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Side Dish Recipes

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Coming up with tasty side dishes can be the hardest part of meal planning sometimes. These tasty side dish recipes run the gamut, there is something to go with any entrée.

Collage of side dish images including brussels sprouts, corn salad, blt pasta salad and acorn squash mac and cheese.

Choosing A Side Dish For The Dinner Table

Here are some tips for selecting a delicious and the perfect accompaniment for your meal:

Consider the main course: The side dish should always complement the main course. If you’re serving a heavy main course like steak or roast beef, consider a lighter side dish like roasted vegetables or a salad. If the main course is light, such as grilled fish or chicken, consider a heartier side dish like rice or potatoes.

Add variety: A balanced meal includes a variety of flavors and textures. Consider choosing a side dish with a different texture than the main course, such as crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with a tender steak or a creamy pasta salad with grilled chicken.

Consider the occasion: For formal occasions, a more sophisticated side dish like roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes may be appropriate. For casual gatherings, consider more relaxed options like grilled corn or coleslaw.

Think about the season: The season can also influence your choice of side dish. For example, in the summer, a fresh watermelon salad or grilled zucchini may be perfect, while in the fall, roasted root vegetables or a warm pumpkin soup may be more fitting.

Overall, the key is to choose a side dish that complements the main course, adds variety to the meal, and accommodates any dietary restrictions or preferences. Here are some ideas of the best side dishes I think work great with this recipe.

Let me know if you find a new favorite among these recipes. Or let me know if you have a favorite that you would like for me to make and share.

Bite of skillet sweet potato of fork showing soft orange interior and sticky caramelized exterior. Candied Skillet Sweet Potatoes
Lunch size portion of sweet pasta salad with peas, ham, cheese, onions, carrots, and peppers in a creamy tangy and sweet dressing with a fork, ready to eat. Sweet Macaroni Salad
Serving bowl filled with coleslaw macaroni salad with a creamy dressing, shredded carrots and cabbage, and cooked pasta, ready to be served. Creamy Coleslaw Pasta Salad
Plate piled high with pesto pasta salad topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pears, and basil. Pesto Pasta Salad
Close up of bowl of poppy seed pasta salad with cream dressing, grapes, celery, and chunks of chicken. Chicken Poppy Seed Pasta Salad
Large helping of peach pasta salad with bowtie pasta, peaches, spinach and mozzarella pearls in a homemade dressing. Peach Pasta Salad
Serving bowl filled with southwest macaroni salad featuring enchilada sauce, tomatoes, corn, black beans, jalapenos, cilantro and more. Enchilada Pasta Salad
Close up plate of cowboy salad showing lettuce with tomatoes, corn, black beans, cheese, cilantro, and creamy salad dressing. Cowboy Salad
Plate of cheesy onion casserole with softened rings of onions and buttery cracker topping, ready to eat. Cheesy Onion Casserole
Bowl of broccoli slaw with shaved carrots, dried cranberries, and bacon in a creamy dressing. Broccoli Slaw With Cranberries and Bacon
Two small glass bowls filled with fruit salad in a vanilla pudding dressing, ready to eat. Fruit Salad With Vanilla Pudding
Bowl of creamy coleslaw with homemade condensed milk dressing. Coleslaw With Condensed Milk Dressing
Close up of fluffy baked rice with beef broth and mushrooms served on dinner plate. Grandma’s Baked Rice With Mushrooms
Spoon in small glass bowl filled with creamy frozen cranberry pineapple salad. Frozen Cranberry Pineapple Salad
Spatula lifting piece of cake mix cornbread out of pan. Easy Cornbread With Cake Mix
Close up of small bowl of bright red stewed apple slices next to a jar of candied apples. Red Hot Cinnamon Apples
Large cast iron skillet filled with fried sliced potatoes. Skillet Fried Potatoes
Square casserole dish filled with a layer of mashed sweet potatoes topped with pecans and gold brown marshmallows. Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans and Marshmallows
Bowl of roasted chunks of kohlrabi with garlic and Parmesan cheese. Roasted Kohlrabi With Parmesan Cheese
Serving bowl filled with loaded baked beans in front of slow cooker. Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Beans
Chunk of air fried pineapple coated in butter and brown sugar on fork, ready to eat. Air Fryer Pineapple
Small dish filled with pineapple casserole topped with buttery cracker crumbs and cheese. Fresh Pineapple Casserole
Close up of cheesy ranch potatoes on dinner plate with brussels sprouts and bbq ribs. Cheddar Ranch Cheesy Potato Casserole
Bowl of roasted brussels sprout halves ready to serve. Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Serving bowl filled with carrots glazed in honey and cinnamon. Crockpot Honey Glazed Carrots
Serving bowl of orange cranberry relish with orange zest and serving spoon. Fresh Orange Cranberry Relish
Serving bowl filled with creamy cranberry fluff salad with marshmallows and pineapple ready to eat. Cranberry Fluff Salad
Serving bowl filled with cream sour cream and chive mashed potatoes topped with extra melted butter and bits of fresh green chive. Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes
Bowl of green beans and bacon ready to serve. Savory Slow Cooker Green Beans
Bowl of pomegranate couscous salad with fresh herbs, bright pomegranate arils and bits of yellow bell pepper, ready to eat. Pomegranate Couscous Salad
Serving bowl filled with shiny green beans and bacon smothered in sweet and sour sauce ready to eat. Slow Cooker Smothered Green Beans
Bowl of apples coated in thick sweet cinnamon mixture in front of instant pot. Cinnamon Apples in the Instant Pot
bowl of Mediterranean quinoa salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta and parsley. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad With Tomatoes and Cucumbers
small plate piled high with wilted lettuce salad with big chunks of bacon and hard boiled egg mixed in. Wilted Lettuce Salad With Warm Bacon Dressing
Bowl of creamy curly mac and cheese in front of instant pot. Macaroni and Cheese in the Instant Pot
Spoonful of honey roasted brussels sprouts and carrots, ready to eat. Honey Roasted Baby Carrots and Brussels Sprouts
piece of chili cheese corn pudding topped with sour cream, cilantro and pickled jalapenos. Cheesy Corn Casserole with Green Chiles
Serving spoon filled with creamy white mac and cheese with chopped spinach in it. Creamed Spinach Macaroni and Cheese
creamy2Bmac2Band2Bcheese Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese
spoon lifting out a serving of cornflake topped cheesy potato bake Cheesy Potato Casserole with French Onion Dip
Plate with two baked macaroni and cheese muffins on it. Macaroni and Cheese Muffins
grilled chicken on plate with orzo pasta salad. Mediterranean Grape Orzo Salad
Close up of serving of creamy cheesey cabbage casserole topped with golden brown corn flake crumbs. Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
bowl of quinoa salad with tomatoes basil and mozzarella pearls Caprese Quinoa Salad
bowl of yellow potato salad with sliced hard boiled egg and bits of chive on top. Deviled Egg Potato Salad
serving2Bbowl2Bof2Bmizuna2Band2Bquinoa2Bsalad Mizuna Greens and Quinoa Salad
close2Bup2Bbowl2Bof2Bgarlic2Bscape2Band2Bspinach2Bpasta Spinach and Garlic Scape Pasta
bowl2Bof2Bblt2Bpasta2Bsalad The Ultimate BLT Pasta Salad
Bowl of creamy slow cooker corn ready to eat. Slow Cooker Creamy Corn
bowl of shiny glaze baby carrots. Honey Glazed Carrots
bowl of creamy parmesan corn with shredded cheese on top ready to be served. Skillet Corn with Parmesan Cheese
Serving bowl filled with bacon ranch potato salad topped with shredded cheddar and fresh herbs. Cheddar Bacon Ranch Potato Salad
mushroom2Brisotto2Bwith2Bham2Band2Bgreen2Bbeans Mushroom Risotto
winter2Bsquash2Brecipes Our Favorite Winter Squash Recipes
