33 Side Dishes That’ll Make the Main Course Feel Like It’s Just There for Decoration

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If you’re looking to make your main course feel like an afterthought, these side dishes are the way to go. It’s time to let those veggies, grains, and starches steal the spotlight. With these sides, you can almost forget about the main dish because everything on the plate is so impressive. The truth is, no one will care about the main course when these sides are around. They’ll be the talk of the table, guaranteed.

Horiatiki Salad

When you want something fresh and crisp, this side dish is a great option. Horiatiki Salad combines a mix of vegetables and olives that give it a simple yet bold taste. It’s the kind of salad that feels substantial enough to stand on its own but works perfectly alongside any main course. The combination of ingredients adds a crunch that lightens up any heavy meal.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Greek Green Beans

Light and tender, this dish brings a fulfilling crunch to the table. Greek Green Beans offer a bit of texture while adding a fresh touch to the meal. The beans are cooked to perfection, providing a subtle contrast to the richness of other foods. It’s a side dish that doesn’t overwhelm, but rather complements the main course. When served alongside heartier dishes, it’s sure to shine without stealing the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

This side brings a twist to the classic corn on the cob. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs are grilled to perfection, giving them a smoky, slightly charred flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats and lightens up the entire plate. The ribs are a fun and unique way to enjoy corn while adding some texture to the meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will want to try.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Smoked Cauliflower

This cauliflower gives a vegetable side an entirely different flavor profile. The smoky taste infuses each bite, making it more complex than your standard roasted vegetables. Smoked Cauliflower pairs well with just about anything, adding depth to the overall meal. It’s tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and has a nourishing richness that complements the main course perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

If you’re looking for something with a bit of crunch, this side hits the mark. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta blends the earthy flavors of the greens with crispy pancetta that adds a delectable texture. This combination brings a richness that can stand up to any main course. The greens are lightly sautéed, letting their natural flavor come through, while the pancetta gives the dish a boost.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Bacon Fried Corn

This side takes corn to the next level. Bacon Fried Corn combines sweet corn with the richness of bacon, making it an irresistible addition to your meal. The bacon crisps up nicely, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the tenderness of the corn. It’s the kind of side dish that draws people in and holds its own next to any main course. It’s so good, it could easily be the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts can be a bit boring on their own, but when smoked, they’re anything but. Smoked Brussels Sprouts take on a deep, earthy flavor that makes them much more interesting. The crispy edges add texture, and the smoky taste makes them feel like more than just a vegetable side. It’s an easy way to boost a meal without adding too much complexity. These are hearty enough to complement any protein.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts

German Yellow Beans

These beans stand out because of their subtle sweetness. German Yellow Beans are tender yet firm, holding up well against any rich main course. They’re not overpowering but provide a soft bite that balances out heavier flavors. This side dish is a great way to add a burst of freshness to the meal, making it feel lighter without compromising on flavor. They go well with everything from meats to casseroles.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Roasted to perfection, this side transforms simple asparagus into something special. Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone brings out the natural flavor of the asparagus while adding a rich, creamy texture. The mascarpone blends in to create a smooth coating that makes every bite feel like a treat. This side works great with anything from grilled chicken to roasted beef.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Creamiest Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic for a reason, and these bring all the comfort without any fuss. Creamiest Mashed Potatoes are smooth and silky, providing the perfect texture to pair with any main dish. They offer a blank canvas that can soak up gravies or sauces, enhancing the overall meal. These potatoes are simple but create a lasting impact, and they never fail to be a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamiest Mashed Potatoes

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

A fun twist on the classic potato dish, these stacks make an impressive side. Au Gratin Potato Stacks have layers of potatoes that bake up crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. Each bite is a combination of textures that pair wonderfully with just about any main course. They’re perfect for dinner parties or casual meals, giving your plate an enhanced look. These stacks take potatoes to a whole new level.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

A quiche can be the perfect side when you want something light but still filling. Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche combines creamy ricotta with fresh asparagus, creating a delicate yet rich flavor profile. The crust holds everything together, giving it a fulfilling crunch. This dish works great for brunch or dinner, especially when served alongside lighter mains. It’s simple but offers a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Nutty, crispy, and rich, this side really transforms Brussels sprouts. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds take a simple vegetable and boost it with the nutty flavor of browned butter. The almonds add a nice crunch, making it a great contrast to the soft Brussels sprouts. It’s a simple way to bring a little more excitement to a typical vegetable dish.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Southern Green Beans

Green beans are a classic side, but this Southern version adds an extra layer of flavor. Southern Green Beans are cooked to tenderness, with a bit of extra richness and depth that’s perfect for pairing with meats. The beans take on a comforting, homey feel that’s always well-received at the table. It’s an easy way to make an everyday vegetable stand out. These beans never feel out of place on the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

These potatoes bring a comforting touch to any meal. Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes have a richness that comes from being slowly cooked in a flavorful broth. The garlic infuses the potatoes with a subtle depth, and the rosemary adds an earthy element. These potatoes are tender, allowing the flavors to shine through while soaking up all the delicious juices.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Colcannon with Kale

If you’re looking for a twist on mashed potatoes, this is a great option. Colcannon with Kale adds in the earthy flavor of kale to mashed potatoes, making them even more flavorful. The kale blends into the potatoes, creating a dish that’s hearty and comforting. It’s perfect for any meal, especially when you need a side that feels filling but still complements your main. This dish is an easy way to switch up a classic.
Get the Recipe: Colcannon with Kale

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

This fresh and light salad is perfect when you want something a little different. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes combines tender vegetables with a slight crunch, creating a balanced texture. It’s bright and refreshing, making it a great choice to pair with heavier entrees. The mixture of flavors works together seamlessly, providing an easy, tasty side that holds up well next to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Mexican Black Beans

Black beans bring a bit of earthiness to the table, and this version packs in flavor. Mexican Black Beans are perfectly cooked to give a soft texture with a bold, hearty taste. They make a great side, especially when paired with spicy or grilled dishes. The beans add a deep richness that complements everything from tacos to barbecued meats. They provide a comforting foundation for any meal, without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

Pickled Yellow Beans

If you’re looking for something with a bit of tang, these beans hit the spot. Pickled Yellow Beans bring a crisp, refreshing bite that works as the perfect contrast to rich or heavy mains. The pickling process gives them a nice bite, while the natural bean flavor still shines through. This side pairs well with everything from meats to cheeses, adding a bit of brightness to the plate. They’re a great addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans

Smoked Spaghetti Squash

Looking for a vegetable dish that holds its own? Smoked Spaghetti Squash takes a simple squash and turns it into a smoky, flavorful side. The spaghetti-like texture gives it a unique edge that pairs well with meats or sauces. It’s perfect for adding a bit of smokiness to the meal without being overwhelming. This squash makes a great addition to any plate, especially when you want something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spaghetti Squash

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

This dish takes mashed potatoes to another level. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole has layers of creamy mashed potatoes baked with a crispy, golden topping that’s hard to resist. The texture is rich and smooth, with just the right amount of bite from the topping. It’s a perfect addition to any dinner, easily holding its own against heavier mains. The casserole’s comforting feel makes it an instant favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Corn Fritters

Crispy on the outside with a soft, warm center, these fritters are a great side dish for any meal. Corn Fritters have just the right amount of crunch, and the sweetness of the corn balances out the texture perfectly. They’re perfect for pairing with a variety of main dishes, especially if you’re looking to add something a little different to the table. It provides a natural sweetness that complements almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

This casserole is the kind of side that adds freshness and flavor in one bite. Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli brings together tender rice and fresh broccoli in a way that makes the vegetables feel more substantial. The creamy texture complements the crisp broccoli, making it a perfect side to pair with meats or other heartier dishes. It’s the kind of casserole that works for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Imagine a baked potato, but with twice the flavor. Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes have all the richness of a baked potato, with a smoky twist and creamy stuffing that takes it to a new level. They’re packed with flavor and texture, making them more than just a side dish. The stuffing makes each bite feel like a complete meal, yet they still complement any main. These potatoes stand out on their own.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

These carrots are sweet and tender, perfect for anyone looking for a simple side with great flavor. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are cooked just right, offering a soft bite with a natural sweetness. They’re the ideal side for any comfort meal, and they provide a perfect contrast to heavier main courses. The carrots bring a touch of sweetness that pairs well with everything from roast meats to casseroles.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

A fresh and vibrant salad that balances texture and flavor perfectly. Mediterranean Chopped Salad is filled with chopped vegetables and olives that give it a fulfillling crunch, while the dressing brings everything together. It’s a refreshing side that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or rich casseroles. The salad’s lightness offers a great contrast to heavier dishes, making it a must-have on any table.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Cucumber Salad with Feta

This refreshing salad adds a nice crunch to any meal. Cucumber Salad with Feta has the crispness of cucumbers paired with the creaminess of feta cheese, creating a great balance of textures. It’s light enough to pair with just about anything, from grilled meats to pasta dishes. The tangy feta brings out the freshness of the cucumbers, making it a go-to side for warm-weather meals.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

When you want to make sweet potatoes feel a little more exciting, this dish is perfect. Smoked Sweet Potatoes are tender, with a rich, smoky flavor that enhances their natural sweetness. The smoky notes give the sweet potatoes a depth that makes them feel like more than just a simple side. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, balancing out richer dishes with their smooth texture.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

This side offers a great combination of flavors that work well together. Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon brings a balance of tangy and sweet with the richness of bacon. The apples soften the sharpness of the sauerkraut while adding a touch of sweetness. The bacon gives the dish an extra layer of richness, making it feel more hearty. It pairs nicely with meats, rounding out the meal with contrasting flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

A simple yet flavorful side, this dish pairs well with almost any entrée. Green Beans Almondine with Bacon combines tender green beans with the crunch of almonds and the richness of crispy bacon. It’s a side that adds a bit of crunch and texture to the plate while still feeling light enough to complement heavier dishes. The bacon brings an extra flavor that takes this green bean dish to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Texas Corn Succotash

This sccotash brings a perfect blend of flavors and textures that pairs well with a variety of mains. Texas Corn Succotash has the sweetness of corn mixed with hearty beans and vegetables, creating a side that’s both light and filling. The combination of ingredients makes it a great choice for almost any meal, providing color and flavor to the plate. It’s easy to make, but still feels like an important part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Grilled Vegetables

Simple yet incredibly effective, grilled vegetables can bring something special to the table. Grilled Vegetables offer a smoky flavor that enhances their natural sweetness and tenderness. They’re a versatile side, perfect for pairing with just about anything, from meats to pasta dishes. The light char from the grill gives these veggies an added layer of depth, making them an essential part of any spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

These potatoes are rich and hearty, offering a comforting twist on your typical side. Mississippi Mud Potatoes are baked with layers of flavor that soak into each bite, creating a dish that feels as hearty as a main course. The creamy texture and richness balance perfectly with any grilled or roasted meats. It’s a great option for anyone who loves a side that stands out and brings more to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes