23 simple sides that work with anything

Simple sides make any meal feel complete with little effort. Easy options fit every table and every plan. With 23 simple sides ready to mix and match, meals stay fresh and stress free.

Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Color alone gets attention, but this side earns its spot with balance. Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes are mild, smooth, and sturdy enough to plate with anything from roast chicken to lentils. They also reheat well, making them good for prep-ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Shrimp Asparagus Risotto

Rich but not too heavy, this dish holds its own next to all kinds of proteins. Shrimp Asparagus Risotto also works solo when you want one thing to cover everything. It keeps well for leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Asparagus Risotto

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

These have the flavor of a casserole in a smaller, easy-to-serve format. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks work well with roasted meats or lighter mains like grilled fish. They also hold up nicely if you prep them ahead.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

Tandoori Chicken

Bold in flavor but not overpowering, this one fills out a plate without taking over. Tandoori Chicken works with rice, flatbreads, or a pile of greens. A solid way to bring something warm and simple to the mix.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Chicken

Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A little sweetness and a touch of heat go a long way when you want something flexible. Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts pair easily with grilled meats, roasted tofu, or a bowl of rice. They hold up well whether you serve them hot or at room temp.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes with spinach and goat cheese in a white bowl. — Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

There’s a creamy tang in this one that gives a little extra without feeling rich. Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a great side for roasted meats, lentils, or anything grilled. They taste good warm or cooled down later.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

Crunchy and briny, this one breaks up heavier mains with a little contrast. Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad is easy to serve cold alongside meats, tofu, or grains. It adds color and crunch without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These are filling enough to stand alone, but they don’t overwhelm a meal either. You can plate Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with fresh greens or next to rice and beans. Easy to adjust for whatever else is on the table.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Spice brings just enough warmth here to work across different kinds of mains. Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts are great with lentils, rice, or roasted meats. They’re simple, bold, and easy to keep in the mix.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

You don’t need much to turn this into a full plate, but it plays well with others too. Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto adds creaminess to lighter mains and balances richer dishes. It’s easy to work into both fall meals and weeknight dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet

Earthy and balanced, this one handles leftovers well and fits into all kinds of meals. Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet works with eggs, wraps, or as a quick second helping next to roasted mains. It’s easy to adjust depending on what else you’re cooking.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Smashed Greek yogurt potatoes in a white bowl. — Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A little more flavor than the usual mash, but still flexible. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes play well with everything from gravy-heavy meals to fresh greens. They’re good in big batches or just enough for two.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

These come through when you want something hearty without needing much on the side. Roasted Cabbage Steaks are great with baked fish, burgers, or beans and grains. They hold their shape and soak up sauces like a pro.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Creamy and warm without being too rich, this one slides right onto almost any dinner table. Brussel Sprouts Casserole pairs well with pork chops, lentils, or anything roasted. You can serve it hot or prep it early and reheat later.
Get the Recipe: Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Bold enough to stand out but mild enough to fit with anything. Garlic Mashed Potatoes are perfect with steak, veggie burgers, or roast chicken. They also make solid leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and rich without going overboard, this version holds up on any plate. You can pair Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with meatloaf, veggie patties, or slow-cooked stews. It’s an easy favorite that doesn’t ask for much.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Sweet Potato Hummus

Smooth and earthy, this spread can work as a dip or side. Sweet Potato Hummus pairs well with roasted veggies, flatbreads, or grain bowls. It’s easy to prep and keeps in the fridge for days.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus

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.

Great when you want a side with a little kick. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon pair well with simple mains like chicken, burgers, or sandwiches. They reheat surprisingly well for something so small.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Light and bright, this side rounds out anything from roasted salmon to grilled halloumi. Citrus Asparagus Couscous holds up at room temp and works well in lunches too. Easy to make, easy to repeat.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Crunchy, salty, and just sweet enough, these make a great counterpoint to heavier mains. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips work well with burgers, grilled proteins, or sandwiches. You’ll probably keep snacking on them past the meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks. — Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This one brings in protein and veg without fighting for space on the table. Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet fits next to noodles, grains, or baked potatoes. It’s a side that also works solo when needed.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet and citrusy, these brighten up plates without being too sweet. Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes go well with pork, tofu, or even something as light as a side salad. They carry their flavor without competing.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

A bowl of roasted brussels sprouts. — Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

The crunch and salt from the mix-ins make this feel more complete without much effort. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta are a smart add-on for grain bowls, grilled chicken, or simple soups. They also hold up surprisingly well in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta