23 Side Dishes That Always Made the Plate Complete

There’s something satisfying about a meal where every part works together, and the right side dish can make that happen. In this list of 23 side dishes, you’ll find ideas that fit right alongside any main course. Some bring comfort, others add a pop of flavor or color, and a few might even surprise you. As you scroll, you might just think of the times a side was the part you remembered most.

Easy Oven Asparagus

Cooked asparagus in a white bowl. — Easy Oven Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy oven asparagus is roasted for about 12 minutes until crisp-tender. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of seasoning let the vegetable’s natural flavor shine. It’s a quick side that fits into both weeknight dinners and holiday meals. Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the ones people remember most.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Brioche Rolls

Brioche rolls are made from a buttery dough that rises for several hours before baking to a golden finish. Their soft, tender crumb comes from the rich addition of eggs and butter. Slightly sweet in flavor, they work with both savory dishes and spreads. They have a way of making any dinner table feel more special.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Rolls

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots are simmered until tender and coated with a sticky glaze in about 25 minutes. The sweetness of honey and the bite of garlic work together for balanced flavor. They’re simple enough for everyday meals but also fit in at special gatherings. A glossy finish makes them as pretty as they are flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous comes together in about 20 minutes by tossing cooked couscous with tender asparagus and a light citrus dressing. The bright flavor makes it a welcome addition to both casual and more formal meals. It can be served warm or chilled depending on the occasion. Either way, it brings a fresh note that balances heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

A delightful side dish of green beans topped with crispy fried onions, perfect for pleasing both adults and kids alike. — Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlicky green beans with fried onions are cooked until tender-crisp and topped with crunchy onions for texture. The garlic adds a rich aroma that pairs well with roasted meats or poultry. They take about 20 minutes from start to finish. This is a side that brings both freshness and crunch to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy mashed potatoes are whipped with cream cheese and seasoned with salt and pepper in just under 30 minutes. The result is a smooth, fluffy texture that works well with almost any main dish. They’re simple to prepare yet have a richness that stands out. Every bite feels like comfort on a fork.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Red, yellow, and orange honey glazed carrots on a slate board. — Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted honey glazed carrots are baked for about 25 minutes until tender with lightly crisp edges. A honey-thyme glaze brings out their natural sweetness. They fit just as well on a weeknight table as they do at a holiday dinner. The golden sheen makes them stand out without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie couscous salad is made by tossing fluffy couscous with fresh vegetables and herbs. It’s ready in around 15 minutes, making it one of the quickest sides to prepare. The light texture works well alongside grilled or roasted mains. It adds a fresh touch without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans are cooked in a very hot pan with garlic and a splash of white wine for brightness. They’re ready in about 10 minutes and keep a satisfying snap. The quick sear locks in flavor while giving them a slight char. They’re the kind of vegetable that disappears fast once served.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage. — Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Oven roasted root vegetables bake in about 35 minutes, creating a mix that’s both tender and caramelized. Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are tossed in olive oil and herbs before roasting. The flavors deepen in the heat, making them earthy and slightly sweet. Their colorful mix looks especially inviting on the table.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Mashed cauliflower in a white bowl. — Loaded Cauliflower Mash. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Loaded cauliflower mash is made by steaming cauliflower until soft, then blending it smooth with cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions. The preparation takes about 20 minutes. It’s a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes while still being hearty. Even those who don’t usually go for cauliflower often enjoy this one.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

A serving basket of sweet potato fritters next to a bowl of dipping sauce and a single serving on a plate. — Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Sweet potato fritters are pan-fried until golden and crisp, taking about 15 minutes. They’re served with a dipping sauce that’s both sweet and spicy. This side brings a fun texture to the table and pairs with many main dishes. They’re the kind of bite people reach for quickly.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire green beans are sautéed with shallots and Worcestershire sauce for a bold flavor in about 20 minutes. They’re tender-crisp and slightly tangy. This quick side adds depth without being heavy. The sauce clings to each bean, making every bite full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini noodle salad uses spiralized zucchini mixed with bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. It’s ready in about 15 minutes and keeps its freshness even when made ahead. The crisp vegetables and creamy avocado balance each other nicely. This is a side that feels cool and refreshing, especially in warmer weather.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

A bowl of roasted brussels sprouts. — Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with almonds and feta are baked until tender, then tossed with crunchy almonds and tangy cheese. The process takes about 25 minutes and uses only a few ingredients. The mix of textures and flavors pairs easily with a variety of main courses. It’s a simple way to make Brussels sprouts feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Baked sweet potato slices on a cutting board with a spoon. — Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown sugar baked sweet potato slices are roasted in the oven for about 25 minutes until the centers are soft and creamy. A coating of cinnamon, ginger, and brown sugar adds sweetness and warmth. The edges take on a light caramelization that deepens their flavor. They make holiday tables just a little brighter.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts are oven-roasted until tender, taking about 25 minutes from start to finish. Once cooked, they’re coated in a sweet and tangy glaze that clings to each sprout. The roasting brings out a deep flavor that pairs well with many main dishes. They have a way of making even simple meals feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels sprouts salad is made with raw shredded sprouts tossed in a mustard-balsamic dressing. It’s topped with sweet, smoky, and creamy elements for balance. This salad works well in cooler months when fresh greens are still welcome at the table. It’s a crisp, refreshing break from heavier sides.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Basic Polenta

Basic polenta is cooked slowly on the stove until smooth and creamy, usually in about 30 minutes. Made from cornmeal and water, it can be served as-is or topped with a variety of sauces and seasonings. This adaptable side can be kept soft or chilled and sliced for grilling. Its versatility makes it a dependable companion to many meals.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer orzo pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans. — Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Summer orzo salad comes together in about 20 minutes with cooked orzo, fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a homemade vinaigrette. The cool, tangy flavor makes it perfect for warmer days. It’s easy to make ahead for gatherings or picnics. Light yet filling, it fits in beside grilled meats or fish.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steak topped with tomatoes, bacon, goat cheese, and more. — Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted cabbage steaks are made by slicing cabbage thick, roasting in bacon fat, and topping with flavorful additions in under 40 minutes. The edges caramelize in the oven while the centers stay tender. A drizzle of creamy garlic dressing brings everything together. They turn a humble vegetable into something that stands out on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Greek Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad in a brown bowl, garnished with pita bread. — Greek Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Greek quinoa salad is prepared by cooking quinoa, then tossing it with fresh vegetables, beans, and feta cheese in a tangy vinaigrette. The mix of colors and textures makes it as appealing to look at as it is to eat. It’s ready in about 25 minutes and can be served cold or at room temperature. This dish brings a light, refreshing contrast to heavier mains.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes start with Yukon gold potatoes boiled until tender, then mashed with a sauce of browned butter, garlic, and sage. The whole process takes about 30 minutes. The nutty, savory flavors make them especially comforting. They’re the kind of side that people often ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes