Simple Sides Better Than the Main Dish
Let’s talk about side salads – those fresh, crunchy companions that have the power to elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. But who says salads have to be complicated? Not us! We’re all about keeping things simple and delicious, with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Whether you’re serving up a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a laid-back backyard barbecue, these easy side salads are here to save the day. So, forget about fancy dressings and obscure ingredients – with just a few basic staples and a little creativity, you can whip up side salads that are as satisfying as they are simple. Let’s toss together some goodness and dive into the world of effortless salads that’ll steal the show at any meal!
Spiced Sweet Potato Fries
These Oven Roasted Spiced Sweet Potato Fries are a great addition to any weeknight meal. They are full of salty spices and so easy to bake in the oven. (gluten free, paleo, whole30, vegan)
Get the Recipe: Spiced Sweet Potato Fries
The Best Quinoa Salad With Greens
A delicious and healthy lunch or dinner this Quinoa Salad with Greens is packed with sauteed zucchini, cucumber, greens, almonds and feta cheese. {gluten free}
Get the Recipe: The Best Quinoa Salad With Greens
Pearl Couscous Salad With Roasted Asparagus And Chickpeas
This Israeli or Pearl Couscous Salad with roasted asparagus and chickpeas is the perfect side dish for summer picnics, BBQs and meal prep!
Get the Recipe: Pearl Couscous Salad With Roasted Asparagus And Chickpeas
Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe Two Ways (Macaroni And Cheese Casserole)
Baked Mac and Cheese is one of my favorite foods. We’ve got TWO different flavors in this amazing Macaroni and Cheese Casserole, making it the best Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese recipe.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe Two Ways (Macaroni And Cheese Casserole)
How To Cook Asparagus: 4 Easy Ways
Learn How to Cook Asparagus from a chef! The best way to cook asparagus and how to cook asparagus in the oven, sautéed, steamed and blanched.
Get the Recipe: How To Cook Asparagus: 4 Easy Ways
Keto Cucumber Salad
Summer in a bowl! This Keto Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and so EASY to make. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, cookouts, and potlucks. {keto, paleo, whole30, dairy free, gluten free}
Get the Recipe: Keto Cucumber Salad
10 Minute Air Fryer Zucchini
This air fryer zucchini recipe is the easiest way to get a delicious, fresh, flavorful side dish on the table in about 10 minutes!
Get the Recipe: 10 Minute Air Fryer Zucchini
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Crispy & tender Brussels sprouts made in the air fryer! Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are an easy healthy side dish you can make in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
15 Minute Air Fryer Tater Tots
These air fryer tater tots take less than 15 minutes to make and come out perfectly crisp for the perfect quick and easy weeknight side dish!
Get the Recipe: 15 Minute Air Fryer Tater Tots
Sauteed Asparagus
This sauteed asparagus is tender asparagus stalks cooked in butter, garlic and herbs. A 10 minute side dish that pairs perfectly with meat and pasta.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Asparagus
Rice Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice
Try our mouthwatering Rice Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice recipe! This light, bright, versatile side dish is full of fresh flavors. Perfect side!
Get the Recipe: Rice Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice
Cauliflower Broccoli Bake With Alfredo {Keto}
This Cauliflower Broccoli Bake will satisfy your cheesy cravings. It’s packed with cauliflower rice, broccoli, alfredo sauce and parmesan cheese.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Broccoli Bake With Alfredo {Keto}
Marinated Tomato Basil Salad
This Marinated Tomato Salad is full of fresh flavor and can be used in so many ways as a side dish or a topping for chicken, beef or fish. Trust me, you’ll be eating this all summer long. (gluten free, vegan, dairy free, paleo, whole 30}
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomato Basil Salad
How To Make Baked Potatoes Recipe
The perfect baked potato really does exist! Learn how to cook a baked potato in the oven and add all your fave toppings for an bay side.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Baked Potatoes Recipe
Cucumber Tomato Salad {Keto, Gluten Free}
This Cucumber and Tomato Salad is super simple and packed with flavor. Fresh summer tomatoes are full of sweetness and color.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad {Keto, Gluten Free}
Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
These Air Fryer Baby Potatoes are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside! An easy oil-free healthy side; gluten-free, vegan, & paleo!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Maple Glazed Carrots
Tender-crisp baby carrots prepared in an easy maple syrup, brown sugar and butter glaze are an easy and delicious side dish!
