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33 Salads and Sides You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

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By Lisa MarcAurele

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33 Salads and Sides You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

If you’re tired of the same old leafy routine, you’re in for a treat. I’m unveiling a collection of salads and sides that will revolutionize your plate and have you wondering why you haven’t tried them sooner. From vibrant flavors to effortless preparation, these recipes are a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their dining experience. Get ready to go on a cooking journey that’s as delicious as it is simple.

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

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes with butter and herbs on a plate.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Achieve the perfect sweet and fluffy inside every time with these air fryer sweet potatoes, making them an ideal choice for sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner. Say goodbye to uneven baking and hello to a hassle-free way of enjoying this classic side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Cheesy smashed potatoes on a plate next to Christmas decor.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Experience the delightful combination of crunch and creaminess in these air fryer smashed potatoes topped with melted cheese. Effortlessly prepared, this recipe is a must-try addition to sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, ensuring a perfect texture and flavor balance.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Air fried glazed carrots in a white bowl next to a checkered tablecloth.
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a touch of sweetness to your meals with these delectable maple-glazed carrots made in an air fryer. With caramelized flavor and easy preparation, this recipe stands out as a superb choice for sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner. Elevate your carrot game effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Salmon Salad

Salmon salad on white plates and lettuce greens in a bowl.
Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal with the best salmon salad recipe, offering a perfect balance of freshness and simplicity. This dish is an excellent addition to sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, providing a delightful culinary experience without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Green Bean Casserole

Two bowls of green bean casserole on a cutting board.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Transform your mealtime with this perfectly sized green bean casserole for two, a taste of tradition that eliminates leftovers, making it an ideal choice for sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner. Effortless and satisfying, it’s a new go-to for your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Santa Fe Salad

Santa Fe Salad with creamy dressing.
Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dive into a big and filling Santa Fe Salad that’s both refreshing and full of flavor. Ideal for using up leftover chicken or turkey, it’s a fantastic choice for sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner. Elevate your salad game with this hearty and satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Red Skin Potato Salad

Red potato salad in bowl with bacon and parsley garnish.
Red Skin Potato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Indulge in a creamy red-skin potato salad with an extra savory kick from bacon, perfect for summer BBQs and part of the sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner. Enjoy the rich and satisfying taste of this classic dish, bringing flavor to your outdoor gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steaks on a platter.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Warm and comforting, these roasted cabbage steaks are a favorite side dish topped with tasty seasonings. Simple yet flavorful, they join sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, offering a hearty and satisfying addition to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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

Upgrade your veggie game with easy garlic butter green beans, perfectly seasoned and full of flavor. An ideal side dish that enhances the lineup of sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner. Elevate your green bean experience with this simple and delicious addition.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley.
Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Love potato wedges but want a healthier version? Try these foolproof air fryer potato wedges for perfectly golden and crunchy bites without excess oil. A guilt-free addition to sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, they redefine the potato wedge game effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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

Elevate your vegan dining experience with irresistible taco stuffed sweet potatoes. Easy to make at home, this satisfying meal idea is a welcome addition to sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, offering a tasty plant-based twist.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Satisfy your cravings with classic Southern fried cabbage featuring bacon, an incredibly flavorful side dish that’s easy to make and part of the sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner. It brings the perfect combination of savory and comforting to your table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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.

Savor the ultimate cheesy delight with crock pot mac and cheese, slow-cooked to perfection. An easy-to-make dish that’s an excellent choice for sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, especially when craving that comforting, cheesy goodness.
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.

Taste the vibrant flavors of summer with this berry salad featuring blueberries and strawberries, a standout among sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner. Perfect for warm days, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the goodness of berries in a refreshing salad.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Vegan Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spoon.
Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Whip up a quick and tasty side dish with vegan Mexican rice, a flavorful addition to your collection of sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a go-to option for any Tex-Mex meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts on a white plate.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Discover the perfect way to roast Brussels sprouts in the air fryer for crispy, delicious results with minimal effort. Say goodbye to soggy sprouts and hello to perfectly crisp bites every time, a game-changer for sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Home Fries

Air-fried potato cubes with diced green bell peppers on plate.
Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy deliciously crispy air fryer home fries, a healthy alternative to traditional fried potatoes that’s easy to prepare. They’re perfect for any meal and part of the sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, offering a quick and guilt-free delight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of broccoli slaw with a dressing on it.
Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Elevate your salad game with this zesty and colorful broccoli slaw salad, bringing a burst of flavor to your lunch routine. A delightful twist on freshness, it’s a standout choice for sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Shrimp macaroni salad in a pink bowl with lemon wedges.
Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Take your salad game up a notch with mouthwatering shrimp macaroni salad, creamy, zesty, and packed with plump seafood. An amazing taste sensation for seafood lovers and a delectable addition to sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate.
Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fresh and flavorful, green bean tomato salad is a perfect summer side dish with healthy ingredients. Join the lineup of sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner with this vibrant and tasty addition, offering a delightful and healthful twist to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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

Indulge in a cheesy and loaded twice-baked potato recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. A comforting and savory addition to your meals, it joins the lineup of sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, satisfying your potato cravings effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad in white serving bowl.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Refresh your taste buds with light and flavorful seafood pasta salad, perfect for summer. A delightful addition to sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, it combines shrimp, crab, and pasta in a creamy dressing for a satisfying and delicious experience.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Air fryer frozen sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cook frozen sweet potato fries in an air fryer for a game-changing, crispy, and delicious result. A fantastic addition to sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, providing a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite potato treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini bruschetta on parchment paper.
Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Looking for a unique and delicious appetizer? Give this delectable zucchini bruschetta recipe a try, offering a tasty twist to enhance your next gathering. A delightful choice for sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Small baking dish with scalloped potatoes.
Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Make dinner cozy and memorable with these easy scalloped potatoes, a simple and delicious side dish that’s always a hit. Ideal for comfort meals and a fantastic addition to your repertoire of sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli Salad with bacon on a plate.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Packed full of crunchy vegetables and savory bacon, this broccoli salad is an easy and delicious side dish. An excellent addition to sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, it offers the perfect blend of textures and flavors for every occasion.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Chopped Greek Salad

A colorful chopped Greek salad in a white bowl.
Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Indulge in a chopped Greek-inspired salad packed with traditional Mediterranean flavors. An ideal meal for healthful variety, it’s part of the sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, offering a satisfying and delicious experience.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Easy Radish Salad

Easy Radish Salad on plate with glass of water.
Easy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Give this Polish radish salad a try for a fresh and crunchy side dish that’s easy to prepare. With dill, cottage cheese, and sour cream, it’s an excellent addition to sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, offering simplicity and delightful flavors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad

Ratatouille

A blue Bowl of Vegan Ratatouille.
Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Discover the deliciousness of vegan ratatouille, a flavorful French dish combining zucchini and eggplant. A delightful addition to sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, this vegan version offers a tasty twist on a classic recipe. Enjoy the rich and savory flavors, bringing sophistication to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

A skillet with a sweet potato casserole in it.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dive into savory sweetness with this heavenly sweet potato casserole featuring canned yams. An irresistible addition to sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, the taste is something you won’t be able to resist.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Three roasted tomatoes on a white plate with parsley.
Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Elevate your tomato game with irresistibly flavorful air fryer roasted Roma tomatoes, bursting with rich, concentrated flavors. A game-changer for sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, adding a touch of sophistication to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Try these delicious bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage wedges for the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors. Quick to make and offering a unique twist, they’re a delightful addition to sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, elevating your cabbage game effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Aloo Gobi Masala

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

Try a tasty twist on a classic Indian dish with this aloo gobi masala side recipe. A delicious combination of potatoes, cauliflower, and spices, it’s an excellent choice for sides and salads you’ll wish you tried sooner, bringing rich and savory flavors to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

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