21 Effortless Sides & Salads When You’re Short on Time

When time is tight but you still want a great meal, these effortless sides and salads are here to save the day. They offer quick preparation without compromising on flavor or nutrition, making them perfect for busy schedules. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for a gathering, these easy recipes are your go-to for a satisfying and speedy side dish.

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background. — Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

A baking dish containing four twice-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and diced ham, garnished with herbs. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These twice-baked potatoes are an effortless side that brings both comfort and convenience. With creamy cheese and crispy tops, they make a satisfying addition to any meal. The preparation is straightforward, making them perfect for busy days. They offer a hearty, tasty option without requiring extensive time in the kitchen. Ideal for anyone needing a quick, crowd-pleasing side.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

This green bean casserole is a go-to for a quick and flavorful side. It combines tender green beans with a creamy sauce and crunchy topping, making it both delicious and easy to prepare. It's a great choice when you need something that complements a main dish without much effort. Perfect for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

A bowl of shrimp pasta salad garnished with lemon slices and diced vegetables. — Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This shrimp macaroni salad offers a refreshing and convenient option for a side dish. It’s packed with shrimp and pasta in a creamy dressing, making it an appealing choice when time is tight. The recipe is simple to assemble and perfect for a quick meal or potluck. It’s a satisfying option that requires minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

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 an ideal choice when you need a flavorful side in a hurry. With its blend of spices and vegetables, it complements a variety of main dishes effortlessly. The recipe is quick to make and adds a burst of flavor without any fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a side for a casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

A plate of roasted tomatoes garnished with herbs and spices, served on a white plate. — Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These air-fried Roma tomatoes are a convenient and flavorful side dish. The air fryer ensures they are roasted to perfection with minimal effort. They add a burst of taste to any meal and are ready in no time. Ideal for busy days when you want a quick and easy side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Salmon Salad

Grilled salmon fillet on top of a fresh green salad with tomatoes and olives, served on a white plate with a fork on the side. — Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This salmon salad is a quick and nutritious side that’s easy to prepare. With tender salmon and fresh vegetables, it offers a light yet satisfying option. The preparation is straightforward, making it perfect for when you’re short on time. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate. — Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer brussels sprouts are a hassle-free side that’s both crispy and flavorful. The air fryer cooks them to perfection with a simple setup, making them an ideal choice for busy days. They pair well with a variety of main dishes and are ready in a snap. Perfect for adding a tasty, healthy touch to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background. — Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These maple glazed carrots are an effortless and sweet side dish. The air fryer simplifies the cooking process, delivering tender, caramelized carrots with minimal prep. They add a touch of sweetness to any meal and are ready quickly. Ideal for busy schedules and quick dinners.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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 a great choice for an easy, comforting side. It’s creamy and cheesy, requiring minimal preparation and time. The slow cooker does the work, making it ideal for busy days or gatherings. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing option that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Aloo Gobi Masala

A pot of vegetable curry with cauliflower and potatoes, garnished with herbs, served with naan bread. — Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Aloo Gobi Masala offers a quick and flavorful side with minimal prep. This spiced potato and cauliflower dish is both comforting and easy to make. It’s perfect for when you need a side that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t require a lot of time. Ideal for adding a touch of spice to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of colorful broccoli slaw with shredded purple cabbage and carrots topped with dried cranberries and pine nuts, next to a red-checked napkin. — Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli slaw salad is a simple and crunchy side that’s quick to prepare. With fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, it’s perfect for a fast, nutritious option. It pairs well with various main dishes and is ideal for busy days. This salad is a refreshing choice that doesn’t take much time to make.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potatoes topped with butter and garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a red checkered napkin on the side. — Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer sweet potatoes are a quick and easy side dish with a crispy finish. The air fryer makes them effortlessly crispy and tender, perfect for busy schedules. They add a touch of sweetness and are ready in no time. A great choice for a flavorful side with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

A plate of broccoli salad with bits of bacon, served on a white oval dish alongside a wooden spoon. — Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli salad with bacon is a delicious and easy-to-make side. The combination of fresh broccoli and crispy bacon makes for a satisfying dish with minimal effort. It’s perfect for quick meals or potlucks, offering a great mix of flavors and textures. Ideal for when you need a tasty side in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Close-up of a spoonful of sweet potato casserole with a topping of toasted pecans and marshmallows. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This sweet potato casserole with canned yams is a simple, comforting side dish. It combines sweet potatoes with a touch of sweetness and ease, perfect for busy times. The recipe requires minimal effort and delivers a satisfying, hearty side. Great for quick meals or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a flavorful and easy side dish. The combination of tender cabbage and crispy bacon offers a comforting option that’s simple to make. Ideal for busy days when you need a hearty side with minimal prep. A great addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chopped Greek Salad

A fresh greek salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumbers, olives, and peppers, served with a fork and a glass of water on the side. — Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chopped Greek salad is a quick and refreshing side with vibrant flavors. With its mix of vegetables and tangy dressing, it’s perfect for a fast, nutritious option. The preparation is minimal, making it ideal for busy days. It pairs well with various main dishes and adds a burst of freshness.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Air fryer smashed potatoes with cheese are an easy and crispy side dish. The air fryer ensures they’re perfectly cooked with a cheesy topping, making them a satisfying option. Ready quickly with minimal prep, they’re perfect for busy schedules. Ideal for adding a tasty touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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.

Roasted cabbage steaks offer a simple and flavorful side that’s easy to prepare. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage with minimal effort. A great choice for when you need a quick, nutritious addition to your meal. Perfect for busy nights and quick dinners.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Red Skin Potato Salad

Bowl of potato salad garnished with fresh herbs and bacon on a white background. — Red Skin Potato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Red skin potato salad is a classic and easy side that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender red potatoes and a creamy dressing, it’s a satisfying option that’s quick to make. Ideal for when you need a reliable side dish with minimal prep. Great for family meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Santa Fe Salad

A colorful chicken salad with avocado, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and lime slices, presented in a white bowl. — Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Santa Fe salad is a fresh and easy side that’s full of vibrant flavors. Combining crisp vegetables with a tangy dressing, it’s perfect for a quick, nutritious addition to any meal. The preparation is straightforward, making it ideal for busy days. Great for adding a refreshing touch to your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Zucchini Bruschetta

Slices of zucchini topped with diced tomatoes, basil, grated cheese, and herbs are arranged on a white surface. These recipes from around the world are anything but boring. — Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Zucchini bruschetta is a simple and flavorful side dish that’s quick to prepare. With fresh zucchini and a touch of seasoning, it’s perfect for busy schedules. The recipe is straightforward, making it a great choice for a fast and tasty addition to your meal. Ideal for adding a light, crispy option to your menu.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta