Celebrating 17 Side Dishes as the Heart of Your Meal

Beyond the main course, side dishes can be the heart of your meal, adding flavor, texture, and color to your table. They’re the perfect way to take a good meal and turn it into a great one, giving you that balance of flavors that makes every bite feel complete. The right side dish can complement your main dish perfectly and even steal the show. Sometimes, the best part of the meal isn’t the main dish—it’s the side that everyone keeps going back for. These recipes celebrate the beauty of side dishes and how they can be the star of your meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, these dishes are sure to make your meal feel special.

BBQ Green Beans

A white bowl with barbecued green beans and chuncks of ham. — BBQ Green Beans. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

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These BBQ Green Beans are always a favorite side dish, adding a smoky twist to your meal. With tender beans, crispy onions, and a tangy sauce, this recipe is a flavorful addition that everyone will enjoy. It's a no-fuss dish that delivers maximum taste effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans

Caesar Salad with Bacon and Ranch

A white plate with two wedges of lettuce with bacon and dressing. — Caesar Salad with Bacon and Ranch. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This classic Caesar Salad with Bacon and Ranch is a refreshing option for summer dinners, making it a crowd-pleaser. It's simple to prepare, yet packed with flavor that complements any meal. This side dish is always a hit, adding a delightful crunch to your table.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad with Bacon and Ranch

Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

A spoonful of sweet potatoes on a plate. — Sweet Potato Slices with Apples. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Cranberries are so good, they could easily take center stage on your dinner table. The combination of sweet apples and tart cranberries creates a deliciously healthy side dish. Perfect for festive occasions, this recipe is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Ranch pasta salad with tomatoes, cheese and peas in a glass bowl. — Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon is a creamy and flavorful side that is always requested at gatherings. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is loaded with deliciousness in every bite. Perfect for potlucks or weekend dinners, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread

A round skillet with cornbread topped with sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, onions, and crumbled cheese, set on a marble countertop. — Iron Skillet Cheddar Cheese Cornbread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread is a delightful side that pairs beautifully with soups and salads. Made from scratch and full of veggies, it’s a quick and easy bread option that everyone loves. Serve it warm for a comforting addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread

Caprese Garlic Bread

A wooden board with five slices of bruschetta topped with mozzarella, tomato slices, and fresh basil, set on a marble countertop. — Caprese-Garlic-Bread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Caprese Garlic Bread brings fresh and classic flavors together, making it a standout side dish. With layers of fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic, and Roma tomatoes, it's a delicious treat on crusty French bread. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Garlic Bread

Easy Homemade Biscuits

A close-up of golden-brown, flaky biscuits stacked on a piece of parchment paper, with a blue checkered cloth and a dish of butter in the background. — Homemade Biscuits. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Easy Homemade Biscuits are always requested and can be on your table in just 30 minutes. Enjoy them hot from the oven with jam, scrambled eggs, or creamy butter. This side dish is a must-have for any meal, adding warmth and comfort to your dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Biscuits

Pickled Red Onions

Quick pickled red onions are a tangy and sweet addition that jazzes up tacos, salads, and sandwiches. With just seven simple ingredients and a short brining time, they’re incredibly easy to make. This side dish is so good, you'll want to have it on hand for every meal.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Red Onions

Ham and Cheese Scones

Ham and Cheese Scones are a savory treat that adds a delightful twist to any meal. With tender, soft texture and a crisp-crumbly edge, these scones are packed with cheddar, ham, and fresh herbs. They’re quick to make and perfect for brunch or as a flavorful side dish.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Scones

Rainbow Salad

Our Rainbow Veggie Salad is a vibrant and colorful side dish that is a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Made with fresh garden produce, it’s packed with a mix of crisp veggies that everyone will love. This salad is always a favorite, adding brightness to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Salad

Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Bread and butter pickles in brine in a white dish. — Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles offer a satisfying crunch and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Loved for their nostalgic taste, they are a delightful side that garners rave reviews. This recipe is always requested at gatherings, making it a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Winter Fruit Salad

Cranberry fruit salad in white bowls. — Winter Fruit Salad. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Cranberry Apple Fruit Salad is a burst of flavors that brightens up your holiday spread. Featuring fresh cranberries, juicy apples, tangy oranges, and pomegranate seeds, it’s a colorful and tasty addition. This side dish is so good, it will steal the spotlight at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Winter Fruit Salad

Chopped Greek Salad

Bowl of Greek salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell peppers, feta cheese, olives, and a pepperoncini. — Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This chopped Greek salad offers a fresh, vibrant blend of veggies with olives and feta. It’s a great option for something light yet flavorful alongside heavier main dishes. Tossed with a classic Greek vinaigrette, this salad is refreshing and easy to prepare. Ideal for adding a crisp, colorful side to your meal spread. Perfect for any gathering where you need a simple yet well-rounded side.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Greek Green Salad

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

Be transported to Greece with this Prasini Salad, a simple, delicious Mediterranean dish of crispy romaine hearts, creamy feta cheese, fresh scallions and dill, and bright lemon vinaigrette. It's a perfect side salad with any meal!
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Slow Cooker Corn Pudding

A bowl of cheesy corn casserole with corn kernels, topped with additional melted cheese, in a decorative scalloped-edge dish. — Slow Cooker Corn Pudding. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Slow cooker corn pudding is a creamy, comforting side dish that practically cooks itself. With a blend of corn, butter, and a hint of sweetness, it’s perfect for holiday meals or easy weeknight dinners!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Corn Pudding

Coleslaw

already in FDL library — Coleslaw. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Crisp and refreshing, coleslaw is a classic side dish that complements a variety of main courses. This recipe features shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you're enjoying it at a barbecue, picnic, or alongside your favorite grilled dishes, coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw

Roasted Broccolini

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

Roasted tenderstem broccoli (also known as broccolini or baby broccoli) is delicious when cooked until just crisp with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccolini