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Home » Trending

20 Side Dishes So Delicious, You’ll Build Meals Around Them

Published: Nov 27, 2025 by Janelle This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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Some sides are just too good to play second fiddle. These 20 recipes bring bold flavor and irresistible texture to every plate—from creamy, cheesy favorites to crispy, golden veggies and perfectly seasoned grains. They’re quick enough for weeknights but tasty enough for holidays and special dinners alike. Get ready to impress your guests (and yourself) with sides that don’t just complement—they complete the meal.

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Peppers and Onions. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions are sweet, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make—ready in just 10 minutes! Cooking them in the Air Fryer is a breeze!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

Blackstone Asparagus on white plate.
Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Cooking asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle is a breeze! Enjoy crunchy, delicious grilled asparagus with just garlic, salt, pepper, and oil. This healthy side dish is ready in no time!
Get the Recipe: Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower in a white bowl with butter, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

This Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower is irresistibly delicious and a fantastic low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes. Enjoy its smooth texture and buttery garlic flavors in every bite!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Air Fryer Radishes

Air Fryer Radishes with parsley, salt, and pepper in a white bowl with a spoon.
Air Fryer Radishes. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

These Air Fryer Radishes are incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients. They’re a great low-carb, low-calorie side dish that adds vibrant color to your plate!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Radishes

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash on a white plate with parsley, salt, and pepper.
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is a tasty, easy low-carb side dish that's a great pasta alternative for keto or paleo diets. Plus, it’s ready in under 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus on foil with parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Quick and easy roasted garlic parmesan asparagus, simply seasoned with avocado oil, sea salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle on a white plate.
Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Cook zucchini perfectly on the Blackstone Griddle—quick, easy, and healthy! These low-carb Blackstone zucchini are ideal for keto or paleo diets.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Blackstone Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Blackstone Brussel Spouts with bacon in a white bowl with a fork.
Blackstone Brussel Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Prepare delicious Brussels sprouts with bacon on your Blackstone Griddle. This tasty side dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans

Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans with parsley, salt, and pepper.
Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Roasted potatoes and green beans are a tasty, easy side dish! With complex carbs and starch, just add your favorite protein. These veggies are vegan and gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans

Blackstone Corn on the Cob

Close-up of grilled corn on the cob topped with melted butter, chopped parsley, and seasoning—an ideal addition to everything on your plate.
Blackstone Corn on the Cob. Photo Credit: Lara Clevenger.

Blackstone Corn on the Cob is a tasty and effortless side dish. Enjoy sweet, juicy corn cooked quickly on your Blackstone griddle. It’s perfect for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Corn on the Cob

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate.
Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green bean tomato salad is the perfect fresh and flavorful side dish for summer. Easy to prepare and packed with healthy ingredients, it’s a delicious way to feel great after every meal!
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Low angle shot of a bowl of watermelon salad with kalamata olives and feta cheese.
Watermelon and Feta Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Watermelon Feta Salad with Kalamata Olives is a perfect summer side dish. With just 5 ingredients, it’s quick, easy, and incredibly refreshing!
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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

Try this cheesy, loaded twice-baked potato recipe that's perfect for any night of the week. Discover how to make this mouthwatering side dish with just a few simple ingredients!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Aloo Gobi Masala

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

Experience a flavorful twist on a classic Indian dish with this aloo gobi masala. It’s a mouthwatering blend of potatoes, cauliflower, and spices simmered in a rich curry sauce.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Air fryer zucchini and squash on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This air fryer zucchini and squash recipe is seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil, then cooked to a perfect golden brown. It’s an easy, delicious side dish that's perfect for summer!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

A closeup shot of roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine on a wooden cutting board surrounded by basil and garlic.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These cherry tomatoes are roasted with garlic and olive oil and served on the vine for a burst of flavor in every bite!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Sage and Bacon Stuffing

A closeup is shown of a baking dish full of bacon and sage stuffing.
Sage and Bacon Stuffing. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This recipe elevates classic stuffing with sage, onion, celery, and parsley by adding savory bacon for an unbeatable side dish!
Get the Recipe: Sage and Bacon Stuffing

Spring Onion Potato Salad

A bowl of spring onion potato salad.
Spring Onion Potato Salad. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This Spring Onion Potato Salad is a delicious and nutritious side dish, blending the crisp freshness of spring onions with the creamy comfort of tender potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad

Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks

A wooden cutting board with pepperoni breadsticks and dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Enjoy these quick and delicious Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Stuffed Breadsticks as an appetizer, side dish, party snack, or movie night treat!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks

Easy Baked Skillet Mac and Cheese

A creamy baked pasta dish topped with breadcrumbs and herbs is partially scooped out in a skillet, showing melted cheese and a spoon inside the pan. Perfect for sharing, it pairs wonderfully with any of your 15 sides.
Easy Baked Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo Credit: The Crumby Kitchen.

Skillet Mac and Cheese baked in the oven is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect in any dinner situation! Whether you’re serving up a dozen people at a holiday potluck or four at a summer cookout, this easy side dish is always a crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Skillet Mac and Cheese

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Hi, I’m Lara, a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer with a passion for food and travel.

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