19 simple sides that work with everything

Great meals feel even better with the right extras on the table. With 19 simple sides that work with everything, every plate feels complete and ready to enjoy. Easy ideas like these make any meal feel well planned and full of care.

Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe

Sliced and roasted okra on a white plate with a wooden spoon on the side. — Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Take a closer look at a vegetable side that fits into almost any meal plan. Easy And Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe brings crisp texture and simple seasoning that pair well with any mains. It slides onto the plate without competing for attention.
Get the Recipe: Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe

Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

A bowl of vibrant purple mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of pepper, accompanied by a wooden spoon. — Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Stick around for a mash that complements more than just holiday meals. Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes offer smooth texture and gentle sweetness that balance grilled or roasted mains. They slide onto the plate without competing for attention.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh Salad inside colorful bowls. — Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Lean toward something fresh that supports heavier dishes with ease. Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad delivers herbs and crunch that match everything from grilled meats to baked fish. It works just as well for weeknights as for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing

A closeup is shown of Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with apples, grapes, pears, oranges, and pecans. — Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Give dinner a lighter counterpoint that still feels complete. Fruit Salad With Pecans And Honey Dressing adds sweetness and crunch that contrast nicely with savory dishes. It’s easy to serve and always welcome.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing

Mediterranean Rice

Look for a base that helps round out the plate. Mediterranean Rice offers light seasoning and texture that fit easily with grilled or baked proteins. It fills in the meal without overwhelming it.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes on a white plate. — Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Keep a classic side ready for whatever main you choose. Southern Mash delivers creamy texture that matches fried chicken, roast beef, or pork. It feels right in nearly any setting.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Homemade Cheese Bacon Nachos Chips

Keto Cheese Bacon Nachos Chips on a dark napkin. — Homemade Cheese Bacon Nachos Chips. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Keep things flexible with a side that adds crunch to the table. Homemade Cheese Bacon Nachos Chips sit comfortably next to burgers, sandwiches, or simple grilled proteins. They’re easy to share and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cheese Bacon Nachos Chips

Greek Chickpea Soup

Add a small bowl that strengthens the meal. Greek Chickpea Soup brings beans and herbs together in a way that pairs well with salads or sandwiches. It fits easily into different dinner setups.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup

Avocado Egg Salad

Bring a protein boost to the plate without extra fuss. Avocado Egg Salad pairs creamy texture with mild flavor that works alongside greens, toast, or roasted meats. It adapts easily to whatever dinner looks like.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower

Bring in vegetables that match almost any protein. Air Fryer Broccoli And Cauliflower offer roasted flavor and balanced texture that round out the plate. They’re quick to serve and easy to portion.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate. — Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Consider a grain-based side that feels balanced and versatile. Mediterranean Orzo Salad With Shrimp combines pasta and seafood in a way that supports a range of main dishes. It holds up well whether served warm or chilled.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Keep dinner grounded with a simple potato side. Air Fryer Baby Potatoes provide tender bites that work with almost any main dish. They’re easy to plate and share.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Greek Lemon Garlic Potatoes in a black dish with lemon in the background. — Greek Lemon Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add something steady that pairs with nearly everything. Greek Lemon Potatoes bring tender bites and bright flavor that match roasted chicken, lamb, or fish. They settle naturally into most dinner spreads.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Closeup of crispy smashed potatoes with dill and chili slices. — Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Add something with texture that people always reach for. Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes pair crisp edges with soft centers that fit beside steak, chicken, or fish. They’re dependable across different meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Jalapeño Poppers on a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Introduce a little variety without disrupting the menu. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers With Bacon bring heat and crunch that complement grilled or baked proteins. They add interest while staying versatile.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

A white dish with green bean casserole in it. — Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Round out dinner with a side that works beyond special occasions. Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole fits comfortably next to weeknight proteins or larger gatherings. It blends into the meal without extra planning.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Asparagus on a white square plate. — Ninja Woodfire Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Make space for a vegetable that pairs well across seasons. Ninja Woodfire Grilled Asparagus offers char and clean flavor that sit easily next to meat or seafood. It’s a simple addition to almost any plate.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Asparagus

Greek Green Salad

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish. — Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Keep a crisp option on hand that works with everything. Greek Green Salad combines fresh vegetables and simple dressing that sit comfortably next to pasta or grilled meats. It’s a steady side for any night.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate. — Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turn to a vegetable side that keeps things simple. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans provide tender texture that complements barbecue, roast beef, or poultry. They work quietly alongside almost any main.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans