20 Salads and Sides That Make Dinner More Exciting

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20 Salads and Sides That Make Dinner More Exciting

Looking to shake up your dinner routine? I’ve rounded up a fantastic collection of salads and sides that are sure to add excitement to your meals. Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or hearty and comforting, these recipes offer a delicious variety of flavors and textures to complement any main course. From vibrant salads bursting with fresh ingredients to savory sides packed with comforting goodness, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. So, get ready to ditch boring dinners game and salads and sides.

Close-up of a spoon holding fried rice with crab meat, green onions, and red bell peppers.
Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Aloo Gobi Masala

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

A comforting and flavorful Indian dish featuring cauliflower and potatoes cooked in aromatic spices. This recipe offers a hearty addition to salads and sides, bringing warmth and depth of flavor to the table. With its blend of spices, it adds an exotic touch to any meal while being simple to prepare and ready in a reasonable amount of time.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Close-up of a spoonful of sweet potato casserole with a topping of toasted pecans and marshmallows.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A classic side dish with a sweet twist, combining the wholesome goodness of sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. This casserole is a delightful addition to salads and sides, offering a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Its preparation is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli salad with bacon bits on a white oval plate, accompanied by a wooden serving spoon on a linen napkin.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A refreshing and crunchy salad featuring crisp broccoli florets, crispy bacon, and a tangy dressing. This salad adds a burst of flavor and texture to salads and sides, making it a deliciously satisfying accompaniment to any dish. Its preparation is simple, allowing for easy customization with your favorite ingredients. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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

Get the creamy goodness of these twice-baked potatoes loaded with cheese, bacon, and chives. These potatoes elevate any salad or side, offering a comforting and indulgent addition to the table. With their cheesy goodness and hearty filling, they are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Prepare them ahead of time for a stress-free meal or special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these smashed potatoes are a delightful twist on a classic side dish. Topped with melted cheese and flavorful seasonings, they add a savory touch to salads and sides, elevating the dining experience. Quick and easy to prepare in the air fryer, they make a convenient option for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Simple yet flavorful, these roasted cabbage steaks are a delicious addition to salads and sides. With their caramelized edges and tender texture, they offer a satisfyingly hearty option for any meal. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, they are a versatile choice that complements a variety of flavors. Whether served as a side or a main dish, they are sure to impress with their rustic charm.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn.
Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Flavorful and satisfying, these taco stuffed sweet potatoes are a hearty vegan option that’s perfect for salads and sides. Packed with seasoned black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa, they offer a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. Easy to customize with your favorite toppings, they are a versatile choice that’s sure to please both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Easy Radish Salad

A plate of radish salad with diced celery and a creamy dressing, accompanied by a glass of water and salt and pepper shakers.
Easy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring crisp radishes tossed in a tangy dressing. This salad adds a pop of color and flavor to salads and sides, making it a refreshing accompaniment to any dish. With its simple preparation and fresh ingredients, it’s a quick and easy option for busy weeknights or summer gatherings. Serve it alongside your favorite main course for a burst of freshness.
Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad

Apple Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, air-fried apples, red onions, nuts, and crumbled cheese.
Apple Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A crisp and refreshing salad featuring sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy dressing. This salad offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to salads and sides. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a quick and satisfying option for busy weeknights or light lunches. Serve it alongside your favorite main course for a refreshing burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Apple Salad

Ratatouille

Close-up of a wooden spoon holding ratatouille, featuring chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, garnished with parsley.
Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A flavorful and aromatic dish featuring a medley of seasonal vegetables cooked in a savory tomato sauce. Ratatouille is a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold, making it a great choice for salads and sides. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, it adds a touch of elegance to any meal. Prepare it ahead of time for a convenient option that’s sure to impress your family or guests.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate.
Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crisp green beans tossed in flavorful garlic butter, offering a simple yet satisfying side dish. This recipe adds a burst of freshness and flavor to salads and sides, making it a versatile accompaniment to any meal. With its quick cooking time and minimal ingredients, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. Serve it alongside your favorite main course for a delicious and nutritious addition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy Brussels sprouts cooked to perfection in the air fryer, offering a flavorful and nutritious side dish. These Brussels sprouts are a delicious addition to salads and sides, adding a savory and satisfying element to any meal. With their quick cooking time and minimal preparation, they are a convenient option for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Serve them hot and crispy for a deliciously addictive snack or side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background.
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Tender carrots coated in a sweet and savory maple glaze, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. These glazed carrots offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a perfect addition to salads and sides. With their quick cooking time and minimal preparation, they are a convenient option for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. Serve them alongside your favorite main course for a delicious and nutritious side dish.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Crab Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat.
Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Flavorful fried rice loaded with succulent crab meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This dish is a delicious addition to salads and sides, offering a hearty and satisfying option that’s perfect for seafood lovers. With its rich flavors and colorful presentation, it adds an exotic touch to any meal. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve it alongside your favorite dishes for a memorable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cabbage and bacon in white serving bowl.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Tender cabbage cooked with crispy bacon and aromatic spices, offering a flavorful and comforting side dish. This Southern-style fried cabbage is a hearty addition to salads and sides, bringing warmth and depth of flavor to the table. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Serve it alongside your favorite main course for a satisfyingly delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chopped Greek Salad

A fresh greek salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumbers, olives, and peppers, served with a fork and a glass of water on the side.
Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A colorful and flavorful salad featuring crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and olives tossed in a zesty dressing. This Greek salad offers a refreshing and satisfying addition to salads and sides, adding a burst of Mediterranean flavors to any meal. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights or summer gatherings. Serve it alongside grilled meats or enjoy it on its own as a light and healthy meal.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Zucchini Bruschetta

Baked zucchini bruschetta topped with chopped tomatoes, herbs, and grated cheese on a parchment-lined tray.
Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A fresh and flavorful appetizer featuring grilled zucchini topped with tangy tomato bruschetta. This dish offers a delicious twist on the classic Italian appetizer, making it a perfect addition to salads and sides. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it adds a touch of sophistication to any meal. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a convenient option for entertaining guests or enjoying a light and healthy snack. Serve it alongside your favorite dishes for a memorable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy and comforting macaroni and cheese cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, offering a deliciously indulgent side dish. This Crock Pot mac and cheese is a hearty addition to salads and sides, bringing warmth and comfort to the table. With its rich and creamy texture, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Prepare it ahead of time for a convenient option that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese.
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring a mix of fresh berries tossed in a sweet and tangy blueberry dressing. This berry salad offers a delightful burst of flavor and color to salads and sides, making it a perfect addition to any meal. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a quick and healthy choice for busy weeknights or summer gatherings. Serve it alongside grilled meats or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing dessert.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Green Bean Casserole

A ramekin of green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions, served on a wooden table.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A classic and comforting casserole featuring tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy fried onions. This green bean casserole is a hearty addition to salads and sides, bringing warmth and nostalgia to the table. With its rich and savory flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Prepare it ahead of time for a convenient option that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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