17 Simple Sides That Make Weeknight Dinners Feel Special

Weeknight dinners can sometimes feel routine, but the right side dishes can add a touch of magic to any meal. That’s why I’ve put together simple sides that make weeknight dinners feel special. These recipes are quick, easy and guaranteed to bring new flavors and excitement to your dinner table without much effort.

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

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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 an easy and flavorful side that can make any weeknight dinner feel special. The combination of crab and rice offers a delightful mix of textures. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings. Pair it with your favorite main course for a complete meal. A simple yet impressive addition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

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 easy-to-make side that complements any main dish. The slow cooker ensures a smooth and rich texture without much effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, it allows you to focus on other tasks while it cooks. Serve it alongside your favorite protein for a comforting meal. This classic side can make any dinner feel more special.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad is a light and refreshing side that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines seafood with pasta and fresh vegetables for a balanced dish. Easy to prepare, it can be made ahead of time, making dinner prep stress-free. Pair it with a variety of main courses for a complete meal. A great way to add some variety to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a flavorful vegetable medley that adds a touch of elegance to any meal. This dish is not only healthy but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights. The blend of tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplant creates a delicious side that pairs well with many main dishes. Perfect for bringing a bit of French flair to your dinner. A versatile and impressive addition to your menu.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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 made in the air fryer are a sweet and savory side that can enhance any dinner. The air fryer ensures they come out perfectly cooked with minimal effort. These carrots are quick to prepare, making them a great choice for busy nights. Pair them with your favorite main dish for a balanced meal. A simple way to add a special touch to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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 unique and flavorful side that can add a special touch to your dinners. They are easy to prepare and roast quickly in the oven. The cabbage becomes tender and caramelized, perfect for pairing with various main dishes. This healthy side is great for adding variety to your meals. An impressive and simple addition to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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 a quick and easy side that can make any meal more special. The air fryer ensures they come out crispy and flavorful with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, they cook quickly and require little preparation. Pair them with your favorite main course for a balanced dinner. A simple and delicious way to enjoy a healthy side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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 and cheesy side that can elevate any dinner. They are easy to prepare and cook quickly in the air fryer. The combination of crispy potatoes and melted cheese is always a hit. Serve them alongside your favorite main dishes for a comforting meal. A simple way to add a special touch to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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 fresh and vibrant side that can brighten up any meal. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with a variety of main courses. The combination of crisp green beans and juicy tomatoes makes for a refreshing dish. Perfect for adding some color and freshness to your dinner table. A simple and healthy addition to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

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 comforting side that can elevate any meal. They are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The combination of creamy potatoes and melted cheese is always a hit. Perfect for serving with a variety of main courses. A simple and hearty addition to your weeknight dinners.
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 a classic side that can make any dinner feel special. They are simple to prepare and bake to perfection. The creamy, cheesy layers of potatoes are always a favorite. Perfect for pairing with your favorite main dishes. A comforting and easy addition to your weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a comforting side that can make any meal feel special. It’s easy to prepare and always a hit with family and friends. The creamy sauce and crispy topping make it a perfect addition to your dinner table. Serve it with your favorite main dishes for a complete meal. A simple and classic addition to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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 hearty and flavorful side that can enhance any meal. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with many main dishes. The combination of tender cabbage and crispy bacon is always a hit. Perfect for adding a touch of Southern comfort to your dinner table. A simple and satisfying addition to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini bruschetta is a fresh and flavorful side that can make any meal feel special. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for summer evenings. The combination of zucchini, tomatoes, and basil creates a light and refreshing dish. Serve it with your favorite main courses for a complete meal. A simple and healthy addition to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

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 easy side that can enhance any dinner. It’s simple to prepare and pairs well with a variety of main courses. The spices and vegetables make it a vibrant addition to your dinner table. Perfect for adding a touch of Mexican flair to your meals. A practical and tasty addition to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

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 quick and flavorful side that can elevate any meal. They are easy to prepare and cook quickly. The combination of fresh green beans and garlic butter is always a hit. Serve them with your favorite main dishes for a balanced meal. A simple and delicious addition to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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 quick and flavorful side that can enhance any meal. They cook perfectly in the air fryer with minimal effort. The roasting brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes. Perfect for serving with a variety of main dishes. A simple and tasty addition to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes