A good side dish can make or break a meal. The main course gets most of the attention, but having the right side dishes for every meal is what rounds everything out and makes the plate feel like it was actually thought through. Having a few reliable options to pull from makes putting dinner together a lot easier.
This list has a good range of recipes that pair well with just about anything and are simple enough to throw together without a lot of extra effort. Some are light and easy for nights when you do not want to overthink it, and others are hearty enough to almost steal the show from whatever they are sitting next to. Try a few and you will always have a solid answer to the question of what to serve on the side.
Cold Green Bean Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
Cold green bean salad with dijon vinaigrette is crisp, tangy, and really refreshing to eat. The dijon dressing adds a sharp, punchy flavor that pairs really well with the green beans, so every bite feels bright and well put together. It’s the kind of salad that gets better as it sits, which makes it a great option for making ahead.
I love making this one because it’s simple but delivers a lot of flavor without much fuss. It works well alongside a wide range of meals and holds up nicely in the fridge for a few days. Once you’ve made this salad, it becomes one of those reliable sides you keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Cold Green Bean Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Garlic mashed cauliflower is creamy, smooth, and has just enough garlic to make every bite interesting. It works well as a side for almost anything, and the texture is close enough to a regular mash that it surprises a lot of people. Because cauliflower has a mild flavor on its own, the garlic really gets to shine through.
I make this one when I want a side that feels comforting but a little lighter than usual. It comes together quickly, and the result is so smooth that it’s hard to believe it’s not potato. Once you’ve tried this version, you might find yourself reaching for it more than you expect.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Faux Potato Salad
Faux potato salad delivers everything you love about a classic potato salad, just without the potato. The texture and flavor are so close to the real thing that people often don’t notice the difference until you tell them. It’s creamy, well-seasoned, and really satisfying to eat by the spoonful.
I started making this when I wanted something that hit that same comfort food spot without the heaviness, and it became a regular in my rotation fast. It holds up well in the fridge, so it’s a great make-ahead option for gatherings. Once people try it and find out what’s actually in it, they always want the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad
Sugar Free Honey Roasted Carrots
Sugar free honey roasted carrots come out tender and slightly caramelized, with a sweet, warm flavor that makes them really enjoyable to eat. The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, so they taste rich without needing a lot added to them. They’re simple to make but look and taste like something that took real effort.
I make these when I want a side that feels a little more interesting than plain roasted vegetables. They pair well with so many different main dishes, so they’re easy to fit into any meal. Once you’ve made them this way, plain roasted carrots start to feel like a missed opportunity.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Free Honey Roasted Carrots
Cauliflower Pumpkin Puree
Cauliflower pumpkin puree blends two mild vegetables into something smooth, creamy, and surprisingly flavorful. The pumpkin brings a bit of natural sweetness, while the cauliflower keeps the texture light and easy to eat. Together, they make a puree that works well as a side for almost any meal.
I started making this when I wanted a side that felt a little different from the usual options, and it turned out really well. The two flavors blend together nicely, so neither one overpowers the other. Once you’ve made this a couple of times, it becomes a simple side you keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Pumpkin Puree
Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower
Oven baked riced cauliflower is light and fluffy, and it works as a great base for almost any meal. Baking it gives it a slightly toasted flavor that you don’t get from steaming, so the result tastes more interesting than the usual preparation. It’s a simple side that pairs well with just about anything you put next to it.
I make this one when I want something that feels a little lighter but still satisfying as a side dish. It comes together with very little effort, so it’s an easy addition to a busy weeknight dinner. Once you’ve made this a few times, you’ll find yourself reaching for it often.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower
Fried Rice from Cauliflower
Cauliflower fried rice gives you all the flavor of a classic fried rice dish but with a lighter base that makes it really easy to eat a big bowl. The cauliflower picks up the seasoning well, so it ends up tasting bold and satisfying despite being much lighter. It comes together fast, which makes it a great option on a busy night.
I started making this when I wanted a quicker side that still had a lot of flavor, and it’s become a regular in my kitchen. It pairs well with so many different dishes, so it’s easy to fit into any meal. Once you’ve made it a couple of times, you’ll see how simple it is to keep in your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Fried Rice from Cauliflower
Refreshing Cucumber Dill Salad with Red Onion
Cucumber dill salad with red onion is cool, crisp, and full of flavor that makes it really easy to eat a big bowl. The dill adds an herby brightness that works perfectly with the cucumber, while the red onion gives it a mild kick that keeps things interesting. It gets better the longer it sits, so making it ahead is always a good idea.
I make this one often because it’s quick to put together and pairs well with almost anything. The flavors develop nicely as it chills in the fridge, so it ends up tasting like more effort went into it than it actually did. Once you’ve made this salad a few times, it becomes one of those sides you keep coming back to all the time.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Cucumber Dill Salad with Red Onion
Fresh Basil and Goat Cheese Salad with Green Beans
Fresh basil and goat cheese salad with green beans is light, flavorful, and has a combination of textures that makes it really enjoyable to eat. The creamy goat cheese pairs well with the crisp green beans, and the basil adds a bright, aromatic note that ties the whole salad together. Every bite has something a little different going on, which keeps it interesting.
I make this one when I want a salad that feels a little more put together without a lot of extra steps. The goat cheese does a lot of the flavor work and makes even a simple salad feel like something special. Once you’ve made this a few times, it becomes a go-to option whenever you want a salad worth looking forward to.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Basil and Goat Cheese Salad with Green Beans
