21 Side Dishes That Are Easier (and Better) Than You Think

When it comes to side dishes, I often find that simple is best. I’ve discovered that with just a little creativity, you can transform everyday ingredients into delicious accompaniments that elevate any meal. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simplify weeknight dinners, these side dishes will make you wonder why you ever thought they were difficult to prepare.

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasting Roma tomatoes in the air fryer brings out their natural sweetness while keeping prep time to a minimum. This dish pairs well with various entrees and adds a fresh touch to meals. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare, making it a reliable side for any occasion. Just a few minutes in the air fryer transforms these tomatoes into a flavorful addition to your plate. Enjoy the burst of flavor without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Zucchini Bruschetta

This zucchini bruschetta offers a refreshing twist on a classic appetizer with minimal effort. It’s quick to assemble and makes for a vibrant side dish, perfect for summer gatherings. The combination of fresh ingredients ensures you get a burst of flavor in every bite. This recipe allows you to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Simple and delightful, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Stuffed sweet potatoes provide a hearty and flavorful side that’s incredibly easy to make. With the natural sweetness of the potatoes and a savory filling, this dish is sure to impress. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal while keeping preparation simple. These stuffed potatoes are perfect for casual dinners or gatherings. They offer a satisfying and colorful addition to your table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

This scalloped potatoes recipe simplifies a classic comfort food while delivering rich flavors. Baked until golden and bubbly, it serves as a warm, inviting side for any meal. The prep is straightforward, ensuring that you can enjoy this dish without a lot of fuss. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, these potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. It's a dish that feels special without requiring extensive cooking skills.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Vegan Mexican Rice

This vibrant Mexican rice is a fantastic side that complements a variety of main dishes. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s an excellent choice for taco nights or burrito bowls. The combination of spices brings warmth to the dish, making it a satisfying addition. Plus, it's versatile enough to serve alongside many different cuisines. Enjoy the ease of this rice while adding a little flair to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

This Southern classic combines tender cabbage with crispy bacon for a flavorful side that’s ready in no time. It's a hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with any main course. The ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family dinners. Each bite brings a comforting taste that feels homey and familiar. You’ll love how this dish transforms simple ingredients into something truly enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a colorful medley of vegetables that’s both simple to make and full of flavor. This dish is a perfect way to use up seasonal produce while providing a healthy side. With its vibrant colors and rich taste, it complements various main dishes beautifully. The prep time is short, allowing you to enjoy a hearty vegetable dish without much effort. It's an excellent way to bring a taste of France to your table with ease.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon-wrapped cabbage is a unique side that combines the smokiness of bacon with the crunch of cabbage. This recipe is quick and easy, making it a delightful addition to any meal. The air fryer gives it a crispy texture that enhances the flavors beautifully. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this dish brings an exciting twist to traditional sides. Enjoy a comforting and satisfying option that requires minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes stuffed with cheese and toppings are a comforting side that’s simple to prepare. They can be made ahead and reheated, making them a great choice for busy nights. The creamy filling is rich and flavorful, perfect for pairing with a variety of main dishes. These potatoes feel indulgent without requiring extensive cooking time. Enjoy a hearty side that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Seafood Pasta Salad

This seafood pasta salad is a refreshing side that’s quick to make and perfect for warm weather. Combining pasta with seafood and fresh vegetables creates a light, flavorful dish. It pairs well with grilled meats and can easily be made ahead of time. The preparation is simple, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal. It’s a versatile option that’s sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Slow Cooker Rice

Slow cooker rice is a hassle-free side that cooks to perfection while you focus on the main dish. This recipe requires minimal effort and is great for meal prepping. It provides a fluffy, flavorful base that pairs well with various entrees. The slow cooker allows for even cooking, making this an easy choice for busy days. Enjoy the simplicity of this comforting side without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Crispy potato wedges made in the air fryer are a fantastic side that’s quick and easy to prepare. These wedges are perfectly seasoned and cooked to a golden crisp, making them a great addition to any meal. They pair wonderfully with sandwiches or burgers and can be made in just a few minutes. The air fryer provides a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy this satisfying side that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans sautéed in garlic butter offer a quick and flavorful side that complements any meal. This dish is easy to prepare, taking just minutes to cook while enhancing the natural taste of the beans. The garlic butter adds a rich flavor, making it a perfect pairing for a variety of entrees. It’s a simple way to include fresh vegetables in your meal without a lot of effort. Enjoy this vibrant side that adds a touch of elegance to your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steaks are a unique and hearty side that’s surprisingly easy to make. Simply seasoned and roasted, they develop a lovely caramelization that enhances their flavor. This dish can be served alongside various main courses, adding a satisfying crunch. Perfect for any occasion, these cabbage steaks provide a simple yet delicious option. They bring a creative twist to your table without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo gobi masala combines potatoes and cauliflower in a fragrant blend of spices for a simple yet flavorful side. This dish is quick to prepare and pairs well with a variety of entrees. The vibrant colors and comforting flavors make it a delightful addition to any meal. Enjoy this recipe that showcases the beauty of Indian cuisine while keeping preparation easy. It’s a dish that will impress without requiring extensive cooking skills.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Smashed potatoes cooked in the air fryer are a fun and satisfying side dish that’s easy to make. Topped with cheese, they provide a comforting twist to your traditional potato side. These potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for any meal. The preparation is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a hearty side with minimal effort. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are a quick and crispy side that enhances the natural flavors of this vegetable. They cook up in minutes, making them a great choice for busy weeknights. This dish pairs well with various mains and adds a nutritious element to your meal. The air fryer ensures a perfect texture without much fuss. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the delightful taste that will have everyone asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air fryer sweet potatoes are a simple side that cooks quickly while retaining their natural sweetness. They make a great addition to any meal and pair well with a variety of proteins. The air fryer gives them a delicious texture with minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights, these sweet potatoes are versatile and satisfying. Enjoy a comforting side that brings out the best in this nutritious vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Crab Fried Rice

Crab fried rice is a flavorful and hearty side that brings a touch of elegance to your table. This dish combines tender rice with fresh crab and vegetables, offering a satisfying option for any meal. It’s easy to prepare and can be made in one pot, simplifying cleanup. Perfect for seafood lovers, this fried rice provides a unique twist that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful flavors without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese made in the crock pot is a comforting side that’s incredibly easy to prepare. This dish is creamy and rich, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a satisfying option. Enjoy the convenience of a set-it-and-forget-it recipe while still impressing your guests. It’s a beloved classic that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Green Bean Tomato Salad

This green bean tomato salad is a refreshing side that’s simple to make and perfect for warm days. Combining fresh vegetables brings a light and vibrant touch to your meal. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a stand-alone dish. The preparation is quick, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks. Enjoy a nutritious and flavorful addition that brightens up any table.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad