21 Side Dishes That Are Easy Enough for Any Weeknight Dinner

When it comes to weeknight dinners, finding the right side dishes can make all the difference. I love having a few go-to options that are not only simple to prepare but also upgrade any meal with delicious flavors and textures. I’ll share some fantastic side dishes that will help you effortlessly round out your weeknight dinners, making family meals more enjoyable and satisfying.

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

These garlic mashed red potatoes offer a rich, comforting side that’s perfect for accompanying your dinner. The garlic brings a subtle depth of flavor, while the creaminess makes it a favorite for everyone at the table. Quick and straightforward, it’s an ideal option for weeknight meals when you need something satisfying without the hassle. The red potatoes provide a pleasant texture, and it's a dish that goes with just about anything. Simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasted Roma tomatoes in the air fryer offer an easy and flavorful side dish that adds a burst of freshness to your meal. Ready in minutes, they require minimal prep, making them perfect for weeknight dinners. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, giving them a delightful flavor. They make a great accompaniment to grilled meats or pasta. With just a few ingredients, this dish is light and versatile.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

These air fryer sweet potatoes are quick to make and provide a perfect mix of crispiness on the outside and softness on the inside. Their naturally sweet flavor complements a variety of meals, making them an easy side dish choice. With minimal prep and cook time, they’re great for weeknights when time is short. Plus, you don’t need much effort to turn them into a family favorite. Enjoy the simple yet satisfying combination of flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Crab Fried Rice

Crab fried rice offers a flavorful and satisfying side dish that works well for busy weeknights. The rice cooks up quickly, and the addition of crab gives it a bit of a special touch, making it perfect for pairing with seafood or other proteins. Its hearty nature makes it more than just a side, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Perfect for when you need something filling and simple. A great way to switch up your usual rice routine.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Cheesy loaded twice-baked potatoes combine comfort and indulgence into a quick side dish that works well for any weeknight meal. The creamy potato filling mixed with cheese and toppings makes it irresistible, while still being simple to prepare. It's a rich and satisfying option that can be paired with a range of main courses. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare ahead of time and just pop in the oven. Perfect for those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with garlic butter make for a quick and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course. The garlic butter adds richness to the fresh, crisp beans, offering a satisfying addition to your meal. This recipe is great for weeknights, as it’s ready in minutes and requires little effort. It’s a simple dish with a lot of flavor, and it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Quick, easy, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a hearty, vegetable-packed side dish that complements a wide range of dinners. It’s an excellent option when you want something flavorful but still light enough for a weeknight meal. The variety of vegetables offers a beautiful color and a range of tastes in one dish. Simple to prepare, yet impressive on the table, it’s a side that feels special but takes little effort. A great choice for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo Gobi Masala offers a flavorful blend of potatoes and cauliflower, perfect as a side dish for weeknight dinners. Its bold spices add a kick of flavor without requiring too much time in the kitchen. This dish pairs well with a variety of main courses, especially if you’re looking to add a bit of flair to your meal. Despite its rich flavor profile, it’s easy to prepare and comes together quickly. Ideal for when you need something simple yet bold.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Vegan Mexican Rice

This vegan Mexican rice is a flavorful and simple side dish that’s perfect for rounding out your dinner. It comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when time is limited. The blend of spices and vegetables adds just the right amount of flavor, without needing much effort. Pair it with any main course for a complete meal. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for those looking for something quick and versatile.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a savory side dish that’s perfect for when you want something quick and hearty. The bacon adds richness, while the cabbage provides a bit of texture, making this dish satisfying without being overly complicated. It’s a great option for busy nights, as it cooks up fast and pairs well with various mains. Simple, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s a side dish that fits into any weeknight routine.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini bruschetta offers a fresh twist on a classic side, making it a light yet flavorful option for dinner. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for those nights when you want something simple but still a bit special. The zucchini adds a subtle sweetness that balances the other flavors in the dish. Great for pairing with grilled meats or pasta, it’s an easy way to add some vegetables to your meal. An ideal choice for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steaks are an easy and healthy side dish that requires minimal prep and cooks in no time. The oven-roasted cabbage becomes tender with a slight crisp, making it a great addition to any meal. This simple yet flavorful side is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. An easy way to get more vegetables into your meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Seafood Pasta Salad

This seafood pasta salad combines the freshness of seafood with the heartiness of pasta, making it a great side dish for any weeknight dinner. It’s easy to prepare and comes together quickly, which is perfect when you’re short on time. The flavors of the seafood and pasta blend together for a satisfying dish that pairs well with lighter mains. Simple and convenient, it’s a great way to add variety to your meal. Excellent for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Air fryer smashed potatoes with cheese offer a crispy, cheesy side dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any weeknight dinner. The air fryer ensures they cook up fast with minimal effort, and the cheese adds an extra layer of richness. These potatoes work well with a variety of meals and are a great way to add some comfort food to your dinner table. With just a few ingredients, it’s a simple and tasty option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage combines crispy bacon and tender cabbage for a quick and easy side dish. It’s simple to prepare and cooks up in the air fryer with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy nights. The smoky flavor of the bacon adds a nice contrast to the cabbage, giving you a side that pairs well with many meals. Quick, flavorful, and satisfying, it’s a great way to add some variety to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Easy scalloped potatoes are a comforting side dish that’s simple enough for any weeknight meal. The creamy layers of potatoes come together quickly, providing a rich and filling side. It’s a classic dish that works well with a variety of main courses, and it requires little effort to prepare. Great for when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Perfect for any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Sweet potato casserole with canned yams offers a quick and convenient side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The sweet, soft yams pair beautifully with the crunchy topping, creating a balanced and flavorful addition to your meal. It’s simple to put together and can easily be made ahead of time. Ideal for pairing with a range of main dishes, this casserole brings warmth and comfort to the table. A great option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air fryer Brussels sprouts make for a crispy, flavorful side dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. The air fryer gives them a perfect crunch, making them a great choice for busy weeknights when you need something fast. They pair well with a variety of main dishes and require minimal prep time. A simple way to get more vegetables into your meal without much hassle. An excellent choice for any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Home Fries

Air fryer home fries offer a crispy, flavorful side that comes together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners. The air fryer ensures they cook up with minimal oil and effort, giving you a lighter yet satisfying side. These home fries pair well with a variety of meals and require only a few basic ingredients. Great for when you want something simple and comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. A family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Air fryer potato wedges are a quick and easy side dish that works well with any weeknight meal. The air fryer gives them a crispy exterior and soft interior, with minimal effort on your part. These wedges pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes and can be ready in minutes. A great way to add something a little more exciting to your dinner. Perfect for busy nights when you need something fast and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Crock pot mac and cheese is an easy, comforting side dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to focus on the rest of your meal. Creamy and rich, it’s a side that everyone will love, without the need for constant attention. Great for those busy evenings when you want something filling without much fuss. A simple, crowd-pleasing option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese