25 Best Side Dishes To Make With Your Main Dish Recipes (2024)

For a long time whenever I wanted to make food, most of the time I spend thinking about the main dish only, when I’m making it for my family and if it’s for a gathering then I would make different dishes together which was exhausting. Until one day my friend suggested that I make different side dishes with one main meal, and things have never been the same since then!

A new world of side dishes opened to me, but since I’m a meat lover, my main focus was on side dishes specifically work for meat.

I found that side dishes don’t often get a lot of attention, but they can make or break a meal. A great side dish can elevate an otherwise basic dinner, and the wrong side dish can make even the most delicious main course seem disappointing. Finding a suitable side dish for your next dinner is easier with these delicious, healthy, and creative recipes.

So, whether you want something simple and crowd-pleasing or something a little more adventurous, we’ve got the 25 Best Side Dishes To Make With Your Main Dish Recipes.

Crispy Lemon Roasted Broccoli Recipe

Sometimes, my friends can be somewhat picky with what they eat. So, I try my best to always serve the healthiest options for them, and hey! What’s healthier than some broccoli?

So, if you are looking for tasty and a healthy side dish, then we ought to try this crispy lemon roasted broccoli recipe is a tasty and healthy side dish that goes well with chicken. The broccoli is roasted until crisp in the oven before being tossed with a lemon vinaigrette.

With less than 30 minutes, this recipe is effortless to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pound broccoli, cut into florets
• I used Private Reserve EVOO as my extra-virgin olive oil.
• salt kosher
• 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or Aleppo pepper flakes)
• 1 lemon zested and juiced feta cheese

Get the recipe here

LEARN MORE: Ginger + Orange Roasted Rhubarb Recipe {Vegan, Paleo, Dairy, Gluten, Sugar-Free}

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

As a second option for a healthy and easy side dish and a personal favorite of mine, the roasted brussels sprouts can be one of the most appealing side dishes to have next to any type of meat.

This recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household!

Ingredients

• 1-1/2pound Brussels sprouts (ends trimmed and yellow leaves removed)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Get the recipe here

Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

I LOVE comfort food, and for comfort food, mashed potatoes are a great option. They’re also the perfect side dish for almost anything and they’re so rich, buttery, and creamy!

To make the creamy texture, the potatoes are mashed with butter, sour cream, and milk Then, to taste, they’re seasoned with salt and pepper. This dish is sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

• 5 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• one bay leaf
• 1-1/2 stick unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup soured cream
• 1/4 heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of milk
• season with salt and pepper to taste

Get the recipe here

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans Recipe

Do you love green beans? Then this recipe is for you! In this Roasted Parmesan Green Beans Recipe, the green beans are roasted to perfection after being coated in a parmesan cheese and herb mixture.

This recipe is certain to surprise your family and friends! You can season them however you want for a little kick, add some crushed red pepper, or leave out the Parmesan to keep them dairy-free. I recommend using two baking sheets if you want to double the recipe. For best results, serve them right out of the oven.

Ingredients

• 12 oz. trimmed green beans
• 2 tsp olive oil,
• kosher salt to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1-1/2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese,
• omitted for the Whole 30

Get the recipe here

LEARN MORE: 15+ Chicken and Pasta Recipes (Perfect for Every Meal)

Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe

This Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe is a delicious and nutritious side dish that goes well with any meal. It uses brown rice, chicken broth, and a variety of spices, and is prepared in an Instant Pot.

This dish is a great way to boost your nutrition and is sure to please everyone at the table. This simple brown rice recipe will teach you how to cook brown rice in the instant pot.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rinsed and drained uncooked long grain brown rice
• 2-1/2 cup water or broth (chicken or vegetable broth) to
• taste kosher salt

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 20+ Cauliflower Rice and Fish Recipes for an Optimal Low-carb Diet

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Recipe

Occasionally, when I want to try keto recipes and go for a low-carb side dish, this Baked Parmesan Zucchini recipe would be my go-to. It is delicious and simple to enjoy with summer squash.

It makes an excellent side dish for chicken, fish, or beef and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. This side dish is served immediately and can be garnished with parsley if desired.

Ingredients

• 4 lengthwise quartered zucchini
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Get the recipe here.

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

So, this one can feel a little bit tricky, but don’t worry it’s simple to make and packed with flavor. This scalloped potatoes recipe is the ideal accompaniment to the cooked chicken. Simply bake the scalloped potatoes ahead of time and allow them to cool completely to room temperature.

You can store it and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. And when you have your main dish ready, you can serve the scalloped potatoes next to it.

So, what are you holding out for? Try this recipe right away!

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 4 large garlic cloves minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk (or half and a half)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons freshly chopped thyme

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 15 Ground Pork and Potato Recipes From Asian to the Mediterranean

Easy Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables Recipe

These easy grilled vegetables with a Mediterranean twist will not disappoint if you’re looking for a beautiful side dish! This recipe includes quick tips for grilling vegetables and assembling the perfect vegetable platter, which is loaded with earthy spices, fresh herbs, and a zippy dressing to finish.

You can Serve it with rice or quinoa for a complete meal that is sure to please everyone. It is the ideal side dish for a summer barbecue or a casual dinner with friends.

So, what are you holding out for? Try this Simple Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables Recipe right away! You will not be let down.

Ingredients

• 6 baby bell peppers,
• 1 eggplant (14oz/404 g)
• 3 yellow squash, cut in half lengthwise
• 1 teaspoon Za’atar
• 1 teaspoon Sumac
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 large lemon juice
• a pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Get the recipe here

Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

I love eating cheese with almost everything and for me, nothing beats the classic cheesy garlic bread when it’s done right. This recipe is the ideal side dish for any main meal you’re having. It’s fast and simple to prepare, and the cheese and garlic add a delightful flavor that everyone will love.

Try this recipe and you will have a lifelong side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of Italian bread
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 26 Breakfast Recipes With Bread | Yummy

Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Another side dish that I personally love that has cheese in it is this Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Casserole, Where on weekends I’m always on the hunt for a good, simple side dish. This Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Casserole is a simple side dish recipe that goes well with almost any meal!

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded zucchini
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup finely shredded onion
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese,
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs,
• 2 tbsp. softened butter

Get the recipe here.

Quick Oven Roasted Tomatoes Recipe Recipe

Roasted vegetables as a side dish? I’m in!

These quick-roasted tomatoes with garlic and thyme are nutritious and delicious. They’re roasted in a hot oven until extremely tender and bursting with concentrated, powerful flavor. You can prepare this side dish in advance and serve it as a tasty chicken side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 pound smaller tomatoes,
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves
• Black pepper and kosher salt
• 2 tsp fresh thyme,
• 1 tsp sumac,
• 1/2 tsp dry chili pepper flakes
• Olive oil, extra virgin,
• Optional feta cheese crumbles

Get the recipe here

LEARN MORE: 10+ Easy Chicken Breast Recipes (From Breakfast to Dinner)

The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe

This simple broccoli salad is a delicious low-carb dish that I tend to make for my summer parties and barbecues, with only 9 ingredients and 15 minutes to prepare. It contains crispy bacon, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.

It’s a great side dish to try if you haven’t yet.

Ingredients

• 2 medium broccoli heads,
• 1 cup red onion,
• 4 slices of bacon,
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Get the recipe here

Sage Sausage Stuffing Recipe

Do you have some leftover chicken? great! You can use the leftovers to make sage sausage stuffing. This side dish goes well with almost any meal. It’s flavorful and savory, and the recipe is simple to make.

You can prepare the stuffing according to package directions until just before baking. Cover and chill until ready to bake it. So, if you’re looking for something new to try, what are you waiting for?

Ingredients

• 3 celery stalks,
• 1 large onion,
• 1 stick butter
• 1 tablespoon chicken seasoning
• 2 lightly beaten eggs
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 pound sage sausage,

Get the recipe here

Turmeric Coconut Rice Recipe

Do you like rice? Then you need to try this Turmeric Coconut Rice recipe! Turmeric Coconut Rice is a simple recipe for tasty rice with a light coconut flavor. It’s also an excellent way to use up any leftover chicken.

It’s the perfect side dish for any meal and only requires four basic ingredients. For a complete meal, serve it with your favorite green vegetable. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cup jasmine rice
• 1 tbsp. coconut oil
• 1 tsp. freshly grated turmeric
• 1 cup water,
• 14 ounces coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• To taste, freshly cracked black pepper

Get the recipe here

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Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe

For a great side dish with chicken or a stand-alone snack, the buttermilk cornbread is a great choice to make. It is fairly simple, and you won’t need a mixer even. It is exceptionally moist, fluffy, and slightly sweet. You can make it ahead of time and serve it later.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups cornmeal
• 1 cup of regular flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 cups low-fat buttermilk
• 1 big egg
• 6 teaspoons unsalted butter

Get the recipe here

Stuffed Mushrooms With Goat Cheese and Sun-dried Tomatoes Recipe

Look no further than this Stuffed Mushrooms with Goat Cheese and Sun-dried Tomatoes Recipe for a delectable side dish. This dish is full of flavor and is sure to please those around your table.

The goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes add a nice tang to the mushrooms, while the bread crumbs add a bit of crunch. You’ll be unable to get enough of these delectable mushrooms!

