25 side dishes that make any meal feel complete

Dinner tastes better when the right sides are on the table. These 25 easy picks add flavor, color, and crunch to every bite. Great for busy nights, big meals, or anything in between. Simple to make, quick to enjoy.

Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts garnished with chopped nuts on a white plate, with a metal spoon visible in the background. — Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

When the plate feels like it’s missing something bold, this is the one to add. Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts strike a balance between heat and sweetness that works with almost anything. They always leave a strong impression.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

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.

Hearty sides like this can anchor a meal without taking it over. Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet brings balance and plenty of flavor to round out your plate. It’s flexible enough to work with whatever else is cooking.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet

Close-up of a baked dish topped with shredded cheese, diced sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, sausage, and chopped greens. — Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Some sides blur the line between main and extra, and that’s part of the appeal. Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet works next to just about anything or stands alone when needed. It brings balance to the table in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet

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.

Crisp edges and just the right amount of contrast make this one a favorite. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta add texture and bite that balance out softer mains. It’s a side that always feels like it belongs.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

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.

Some meals need a pop of color and a little comfort on the side. Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes bring both without pulling focus from the main dish. They round things out in a way that feels easy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

A black bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts, some pieces browned and crispy, placed on a gray surface. — Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

When the meal could use a little warmth and depth, this side delivers. Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts bring just enough spice to complement a wide range of mains. They tend to stand out in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Slices of roasted butternut squash garnished with coarse salt and fresh thyme, served on a white plate. — Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

When the plate feels heavy, adding a little brightness can make all the difference. Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes bring a subtle lift that works with roasts, grains, or simple greens. They’re easy to pair with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives, with a wooden spoon and a cloth napkin on a wooden surface. — Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Rich and familiar sides help anchor a meal. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes give you that extra layer of comfort that shows up well with everything from roasts to vegetables. Most people don’t need convincing to grab a second scoop.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Shrimp Asparagus Risotto

Hearty but not heavy, this dish rounds out simple mains or stands alone when needed. Shrimp Asparagus Risotto brings warmth and texture that fill the plate without crowding it. It works well for dinner any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Asparagus Risotto

Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

A baked sweet potato topped with ground beef, guacamole, sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped red bell peppers, and sliced jalapeños on a metal tray. — Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

When you want something hearty that still feels fresh, this side checks every box. Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes bring bold flavor and just enough weight to round out a simple meal. They hold up well with minimal extras.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Lighter options still hold their own when done right. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips bring crunch and a hint of sweetness that work next to sandwiches, bowls, or grilled mains. They often disappear before dinner’s even served.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

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.

Earthy and rich without being too much, this side holds its own. Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes blend bold and creamy in a way that complements simple mains. It’s a solid go-to when you want something slightly different.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Bowl of mashed potatoes topped with butter and herbs on a wooden surface, surrounded by garlic bulbs and fresh parsley. — Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

When the rest of the meal is doing the heavy lifting, this is what brings it together. Garlic Mashed Potatoes offer a familiar flavor that doesn’t get in the way. It’s the kind of dish that always earns its spot.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Lighter sides that still bring something extra always come in handy. Citrus Asparagus Couscous adds brightness and variety to any plate without taking over. It’s one to keep around for spring or summer meals.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

A close-up of a salad with purple cabbage, green apples, and nuts mixed in a white bowl, with two wooden spoons. — Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

A little crunch can do a lot when the rest of the meal leans warm or heavy. Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw brings a clean, fresh bite that resets the plate. It’s an easy go-to for all kinds of dinners.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Bigger sides bring comfort that fills out the table without stealing the show. Brussel Sprouts Casserole fits in easily with any kind of meal from weeknight to holiday. It’s the one people go back to first.
Get the Recipe: Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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

Some meals just feel more grounded when something warm and familiar is on the plate. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes bring that balance of comfort and depth that fits with anything from chicken to roast vegetables. They always seem to disappear first.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Sometimes the simplest sides end up being the most versatile. Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices work with almost any main and fit into everything from weeknights to holiday spreads. You’ll probably want to make extra.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Sweet Potato Hummus

Some sides carry you from appetizer to main without missing a beat. Sweet Potato Hummus works with flatbreads, grain bowls, or simple plates that need a bit more flavor. It holds up well next to just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus

Tandoori Chicken

Big flavor on the side can really carry the rest of the plate. Tandoori Chicken fits well with rice, flatbread, or vegetables and adds heat without overcomplicating things. It brings energy to quieter mains.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Chicken

Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Even basic ingredients can feel complete with the right texture and balance. Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks hold their shape and bring enough depth to sit beside any protein. They earn their spot without trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

A warm, layered side adds something special to even the simplest dinners. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks give you that cozy texture in a form that feels a bit more put together. People always comment on them.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

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.

When you need something crisp with just enough bite, this is a solid choice. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon show up strong as a side or small plate that keeps the meal interesting. They never last long.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

Warm, creamy sides help tie a meal together. The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe adds richness and contrast that pairs well with simple mains. It’s a solid pick when you want something a bit more filling.
Get the Recipe: The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

A sharp, crunchy side brings a welcome break from heavy dishes. Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad adds color and tang that cut right through the rest of the plate. It always brings balance to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad