17 Sides and Salads So Easy, You’ll Make Them Every Week

When it comes to meal planning, I’m all about dishes that are quick, easy, and so good, I want to make them every week. That’s why I’ve put together a list of sides and salads that are perfect for busy days and casual dinners alike. These recipes are not only effortless but also so delicious that you’ll be reaching for them time and time again.

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

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This crock pot mac and cheese is a comforting dish that's simple to prepare, making it an ideal side to serve regularly. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a weeknight favorite. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy days. This is one recipe you’ll find yourself reaching for when you need a reliable side dish. A great option for those who love easy, hearty meals.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley. — Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer potato wedges are quick to prepare and offer a crispy texture that pairs well with any main dish. They're a versatile side that can be seasoned to suit any preference. The air fryer makes them a breeze to cook, with no mess and minimal oil. These potato wedges are so convenient, you'll want to add them to your weekly meal rotation. A must-have for anyone who loves quick, flavorful sides.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo gobi masala is a classic side dish that's full of flavor and easy to prepare. The combination of potatoes and cauliflower in a spiced sauce makes it a warming dish that's great for any day of the week. With its straightforward preparation, it’s a recipe that fits perfectly into your regular rotation. A simple yet flavorful dish that pairs well with many meals. Ideal for those who appreciate uncomplicated, tasty sides.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Shrimp macaroni salad is a creamy, satisfying dish that's both easy to make and ideal for any gathering. It combines tender shrimp with pasta in a way that’s sure to please. With its minimal prep time, it’s a great choice for a side dish that you can prepare in advance. Perfect for those who need a quick and flavorful side that pairs well with various meals. A reliable recipe to keep in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a classic dish that’s both flavorful and straightforward to prepare, making it a perfect side for any meal. The combination of fresh vegetables cooked together creates a hearty and nutritious dish. It’s a great recipe to make when you want something both wholesome and easy. This is a versatile side that pairs well with almost any main course. A staple recipe that you’ll come back to week after week.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad is an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for serving as a side or light meal. The mix of seafood and pasta makes it a satisfying option that’s great for any occasion. With its straightforward preparation, it’s a dish you can easily work into your weekly rotation. This salad is a fantastic choice when you need something quick and flavorful. A dependable recipe for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potato 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 simple and nutritious side that’s easy to prepare. The air fryer helps to bring out their natural sweetness while keeping the prep and cooking time short. It’s a great dish to add to your regular meal plans when you need something quick and healthy. This recipe is ideal for those who love a straightforward side with minimal effort. A versatile option that pairs well with many meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Red Skin Potato Salad

Red skin potato salad is a classic side dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. The red skin potatoes add a bit of color and texture, making this salad a visually appealing and tasty option. It’s a dish you’ll want to make regularly, especially for its straightforward preparation and familiar flavors. A great side to pair with your weekly meals. Simple, yet always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli salad with bacon is a flavorful side that’s both easy to prepare and great for any occasion. The combination of crisp broccoli and savory bacon makes it a dish that pairs well with many mains. With minimal prep time, it’s a recipe you’ll want to include in your weekly rotation. A perfect choice for those who enjoy a hearty yet simple side. This salad is so easy, you’ll find yourself making it regularly.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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.

Air fryer smashed potatoes with cheese are a crispy, cheesy side that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal. The air fryer gives the potatoes a crispy texture, while the cheese adds a rich flavor. It’s a dish that’s great for when you want something quick and satisfying. This recipe is an excellent choice for adding variety to your weekly sides. A go-to option for a quick, flavorful addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese. — Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Berry salad with blueberry dressing is a refreshing and easy-to-make side that adds a burst of color and flavor to your table. The mix of fresh berries combined with a light dressing makes it a great choice for any meal. It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for when you want something light and healthy. A wonderful addition to your weekly meal plans. This salad is so easy to prepare, you’ll want to make it often.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

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 crisp and easy side that’s perfect for adding some crunch to your meals. The mix of fresh broccoli slaw and a light dressing makes it a versatile dish that pairs well with many mains. It’s a quick recipe that’s great for busy days when you need something healthy and simple. This salad is so straightforward, you’ll want to make it regularly. A practical choice for a refreshing side.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a classic side dish that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. The combination of green beans and a creamy sauce makes it a dish that pairs well with many meals. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for when you want something familiar and simple. A great addition to your weekly dinner plans for its ease and flavor. A reliable side that’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green beans with garlic butter is a quick and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal. The green beans are cooked to perfection and tossed with garlic butter, making them a simple yet tasty option. It’s a recipe that’s easy to prepare and pairs well with almost any main course. A practical choice for those who love a straightforward side that’s ready in no time. This dish is so easy, you’ll find yourself making it regularly.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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 are a hearty and easy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. The cabbage is roasted until tender and flavorful, making it a simple yet satisfying option. It’s a recipe that’s great for when you want something different without a lot of effort. A practical choice for those who enjoy easy-to-make sides that pair well with many mains. This dish is so convenient, you’ll find yourself making it regularly.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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 colorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for adding some variety to your meals. The mix of fresh ingredients and a light dressing makes it a versatile side that pairs well with many mains. It’s a quick recipe that’s great for busy days when you need something light and healthy. A go-to option for those who want a refreshing side with minimal effort. A reliable salad that you’ll find yourself making every week.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Vegan Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spoon. — Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Vegan Mexican rice is a simple and flavorful side that’s perfect for adding some variety to your meals. The seasoned rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile option for any occasion. It’s a quick recipe that’s great for busy days when you need something easy and tasty. A practical choice for those who want a side that’s ready in no time. This rice is so easy to make, you’ll find yourself reaching for it regularly.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice