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Home » Trending

18 Side Dishes That Make Main Courses Jealous

Published: Dec 2, 2025 by Janelle This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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Sometimes the sides outshine the stars, and these 18 recipes are living proof. From roasted, zesty, cheesy, to crunchy perfection, each dish brings flavor, texture, and attitude to your table. Perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or casual feasts, these sides are ready to prove that a little extra effort can make every meal unforgettable.

Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts

Brussel Sprouts in a white bowl with a spoon.
Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making frozen Brussel sprouts in the air fryer is so easy you won’t even believe it! In about 15 minutes from freezer to air fryer, you'll have perfectly cooked Brussel sprouts!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts

Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

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

Making asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle is insanely easy to do! Crunchy delicious grilled asparagus is a healthy side dish. Minimal ingredients of garlic, salt, pepper and oil, this dish is done in no time at all!
Get the Recipe: Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

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 and require only a few ingredients. They're a great low carb and low calorie side dish. They also spruce up your plate with color!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Radishes

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 so sweet and flavorful! They are incredibly easy to make and done in about 10 minutes! Cooking peppers and onions in the Air Fryer is so easy!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

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 delicious side dish and easy low carb recipe. It's a good low carb alternative to pasta and great for those following a keto or paleo diet! BONUS it's super easy to make and done in less than 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free)

Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free) on a white plate with parmesan cheese.
Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making asparagus in the air fryer is incredibly quick and easy! In just 7 minutes you will have a crispy asparagus ready to enjoy! You can also add some grated parmesan cheese to give it tons of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free)

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.

Make delicious Brussel sprouts with bacon on your Blackstone Griddle. This is a delicious side dish that the whole family will love!
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

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

Make perfectly cooked zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle. Quick and easy, these make for a healthy side dish! These Blackstone zucchini are low in carbs and great for a keto or paleo diet!
Get the Recipe: Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Sauteed Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in a white bowl with red pepper flakes, a spoon, and a fork.
Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Sautéed Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a quick and easy side dish that's full of flavor! With only 5 ingredients and a cast iron skillet, clean up and prep is a breeze!
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

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 delicious and easy-to-make side dish. Cook sweet and juicy corn on your Blackstone griddle in no time. Perfect for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Corn on the Cob

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 incredibly delicious! It is a great low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes. You'll love the smooth texture and the buttery garlic flavors of this cheesy cauliflower mash.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Frozen broccoli florets roasted on an air fryer tray.
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Keeping frozen broccoli on hand is a great option for an easy side dish but no one enjoys eating it as mush! This air fryer frozen broccoli recipe results in crispy seasoned broccoli florets everyone will love! It’s easy, quick and will instantly become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Two crispy air fryer hasselback potatoes with chives, garlic and butter on a white plate.
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Golden brown with crispy buttery edges, these hasselback potatoes made in the air fryer are the ultimate side dish. Seasoned simply with garlic, salt, pepper and fresh chives, they pair perfectly with almost any meal and couldn’t be easier to make!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Air Fryer Okra Fries

Spiced air fryer okra fries served with a yogurt dip on a plate with fresh parsley.
Air Fryer Okra Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer okra is the BEST way to enjoy this often overlooked vegetable. The air fryer turns what many refer to as a “slimy” texture into crispy, crunchy okra fries. Seasoned simply but irresistibly, this recipe will have you falling in love with okra!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Okra Fries

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi fries with dill dip on a plate.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside—these Halloumi Fries are a total win. Made in just 25 minutes, they’re a quick and easy way to add something special to your dinner or party spread.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A pan of creamy broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 25 minutes, this Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes becomes the perfect side dish! The rich cream sauce pairs beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes, and it’s low in carbs, gluten-free, and easily adapted for vegetarians. Perfect for any meal!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

Crispy Baked Zucchini served on a white plate.
Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Our Crispy Baked Zucchini is a simple, golden delight made with your choice of bread for fresh, homemade breadcrumbs. These low-carb, gluten-free zucchini fries are the perfect BBQ side or appetizer—crispy, grain-free, and diabetic-friendly!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

Extra Crispy Keto Tater Tots Croquettes inside white bowl.
Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

This Tater Tots Croquettes Recipe is as easy as it gets—only 3 ingredients for a side dish that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Kid-friendly, dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-carb, these tots are about to become your new favorite snack!
Get the Recipe: Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

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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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