12 Must-Try Side Dish Recipes That Make Any Meal Better

Easy and healthy side dish recipes you'll want to make again and again.

This bulgur salad is a quick and healthy side with vegetables, feta, and a light dressing.

A great meal is not just about the main dish. Side dish recipes bring extra flavor, color, and nutrition to the table. Serving a mix of healthy and tasty sides helps make any meal more balanced and satisfying.

This list includes 12 side dish recipes that are easy to prepare and work for both busy weeknights and special occasions. These salads, vegetables, and other simple sides pair well with many main dishes and are worth keeping in your regular meal rotation.

1. Twice Baked Potatoes

These twice baked potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and perfect for making ahead.

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Twice Baked Potatoes have a creamy, cheesy filling and a crispy potato skin. They make a comforting and impressive side dish that can be prepared ahead of time or even frozen.

2. Quinoa Salad

This quinoa salad is a healthy, make-ahead side with fresh vegetables and bright flavor.

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Quinoa Salad is a colorful mix of quinoa, vegetables, and fresh herbs. It makes a great side dish or a light lunch.

3. Whole Roasted Cauliflower

This whole roasted cauliflower is seasoned well and served with a creamy tahini sauce.

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Whole Roasted Cauliflower is simple to prepare but looks impressive on the table. This will quickly become your favorite vegetable side dish or appetizer.

4. Orzo Salad

This orzo salad is light, fresh, and full of Mediterranean flavor.

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Orzo Salad is tossed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a simple dressing for a bright and flavorful side. It’s quick to make and pairs well with many dishes.

5. Balsamic Roasted Carrots

These balsamic roasted carrots are simple to prepare and full of sweet, tangy flavor.

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Balsamic Roasted Carrots are coated in a honey balsamic glaze for a side that is both easy and flavorful. They complement many main dishes.

6. Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Vegetables

This whipped feta dip with roasted vegetables is a creamy and flavorful side or appetizer.

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Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Vegetables is creamy, flavorful, and great for sharing. It works well as both a side dish and an appetizer.

7. Bulgur Salad

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Bulgur Salad combines tender bulgur wheat with vegetables, feta, and a light dressing. It’s fresh, healthy, and easy to make ahead.

8. Rice Pilaf

This rice pilaf is light, fluffy, and full of flavor from vegetables and seasonings.

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Rice Pilaf is made with rice, vegetables, and seasonings for a light and flavorful side. It works with a wide range of main dishes. Try our Wild Rice Pilaf as well.

9. Shredded Brussels Sprouts

This shredded Brussels sprouts recipe is quick to make and adds fresh, flavorful crunch to any plate.

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Shredded Brussels Sprouts cook in about 10 minutes and bring a light, fresh flavor to your meal. This quick side pairs well with almost any entrée. Also, try our Brussels Sprout Salad.

10. Homemade Dinner Rolls

These homemade dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and great for serving with any meal.

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Homemade Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up sauces or serving alongside soups and stews. Our Easy Homemade Breadsticks are also a big hit!