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    Home » Trending

    21 Sides So Good, They’ll Steal The Show On Your Date Night

    Published: Feb 10, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Ever been on a date and found yourself more in love with the sides than anything else? Yeah, found some sides that'll do just that. Picture cozying up, plates between, and getting wowed not by the main star, but by those accompaniments. They're bold, they're fun, and oh, so easy to fall for, making every bite an excuse to smile across the table.

    Zesty Butter Beans

    Zesty Butter Beans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Beans don't have to be boring, especially when they're made with a kick. Zesty Butter Beans are creamy, flavorful, and have a little spice to keep things interesting. They're the unsung hero that'll complement any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Zesty Butter Beans

    Sesame Noodles

    Sesame noodles on a black plate.
    Sesame Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Turn up the charm with a dish that's simple yet sophisticated. Sesame Noodles offer a nutty flair to any meal, and they're just as good cold as they are warm. They're a versatile side that'll harmonize with your main dish.
    Get the Recipe: Sesame Noodles

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    Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

    Crispy Baked Zucchini served on a white plate.
    Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    You'll be amazed at how deliciously addictive veggies can be. Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven achieves that perfect golden crunch. It’s a side that's as fun to eat as it is to share.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

    10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

    10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Looking for something light yet flavorful? Look no further than 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe. It's a quick, easy, and healthy addition that packs a garlicky punch. Perfect for those evenings when you want to spend less time cooking and more time chatting.
    Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

    Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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

    Imagine scooping into a potato that's crispy on the outside and oh-so creamy inside. Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are a decadent twist on a classic. They're like a hug for your stomach, and who doesn't want that kind of comfort?
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

    Mexican Corn Salad

    Mexican corn salad in bowls, garnished with parmesan cheese and lime wedges, with forks on the side.
    Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Fresh, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, that's what you get with Mexican Corn Salad. It brings a fiesta to your plate with just the right touch of spice and lime. Your significant other will appreciate the playful side of your cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

    Best Salsa

    Salsa in a container with chips around.
    Best Salsa. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Whip up Best Salsa and watch it disappear right before your eyes. It's fresh, it's a bit tangy, and it brings a homemade touch that's hard to beat. Serve it alongside your favorite chips for a side that's both simple and spectacular.
    Get the Recipe: Best Salsa

    Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

    Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Let your slow cooker do all the work while you get the credit. Soft on the inside and seasoned to perfection, Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes are the comfort food you didn't know you needed. They'll keep you and your date warm from the inside out.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

    Buttered Sautéed Leeks

    Buttered Sautéed Leeks. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Gently sautéed to bring out their natural sweetness, Buttered Sautéed Leeks are a showstopper. Their soft texture and subtle onion-like flavor make them a side that whispers elegance on your plate. They're sure to be a conversation starter.
    Get the Recipe: Buttered Sautéed Leeks

    Homemade Ranch Dressing

    Ranch dressing in a glass bowl with sticks of veggies.
    Homemade Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Forget about store-bought; Homemade Ranch Dressing is where it's at. Creamy, herby, and just tangy enough, it's perfect for dipping or drizzling. Whether it's a salad or a platter of veggies, this dressing adds that perfect finishing touch.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Ranch Dressing

    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.

    Spice up your evening with Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon. They're a bit spicy, a bit smoky, and utterly addictive. Wrapped in bacon and stuffed with creaminess, they make for an exciting side that's hard to resist.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

    Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe

    Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    If you've been on the fence about okra, Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe might just change your mind. It's crispy, it's flavorful, and it doesn't get slimy. Partner it up with your main course for a memorable meal. Your dinner date will be asking for seconds.
    Get the Recipe: Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe

    Best Sautéed Mushrooms

    Best Sautéed Mushrooms. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Everyone will think you're a pro with Best Sautéed Mushrooms as part of your spread. They're juicy, they're rich, and they're insanely addictive. They'll pair perfectly with whatever else is on the menu, no doubt.
    Get the Recipe: Best Sautéed Mushrooms

    Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

    Cheese Puffs in a bowl with fresh parsley.
    Cheese Puffs Air Fryer. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Let Cheese Puffs Air Fryer show you what your air fryer's really capable of. They're light, they're airy, and they're packed with cheesy goodness. It's the kind of side that makes any dinner feel a bit more festive. Plus, they're super easy to pop in your mouth.
    Get the Recipe: Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

    Chile Relleno Casserole

    Casserole dish with chile relleno casserole topped with sliced jalapenos.
    Chile Relleno Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

    Bringing big flavors in an easy package, Chile Relleno Casserole is a hit. It's cheesy, it's comforting, and it's got just the right amount of kick. It's a side dish that can effortlessly stand alongside any main and maybe even outshine it.
    Get the Recipe: Chile Relleno Casserole

    Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

    Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Brighten up your plate with Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw. It's crunchy, it's tangy, and it's got just the right amount of sweetness. This side dish is a refreshing counterpoint to any hearty main. Plus, it's a snap to whip up.
    Get the Recipe: Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

    Aloo Gobi Masala

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

    When you're aiming to impress, you can't go wrong with Indian flavors. Bold spices meet comforting potatoes and cauliflower in the ever-popular Aloo Gobi Masala. It's a hearty, aromatic side that might just outshine the main. Perfect for a cozy date night at home.
    Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

    Fried Cheese Balls

    Keto Fried Cheese Balls with parsley.
    Fried Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Who doesn't love cheese? Fried Cheese Balls are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and utterly irresistible. These little bites of heaven are a surefire way to make any meal feel special. Just be sure to make enough because they'll go fast!
    Get the Recipe: Fried Cheese Balls

    Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens

    Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Don't throw away those beet tops! Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens turn what some consider waste into a flavorful masterpiece. They bring a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your dinner table. It's a simple way to add some greens to your evening.
    Get the Recipe: Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens

    Pesto Rice

    Pesto Rice. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    For something green and gloriously tasty, add Pesto Rice to your menu. It's aromatic, it's creamy, and it effortlessly complements other dishes. It's definitely a side that could steal the spotlight. Kind of makes you wonder why you haven't been making it all along.
    Get the Recipe: Pesto Rice

    Harissa Chickpeas

    Harissa Chickpeas. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    When you want to spice things up a bit, Harissa Chickpeas are the way to go. They're easy to make, they pack a punch, and they go well with almost anything. They're a great side dish that'll keep the conversation as lively as the flavors.
    Get the Recipe: Harissa Chickpeas

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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