34 Easy Side Dishes For Dinner That Pair Perfectly With Whatever You’re Cooking

Dinner isn’t complete without the right side to back it up, and easy side dishes for dinner are the perfect fix when you want something fuss-free but reliable. These dishes step in to fill the gaps, add a bit of crunch, or bring some green to the plate without stealing the spotlight. They’re quick to pull together and flexible enough to match whatever main course you’re throwing down. No need to stress over complicated sides when simple gets the job done just as well. When you want a solid backup plan for dinner, these easy side dishes for dinner have your back.

A white bowl filled with kale salad mixed with a creamy dressing and topped with chopped nuts, placed on a light-colored surface. — Photo credit: Daniel's Plate.

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Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Bowl of sautéed cabbage topped with crispy bacon strips. — Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This skillet cabbage with bacon comes together quickly and has that rich, savory flavor you’d expect from a comfort dish. The cabbage softens just right while the bacon stays crisp. It’s an easy go-to when you want something warm and filling without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Bacon Green Beans

A fork lifts green beans and bacon pieces from a white plate. — Bacon Green Beans. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These bacon green beans cook fast and have just the right amount of smoky flavor. They pair well with most mains and are perfect when you need a reliable go-to. This is one of those easy side dishes for dinner that people tend to request again.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

Teriyaki Noodles

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables, topped with sesame seeds, placed on a brown cloth napkin. Chopsticks rest on the bowl's edge, and a small dish is visible in the background. — Teriyaki Noodles. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These teriyaki noodles are quick to throw together and full of flavor. The sauce coats the noodles evenly, while the veggies add some crunch. This is a smart option when you're short on time but still want a solid dish.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Noodles

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a spoon holding creamy mac and cheese garnished with green onions. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This crock pot mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and cooks while you take care of other things. It stays soft and rich without getting mushy. You’ll want to keep this recipe in mind for both weeknights and family get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Vegan Mexican Rice

Bowl of Mexican rice mixed with tomato sauce and garnished with a sprig of cilantro, with a fork inserted into the rice. — Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This vegan Mexican rice is fluffy, flavorful, and cooks up in no time. It pairs especially well with tacos and enchiladas. Plus, it uses pantry ingredients you probably already have.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Crab Fried Rice

Close-up of a spoon holding fried rice with crab meat, green onions, and red bell peppers. — Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This crab fried rice is packed with flavor but skips the heavy sauces. It cooks quickly and doesn’t require a long list of ingredients. Great as a main or as one of those easy side dishes for dinner that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Ratatouille

Ratatouille comes together with zucchini, eggplant, and other vegetables for a warm, filling side. It’s a smart way to use up summer produce and works well with almost any main dish. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a sprig of parsley. Red potatoes and a grater are in the background on a beige cloth. — Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These mashed red potatoes are extra creamy with just the right amount of garlic. They’re a solid comfort food option that’s hard to mess up. Serve them at dinner or during holidays for a dependable side.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs. — Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These roasted cabbage steaks are simple to prep and cook evenly in the oven. With some olive oil and seasoning, the edges crisp up nicely while the inside stays tender. They're a great low-effort side when you want something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

A plate of green beans tossed with herbs and pine nuts. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These garlic butter green beans have big flavor without a lot of fuss. They’re ready in under 15 minutes and don’t require many ingredients. This is one of those easy side dishes for dinner that gets made on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy penne pasta with a fork, placed on a textured surface. — Dairy Free Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dairy-free mac and cheese is creamy and smooth thanks to simple plant-based ingredients. It reheats well, making it a smart meal prep option too. Serve it warm as a comforting side or eat it on its own.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Rice

A spoonful of slow-cooked white rice held above a bowl, with a fresh green parsley leaf in the background. — Slow Cooker Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Making rice in a slow cooker takes the guesswork out of timing and texture. It comes out fluffy and ready to pair with anything. This trick is helpful when you’re juggling other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Green Bean Tomato Salad

A plate of green beans with cherry tomato halves and crumbled feta, served with a fork on a white tablecloth. — Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This green bean and tomato salad is fresh and full of summer flavor. It doesn’t take long to prep and holds up well if made ahead. Perfect for cookouts or quick dinners at home.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Asparagus spears are topped with grated cheese on a white platter, surrounded by lemon slices. White serving tongs are holding some of the asparagus. — Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This asparagus is roasted until crisp and then sprinkled with Parmesan for extra flavor. It’s ready fast and doesn’t need much cleanup. It's one of those easy side dishes for dinner that also works for lunch leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

A plate of creamy mixed salad with purple cabbage, corn, sliced jalapeños, crumbled cheese, and fresh herbs, served on a white dish. — Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This coleslaw combines corn, cabbage, and a creamy chili-lime dressing. It adds crunch and brightness to tacos, grilled meats, or even rice bowls. It also holds up well in the fridge, so you can prep it early.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli with Lemon

A plate of roasted broccoli florets topped with grated cheese and served with lemon wedges. — Parmesan Roasted Broccoli with Lemon. Photo credit: The Virtual Caterer.

This roasted broccoli gets a crispy finish from Parmesan and a fresh bite from lemon juice. It’s simple to make and works well with meat or pasta. Even picky eaters might enjoy this one.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Broccoli with Lemon

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with two pats of butter and chopped parsley, next to a wooden spoon and a red-and-white checkered cloth. — Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These mashed potatoes cook up fast in the Instant Pot and always come out fluffy. The texture stays smooth, and cleanup is easy. They’re a strong option when you need something fast but filling.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Crispy Air Fryer Broccolini

A black bowl with cooked broccolini, a wedge of lemon, and a metal spoon on a dark surface. — Crispy Air Fryer Broccolini. Photo credit: The Virtual Caterer.

This broccolini comes out with crispy edges and a tender bite in just a few minutes. I threw it in the air fryer while prepping the rest of dinner and it basically handled itself. Toss it next to grilled chicken or stir it into pasta, and you’ve got something that actually feels like a real side dish.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Broccolini

Muriwo Unedovi

A white baking dish filled with a cooked vegetable medley, including chopped greens, tomatoes, onions, and red peppers, with a serving spoon inside. — Muriwo Unedovi. Photo credit: Daniel's Plate.

This dish has that peanut sauce comfort but with a little punch of spice that keeps it interesting. I used collard greens, but honestly, anything leafy works here. It’s rich, warm, and way easier than you’d think. Plus, it’s just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Muriwo Unedovi

Italian Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy pasta topped with breadcrumbs and chopped herbs, with a sprig of thyme beside it. A fork and knife are partially visible on the right. — Italian Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Nonni.

It’s creamy, gooey, and loaded with herby flavor without being over the top. I threw in a mix of cheese I already had, and it still came out dreamy. This one feels fancy enough for company but easy enough to throw together midweek.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mac and Cheese

Garlicky Kale

This version of kale actually tastes like something you want seconds of. The garlic comes through loud and clear, and the texture hits just right—not too mushy, not too chewy. It cooks down fast, which is great when you just want dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Kale

Kimchi Slaw

A bowl of colorful coleslaw with sliced cabbage, carrots, and purple cabbage, garnished with cilantro and black sesame seeds. A fork is placed on a napkin beside the bowl. — Kimchi Slaw. Photo credit: Next Level Baker.

This slaw packs way more punch than any plain mayo version I’ve had. It’s crunchy, tangy, and brings just enough heat to keep things fun. I like piling it on tacos, but honestly, it’s good straight from the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Slaw

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with rotini pasta, lettuce, croutons, bacon pieces, and drizzled with creamy dressing. — Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: This Family Eats.

It’s part Caesar, part pasta salad, and totally worth mixing up for lunch. You get crunch, creaminess, and just enough chicken to call it a meal. I usually make a big batch and eat off it for a couple of days.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Hot Honey Roasted Carrots

A white oval plate filled with roasted multicolored carrots and parsnips, garnished with chopped parsley, on a marble surface. — Hot Honey Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: Next Level Baker.

These carrots come out sticky, sweet, and just a little spicy. The hot honey caramelizes in the oven, so you get crispy edges that are hard to stop picking at. They go with everything, but I won’t lie—I’ve eaten them straight from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Roasted Carrots

Cottage Cheese Mexican Corn Salad

A white bowl filled with creamy corn salad topped with chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and red pepper flakes, on a white surface. — Cottage Cheese Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cottage Cheese Recipes.

This version skips the mayo and brings in cottage cheese for something creamier and way more filling. It’s still got all the good stuff: corn, lime, chili, and that street corn energy. I’ve taken it to potlucks and there’s never a bite left.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Mexican Corn Salad

Mediterranean Salad with Roasted Potatoes

A white bowl filled with roasted potato chunks, red onion slices, olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh dill. — Mediterranean Salad with Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Chef's Pencil.

You get crispy potatoes tossed in a punchy mix of sun-dried tomatoes, feta, olives, and dill. It’s salty, tangy, and honestly feels more put-together than it is. This one doesn’t even need a main—it stands just fine on its own.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salad with Roasted Potatoes

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

Four baked tomatoes stuffed with rice, herbs, and breadcrumbs are arranged in a white baking dish, with a gold fork inserted into one tomato. Plates and utensils are in the background. — Baked Stuffed Tomatoes. Photo credit: Craving Something Healthy.

These tomatoes hold up surprisingly well, even after baking. They’re packed with herby rice and breadcrumbs, which turns them into more than just a side. I made them with summer tomatoes from the market, and now I’m hooked.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

Fried Potatoes and Onions

Sliced, browned potatoes with onions in a white skillet, stirred with a wooden spoon. — Fried Potatoes and Onions. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

These come together fast but taste like you put in actual effort. The onions get soft and sweet while the potatoes crisp up in all the right spots. I could eat them with breakfast, lunch, or dinner—and sometimes I do.
Get the Recipe: Fried Potatoes and Onions

Sautéed Green Beans with Shallots

A plate of steamed green beans topped with chopped sautéed onions and garlic, surrounded by raw green beans, a shallot, a small bowl of salt, and a blue cloth on a white surface. — Sautéed Green Beans with Shallots. Photo credit: My Rad Kitchen.

The green beans stay bright and just tender enough, and the shallots give this an extra layer of flavor without taking over. It’s one of those sides that looks fancier than it is. Plus, it pairs with pretty much anything sitting on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Green Beans with Shallots

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower

A plate of cauliflower rice garnished with chopped herbs and two lime wedges, with a serving spoon on the side. — Cilantro Lime Cauliflower. Photo credit: Flavor the Moments.

This cauliflower rice tastes fresh and tangy and comes together way faster than regular rice. I just heat it up and toss in the lime and herbs—it’s that simple. It’s a solid swap when I’m not in the mood for something heavy.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower

Cheesy Ranch Broccoli Casserole

Steamed broccoli florets topped with melted cheddar cheese and creamy sauce on a white plate, next to a fork and gray napkin. — Cheesy Ranch Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Stylish Cravings.

The ranch seasoning makes this broccoli way more exciting than you’d expect. It’s cheesy in the best kind of way, and yes—even picky eaters ask for seconds. This one never sticks around long at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ranch Broccoli Casserole

Stir-Fried Bok Choy

Sautéed bok choy in a pan with chopped onions, topped with red pepper flakes and a spoonful of soy-based sauce. — Stir-Fried Bok Choy. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Bok choy cooks fast and soaks up the garlicky sauce without turning soggy. I like it best when the leaves are wilted but the stems still crunch a little. It’s great with a bowl of rice and some grilled meat or tofu.
Get the Recipe: Stir-Fried Bok Choy

Easy Coleslaw

A bowl of coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and purple cabbage, mixed with creamy dressing and black pepper, sits on a wooden surface. — Easy Coleslaw. Photo credit: Kitchen Gone Rogue.

This version dials it in with just the right balance—nothing too sweet or sour. The crunch stays, and it doesn’t drown in dressing. I’ve brought it to BBQs and watched it disappear faster than the burgers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Coleslaw

Seasoned Green Beans

A plate of sautéed green beans with garlic in a pan, next to a plate with rice, vegetables, and pieces of meat. — Seasoned Green Beans. Photo credit: Food and Life Lately.

These green beans are quick, simple, and way more flavorful than you'd expect. They’ve got a nice crisp bite and a little kick from the seasoning. I end up eating them straight from the pan before they even hit the plate.
Get the Recipe: Seasoned Green Beans