A Full Plate Is A Happy Plate—29 Sides To Make It Happen

This lineup of 29 sides isn’t just about filling space—it’s about making the whole meal work. They’re the kind of dishes that round things out without making things harder. No complicated prep, just real food that makes the plate feel like someone thought it through. It’s not about being fancy—it’s about finishing strong.

Best Tuna Casserole

Often remembered as a classic dish from many childhoods, Best Tuna Casserole brings comfort to the dinner table like no other. Its creamy texture mixed with a hearty depth makes every bite nostalgic yet freshly enjoyable. Ideal for a cozy night in, it’s easy to prepare and ensures you’re not stuck in the kitchen for long.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole

Baked Potato

A true classic, Baked Potato can be as simple or as loaded as your heart desires. This versatile side dish can accompany almost any main, making it a staple in household meals. While its crispy skin encases a fluffy, soft interior, the real fun comes in choosing your toppings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

For those days when you crave something light yet fulfilling, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad hits just the right spot. Its blend of textures and flavors makes every forkful exciting. It works perfectly for a spring picnic or a simple weekday lunch. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic way to add a pop of color and nutrition to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Embrace a bit of fun at your dinner table with Easy Tater Tot Casserole, a dish that both kids and adults will adore. Combining crunchy tots with a creamy base, this casserole offers comfort in every bite. Its simplicity in preparation means more time enjoying your evening. This dish is an easy win for any dinner occasion, promising smiles all around.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Macaroni Salad

Nothing says laid-back dining like a bowl of Macaroni Salad on a sunny day. This dish, beloved for its creamy consistency and light flavor, is a favorite at gatherings. It pairs effortlessly with a variety of mains, adding a cool, refreshing element to your meal. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that allows you to spend more time mingling and less time stressing.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Best Zucchini Bread

Imagine the aroma of Best Zucchini Bread wafting through your home, a sure sign of spring in the air. This bread balances moisture and flavor perfectly, making it a wonderful snack or breakfast option. Its surprise ingredient, zucchini, ensures that each slice is not only delicious but also a tad healthier.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as colorful as it is flavorful, Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies is your go-to. This vibrant dish brings together the charred goodness of grilled veggies with the comforting familiarity of pasta. Ideal for outdoor meals or as a wholesome side, it showcases the fresh flavors of spring.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Funeral Potatoes

Despite the somber name, Funeral Potatoes are a celebration of flavor and texture that bring comfort and warmth to any table. This creamy, cheesy dish, with a crispy top layer, becomes the highlight of any meal it accompanies. Its popularity at gatherings is unmatched, making it a go-to recipe for hosts.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice is the perfect accompaniment to bring a fresh vibrant to any meal. Its light and fluffy texture, combined with the brightness of cilantro and lime, adds a refreshing contrast to richer main dishes. This side dish is not only quick to whip up but also versatile, pairing beautifully with a variety of cuisines.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

When you’re in the mood for something light yet flavorful, Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing is the answer. This salad combines the spiciness of blackened shrimp with the creamy richness of avocado dressing for a truly fulfilling meal. It’s perfect for those days when you want something quick and healthy without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Italian Pasta with Salami

A favorite among many, Italian Pasta with Salami brings a classic touch to any meal. It’s simple yet robust, making it a go-to option when you need a hearty side. This dish keeps things interesting at the dinner table while remaining easy to prepare. Enjoy the comforts of Italian dining with this straightforward, delicious recipe.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting side that pairs well with any main dish. Its smooth texture and rich flavor offer a twist on the traditional mac and cheese. Ideal for those who enjoy a bit of variety in their meals, this dish is sure to keep everyone at the table happy. Add it to your rotation for a satisfying mealtime companion.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Step up your salad game with Buffalo Chicken Salad. This recipe combines spicy chicken with crisp greens to create a refreshing yet hearty side. Perfect for those who like a little bit of kick with their greens, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. Make your meal memorable with this bold, flavor-packed salad.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Eggplant Casserole

Eggplant Casserole is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a rich and hearty element to their meal. This baked dish is warm and inviting, making it ideal for any gathering. It pairs perfectly with lighter mains, balancing your plate beautifully. Give your meal a cozy upgrade with this wholesome casserole.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Cobb Salad

Fresh and full of flavor, Cobb Salad is more than just a side; it’s a staple that brings a variety of textures and tastes to your plate. It’s packed with ingredients that offer both nutrition and comfort. Ideal for a light yet fulfilling addition to any meal, this salad ensures a refreshing experience every time.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Nothing complements a meal quite like Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. This side dish is soft and aromatic, serving as the perfect backdrop to more vibrant flavors. Its subtle sweetness enhances any dish it accompanies, making it an essential part of your dining experience. Introduce this gentle yet impactful rice to your next meal.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Corn Casserole

For a touch of homestyle cooking, try Corn Casserole. This rich and creamy casserole is a comforting addition that goes with just about any main dish. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to love, offering a warm welcome to all who try it. Round out your meal with the golden goodness of this beloved recipe.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Garlic Bread

Opt for Garlic Bread when you need a fragrant and flavorful side that’s universally loved. This crispy, buttery bread is the perfect companion to any pasta dish or casserole. It adds a delicious crunch to your meal, ensuring no sauce goes to waste. Bring everyone to the table with the alluring aroma of freshly baked garlic bread.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Liven up dinner time with Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. This dish is hearty and filled with flavor, making it a fantastic side dish for spicing up your meal lineup. It’s easy to prepare and goes well with both meat and vegetable entrees. Make mealtime more exciting with this vibrant and fulfilling side.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Mac and Cheese

A classic side, Mac and Cheese is beloved for its creamy texture and comforting flavor. It’s versatile enough to be a hit at both casual and fancy gatherings. Serve it next to your favorite proteins or enjoy it as a fulfilling meal on its own. This dish is bound to be a favorite at any table.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Add a splash of color to your meal with Red Cabbage Coleslaw. This dish is crisp, refreshing and brings a slight tang to balance out richer main dishes. It’s quick to toss together and even easier to enjoy. Brighten up your meal with the vibrant and healthful addition of this simple coleslaw.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped Potatoes present a creamy, layered treat perfect for any occasion. This dish offers slices of potatoes enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, baked to perfection. They complement any main dish, providing a comforting and filling side. Welcome this classic to your table for a universally appealing treat.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Vegetable Fritters

When in the mood for something different, try Vegetable Fritters. These little treats are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re a light yet satisfying addition to any meal, providing a delicious way to enjoy your veggies. Serve these fritters for a unique and enjoyable twist to your side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers are a colorful and nutritious side dish option that brings both aesthetics and flavor to the plate. They’re as versatile as they are delicious, fitting into any meal with ease. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or simply making a weeknight meal, these peppers are sure to impress. Include them for a vibrant dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Sweet Potato Fries

For a slight sweetness and crisp edge, Sweet Potato Fries are the way to go. These fries are not only irresistible but also a healthier alternative to traditional fries. They bring a pop of color and a bit of crunch to any meal, making them a popular choice for all ages. Round out your meal with this playful and flavorful side.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Antipasto Salad

Brighten your dining table with Antipasto Salad, a vibrant blend that excites with every bite. This salad mixes various textures and flavors, making it a standout addition to any meal. It’s not only visually appealing but also fills you up in just the right way. Add this colorful salad to your meal for a lively side option.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Bacon Wrapped Smokies are a sure-fire crowd-pleaser, combining rich bacon with juicy sausages in one lovely bite. They are perfect for parties or as a fun addition to any meal. Easy to prepare and even more enjoyable to eat, these little treats will be the highlight of your dining experience. Welcome them to your gathering for guaranteed smiles.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Yellow Squash Casserole

A sunny, comforting dish that makes a regular appearance in meal plans is Yellow Squash Casserole. It’s light yet savory, balancing out heavier main dishes beautifully. This casserole is loved for its simplicity and wholesome flavor. Serve it up for a dose of homestyle comfort that’s both pleasing and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Baked Rice

Simple yet essential, Baked Rice is a versatile side that complements any main dish beautifully. This dish is easy to bake and even easier to pair with a variety of foods. Enjoy its fluffy texture and mild flavor as it makes every other dish shine. Introduce this staple to your meal for a fuss-free and reliable side.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice