17 Sides That'll Make Weeknight Dinners A Thousand Times Better

Weeknight dinners can often feel repetitive and uninspired, but the right side dishes can make a big difference. This collection of 17 recipes offers a variety of delicious and easy-to-make sides that complement any main course. From fresh salads to hearty vegetable dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Try these sides to add new flavors and excitement to your weeknight meals.

Tabbouleh Salad with Feta

Quinoa salad with pomegranate and feta cheese. — Tabbouleh Salad with Feta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This refreshing Tabbouleh Salad with Feta combines bulgur wheat, fresh parsley, tomatoes, and cucumbers, creating a zesty and satisfying side. The addition of crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy flavor that complements the vegetables perfectly. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and easy option for busy weeknights. Enjoy this bright and flavorful salad that brings a Mediterranean twist to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad with Feta

Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

A black bowl filled with vegetables on a table. — Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Indian-Style Okra Curry, also known as Bhindi Masala Gravy, is a flavorful dish featuring tender okra cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce. The combination of cumin, coriander, and garam masala gives it a rich and aromatic taste. This curry takes about 40 minutes to prepare, making it a great choice for a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete dinner experience.
Get the Recipe: Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

Colombian Cheese Arepas

A plate with corn, tomatoes and cheese on it. — Colombian Cheese Arepas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian Cheese Arepas are a savory delight made from cornmeal and filled with melted cheese. These golden, crispy cakes have a soft and cheesy center that makes them irresistible. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for a quick and tasty side dish. Pair them with your favorite main course for a touch of Colombian cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Cheese Arepas

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

A glass bowl filled with cucumbers and cream. — Ukrainian Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing dish made with crisp cucumbers, dill, and a tangy sour cream dressing. The fresh flavors make it a perfect side for any meal, adding a cool and crunchy texture. This salad takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy addition to your dinner menu. Enjoy the simple yet delightful taste of this Ukrainian classic.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli and Peppers

Roasted vegetables on a wooden table. — Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli and peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers is a vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring tender potatoes, crisp broccoli, and sweet bell peppers, all roasted to perfection with a hint of lemon. The combination of these vegetables creates a satisfying and nutritious dish. Ready in 35 minutes, it’s a great way to add some color and taste to your weeknight dinners. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli and Peppers

Argentinian Empanadas

Hands pulling two halves of a cheese empanada. — Argentinian Empanadas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Argentinian Empanadas are savory pastries filled with a variety of delicious ingredients like vegetables and spices. These hand-held pockets have a golden, flaky crust that encases the flavorful filling perfectly. Taking about 50 minutes to prepare, they make a fantastic side or appetizer for any meal. Enjoy the authentic taste of Argentina with these delightful empanadas.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers and beets with dill in bowl. — Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the crispness of cucumbers, all dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. This colorful and vibrant salad is both refreshing and satisfying. It takes just 20 minutes to put together, making it a quick and easy side dish. Add a burst of flavor and color to your meal with this unique salad.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Root Vegetable Salad

A bowl of food with a spoon. — Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Root Vegetable Salad, also known as Russian Vinaigrette Salad, features a mix of boiled beets, carrots, potatoes, and peas, dressed in a light vinaigrette. The combination of earthy vegetables and tangy dressing creates a hearty and flavorful dish. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s a great addition to any dinner table. Enjoy the rich and satisfying taste of this traditional Russian salad.
Get the Recipe: Root Vegetable Salad

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash. — Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf is a warm and hearty side dish made with nutty wild rice and sweet butternut squash. The addition of cranberries and pecans adds a delightful texture and flavor. This dish takes about an hour to prepare, making it a great choice for a cozy and comforting meal. Serve it alongside your favorite protein for a complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Easy Gluten Free Samosas

A plate of fried samosas on a marble table. — easy gluten free samosas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Easy Gluten-Free Samosas are crispy pastries filled with a spiced potato and pea mixture. These golden, crunchy treats are perfect for those following a gluten-free diet. They take about 40 minutes to make and are a fantastic appetizer or side dish. Enjoy the delicious taste of samosas without the gluten.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gluten Free Samosas

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

A bowl of kale salad on a wooden table. — Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing combines fresh kale, sweet apples, and a tangy, creamy dressing. The crunchy walnuts add a satisfying texture to this refreshing salad. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and nutritious side dish for any meal. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors in this healthy salad.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Russian Piroshki

Three piroshki on a plate with tea. — Russian Piroshki. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian Piroshki are soft, pillowy pastries filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and spices. These hand-held treats have a golden, fluffy exterior that encases the delicious filling perfectly. Taking about an hour to prepare, they make a great side or snack. Enjoy the authentic taste of these traditional Russian pastries.
Get the Recipe: Russian Piroshki

Classic Mushroom Bourekas

Stuffed mushrooms on a wooden cutting board. — Classic Mushroom Bourekas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Classic Mushroom Bourekas are flaky pastries filled with a savory mushroom mixture. The golden, crispy crust and the flavorful filling make these bourekas a delightful treat. They take about 45 minutes to prepare and are perfect as a side dish or appetizer. Enjoy the rich and satisfying taste of these classic pastries.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mushroom Bourekas

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

Roasted brussels sprouts with pomegranate and goat cheese. — Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic are a flavorful and nutritious side dish. The air fryer gives the Brussels sprouts a perfect crispiness, while the feta adds a tangy flavor, and the pomegranate seeds provide a sweet crunch. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and easy dish. Enjoy this healthy and delicious combination with your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

Fried Halloumi Salad

Fried Halloumi Salad features crispy, golden halloumi cheese served on a bed of fresh greens and vegetables. The salty and savory halloumi pairs perfectly with the crisp salad ingredients. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick and tasty side dish. Enjoy this satisfying salad that brings a Mediterranean touch to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad

Goat Cheese Salad

Goat Cheese Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish combining creamy goat cheese, mixed greens, and a variety of vegetables. The tangy cheese and crisp vegetables create a perfect balance of flavors. This salad takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy side dish. Enjoy the delightful taste of this simple and delicious salad.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Salad

Salmon Salad with Bagel

Overhead of smoked salmon and bagel salad. — Salmon Salad with Bagel. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Salmon Salad with Bagel features smoked salmon, mixed greens, and crisp vegetables, all served with a toasted bagel. The combination of the rich salmon and the fresh salad ingredients makes for a satisfying and tasty dish. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and easy option for a light meal. Enjoy this delicious and convenient salad any time.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad with Bagel

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17 Sides That’ll Make Weeknight Dinners A Thousand Times Better