Collage of sweet potato images including a casserole, duchess sweet potatoes, scalloped sweet potatoes and roasted sweet potatoes. Sweet Potato Side Dish Recipes for Thanksgiving and Beyond
bowl2Bof2Broasted2Bgreen2Bbeans Roasted Green Beans
first slice of corn casserole being lifted out of casserole dish showing soft cornbread like center with dots of corn inside. Corn Casserole – AKA Corn Pudding
serving bowl filled with cubes of air fryer roasted butternut squash. Roasted Butternut Squash in Air Fryer
candied2Bacorn2Bsquash Stuffed Acorn Squash in the Instant Pot
close2Bbowl2Bmaple2Bbacon2Bbaked2Bbeans2Binstant2Bpot Homemade Maple Bacon Baked Beans in the Instant Pot
close up of a white serving bowl loaded with tangy vinegar based coleslaw. Old Fashioned Coleslaw With Vinegar
whole head of cabbage wrapped in bacon fresh off the grill and partially wrapped in foil. Bacon Wrapped Beer Braised Cabbage
Smothered green beans with bacon and sweet and sour sauce served with grilled chicken on a plate. Smothered Green Beans
Looking down at a serving bowl of creamy deviled egg pasta salad. Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
bowl of spinach salad with eggs, bacon, mushrooms and homemade dressing. Sandra’s Spinach Salad
close up bowl of creamy shells and cheese in front of instant pot. Shells and Cheese in the Instant Pot
Close bowl of frito salad showing lettuce, cucumbers, cheese, taco meat and fritos all tossed in homemade catalina dressing. Frito Salad With Homemade Catalina Dressing
Parmesan2Broasted2Bacorn2Bsquash Parmesan Roasted Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer
Bowl of honey roasted delicata squash and cranberries ready to eat. Honey Roasted Delicata Squash With Fresh Cranberries
bowl of chinese 5 spice roasted carrots, beets and squash. Five Spice Roasted Vegetables
plate with slices of roast chicken, roasted brussels sprouts and 3 ruffly duchess sweet potatoes. Easy Duchess Sweet Potatoes
serving bowl filled with mac and cheese topped with bacon crumbles and chives. Pumpkin Pepper Jack Macaroni and Cheese
apple2Bcole2Bslaw Apple Coleslaw
Large serving bowl filled with German potato salad with chunks of red potatoes, bacon, chives, and dill. German Potato Salad
bowlful of braised red cabbage with apples and raisins. German Style Red Cabbage with Apples
bowl2Bof2Bsummer2Bcorn2Bsalad Summer Corn Salad
Tomato pie with slices of yellow and red tomatoes topped with fresh black pepper and bits of fresh basil. Savory Tomato Pie With Cheese
Parmesan roasted zucchini and cherry tomatoes fresh from the oven with melted cheese and seasonings on the cooked vegggies. Parmesan Roasted Zucchini and Tomatoes
cowboy2Bbeans2Bin2Bbowl Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans (Baked Beans with Ground Beef)
summer2Bvegetable2Bmedley2Bserved Summer Vegetable Medley {a twist on succotash}
Beet2Bsalad2Bwith2Bchives Russian Style Beet Salad
Napa2BDinner2Bsalad Napa Cabbage Salad With Ramen and Sunflower Seeds
corny2Bmacaroni2Band2Bcheese2Bwith2Bturkey2Band2Bham2Bsliders Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese with Corn
Close up of scalloped pineapple casserole topped with pineapple ring and maraschino cherry. Scalloped Pineapple
Large serving spoon filled with cheesy baked no boil mac and cheese fresh from the oven. No Boil Mac and Cheese
dinner plate with turkey, gravy, green beans and scalloped corn. Great-Grandma’s Scalloped Corn
Instant2Bpot2Bgreen2Bbeans2Bwith2Bshallots Garlic Soy Green Beans in the Instant Pot
Fork getting a bite of skillet cornbread topped with butter and honey. Easy Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Forkful of maple sweet potato casserole topped with oats, pecans and brown sugar ready to eat. Sweet Potato Casserole With Maple Syrup, Pecans & Oats
bowl of creamy risotto with cubes of butternut squash. Butternut Squash Risotto
bowl of roasted fall vegetables with chestnuts in a maple glaze ready to serve. Maple Glazed Roasted Fall Vegetables with Chestnuts
Serving bowl filled with bbq ranch macaroni salad with black beans, tomatoes, corn and more. BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad
Bowl of new potatoes coated in sour cream and chives in front of pot. Simple Sour Cream and Chive New Potatoes
Serving bowl filled with creamy cucumber salad with a sour cream and dill dressing. Creamy Dill Cucumber Salad
Plate of cheesy potatoes with bacon, bbq pork chop and corn ready to eat. Cheesy Potatoes With Bacon
Mexican Street Corn Barley Salad
Serving bowl filled with creamy pea salad with creamy dressing, cheese and crumbled bacon. Spring Pea Salad
whole pie with golden crust and flecks of spinach in creamy filling. Savory Spinach and Cheese Pie
Looking down on white serving bowl filled with cooked cabbage and potatoes topped with Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Cabbage and Potatoes
Small glass bowls of fruit salad with fresh berries, bananas, oranges, pineapple, and apples dressed with condensed milk and lemon juice. Fruit Salad With Condensed Milk Dressing
Serving bowl filled with coleslaw dressed with homemade honey lime slaw dressing with cilantro and sriracha. Honey Lime Slaw
White serving bowl filled with black bean salsa with corn, red pepper, avocado and herbs. Black Bean Salad with Corn, Avocado and Lime
Serving bowl filled with golden brown brussels sprouts halves and bits of bacon. Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
White serving bowl filled with creamy coleslaw. Creamy Coleslaw with Homemade Dressing
small dish of candied sweet potatoes with marshmallows in front of remaining pan. Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
Serving bowl filled with chunks of roasted red skin potatoes coated in seasonings, ready to eat. Seasoned Roasted Potatoes
Homemade cheesy potato pierogi fried with bacon and topped with sour cream and chives. Loaded Pierogi
White serving bowl piled high with grape and apple salad dressed with a cinnamon and honey yogurt dressing. Grape Apple Salad with Yogurt Dressing
Fork with bite of acorn mac and cheese pulling away from a plate showing lots of cheese pulls between the pasta on the plate and the fork. Acorn Squash Mac and Cheese

Thanks for sharing!