27 Sides and Salads That Make Any Meal Instantly Better

Some meals just feel incomplete without the right side or salad to round them out. Whether you need something crisp and fresh or hearty and satisfying, the right addition can take your plate from good to great in minutes. I’ve gathered a list of sides and salads that are easy to make and guaranteed to bring more flavor, texture, and balance to whatever you're serving.

Grilled cabbage wedge on a plate, partially cut, with a fork and sprinkled with herbs. — Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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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 slow-cooked version of mac and cheese keeps things easy while delivering the kind of comfort food everyone looks forward to. The creamy, cheesy texture makes it a great choice when you need something rich to round out your meal. Since it stays warm in the crock pot, it’s also a stress-free option for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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.

A mix of fresh greens, beans, and corn makes this salad both colorful and filling, perfect for pairing with grilled meats or sandwiches. The combination of textures gives it plenty of appeal, and it comes together quickly for busy nights. It also holds up well if you need to prep ahead for a work lunch or potluck.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

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.

Thick slices of cabbage get roasted until tender with crispy edges, making them a simple but hearty side dish. They work well with roasted meats, grilled foods, or even a lighter main dish that needs something more substantial. Since they only require a few ingredients, they’re an easy addition to any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

This pasta salad combines tender shrimp with a creamy dressing and macaroni for a dish that fits right in at picnics, potlucks, or everyday meals. The mix of textures keeps it interesting, and it’s a great make-ahead option for busy days. It pairs well with grilled foods, sandwiches, or even as a small meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Tongs holding roasted asparagus with grated cheese on a white platter, surrounded by lemon slices. — Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasting asparagus in the oven gives it a tender texture with just the right amount of crispness. The Parmesan adds a rich, savory touch that makes this side feel a little more special without adding extra work. It’s a quick way to bring a little extra flavor to anything from steak to chicken or seafood.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Ratatouille

This mix of roasted vegetables adds warmth and depth to any meal, making it a great option when you need something hearty but still packed with fresh ingredients. The combination of eggplant, zucchini, and peppers blends well with grilled meats or even a simple grain-based dish. It’s also a good choice if you want to make something ahead of time, as the flavors develop even more after sitting.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

A simple blend of rice, tomatoes, and spices makes this a versatile side for tacos, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. It’s an easy way to add something filling to your plate without requiring much time or effort. Since it reheats well, it’s also a good option for meal prep or leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

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.

The mix of tender potatoes and creamy dressing makes this potato salad a classic addition to any table. Using red skin potatoes keeps the texture firm while adding a bit of color and a mild, buttery taste. It’s a reliable choice for cookouts, barbecues, or just when you need something simple to go with grilled foods.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad

A chilled pasta salad with seafood brings a light yet filling option to lunches, dinners, or outdoor gatherings. The mix of seafood with a creamy or vinaigrette-based dressing keeps things fresh and pairs well with grilled dishes. It’s also a great option to make ahead since the flavors blend even better after sitting for a bit.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

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 air-fried carrots bring a mix of tenderness and caramelized edges that go well with just about any main dish. The maple glaze adds a slight sweetness without overpowering, making them a good balance for savory meals. Since they cook quickly, they’re an easy way to bring a little extra variety to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cabbage and bacon in white serving bowl. — Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fried cabbage with bacon adds a smoky and savory side that works well with anything from grilled meats to simple roasted dishes. The cabbage softens while still keeping some texture, making it a hearty addition without being too heavy. It’s a one-pan option that keeps things easy while bringing a lot of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These potatoes bring a creamy, cheesy center with crispy edges, making them an easy way to add something hearty to your meal. Since they can be prepped ahead, they’re also a convenient choice for busy nights or special occasions. Whether paired with steak, chicken, or just eaten on their own, they’re a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Apple Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, air-fried apples, red onions, nuts, and crumbled cheese. — Apple Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A crisp apple salad brings freshness and crunch to any meal. The mix of sweet apples, nuts, and a light dressing makes it a quick side that doesn’t require much effort. It pairs well with everything from roasted meats to simple sandwiches, making it a versatile addition to any table.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

Zucchini Bruschetta

This zucchini-based twist on bruschetta is a simple way to add something fresh and flavorful to your spread. Instead of using bread, zucchini rounds provide a sturdy base, making it easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether served as an appetizer or a side, it works well alongside pasta, grilled meats, or soups.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

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.

These crispy smashed potatoes are a great way to bring something warm and hearty to the table. The air fryer gives them a golden crust, while melted cheese adds a comforting touch. They make an excellent side for burgers, chicken, or anything that could use a bit of crunch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Aloo Gobi Masala

This classic potato and cauliflower dish brings bold flavors and a satisfying texture to any meal. It’s a great way to add vegetables to the table without feeling like an afterthought. Served with rice or flatbread, it rounds out a meal while keeping things simple.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Wrapping cabbage in bacon gives it a smoky flavor that pairs well with many main dishes. The air fryer makes it quick to prepare, keeping the cabbage tender while crisping up the bacon. It’s an easy way to bring something different to the table without needing extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Easy Radish Salad

A plate of radish salad with diced celery and a creamy dressing, accompanied by a glass of water and salt and pepper shakers. — Easy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This radish salad adds crunch and a little bit of sharpness to balance out rich or hearty dishes. With just a handful of ingredients, it comes together fast and works well as a refreshing side. Whether paired with grilled meats or lighter meals, it adds variety without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad

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.

A Greek salad is always a solid choice when you need something fresh and full of flavor. Crisp vegetables, briny olives, and a simple dressing make it a reliable option for pairing with anything from roasted meats to sandwiches. It holds up well, making it great for meal prep or serving at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with parsley, set on a pink cloth napkin, with whole potatoes and a grater in the background. — Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These mashed potatoes bring a smooth texture with a punch of garlic flavor. Using red potatoes keeps them rich without needing too much extra butter or cream. They pair well with just about anything, making them an easy go-to side when you need something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

These thick-cut potato wedges come out crisp on the outside and soft on the inside with very little effort. The air fryer makes them quick to prepare, and they work with everything from grilled chicken to casual burgers. They also hold up well for dipping, making them an easy crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Green Bean Casserole

A classic green bean casserole is always a safe bet for rounding out a meal. Creamy sauce and crispy topping make it comforting without requiring too much hands-on time. It’s a good choice for holiday meals or any time you need a reliable side that serves a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Braised Brussels Sprouts

Plate of roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon slices, served with a creamy sauce. A fork holds one sprout above the dish. — Braised Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow-cooked Brussels sprouts bring a deep, rich flavor to the table. The braising process softens them while allowing them to absorb all the flavors from the seasonings. They’re an easy way to add a cooked vegetable to the meal without needing constant attention.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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

Roasting Roma tomatoes in the air fryer brings out their natural sweetness while keeping them firm enough to hold their shape. They’re a quick way to add a little extra flavor to grilled meats, pasta, or even toast. With minimal prep time, they work well as a last-minute addition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

A broccoli salad with bacon brings a mix of crunch and smoky flavor to balance out any meal. It’s easy to prepare in advance and holds up well, making it a good choice for meal prep or potlucks. Whether paired with grilled meats or sandwiches, it adds something fresh without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

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 bring a simple yet flavorful touch to any plate. They cook quickly and pair well with just about anything, making them a dependable side dish. The garlic butter adds a rich taste without overpowering other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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.

Using canned yams makes this sweet potato casserole an easy, no-fuss side. The soft texture and hint of sweetness pair well with roasted meats or holiday spreads. It’s a great way to bring something warm and familiar to the table without a lot of extra work.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams