33 side dishes that make cooking dinner easier

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Looking to simplify your dinner routine? These mouthwatering side dishes are here to save the day! From easy roasted veggies bursting with flavor to creamy scalloped potatoes that pair perfectly with any main course, these recipes will have you spending less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal with your loved ones. Try them out tonight and see how these delightful sides can transform your dinner game!

Ratatouille

A blue Bowl of Vegan Ratatouille.
Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ratatouille makes dinner prep a breeze. This veggie medley is not only delicious but also versatile, serving as a hassle-free side dish that complements any main course.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Small baking dish with scalloped potatoes.
Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy, tender, and oh-so-delicious, these scalloped potatoes are a classic that can be made effortlessly. They turn every meal into a comforting feast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini bruschetta on parchment paper.
Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Elevate your dinner with zucchini bruschetta. Bursting with fresh flavors, it’s a quick and easy side that’s both light and satisfying, making your meal prep a delight.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli Salad with bacon on a plate.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli salad with bacon adds a crunchy twist to your dinner spread. With a perfect balance of flavors, it’s a go-to side dish that simplifies cooking while pleasing everyone.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Vegan Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spoon.
Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dive into the vibrant flavors of vegan Mexican rice. This dish is a time-saving superstar that adds a pop of color and taste to your dinner, making meal planning a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steaks on a platter.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasted cabbage steaks are a stress-free addition to your dinner table. With minimal effort, you get a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying, making dinner prep a snap.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Experience the joy of bacon-wrapped cabbage with minimal fuss. This side dish is a flavorful way to simplify dinner cooking while enjoying a delightful blend of textures.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Red Skin Potato Salad

Red potato salad in bowl with bacon and parsley garnish.
Red Skin Potato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Red skin potato salad is a classic side that streamlines dinner prep. With creamy goodness and a comforting taste, it’s a reliable choice that brings ease to your table.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish.
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Elevate your dinner with loaded twice-baked potatoes. This side dish is a crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of indulgence to your meal prep, making cooking a breeze and a delight.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cabbage and bacon in white serving bowl.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bring Southern comfort to your dinner with fried cabbage and bacon. This side dish is a simple yet delicious way to enhance your meal, making cooking and flavoring effortless.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate.
Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green bean tomato salad is a refreshing side that’s perfect for dinner. It’s an effortless way to incorporate fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors into your meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.
Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Aloo gobi masala simplifies dinner preparation with its bold flavors. This dish adds a taste of India to your table, making it easy to create a memorable and hassle-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Garlicky Sautéed Cruciferous Veggies

Sauteed cruciferous crunch in a white bowl.
Garlicky Sautéed Cruciferous Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy the health benefits of cruciferous veggies without the hassle. Garlicky sautéed vegetables add a delicious touch to dinner, making cooking and nutrient intake a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Sautéed Cruciferous Veggies

Sautéed Sweet Potatoes

Sautéed sweet potatoes are shown on a black plate with the tines of a fork and a cream-colored linen.
Sautéed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sautéed sweet potatoes are a side dish that balances flavors effortlessly. With their natural sweetness and simple preparation, they make dinner cooking a delightful task.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Sweet Potatoes

Greek Green Salad

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish.
Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enhance your dinner with a Greek green salad that’s both refreshing and easy to make. This side dish adds a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your table, simplifying your meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing in a glass bowl with sticks of veggies.
Homemade Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Elevate your dinner with homemade ranch dressing. This versatile condiment adds a creamy touch to your meals and is a quick way to enhance the flavors of your dishes.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ranch Dressing

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potato with butter with a bowl of cinnamon sugar and a plate of butter in the background.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer sweet potatoes simplify dinner cooking with their crispiness and tenderness. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a satisfying side that complements various mains.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Golden roasted air fryer baby potatoes on a serving plate with a wooden and metal spoon.
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer baby potatoes are a stress-free way to elevate your dinner. With their crispy exterior and soft interior, they’re a delicious side that adds ease to your meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Sautéed Butternut Squash

Sauteed butternut squash in a stainless steel pan.
Sautéed Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sautéed butternut squash is a side dish that’s rich in flavor and simplicity. With minimal preparation, it enhances your dinner with warmth and a touch of autumn comfort.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Green Beans

Closeup of air fryer green beans on a plate with a blue rim.
Air Fryer Green Beans. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer green beans are a quick and tasty addition to your dinner spread. With a hint of crunchiness and delicious flavor, they make cooking and eating a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Beans

Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus on a Baking Tray.
Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy the ease of brussels sprouts and asparagus as a side dish. Their complementary flavors and textures make dinner prep a breeze while bringing wholesome goodness to the table.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus

Pumpkin Fries

Pumpkin Fries on a parchment paper with herbs.
Pumpkin Fries. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Pumpkin fries are a flavorful and effortless side dish for dinner. With their unique taste and easy preparation, they add a touch of autumn to your meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Fries

Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Pile of cornbread muffins on a white plate.
Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Elevate your dinner with air fryer cornbread muffins. This side dish is a delicious way to simplify your meal preparation while enjoying the comforting taste of homemade goodness.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

A closeup shot of roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine on a wooden cutting board surrounded by basil and garlic.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Roasted cherry tomatoes are a versatile side dish that adds a burst of flavor to your dinner. With their delightful taste and minimal effort, they make cooking a breeze and a joy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Frozen broccoli florets roasted on an air fryer tray.
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer frozen broccoli is a convenient way to enhance your dinner. With its quick cooking time and flavorful outcome, it’s a hassle-free side that’s perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Faux Potato Salad

A white bowl of potato salad with mayonnaise.
Faux Potato Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Enjoy the flavors of potato salad without the carbs. Faux potato salad simplifies dinner prep while offering a creamy and satisfying side that’s both tasty and low-carb.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

Garlic Basil Wax Beans

Wax beans with garlic and basil on a plate with a fork.
Garlic Basil Wax Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Garlic basil wax beans bring freshness and simplicity to your dinner table. This side dish adds a burst of herbal goodness to your meal while making cooking a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Basil Wax Beans

Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Air fryer zucchini and squash on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Air fryer zucchini and squash make dinner prep a breeze. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a flavorful and tender side dish that complements a variety of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash

Roasted Broccolini

A closeup of roasted tenderstem broccoli and garlic are shown on a white plate.
Roasted Broccolini. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Roasted broccolini is a hassle-free side dish that enhances your dinner. With its tender stems and rich taste, it’s an easy way to add flavor and nutrients to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccolini

Spicy Roasted Vegetables

Closeup of spicy roasted vegetables in a roasting pan.
Spicy Roasted Vegetables. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Spice up your dinner with roasted vegetables that bring heat and flavor. This side dish adds a touch of excitement to your meal prep while simplifying your cooking routine.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Roasted Vegetables

Sweet Potato Wedges

Air fried sweet potato wedges on parchment.
Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the comfort of sweet potato wedges with minimal effort. This side dish is both satisfying and delicious, making dinner prep a breeze while delighting your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Frozen Cauliflower Rice

Frozen Cauliflower Rice baked and served on a plate.
Frozen Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Frozen cauliflower rice simplifies dinner preparation with its convenience and versatility. It’s a low-carb side dish that’s quick to make and complements various mains.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Cauliflower Rice

Sauteed Swiss Chard

Sautéed Swiss chard in a white skillet with wooden serving spoon.
Sauteed Swiss Chard. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sauteed Swiss chard is a nutritious and flavorful side that enhances your dinner with minimal effort. Its earthy taste and vibrant colors make cooking a joyful and easy task.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Chard

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