Make room for the real showstoppers! These side dishes steal the spotlight with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and just the right touch of comfort to make any meal unforgettable. From cozy classics to fresh new favorites, they prove the sides can genuinely be the stars of your table.
Brussels Sprouts with Lemon
When it comes to side dishes, I am always amazed at how much I gravitate toward sprouts, and this Brussels sprouts with lemon recipe is at the top of the list. I have experimented with countless variations over the years, and this recipe is one of my family’s favorites. It has graced our Thanksgiving table many times and often finds its way into our weeknight dinners. Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Lemon
Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Pears
These mashed sweet potatoes and pears are the perfect holiday side dish, and they only require seven ingredients. Here is my rich-in-flavor yet straightforward version of mashed potatoes, which everyone raves about yearly. A few simple ingredients already in your pantry, and voila: a batch of potatoes whipped to satisfy any cravings. Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Pears
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Rainbow Carrots and Broccolini
Rainbow carrots and broccolini is a super delicious side dish that takes no time to prepare and is fail-proof. Imagine perfectly roasted baby carrots rich in flavor, married with steamed broccolini and just the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness—all in one savory dish. Are your taste buds wanting some now? Get The Recipe: Rainbow Carrots and Broccolini
Easy Green Beans Gremolata
Savory side dishes are the best part of any menu assembly, and this green bean gremolata is one of my favorites. Often, side dishes are as important as the main meal itself. They must balance the flavor and, of course, add a bit of color. Get the Recipe: Green Beans Gremolata
Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Dressing
Delicious cauliflower florets roasted and served with a refreshing lemon dressing. My taste buds are in heaven! Perfectly roasted cauliflower creates a perfect golden caramelized crust—Crunchy and rich in flavor. Add lemon dressing to the cauliflower. You have the ideal side dish. Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Dressing
Garlic Mushrooms
It’s no secret—I love mushrooms! This garlic mushrooms recipe is one of my all-time favorites, a staple at our table that never fails to impress. Those tender mushrooms with garlicky and bright parsley are the ideal first-course meal. Get the Recipe: Garlic Mushrooms
Roasted Parmesan Asparagus
Asparagus is always an impressive dish and is especially appropriate for special occasions. I am taking advantage of the season’s bountiful asparagus supply by sharing another of my favorite recipes and those of my family and friends. Get the Recipe: Roasted Parmesan Asparagus
Roasted Carrots with Orange Brown Butter and Sage
Roasted carrots with Orange Brown Butter and Sage are a great side dish. Your family and friends will love it. This super-easy oven-roasted carrot recipe will be your favorite when you bite into the tender carrots. Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots with Orange Brown Butter and Sage
Roasted Beet And Onion Salad
This roasted beet and onion salad is super refreshing for summer. It will be your go-to salad for all gatherings. With so many health benefits, we should incorporate them more often into our diet. I enjoy sweet onions, and they marry well with the beets here. As you may notice, I have not added oil to the recipe. The beets and onions had so much natural juice that there was no need to. Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet And Onion Salad
Bok Choy Stir Fry
This bok choy stir-fry recipe is quick and flavorful, highlighting the crisp texture and mild, peppery flavor of bok choy. Cooked with garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of sesame oil, this stir fry is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy this nutritious leafy green. It’s perfect as a side dish or paired with rice and protein for a complete meal! Get the Recipe: Bok Choy Stir Fry
Mint Peas – What Not To Love
Having peas as a side dish while growing up was a traditional part of my family. I enjoy them in all aspects of cooking and with most dishes I prepare. They give that extra sweet touch to all dishes and all occasions. And grace my table with most holidays. Get the Recipe: Mint Peas
Cauliflower Polonaise
Cauliflower Polonaise is an excellent example of simple food that injects many flavors. It may have a Polish name, but it’s French in origin. This boiled and baked cauliflower dish, mixed with breadcrumbs, hard-boiled eggs, capers, garlic, and butter, comes together in no time yet completely bursts with flavor. Get The Recipe: The Best Easy Cauliflower Polonaise
Cilantro Lime Rice
This Cilantro Lime Rice is the fresh, vibrant, and perfect side dish for all summer recipes. But why stop there? Cilantro lime rice is the best side dish to most Asian and Mexican dishes. It is super easy to prepare and irresistible, and we never make enough to satisfy our cravings. Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Roasted Tomatoes – The Perfect 20-Minute Side Dish
The sweet, tender tomatoes roasted in the oven give a wonderfully soft and rich flavor. There’s nothing like biting into a juicy roasted tomato—so good!! It is a perfect side dish for poultry, fish, or meat, ideal for any occasion. Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatoes – The Perfect 20 Minutes Side Dish
Champ – Easy Traditional Irish Potatoes
Potatoes are one of my favorite vegetables. I would have them for dinner every day If I could. I love them, and they are the most versatile vegetables. Soft steamed potatoes with lots of butter and scallions. Melting in your mouth with each bite. Pure delight. I have added to my collection of potato recipes. Get the Recipe: Champ – Easy Traditional Irish Potatoes
Asparagus With Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ready in 10 minutes, this recipe is rich in flavor and taste, and the perfect side dish for all your meats, fish, and poultry. Keeping cooking simple is ideal for any night of the week. Easy recipes full of flavors and less time in the kitchen are what I look forward to on a busy night and every night of the week. Get the Recipe: Asparagus With Balsamic Vinaigrette
