21 side dishes that turn a simple plate into something better

ByHeidi Bruaw

Some plates just need a little something extra, and that’s where these side dishes come in. This collection is full of recipes that bring more flavor, texture, and color to the table without overcomplicating things. From cozy classics to fresh favorites, these are the sides that make every meal feel a whole lot more put together.

A close-up of sweet potato puffs coated in crushed cornflakes, split open to reveal a melted marshmallow filling inside, on a white plate with a patterned towel in the background.
Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Orange Rice

A white bowl filled with rice mixed with chopped celery and orange zest, garnished with orange slices. Two additional orange slices are placed on the wooden surface next to the bowl.
Orange Rice. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This baked orange rice is the kind of side that turns a simple plate into something better without much effort. It bakes up soft and fluffy, with pops of veggies and a light citrus flavor that keeps things bright and comforting. Once you try it, going back for seconds just feels like the right move.
Get the Recipe: Orange Rice

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

A close-up of baked macaroni and cheese in a glass dish with a portion removed, showing creamy pasta topped with a golden breadcrumb crust.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyère melt together into an ultra-creamy mac and cheese that’s rich in all the right ways. A buttery panko and Parmesan topping bakes up crisp and golden on top. This is the kind of side dish that refuses to play second fiddle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Carrot Raisin Salad

A bowl of coleslaw with shredded carrots and raisins on a wooden surface, next to a red and white checkered cloth.
Carrot Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This carrot raisin salad mixes crisp carrots, crunchy cabbage, and soft raisins for a great balance of texture in every bite. It’s all tossed in a creamy dressing with a light pop of lemon that keeps it fresh. That sweet and tangy flavor is the kind that has you reaching back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

A red oval dish filled with green beans almondine with bacon, topped with slivered almonds, sits on a wooden surface beside a floral-patterned cloth.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon pairs tender green beans with smoky bacon and crunchy toasted almonds for a side dish that feels just a little special. A light lemon butter sauce pulls everything together and adds a fresh pop of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes the whole meal feel a little more memorable.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

A bowl of creamy macaroni salad topped with sliced boiled eggs, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of paprika, placed on a wooden surface.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

If deviled eggs are your thing, this creamy pasta salad is one you’ll keep coming back to. It’s rich and tangy, packed with classic flavors like eggs, mustard, and relish that always hit the mark. Add it to the table and watch it turn a simple plate into something better every single time.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Orange Glazed Carrots

A plate of glazed carrot slices topped with chopped herbs, served with a light sauce.
Orange Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These orange glazed carrots are tender, buttery, and bright with fresh citrus flavor. They simmer until perfectly soft, then get finished in a glossy sauce made with real orange juice and zest. Every bite has that sweet, vibrant touch that makes them hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Carrots

Surprise Potatoes

Rectangular glass pan with cheesy casserole topped with crushed potato chips.
Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Surprise Potatoes come together fast with frozen hash browns, plenty of melty cheese, and a few simple ingredients. They bake up creamy and cozy with that classic casserole flavor everyone keeps coming back for. Set them on the table and watch the second helpings start before they’ve even had a chance to cool.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Layered Salad

A layered salad in a clear glass trifle bowl on a wooden board, with peas, lettuce, and red tomatoes, next to a floral patterned cloth.
Layered Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This layered salad brings together crunchy romaine, bright fresh veggies, and bits of savory bacon in every scoop. Each layer adds a little color and texture that makes it fun to serve. It all gets topped off with a rich, creamy dressing that ties everything together.
Get the Recipe: Layered Salad

Sweet Potato Puffs

A close-up of sweet potato puffs coated in crushed cornflakes, split open to reveal a melted marshmallow filling inside, on a white plate with a patterned towel in the background.
Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Sweet potato puffs come out with a crisp, golden coating from crunchy Corn Flakes that adds just the right texture. The inside stays soft, creamy, and lightly sweet, turning a simple plate into something better. Set them out and don’t be surprised when they’re the first side everyone reaches for.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Three stuffed baked potatoes with a golden, seasoned top are arranged on a rectangular plate with a bold black and white geometric pattern, set on a wooden surface.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These stuffed baked potatoes are filled with their fluffy centers mixed with butter, melted cheddar, a bit of onion, and simple seasoning before being tucked back into crisp potato skins. A buttery topping and a sprinkle of paprika help them bake up beautifully golden. They’re the kind of side dish that easily steals the spotlight at the table.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Cabbage Apple Salad

A wooden bowl filled with vibrant cabbage apple salad—chopped red cabbage and apple pieces, topped with two thin apple slices—sits on a teal surface with a metal spoon inside the bowl.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This cabbage apple salad brings together crisp red cabbage and sweet Golden Delicious apples in a fresh, tangy dressing. Each bite has that perfect mix of crunch, sweetness, and a little zip that keeps things interesting. It’s the kind of side that has everyone reaching back for another scoop.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

A bowl of creamy corn garnished with chopped chives, placed on a red checkered cloth with a wooden spoon and white ceramic pitchers in the background.
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Slow cooker creamed corn is rich, buttery, and easy to pull together. The sweet corn simmers low and slow with cream cheese and butter until it turns perfectly creamy. A touch of Cajun seasoning adds gentle warmth, giving this side dish enough flavor that it definitely doesn’t play second fiddle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Mexican Macaroni Salad

A bowl of Mexican Macaroni Salad with kidney beans, chopped celery, and dressing sits on a red and white plaid tablecloth, with a spoon in the bowl.
Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Mexican Macaroni Salad is a go-to potluck dish packed with tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, and bold taco-inspired flavor. A creamy dressing with a little tang keeps everything fresh and lively in every bite. There’s just enough heat to keep things interesting and have everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This Pizza Salad piles all those classic pizza flavors into a big, colorful bowl of crisp greens. Juicy tomatoes, veggie pepperoni, olives, mozzarella pearls, and crunchy croutons get tossed with a zippy homemade Italian dressing that ties everything together. It’s fresh, hearty, and the kind of salad that refuses to play second fiddle at the table.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Grandma's Mashed Potato Casserole on a tray.
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Mashed potato casserole takes a simple box of instant potatoes and turns it into something warm, creamy, and hard to pass up. Sour cream, cottage cheese, and butter blend together for a smooth, rich texture, with chives and savory seasonings adding just the right boost of flavor. A quick broil on top gives it that golden finish that makes any plate feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Jamie Oliver’s Mothership Tomato Salad

A platter of colorful cherry tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, red onion, and basil leaves. Four forks are placed beside the dish on a white surface.
Jamie Oliver’s Mothership Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Jamie Oliver’s “Mothership” Tomato Salad finally put an end to my hunt for the perfect summer tomato recipe. Ripe, juicy tomatoes are tossed with simple seasonings that let their fresh flavor shine. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you just how good simple ingredients can be.
Get the Recipe: Jamie Oliver’s Mothership Tomato Salad

Air Fryer Asparagus

A plate of cooked asparagus spears garnished with sea salt and a lemon wedge.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Asparagus can be surprisingly easy to miss the mark with. Overcook it and it goes soft and dull, but undercook it and that sharp bite sticks around. Toss it in the air fryer with a little seasoning, though, and it turns crisp, flavorful, and the kind of side that might just change your mind about asparagus.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This creamy dill cucumber onion salad comes together with sour cream and mayo for a cool, crisp bite that feels light and refreshing. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it easy to pull together without much effort. Serve it alongside dinner when you need a quick side that still makes the plate feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free)

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower in a white bowl with a spoon, parsley, butter, salt, and black pepper.
Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Instant Pot mashed cauliflower is a lighter swap when you’re cutting back on carbs but still want something comforting on your plate. It turns out smooth, buttery, and full of flavor in every bite. This simple side dish keeps things on the healthier side without feeling like you’re missing out.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free)

Pineapple Rice

Pineapple rice in white bowl.
Pineapple Rice. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This pineapple rice brings a sweet heat with tropical flavor and a savory twist. Every bite has that perfect mix of juicy sweetness and gentle spice. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it an easy fit for just about any table.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Rice

Green Jacket Salad Recipe

A fresh green jacket salad with a variety of vegetables and a light dressing.
Green Jacket Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Green Jacket Salad brings together a lively mix of fresh greens and crisp ingredients, all tossed in a bright, zesty dressing. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main, it’s a salad that fits right in at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Jacket Salad Recipe