a bright side to any table setup. Its components work harmoniously without being heavy. A great finishing touch when variety matters most.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Casseroles don’t get easier or more comforting than this. Easy Tater Tot Casserole combines crispy layers and tender flavors, perfect for big crowds. A reliable choice for both potlucks and quiet nights. Great for adding a little extra to a meal with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

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.

Everyone recognizes this classic addition at holiday tables or any time comfort sides steal the show. Bread Stuffing creates that homestyle feel, bringing plates together with its welcoming taste. It works well alongside meats or vegetarian mains alike. Always a versatile choice for cozy gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing

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.

A hearty bowl offering protein and flavorful components, this is one filler side worth revisiting. Dense Bean Salad mixes both textures and deeply fulfilling bite-sized pieces. Excellent for those seeking no-meat options. Perfect for pairing with lighter mains to feel balanced overall.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Vegetable Fritters

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

Crispy on the outside and packed with goodness, these fritters work well across meals or by themselves. Vegetable Fritters add colorful textures to your lineup without taking over. They’re easy to share, perfect for casual hangouts. Great when variety in texture matters.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

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.

Every table loves a creamy option filled with classic richness, and this dish delivers just that. Mac and Cheese blends comforting tastes into one neat bowl. Perfect for kids or longtime fans, it fits any meal lineup. It’s always a safe bet for casual or formal spreads.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

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.

A refreshing blend balances fruit sweetness with seafood to bring together a unique dish. Mango Shrimp Salad is light yet flavorful enough for side dish duty. Adds variety for spreads that need a little something extra. Perfect for outdoor meals or when hosting guests.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Sourdough Bread

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

Known for its slightly tangy flavor, this bread is a great table addition. Sourdough Bread works seamlessly with salads, soups, or more elaborate dishes. Its texture feels timeless, pairing elegantly at any meal. Easy to incorporate or enjoy on its own.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread

Yellow Squash Casserole

Squash casserole being served with a wooden serving spoon.
Yellow Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Both creamy and dimensional, this dish mixes comforting flavors into one cohesive side. Yellow Squash Casserole shows how easy warm vegetables can complement meals. It works well at holiday spreads or routine dinners. A welcoming plate to enjoy without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Potato Salad

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

Loaded with classic textures, this cold dish is always a crowd favorite. Potato Salad works whether plating next to grilled mains or something lighter. Its versatility stands out, blending reliably into seasonal meals. Perfect for casual setups or bigger gatherings alike.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

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

Classic black beans take on enhanced flavor, making them a standout addition for any meal. Copycat Chipotle Black Beans shows how simplicity can still impress. Perfect for bowls, spreads, or side offerings. A versatile choice everyone can enjoy across plates.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

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