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    Home / Collections

    21 Sides & Salads That Make You Wonder Why You Need a Main

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Sep 30, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    I'm always on the lookout for meals that feel fresh and satisfying, and salads have become my go-to option for that. I'm excited to share a variety of salads that are so hearty and flavorful, they could easily steal the show from any main dish. Whether you're craving something light or looking to pack in some nutrients, these salads will have you wondering why you ever needed anything else on your plate.

    A roasted sweet potato topped with black beans, corn, and green onions, garnished with lime wedges on a white plate.Pin
    Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Red Skin Potato Salad

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

    Red skin potato salad is a classic dish that's hearty enough to serve as a main course. The creamy dressing combined with tender red potatoes makes it a filling option for lunch or dinner. It's easy to prepare with just a few ingredients, and the result is always satisfying. This salad is perfect when you want a comforting, substantial dish. A great choice for potlucks or family dinners.
    Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

    Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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

    Maple glazed carrots in the air fryer are a sweet and savory side that could easily become the star of your plate. The natural sweetness of the carrots paired with the glaze creates a dish that feels complete on its own. With the air fryer doing most of the work, this is a quick and simple option for busy days. It's an easy way to turn a side dish into a meal. A versatile and healthy choice.
    Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

    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.Pin
    Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air fryer sweet potatoes are a quick and easy way to enjoy a hearty, nutrient-packed dish. The crispy outside and soft inside make them perfect on their own without the need for a main course. With just a handful of ingredients and a short cook time, this recipe is both convenient and satisfying. Ideal for days when you need something simple yet filling. A great go-to for any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

    Zucchini Bruschetta

    Baked zucchini bruschetta topped with chopped tomatoes, herbs, and grated cheese on a parchment-lined tray.Pin
    Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Zucchini bruschetta offers a fresh and light take on the traditional dish that's filling enough to serve as a meal. The zucchini base brings a new twist while keeping the flavors simple and straightforward. With minimal ingredients, it's an easy option when you need something fast but substantial. This recipe is perfect for summer or anytime you want a refreshing dish. A quick and healthy choice.
    Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

    Aloo Gobi Masala

    Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.Pin
    Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Aloo Gobi Masala is a flavorful Indian dish that's hearty enough to stand alone. The combination of potatoes and cauliflower makes it both filling and satisfying, eliminating the need for a main. With its bold spices and easy preparation, it's a great choice when you want something comforting yet simple. This dish is ideal for busy days when you need a full meal without much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

    Apple Salad

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

    Apple salad is a crisp and refreshing dish that offers enough flavor and texture to be served as a main. The sweet and tart flavors of the apples are balanced with crunchy nuts and fresh greens. It's easy to prepare with just a few ingredients, making it a quick and simple meal option. Perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner. A fresh and wholesome dish that's ready in minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

    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.Pin
    Easy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This easy radish salad is a quick and crunchy dish that doesn't need a main to go with it. The sharp flavor of the radishes adds a fresh twist, making it a great choice for a light meal. With just a few ingredients, it comes together in no time, perfect for busy weekdays. The crisp texture and simple preparation make it a go-to for when you want something fast and satisfying.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad

    Easy Scalloped Potatoes

    Close-up of a cheesy scalloped potatoes dish in a white baking dish, garnished with parsley.Pin
    Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Easy scalloped potatoes are a rich and creamy dish that can easily replace a main course. The tender layers of potatoes and cheese make it hearty and satisfying on its own. With just a few ingredients, this recipe is a great option when you need something quick but filling. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. A comforting and crowd-pleasing dish.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

    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.Pin
    Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Garlic mashed red potatoes are a comforting dish that can easily serve as the centerpiece of your meal. The creamy texture and rich garlic flavor make them filling enough to enjoy on their own. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and minimal prep, making it perfect for busy days. A versatile dish that's ideal for weeknights or gatherings.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

    Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs.Pin
    Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Roasted cabbage steaks are a hearty vegetable dish that's filling enough to stand as a main. The simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the cabbage, making it a substantial and easy-to-prepare option. With only a few ingredients and quick prep, it's perfect for those days when you need a complete meal in no time. A great choice for when you want a healthy, no-fuss dish.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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

    Air fryer roasted Roma tomatoes are a simple and flavorful dish that's filling enough to stand alone. The air fryer helps bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, making them a quick and easy option for a light meal. With just a handful of ingredients, they're perfect for busy days when you need something simple yet satisfying. A healthy and versatile dish that works on its own.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

    Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn.Pin
    Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Vegan taco stuffed sweet potatoes are a hearty and flavorful dish that doesn't require a main. The combination of spiced taco filling and sweet potatoes makes it a filling and satisfying meal. With minimal ingredients, this recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for busy nights. It's a great option when you want a complete meal in one dish.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

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

    This berry salad with blueberry dressing is a light yet filling dish that can stand on its own. The fresh berries and tangy dressing create a refreshing and flavorful combination. It's quick and easy to make with just a few ingredients, making it perfect for a light meal or snack. A great option for when you want something healthy and satisfying.
    Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

    Broccoli Salad with Bacon

    Broccoli salad with bacon bits on a white oval plate, accompanied by a wooden serving spoon on a linen napkin.Pin
    Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Broccoli salad with bacon is a crunchy and hearty dish that's filling enough to be a meal by itself. The combination of fresh broccoli and crispy bacon makes it both flavorful and satisfying. With only a few ingredients, it's a simple and quick option for busy days. A great choice for potlucks or family gatherings.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.Pin
    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage is a simple yet hearty dish that can serve as the main event. The smoky bacon adds flavor to the tender cabbage, making it a filling and satisfying option. With just a few ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. A perfect choice for busy nights when you need a complete meal in no time.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Seafood Pasta Salad

    Close-up of a spoon holding seafood pasta salad garnished with parsley, with more salad in the background.Pin
    Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Seafood pasta salad combines tender pasta with fresh seafood for a light yet filling dish. This recipe is perfect when you want something refreshing without needing a main course. The combination of flavors makes it a satisfying meal option for gatherings or lunches. With minimal prep time, it's easy to whip up quickly. A delightful choice for seafood lovers looking for something simple.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

    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.Pin
    Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Broccoli slaw salad offers a crunchy and vibrant mix of flavors that can stand on its own. The combination of fresh broccoli and a tangy dressing makes it a hearty choice for any meal. Quick to prepare with just a few ingredients, it's perfect for busy days. This salad provides a nutritious option that feels filling and satisfying. A great pick for potlucks or casual dinners.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

    Santa Fe Salad

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

    Santa Fe salad brings a colorful mix of fresh vegetables and beans that make it filling enough to serve as a main. The blend of textures and flavors provides a nutritious meal option without extra sides. Easy to prepare and packed with protein, it's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This salad is ideal for days when you want something fresh and hearty. A satisfying choice for a complete meal.
    Get the Recipe: Santa Fe 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.Pin
    Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Chopped Greek salad features a refreshing combination of vegetables, olives, and cheese that makes it substantial enough to enjoy as a main course. The vibrant flavors are enhanced by a simple dressing, making it a flavorful option. With minimal preparation time, it's a convenient choice for busy days. This dish works well for lunch or as a light dinner. A fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious meal without much fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

    Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

    Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a comforting dish that stands out on its own. The smoky flavor of the bacon enhances the tender cabbage, creating a filling option for any meal. With minimal prep and cooking time, it's perfect for busy weeknights. This dish delivers a hearty and satisfying experience without the need for a main course. A classic choice that feels warm and homey.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

    Shrimp Macaroni Salad

    Shrimp macaroni salad in a pink bowl with lemon wedges.Pin
    Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp macaroni salad is a light yet hearty dish that works well as a standalone meal. The combination of tender shrimp and pasta creates a flavorful and filling option. With easy preparation, it's perfect for quick lunches or casual gatherings. This salad is a great way to enjoy seafood in a convenient format. A refreshing and satisfying choice for any occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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