30 Sides & Salads That’ll Make Your Meal Feel Like a Feast

When it comes to making a meal feel extra special, the right sides and salads can really take it to the next level. Whether you're looking for something fresh and light or hearty and satisfying, these dishes have a way of turning any dinner into a feast. Trust me, you'll be reaching for these recipes again and again to upgrade your meals.

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

This refreshing salad combines fresh berries with a sweet blueberry dressing for a bright, light side. It’s a great option when you want something quick and easy to pair with any meal. The vibrant mix of flavors adds a burst of freshness that complements heavier dishes. Perfect for a casual lunch or dinner, it’s a side that doesn’t require much prep. You’ll find it’s a great addition to any meal that could use a touch of fruit.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Santa Fe Salad

Packed with bold flavors and a nice crunch, this salad features a mix of fresh veggies and hearty beans. It’s a filling option that pairs well with any main dish, making it a go-to side when you need something to round out the meal. With minimal prep and a handful of ingredients, it’s both simple and satisfying. The combination of textures and flavors will make this salad a favorite. It’s a perfect way to add some color and crunch to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Braised Brussels Sprouts

Braised Brussels sprouts bring a rich, earthy flavor to the table. This side dish is easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a stand-alone vegetarian option. The slow-cooking process enhances their natural flavor, making them a hearty addition to any meal. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t take much time but brings a lot of depth. Whether served with a roast or alongside a simple soup, it’s a great way to make your meal feel more substantial.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

These crispy potato wedges are a fast and easy way to enjoy a classic side dish. With minimal oil and a simple seasoning, they’re ready in no time, perfect for a busy weeknight. The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, giving you a satisfying side. Whether served with burgers, grilled chicken, or a steak, they’re a great match. You’ll appreciate how quickly these come together without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A crunchy, tangy slaw salad that’s easy to throw together and complements any main course. The simple dressing adds a nice balance to the fresh veggies, making it a great option for picnics or casual meals. This salad can be prepped ahead of time, saving you time on busy days. It’s light but filling, adding a nice crunch and bright flavor to your plate. It’s a great choice when you want something simple yet tasty to balance out your meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Salmon Salad

This fresh salad combines tender salmon with greens and a light dressing for a flavorful, protein-packed side. It’s a perfect choice when you want something light but filling to pair with your main dish. The fish adds a nice richness without being heavy, and the vegetables provide a refreshing contrast. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great option for lunch or dinner. This salad adds variety to your meal without requiring too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

This comforting casserole brings together the sweet flavors of yams in a simple, easy-to-make dish. The canned yams help save time while still delivering the familiar creamy texture and sweetness. Perfect for holiday meals or a cozy dinner, it pairs well with a variety of mains. It’s a warm, hearty side that’s ideal when you need something that complements a rich meal. This dish is an easy way to add a satisfying, crowd-pleasing side to your table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasting Roma tomatoes in the air fryer brings out their natural sweetness, making them a great side to add a burst of flavor to any meal. They cook quickly, so it’s a perfect option when you’re short on time but still want something special. The simple seasoning helps enhance the tomatoes’ natural taste, creating a flavorful side that pairs with just about anything. The air fryer ensures they stay tender on the inside while crisping up on the outside. This is an easy way to elevate your meal without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Vegan Mexican Rice

This flavorful Mexican rice is the perfect side to complement any taco or burrito meal. It’s easy to prepare and has a nice balance of spices and fresh ingredients. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a colorful, vibrant side that brings a little extra to your table. It’s light but satisfying, adding texture and flavor to any dish it accompanies. This rice is a go-to when you need a quick and simple side that still feels like a feast.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Seafood Pasta Salad

A flavorful, hearty pasta salad that brings the taste of the sea to your plate. The seafood adds richness, while the pasta offers a satisfying base, making this side a great addition to any meal. It’s easy to prepare in advance, which makes it a great choice for meal prep or a potluck. Whether served warm or chilled, it pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a main for a light meal. This pasta salad is a great way to add variety and freshness to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Easy Radish Salad

With a crisp and peppery bite, this radish salad is a fresh, light side that complements any main course. It’s quick to prepare and requires only a few ingredients, making it a simple option for busy days. The radishes provide a nice crunch, and the light dressing balances the flavors perfectly. This salad is a great choice when you want something easy yet flavorful. It’s a perfect addition to any meal that needs a fresh side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad

Crab Fried Rice

A flavorful fried rice that combines tender crab meat with savory vegetables and rice. It’s a simple yet hearty side that can easily be paired with any Asian-inspired main course. The crab adds a rich, savory element to the rice, making it feel like a treat without being overly complicated. This dish is easy to make and offers a satisfying flavor that will complement a variety of meals. It’s a great way to add some extra flair to your usual rice side.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Zucchini Bruschetta

This easy-to-make bruschetta uses fresh zucchini as the base, offering a light and fresh alternative to the classic. It’s a great choice when you want something quick and flavorful that won’t take much time to prepare. The topping of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs brings a burst of fresh flavor that complements the mild zucchini. This dish works as both an appetizer or a side to any meal. It’s simple yet satisfying, adding a nice bite to your table.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

This broccoli salad combines crunchy fresh vegetables with crispy bacon for a savory, satisfying side. It’s an easy-to-make dish that comes together quickly and pairs well with both casual and formal meals. The bacon adds a nice crunch, while the dressing ties everything together. It’s a great addition when you want something hearty without being too heavy. This salad is perfect for meals that need a bit of freshness and richness.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Aloo Gobi Masala

This classic Indian side dish features spiced potatoes and cauliflower, giving your meal an extra boost of flavor. It’s a simple yet hearty dish that’s perfect for pairing with a variety of main courses. The spices create a warm, flavorful base that makes this dish feel substantial. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy days. This side adds a unique twist to any meal and is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

These frozen sweet potato fries are transformed in the air fryer into a crispy, golden side dish that’s quick and easy to make. They’re a great option for busy days when you want something fast without sacrificing flavor. The air fryer ensures they come out crisp without the need for excessive oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Perfect with any main course, they add a satisfying crunch. This side is both convenient and tasty, making it a great choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

This Southern-inspired dish brings together tender cabbage and crispy bacon for a flavorful side that complements a variety of main courses. It’s easy to make and perfect for those looking for a hearty, savory side to round out their meal. The bacon adds richness, while the cabbage provides a satisfying texture. It’s a great choice when you need a side that’s both comforting and simple. This dish pairs well with everything from grilled meats to roasted chicken.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

These green beans are cooked in garlic butter, creating a simple but flavorful side that pairs well with just about anything. They’re easy to prepare and can be on your table in no time, making them ideal for busy weeknights. The garlic adds depth to the green beans, while the butter gives them a smooth finish. This dish is quick, easy, and a great way to add a fresh, light side to your meal. It’s a classic choice that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

With bacon wrapped around tender cabbage, this dish offers a savory side with a nice balance of flavors. It’s a unique way to enjoy cabbage, giving it a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with any meat. The air fryer makes it quick to prepare, and the bacon crisps up nicely. This side is easy to make and perfect for those looking to try something different. It’s a great way to bring some flair to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice baked potatoes get even better with a cheesy, loaded topping that’s perfect for any meal. These potatoes are a hearty side that will fill you up without feeling too heavy. They’re easy to make and offer a creamy texture that complements grilled meats and vegetables. The cheese and bacon add richness, while the potatoes provide a satisfying base. It’s an indulgent yet simple side that will enhance any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These stuffed sweet potatoes are filled with a flavorful mix of beans and veggies, offering a hearty and filling side. They’re a great option when you want something warm and comforting to pair with a lighter main. The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that balances the savory filling. It’s a simple recipe that’s easy to make and a great way to include a healthy side in your meal. This dish is satisfying and perfect for adding some variety to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

These roasted cabbage steaks are simple to make and bring out the natural sweetness of the cabbage. They’re a great side when you want something quick, hearty, and a little different. Roasting the cabbage gives it a crispy texture on the outside while keeping it tender inside. It’s a great pairing with roasted meats or as a stand-alone vegetable. This dish is flavorful and easy, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

These maple glazed carrots are roasted to perfection in the air fryer, offering a sweet, savory side dish. The air fryer ensures they cook quickly, making them a great choice when you’re pressed for time. The maple glaze adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the natural flavor of the carrots. It’s a simple dish that pairs well with a variety of mains. This side is quick, easy, and perfect for adding a bit of sweetness to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air fryer Brussels sprouts come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a quick and easy side dish. They’re seasoned simply, allowing their natural flavor to shine. The air fryer makes them cook faster, so they’re perfect when you want something crispy without the long cooking time. This dish is easy to make and pairs perfectly with roasted meats or fish. It’s a great way to add a crunchy, flavorful side to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Home Fries

These home fries are cooked in the air fryer to create a crispy, golden brown exterior while keeping the inside tender. They’re quick to make and are the perfect side to pair with eggs, breakfast dishes, or any meal. With minimal oil, they come out crunchy and satisfying, and they don’t require much prep. This dish is ideal for busy mornings or when you’re craving a crispy side to go with your main. It’s a simple, yet satisfying choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

A creamy and flavorful macaroni salad with tender shrimp and fresh vegetables. This side is perfect for a picnic or as a complement to a barbecue or seafood meal. The shrimp adds richness while the pasta provides a satisfying texture. It’s quick to make, and you can prepare it ahead of time for convenience. This salad brings a touch of elegance to any meal without requiring a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Green Bean Casserole

This classic green bean casserole is a warm and comforting side dish that pairs well with any main course. The creamy sauce and crispy topping provide a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. It’s an easy dish to prepare, perfect for weeknight meals or holiday dinners. This casserole is great for feeding a crowd and can be made ahead of time. It’s a great way to add some richness to your meal without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air fryer sweet potatoes cook quickly and come out crispy on the outside with a soft, tender inside. They’re easy to prepare and make a great side to complement a variety of meals. The air fryer helps them cook evenly without the need for excessive oil. This dish adds a nice sweetness to your plate and is perfect for busy nights. Whether served as wedges or whole, they’re a flavorful and simple addition to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Red Skin Potato Salad

A creamy potato salad made with tender red skin potatoes, offering a great side dish for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. It’s easy to make and pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches. The red skins give the salad a nice texture, and the creamy dressing adds richness. This dish can be prepped ahead of time, making it a convenient option when you need a side in a hurry. It’s a classic side that complements almost any main.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Ratatouille

This vegetable-packed dish is a flavorful medley of roasted tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplant. It’s an excellent side to serve with roasted meats or to enjoy as a light meal. The dish can be easily adjusted to suit your taste, and the vegetables provide a great mix of flavors. It’s a great choice when you want to add some color and freshness to your plate. This dish is a simple way to enjoy a range of veggies without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille