21 Simple Side Dishes That Take Your Dinner from Good to Great

Looking to take your dinner to the next level with minimal effort? I've assembled a collection of simple side dishes that add a delicious twist to any meal. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or just looking to spruce up your weekday meals, these dishes enhance your dining experience without complicating your kitchen routine. From crispy potatoes to flavorful salads and comforting casseroles, each dish promises to bring flavor and variety to your table, making every dinner feel a bit more special and satisfying.

Close-up of a wooden spoon holding ratatouille, featuring diced zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, garnished with parsley. — Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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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.

Maple glazed carrots cooked to perfection in the air fryer offer a sweet and savory addition to your meal. These carrots are ideal for simple side dishes that elevate your dinner with their delightful flavors and quick cooking time. Perfect for a family dinner or a festive occasion, they add a touch of sweetness to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potatoes 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 nutritious and delicious side dish that's easy to prepare and full of flavor. These sweet potatoes are an excellent choice for simple side dishes that bring a natural sweetness and wholesome goodness to your dinner table. Ideal for any meal of the day, they're a versatile addition to your menu.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Crab Fried Rice

Close-up of a spoon holding fried rice with crab meat, green onions, and red bell peppers. — Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab fried rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that makes for a hearty side to complement your dinner. This fried rice is a great option for simple side dishes that add seafood richness and Asian-inspired flavors to your meal. Perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, it pairs well with other Asian dishes or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

A baking dish containing four twice-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and diced ham, garnished with herbs. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cheesy loaded twice baked potatoes are a decadent side dish that's both comforting and delicious. These potatoes are perfect for simple side dishes that bring cheesy goodness and hearty flavors to your dinner. Great for family gatherings or casual dinners, they're sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Close-up of creamy scalloped potatoes topped with melted cheese and garnished with parsley in a baking dish. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy scalloped potatoes are creamy and satisfying, making them a perfect addition to any dinner spread. These potatoes are an excellent choice for simple side dishes that offer creamy textures and rich flavors without the fuss. Ideal for holiday meals or everyday dinners, they're a comforting treat that everyone enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

A plate of green beans tossed with herbs and pine nuts. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green beans with garlic butter are a classic and flavorful side dish that's quick to prepare and full of freshness. This dish is great for simple side dishes that enhance your dinner with crisp vegetables and savory garlic flavors. Perfect for any meal, it's a versatile accompaniment to various main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Aloo Gobi Masala

A pot of vegetable curry with cauliflower and potatoes, garnished with herbs, served with naan bread. — Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Aloo gobi masala is a flavorful Indian dish featuring potatoes and cauliflower in a spiced tomato-based sauce. This dish is a great option for simple side dishes that bring aromatic spices and hearty vegetables to your dinner. Perfect for Indian cuisine enthusiasts or anyone looking to spice up their mealtime with exotic flavors.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Green Bean Tomato Salad

A plate of green beans with cherry tomato halves and crumbled feta, served with a fork on a white tablecloth. — Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green bean tomato salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish that's perfect for summer dinners or picnics. This salad is a great choice for simple side dishes that bring together crisp vegetables and tangy dressing. Ideal for light meals or as a refreshing side, it complements grilled meats or seafood beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Bowl of sautéed cabbage topped with crispy bacon strips. — Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a comforting and flavorful side dish that's easy to make and pairs well with any Southern meal. This dish is perfect for simple side dishes that offer savory bacon and tender cabbage cooked to perfection. Great for a soulful dinner or a Sunday supper, it adds Southern charm to your table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines pasta with a medley of seafood and vegetables. This salad is a fantastic choice for simple side dishes that offer seafood richness and Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Perfect for gatherings or as a light dinner, it's versatile and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage is a savory and indulgent side dish that's easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. This dish is great for simple side dishes that bring together crispy bacon and tender cabbage in a unique way. Perfect for bacon lovers or as a special dinner treat, it adds a delicious twist to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Zucchini Bruschetta

Slices of zucchini topped with diced tomatoes, basil, grated cheese, and herbs are arranged on a white surface. These recipes from around the world are anything but boring. — Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Zucchini bruschetta is a fresh and flavorful twist on traditional bruschetta, featuring grilled zucchini and tangy tomatoes. This dish is ideal for simple side dishes that bring together seasonal vegetables and Italian-inspired flavors. Perfect for summer meals or as an appetizer, it's a light and tasty addition to any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a classic and comforting dish featuring tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce. This casserole is perfect for simple side dishes that offer a familiar taste and comforting textures. Great for holiday dinners or weeknight meals, it's a timeless favorite that pairs well with roasted meats or poultry.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Vegan Mexican Rice

Bowl of Mexican rice mixed with tomato sauce and garnished with a sprig of cilantro, with a fork inserted into the rice. — Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Vegan Mexican rice is a flavorful and colorful dish made with rice, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for a festive dinner. This rice dish is a great choice for simple side dishes that offer Mexican-inspired flavors and plant-based goodness. Ideal for Taco Tuesdays or as a filling side, it's both satisfying and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

A close-up of seasoned potato wedges served with a side of dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer potato wedges are crispy and seasoned to perfection, making them a tasty and guilt-free side dish option. These wedges are ideal for simple side dishes that offer crunchy textures and potato goodness without deep frying. Perfect for casual dinners or as a snack, they're sure to be a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a delightful French vegetable stew featuring eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers in a savory tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for simple side dishes that bring together Mediterranean flavors and seasonal vegetables. Ideal for a light dinner or as a vegetarian option, it's both wholesome and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a spoon holding creamy mac and cheese garnished with green onions. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock pot mac and cheese is a creamy and comforting dish that's easy to make and loved by all ages. This mac and cheese is a great choice for simple side dishes that offer cheesy goodness and minimal effort. Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, it's a classic favorite that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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

Air fryer roasted Roma tomatoes are a flavorful and versatile side dish that's quick to prepare and bursting with tomato goodness. These tomatoes are ideal for simple side dishes that offer a savory twist and can complement various meals. Perfect for adding to salads, pasta dishes, or serving alongside meats, they enhance any dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate. — Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are crispy and flavorful, making them a delicious and nutritious side dish option. These sprouts are perfect for simple side dishes that offer a healthier alternative to traditional cooking methods. Ideal for a quick dinner or as a holiday side, they're a fantastic way to enjoy Brussels sprouts.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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 simple yet elegant side dish featuring thick slices of cabbage roasted to perfection. This dish is great for simple side dishes that offer a unique presentation and savory flavors. Perfect for a special dinner or as a creative side, it's sure to impress with its crispy edges and tender center.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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 crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them a delicious and satisfying side dish. These smashed potatoes are ideal for simple side dishes that offer cheesy goodness and a crunchy texture. Perfect for any meal, they're a delightful addition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese