16 Side Dishes that My Readers Make Again and Again

Reliable side dishes make weeknight dinners and special gatherings easier to plan. Fluffy rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, crisp salads, cheesy casseroles, and colorful vegetable sides offer plenty of variety for any meal. Find the next side dish you'll want to add to your regular rotation.

Crispy Golden Vegetable Fritters with Garlic Sauce

A plate of zucchini fritters with red peppers, served with a small bowl of dipping sauce; zucchini, parsley, and a red pepper are nearby—one of our reader favorites among popular side dishes. — Crispy Golden Vegetable Fritters with Garlic Sauce. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

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These golden vegetable fritters are crisp around the edges with a tender, savory middle. Paired with a creamy garlic sauce, they make an easy side dish that brings plenty of flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Golden Vegetable Fritters with Garlic Sauce

Bright Greek Rice Pilaf with Lemon and Dill

A plate of herbed rice garnished with pine nuts, fresh dill, parsley, and lemon slices, placed on a blue napkin with extra pine nuts and parsley nearby—perfect as one of those reader favorites that makes side dishes truly memorable. — Bright Greek Rice Pilaf with Lemon and Dill. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This fluffy rice pilaf gets its fresh Mediterranean character from lemon, herbs, garlic, and crunchy pine nuts. It is an easy companion for chicken, fish, or nearly any weeknight main course.
Get the Recipe: Bright Greek Rice Pilaf with Lemon and Dill

Tangy Spanish Green Beans with Toasted Almonds

Green beans are served on a white oval plate, topped with chopped almonds—making this classic Side Dish one of our reader favorites. — Tangy Spanish Green Beans with Toasted Almonds. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These Spanish-style green beans turn a simple vegetable into a lively side with bright vinegar flavor and plenty of savory appeal. Toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch without making the dish feel heavy.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Spanish Green Beans with Toasted Almonds

Crisp French Carrot Salad with Tarragon

A bowl of shredded carrot salad topped with chopped nuts and sliced green onions, with a wooden spoon resting inside—one of our reader favorites when it comes to popular side dishes. — Crisp French Carrot Salad with Tarragon. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This refreshing carrot salad pairs naturally sweet, crunchy carrots with the fragrant flavor of tarragon. It is a simple, colorful side that brings a fresh French touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Crisp French Carrot Salad with Tarragon

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples

A bowl of salad with roasted Brussels sprouts, sliced apples, red onions, cranberries, and almond slivers, served with a metal spoon—one of our reader favorites and the perfect addition to your collection of popular side dishes. — Maple Roasted Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Roasted Brussels sprouts become wonderfully crisp and caramelized in this colorful fall salad. Sweet apples, tart cranberries, toasted almonds, and maple flavor create a satisfying mix of textures and tastes.
Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples

Tender Green Beans with Crispy Bacon

Plate of cooked green beans mixed with chopped bacon and small pieces of onion, making it one of those reader favorites that always stands out among popular side dishes. — Tender Green Beans with Crispy Bacon. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This comforting green bean side combines tender vegetables with smoky, crisp bacon and a savory Dijon finish. It is quick enough for a weeknight yet flavorful enough to earn a regular place at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Tender Green Beans with Crispy Bacon

Creamy Blue Cheese Potato Salad with Bacon

A bowl of potato salad topped with chopped bacon, fresh parsley, and green onions—one of our reader favorites when it comes to crowd-pleasing side dishes. — Creamy Blue Cheese Potato Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This bold potato salad puts a rich, tangy spin on a familiar favorite. Creamy blue cheese and crisp bacon give every bite plenty of savory character, making it a memorable choice for gatherings or cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Blue Cheese Potato Salad with Bacon

The Cozy Side Our Family Craves

Slow cooker filled with black bean soup topped with melted shredded cheese, surrounded by a towel, a wooden spoon, and small bowls of herbs and salt on a blue surface—one of our popular recipes and perfect when paired with your favorite side dishes. — Creamy Refried Black Beans. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These homemade refried black beans transform humble dried beans into a smooth, satisfying side. They are especially delicious alongside tacos and burritos, but they can also round out a wide range of Mexican-inspired meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Refried Black Beans

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole (One Pot)

Square white baking dish filled with baked broccoli and cheese casserole, resting on a folded kitchen towel—one of the best side dish recipes that’s sure to become a favorite among popular side dishes. — Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole (One Pot). Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

This cozy casserole combines tender broccoli and rice with plenty of cheesy goodness in one convenient dish. It is a practical side for busy weeknights and an easy option when you need something dependable for a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole (One Pot)

Sweet and Spicy Honey Harissa Carrots

Roasted carrots garnished with chopped herbs on a white plate, served with a side of creamy white dip topped with herbs—one of the most popular side dishes that’s perfect for any meal. — Sweet and Spicy Honey Harissa Carrots. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

These roasted carrots strike a delicious balance between floral sweetness and bold, gentle heat. Their vibrant color and caramelized edges make them an eye-catching side for everyday dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Honey Harissa Carrots

Garlicky Sauteed Broccolini with Lemon

This quick broccolini side gets a bright, savory boost from garlic, lemon, and a flavorful cooking base. It is an excellent choice when you want a vegetable dish that feels special without taking much time.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Sauteed Broccolini with Lemon

Buttery Parmesan Roasted Leeks with Crispy Breadcrumbs

Oven-roasted leeks become tender, rich, and deeply savory beneath a golden Parmesan and breadcrumb topping. This easy side has an elegant feel while remaining wonderfully straightforward to serve with a spring meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Parmesan Roasted Leeks with Crispy Breadcrumbs

Bright Peas and Carrots with Lemon and Herbs

This colorful vegetable side comes together quickly and lets fresh flavors do the work. A lively lemon dressing and fresh herbs give the peas and carrots a light, cheerful finish that suits busy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Bright Peas and Carrots with Lemon and Herbs

Crispy Rosemary Roasted Baby Potatoes

These baby potatoes roast until beautifully golden with crisp edges and a fluffy interior. Garlic and rosemary add a classic savory flavor, making this sheet-pan side an easy match for almost any main course.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Rosemary Roasted Baby Potatoes

Hearty Kale Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

This colorful kale salad delivers plenty of texture and bold flavor without requiring much preparation. Sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and savory cheddar make it especially appealing for fall meals and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Kale Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

Fresh Lentil Tabbouleh with Herbs and Vegetables

This nourishing twist on classic tabbouleh swaps in lentils for a heartier salad packed with fresh herbs and colorful vegetables. It makes a refreshing side that works beautifully with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired meals.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Lentil Tabbouleh with Herbs and Vegetables