Ingredients

• 20 baby Bella mushrooms, large
• 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs,
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 scallions,
• 4 garlic cloves,
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 2 oz. goat cheese
• 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts

Get the recipe here

Cheesy Asparagus Casserole Recipe

This recipe for Cheesy Asparagus Casserole is ideal for a weeknight meal or for entertaining guests. It’s not only low carb, but it’s also insanely delicious, loaded with garlic and the most divine cream cheese sauce! You simply toss everything in and bake.

Everyone at the table will LOVE this dish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) of asparagus,
• 1 small onion,
• 1/2 cup (125ml) broth
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup grated cheese
• 3 large garlic cloves,
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning

Get the recipe here

Baked Beans Recipe

This chicken side dish is the perfect food for any potluck or picnic. The Baked Beans Recipe is easy to follow and can be made in advance. It includes chicken, bacon, and beans, making it a complete meal.

Serve this dish with a green salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 3 cup dry beans
• 1/2 pound chopped bacon
• 1 chopped green bell pepper
• 1 chopped white onion
• 2 cup ketchup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup of water

Get the recipe here

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe

This Black Pepper Chicken Recipe is a delicious chicken side dish that goes well with any meal. This Panda Express knockoff is made from scratch using only a few simple ingredients. Serve this chicken side dish with rice or noodles for a delicious meal.

The chicken is cooked in a flavorful black pepper sauce, and the dish is sure to please your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, medium
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 medium yellow onion
• 1 sliced green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp. rice vinegar

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 10+ Easy Chicken Breast Recipes (From Breakfast to Dinner)

Cranberry Jello Salad Recipe

This salad has always been a hit with my family and friends because it is made with only a few simple ingredients and for having jello as one of them, and I would make it for any occasion.

This sweet and simple old-fashioned Cranberry Jello Salad requires only 5 ingredients to make. It’s an excellent make-ahead side dish or dessert for the holidays!

Ingredients

• 1 raspberry jello package
• 1 cup of hot water
• 12 cup ice cold water
• 1 orange, small
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple,
• 1 can whole cranberry sauce (14 oz.)
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Get the recipe here

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Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls Recipe

This chicken side dish is incredibly simple to prepare and absolutely delicious! The rolls are soft and buttery, and they go well with almost any meal. This recipe has been my go-to for years because it consistently produces the most perfectly soft, fluffy, buttery rolls.

But I particularly like it because the ingredient list is short. This recipe will undoubtedly become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water
• 2 tbsp. softened butter
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
• 1 tsp. fine sea salt

Get the recipe here

Green Rice (Arroz Verde) Recipe

Do you feel like trying something different? This chicken side dish is a staple dish in many Latin American households, where the rice is cooked with chicken broth, garlic, cilantro, and green chiles to give it a flavorful and unique taste.

The rice can go great side by side with any type of the main dish you are having. Don’t forget to add a dollop of sour cream on top!

Ingredients

• 1 pound spinach
• 1/2 medium onion,
• 1 poblano pepper,
• 1 jalapeno pepper
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Get the recipe here

Smashed Potatoes Recipe

After a long day at work, I would be looking forward to going home and making a simple dish with ingredients I know for a fact that I already have.

This Smashed Potatoes Recipe is a chicken side dish that is perfect for any night of the week. This recipe is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients, making it a great option for those busy weeknights. The potatoes are first boiled until they are soft, then they are smashed and mixed with some chicken broth, garlic, and butter.

This dish is then baked in the oven until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. Served with a green salad, this Smashed Potatoes Recipe makes a great meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound and a half of small potatoes
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp. softened butter
• a half teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Get the recipe here

LEARN MORE: 15 Ground Pork and Potato Recipes From Asian to the Mediterranean

Lemon Garlic and Spinach Risotto With Sautéed Shrimp Recipe

If you are a seafood lover, we have something for you on this list too.

This lemon Garlic and Spinach Risotto is a traditional recipe that combines creamy risotto with lemon garlic and hearty spinach. The creamy risotto is topped with sautéed lemon garlic shrimp for a complete meal any day of the week!

This recipe is simple to make and yields a dish that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1-1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4-3/4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese,
• lemon juice, and zest
• 4 ounces finely chopped baby spinach

Get the recipe here

Candied Yams Recipe

This Candied Yams Recipe is the perfect chicken side dish for your next meal! It’s full of flavor and easy to make, plus it’s a great way to use up any leftover yams you might have. This recipe can also be easily adapted to vegetarian or vegan diets.

Simply substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken altogether.

This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone, so give it a try the next time you’re looking for a new side dish recipe. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients

• 1 glass of orange juice
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 3 lbs sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped pecan halves

Get the recipe here

LEARN MORE: 20+ Chicken and Sweet Potato Fries Recipes (No.6 Is a Crowd-pleaser)

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a classic side dish to go with your chicken or something new and exciting, our round-up of the 25 Best Side Dishes has you covered.

So check out our recipes and find the perfect one for your next meal.