Side dishes often don’t get the attention they deserve, but they can truly transform a meal. This collection of 20 life-changing sides will make you wonder how you ever enjoyed dinner without them. From crisp vegetables to hearty grains, these recipes are quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Get ready to upgrade your meals with these simple yet impactful additions.

Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus

This air fryer asparagus is ready in just 15 minutes and features fresh asparagus spears as the main ingredient. The result is a crispy, flavorful side with a hint of lemon and garlic. It’s a perfect complement to any meal, offering a satisfying crunch and a burst of freshness. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus

Circassian Fried Cheese with a Middle-Eastern Field Salad

Circassian fried cheese paired with a Middle-Eastern field salad takes about 20 minutes to make. The cheese is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, while the salad is a refreshing mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The combination of textures and flavors is delightful and unique. This dish is both hearty and refreshing, making it a standout side.
Get the Recipe: Circassian Fried Cheese with a Middle-Eastern Field Salad

Roasted Cauliflower Casserole with Tomatoes and Capers

This roasted cauliflower casserole is ready in 30 minutes and features cauliflower, tomatoes, and capers. The dish is savory and slightly tangy, thanks to the capers, with a lovely roasted flavor. It’s a hearty side that pairs well with a variety of main courses. You’ll appreciate the depth of flavor and satisfying texture.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Casserole with Tomatoes and Capers

Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes

Irish Boxty potato pancakes take about 25 minutes to make and are made from grated potatoes, flour, and buttermilk. These pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a comforting and satisfying taste. They make a great side for breakfast or dinner. The simplicity and flavor of Boxty will win you over.
Get the Recipe: Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes

Beet Latkes with Poached Egg

Beet latkes with poached egg are ready in 30 minutes and feature grated beets as the main ingredient. The latkes are crispy and slightly sweet, perfectly complemented by the rich, runny yolk of the poached egg. This dish is both visually stunning and delicious. It’s a unique twist on traditional latkes that you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Beet Latkes with Poached Egg

Roasted Cauliflower in Green Herb Sauce

Roasted cauliflower in green herb sauce takes about 35 minutes to prepare and features cauliflower and a fresh herb sauce. The cauliflower is perfectly roasted, and the herb sauce adds a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor. This dish is both healthy and satisfying. It’s a versatile side that pairs well with many main courses.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower in Green Herb Sauce

Spiced Grilled Corn

Spiced grilled corn is ready in 15 minutes and features fresh corn on the cob with a blend of spices. The corn is juicy and slightly charred, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It’s a simple yet flavorful side that’s perfect for summer barbecues. You’ll love the kick of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Grilled Corn

Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg and Feta Cheese

These homemade Balkan bourekas take about 45 minutes to make and feature a filling of eggplant, tomatoes, Jarlsberg, and feta cheese. The pastry is flaky and golden, while the filling is rich and savory. It’s a hearty and satisfying side that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Balkan Bourekas with Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg and Feta Cheese

Fried Ripe Sweet Plantains

Fried ripe sweet plantains are ready in 20 minutes and feature ripe plantains as the main ingredient. The plantains are sweet and caramelized, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This side is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your meal. It’s a simple and delicious dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Fried Ripe Sweet Plantains

Spinach Colcannon Recipe

Spinach colcannon takes about 30 minutes to prepare and features mashed potatoes and spinach. The dish is creamy and comforting, with a hint of earthiness from the spinach. It’s a perfect side for any meal, offering a satisfying and flavorful bite. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon Recipe

Quinoa Fritters with Spring Peas, Feta and Cilantro-Chive Yogurt Sauce

Quinoa fritters with spring peas, feta, and cilantro-chive yogurt sauce take about 25 minutes to make. The fritters are crispy and packed with flavor, while the yogurt sauce adds a fresh, tangy note. This dish is both healthy and satisfying. It’s a perfect side for any occasion, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Fritters with Spring Peas, Feta and Cilantro-Chive Yogurt Sauce

Fennel and Mango Slaw

Fennel and mango slaw is ready in 15 minutes and features fresh fennel and ripe mango. The slaw is crunchy and slightly sweet, with a refreshing burst of flavor. It’s a perfect side for summer meals, offering a light and vibrant bite. You’ll love the unique combination of ingredients in this slaw.
Get the Recipe: Fennel and Mango Slaw

Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe with Guava and Cheese

Colombian baked plantains with guava and cheese take about 30 minutes to make and feature ripe plantains, guava paste, and cheese. The plantains are sweet and caramelized, while the guava and cheese add a rich, tangy flavor. This dish is both unique and delicious. It’s a perfect side for adding a touch of sweetness to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe with Guava and Cheese

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant tomato stacks are ready in 25 minutes and feature layers of roasted eggplant and fresh tomatoes. The dish is savory and slightly sweet, with a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a simple yet elegant side that’s perfect for any meal. You’ll love the combination of textures and the fresh, vibrant taste.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts with feta, pomegranate, and balsamic take about 20 minutes to make. The Brussels sprouts are crispy and slightly sweet, while the feta and pomegranate add a burst of flavor. This dish is both healthy and satisfying. It’s a perfect side for any meal, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

Mexican Tostones

Mexican tostones are ready in 20 minutes and feature green plantains as the main ingredient. The tostones are crispy and savory, with a perfect balance of flavors. This dish is a great side for any meal, offering a satisfying crunch. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how delicious they taste.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Tostones

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky green beans with fried onions take about 20 minutes to prepare. The green beans are tender and flavorful, while the fried onions add a crispy, savory note. This dish is both simple and delicious. It’s a perfect side for any meal, offering a satisfying and flavorful bite.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Sauteed Swiss rainbow chard is ready in 15 minutes and features fresh Swiss chard as the main ingredient. The chard is tender and slightly sweet, with a hint of garlic. This dish is both healthy and satisfying. It’s a perfect side for any meal, offering a delightful combination of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe with Red Wine

Sweet and spicy glazed carrots with red wine take about 25 minutes to make. The carrots are tender and flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. This dish is both unique and delicious. It’s a perfect side for adding a touch of elegance to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe with Red Wine

Amish Macaroni Salad

Amish macaroni salad is ready in 20 minutes and features elbow macaroni, eggs, and a creamy dressing. The salad is tangy and slightly sweet, with a creamy texture that pairs well with many main dishes. It’s a classic side that’s perfect for picnics and barbecues. You’ll appreciate the nostalgic and comforting taste.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad