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From crisp salads to roasted veggies and garlicky breads, these easy side dishes are the perfect match for any meal. Get recipes that pair beautifully with chicken, beef, pork, or fish.
Side dishes don’t always get the credit they deserve. The main course usually takes the spotlight, but the sides are what actually make a meal memorable. Think about it — would Thanksgiving turkey be the same without buttery mashed potatoes or golden roasted carrots? Probably not.
In my kitchen, sides are all about balance. If I’m making something rich, like short ribs or roast chicken, I’ll lean on a bright salad or simple roasted vegetables to lighten things up. On the flip side, when dinner is something lean and quick like grilled fish, I’ll bring in garlicky bread or a creamy potato dish to add comfort and heartiness.
What I love most about side dishes is how much variety they bring to the table without a ton of extra work. Toss a few fresh ingredients together and you’ve got a salad that tastes like summer. Roast vegetables with olive oil and garlic, and suddenly your kitchen smells amazing. Bake off a loaf of quick bread or whip up garlic toast, and the whole meal instantly feels cozy and complete.
The goal of this collection of recipes is to serve you up side dish recipes that are easy to make any night of the week. This is how we use up seasonal produce in our house, or how I make a dinner during the week a little extra special. These recipes are simple, flexible, and, most importantly, they make everything else on the plate taste even better.
easy side dish recipes
Panzanella Toscana
Panzanella Toscana is bold, bready, and bursting with peak summer flavor. Think of it as the ultimate excuse to eat big chunks of toasted bread soaked in garlicky dressing, tossed with juicy tomatoes and salty shards of crispy prosciutto.
Cucumber Tomato salad
This cucumber tomato salad is refreshing, vibrant, and the kind of summer staple that never lets you down. With juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, slivers of red onion, and loads of fresh herbs, it’s tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette that lets all the seasonal flavor shine.
Sourdough Garlic Toast
Crispy sourdough garlic toast, ready in 10 minutes! With golden edges, tangy bread, and homemade garlic herb butter, it’s the ultimate companion for soups, pasta, or snacking.
Crispy Roasted Broccoli with Roasted Garlic Aioli
This is the only way I will eat broccoli from now until forever. After too many meals of steamed broccoli, I’ll admit I was getting bored with the vegetable. The texture was becoming monotonous and I was feeling uninspired. On a particularly lazy evening after a too-long week, Ben was making dinner and decided to
Tomato Onion Salad
A fresh, tangy tomato onion salad made with juicy tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions. Tossed in a bold olive oil and vinegar dressing, it’s the easiest side you’ll make all summer.
Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
This honey roasted carrots and parsnips recipe is a simple and tasty side dish to pair with any meal. With just a handful of ingredients, all you have to do is prep, toss, and bake the vegetables. It is perfect for weeknight dinners or even holiday gatherings!
Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Bread
Air fryer roasted garlic bread takes garlic bread to a whole new level of flavor. The nutty and rich flavors of the roasted garlic and herbaceous fresh herbs elevate humble garlic bread, without adding a ton of extra work. The air fryer makes this recipe a breeze!
Smoky Charred Corn
Smoky Charred Corn is a simple and mouthwatering recipe that is perfect for BBQ lovers. The quick and easy dish is full of smoky flavor surrounding perfectly grilled blackened corn kernels. This recipe goes with any main dish, but anything fresh of the grill or smoker is ideal!
Garlic Butter Oven Roasted Carrots and Potatoes
Garlic Butter Oven Roasted Carrots and Potatoes are the side dish that goes with anything you can think of! The rich and creamy gold potatoes with bright, flavorful carrots are a classic combination. All you need are a few ingredients from your pantry!
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan are the easy way to make your favorite side dish! No more waiting for water to boil, because the Instant Pot does all the work for you. Made with roasted garlic and parmesan, the potatoes are creamy, cheesy, savory bliss.
Spicy-Sweet Roasted Broccolini
Spicy-Sweet Roasted Broccolini is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and fresh that goes with pretty much any entree you can think of. The spicy sweet sauce is full of flavor and really complements the crisp tender roasted broccolini. Plus, it’s so easy to throw together, you don’t have to worry about your side dish taking away your full attention as you cook.
Bacon Parmesan Quick Bread
Bacon Parmesan Quick Bread is a super fast bread recipe that comes together in 30 minutes! No waiting for dough to rise and it goes great with anything you’re having for dinner. The bread is BACK, you guys. It was only a matter of time before I baked up a fresh loaf to share with
Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
These golden Parmesan potatoes bake up perfectly crisp on the outside while staying fluffy and tender on the inside. Packed with cheesy flavor and irresistible crunch, they make the ultimate side dish for any meal.
Mexican Avocado Salad
With just a few fresh ingredients, this avocado salad is light, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect side to balance rich Mexican dishes or to enjoy on its own.
Roasted Chantenay Carrots
Roasted Chantenay carrots turn naturally sweet and caramelized in the oven, with just the right amount of tender bite. A drizzle of pomegranate molasses brings a tangy brightness that balances the flavors beautifully.
Caprese Asparagus Salad
This twist on classic caprese layers roasted asparagus and tomatoes with fresh mozzarella for a burst of seasonal flavor. Drizzled with balsamic, it’s a colorful salad that feels both hearty and fresh.
Lemon Parmesan Broccoli
Broccoli roasted until golden brown develops a crisp edge and nutty flavor. Tossed with Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a quick side that delivers big on taste.
Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta
Sweet, caramelized carrots are paired with creamy whipped feta for a side that’s both savory and bright. A touch of lemon and garlic ties everything together in one beautiful dish.
Mashed Plantains
Sweet ripe plantains are mashed with garlic and savory broth to create a creamy, hearty side. It’s rich in flavor, incredibly satisfying, and a perfect match for meats, beans, or stews.
Harissa Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower florets get a bold makeover with smoky, spicy harissa for a side dish that packs a punch. It’s quick to prepare, big on flavor, and perfect for adding excitement to everyday meals.
Maple Ginger Glazed Carrots
Carrots roasted in the oven with maple syrup and ginger become sweet, tender, and full of warmth. They make a colorful side dish that pairs beautifully with both simple dinners and holiday meals.
Asian Cucumber Salad
Crisp cucumber slices soak up a zesty chili-ginger dressing that delivers just the right amount of heat. This quick and refreshing side dish comes together in minutes and pairs with just about anything.
Roasted Carrots and Asparagus
A colorful combination of roasted carrots and asparagus comes together with creamy goat cheese for an elegant side. The mix of earthy sweetness and tangy richness makes it stand out at any meal.
Instant Pot Mexican Rice
This easy rice dish is fluffy, tender, and full of tomato and spice flavor, all made quickly in the Instant Pot. It’s a comforting side that pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.
Baked French Fries (Oil-Free)
These baked French fries come out crisp and golden without a drop of oil. With just four ingredients, they’re a lighter take on classic fries that’s perfect for snacking or serving alongside dinner.
Grilled Zucchini
Thin strips of zucchini brushed with olive oil and spices take on smoky, charred flavor right off the grill. Easy to prepare and full of bold taste, they’re perfect for summer barbecues.
Air Fryer Green Beans
In just 8 minutes, green beans cook up crisp, tender, and perfectly seasoned in the air fryer. This easy and healthy side dish works for weeknight dinners or holiday spreads.
Roasted Asparagus
Simple oven roasting turns asparagus into crisp-tender spears with deep, savory flavor. Easy to season and pair, it’s a versatile side that never fails to impress.
Spinach Salad with Sesame-Peanut Dressing
Fresh spinach leaves are coated in a nutty sesame-peanut dressing that adds richness and umami. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful salad perfect for busy nights.
Chickpea Avocado Salad
Tender chickpeas, creamy avocado, and crisp veggies come together in a refreshing salad that’s tossed with lime and cilantro. It’s wholesome, filling, and ideal for lunch, meal prep, or as a vibrant side.
Harusame Salad
This light Japanese salad combines slippery glass noodles with crisp vegetables for a refreshing mix of textures. Tossed in a tangy sesame dressing, it’s a simple dish that both kids and adults will love.
Essential Tools for Simple Side Dishes
Having the right tools on hand makes prepping sides a lot easier.
A good half sheet baking sheet (especially with a rim!) is essential for roasting vegetables or toasting up bread cubes for croutons.
A sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board make quick work of chopping.
For breads and potatoes, a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven will give you that perfect golden crust. And of course, tongs and a wooden spoon are simple but you’ll use it in just about every single recipe.
Main Dish Pairings
The best part about these sides is how versatile they are. Pair the fresh salads with grilled chicken or fish for a light, balanced dinner. The roasted vegetables and garlic breads are perfect alongside pork chops, steak, or a Sunday roast. Creamy potatoes and broccolini shine with roasted turkey or baked salmon. No matter what’s on the menu, there’s a side here that can bring it all together and make the meal feel complete. Here’s some of our favorite main dishes that go with any of these side dish recipes:
- Roasted Chicken with White Wine and Herbs
- BBQ Rack of Lamb
- Honey Sesame Ginger Salmon Bites
- Grilled Full Chicken
- Traeger BBQ Apple Cider Ribs
- Grilled New York Strip Steak
- Smoked Pork Loin
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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about meghan
Meghan Yager is the recipe developer, food photographer, and creative force behind Cake ‘n Knife, where everyday moments are celebrated with bold, flavor-forward recipes. From cozy cocktails to bold appetizers and indulgent desserts, her approachable style brings people together around food worth sharing. Meghan’s work has been featured by Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Today, Woman’s Day, and The Huffington Post. She lives in Denver, where she brings big flavor and a little sass to every bite.