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Sweet Potatoes are simple to make, delicious & addictive side dish that is crispy on the outside, soft and delicate on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Simple Mushroom Rice
Mushroom Rice is a one-pot dish prepared with mushrooms, onion, garlic & herbs in 30 minutes. This recipe works for both white and brown rice.
Get the Recipe: Simple Mushroom Rice
Kitchenaid Mashed Potatoes
These easy KitchenAid mashed potatoes are the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes ever. Let your stand mixer do all the work in this recipe!
Get the Recipe: Kitchenaid Mashed Potatoes
Seasoned Roasted Sweet Potatoes
roasted sweet potato recipe is a true game-changer for all the sweet potato lovers out there. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that can be whipped up in no time. With its perfect blend of sweetness and comfort, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Seasoned Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Honey Roasted Carrots
This recipe for honey roasted carrots is whole carrots, bathed in honey and seasonings, then roasted over until tender and caramelized.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Carrots
Scalloped Corn Recipe
This creamy and cheesy scalloped corn casserole is so easy to make, and it’s the perfect veggie side dish to add to your holiday table!
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Corn Recipe
Simple Warm German Potato Salad
This German Potato Salad recipe is so easy ( I used a few tricks to make the process so much faster) and it’s also healthier with zero refined sugar and
Get the Recipe: Simple Warm German Potato Salad
Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is simple, delicious, & healthy. This baked broccoli side dish is perfect for any meal. Try this garlic, lemon, & parmesan broccoli recipe tonight!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Simple Skillet Green Beans
These simple skillet green beans are a perfect healthy side dish for lazy days of summer. Simple one-pot green bean recipe with garlic, olive oil and a little spice. Vegan, paleo and naturally gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: Simple Skillet Green Beans
Creamed Peas Recipe
These Creamed Peas are so easy to make. Let the peas simmer in a lightly-seasoned cream sauce, and they’ll be ready in 15 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Creamed Peas Recipe
Healthy Zucchini Casserole
This healthy zucchini casserole is an easy gluten-free and low-carb recipe to bring to a potluck and it only takes about 15 minutes to prep.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Zucchini Casserole
Healthy Coleslaw
This ultra creamy, healthy coleslaw is super easy to stir together. It’s the perfect skinny coleslaw recipe for your summer cookouts, barbecues and picnics!
Get the Recipe: Healthy Coleslaw
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
These 10-minute Garlic Butter Mushrooms are quick and easy to make and perfect as a side dish or an add-in to your favorite dishes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Shredded Carrot Salad
Shredded Carrot Salad is a crunchy, zesty dish perfect for your holiday party or a weeknight side dish. Make this salad in just 10 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Shredded Carrot Salad
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Impress your friends and family with this tangy and delicious broccoli cauliflower salad! Perfect for cookouts, picnics, or any potluck!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Asian Pickled Red Onions
Asian pickled red onions are tangy, slightly sweet, and packed full of umami flavor. It is easy to make in 10 minutes with 5 ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Asian Pickled Red Onions
7 Layer Salad
Better than traditional seven layer salad, this easy side dish recipe is high protein, loaded with cheese, bacon, eggs and a creamy dressing.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Cheesy Asparagus Au Gratin
This super cheesy baked asparagus au gratin is quick to cook, and it has the most amazing three cheese sauce.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Asparagus Au Gratin
Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe
This bright pink Cranberry Fluff Salad recipe is quick and easy to whip up, with tasty fruit, marshmallows, cream cheese, and a couple other ingredients. The mix of fresh cranberries and crushed pineapple gives it a sweet and tart flavor, and the marshmallows give it that irresistibly fluffy texture!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Fluff Salad Recipe
Home Fries
This simple home fries recipe will make the crispiest potatoes with just a few ingredients. They’re perfectly seasoned and pan-fried with onions for a savory side dish. Now you can make your favorite diner-style breakfast right at home!
Get the Recipe: Home Fries
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This easy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a cinch to make and it’s packed with flavor. Using lots of herbs really fills it with flavor. (gluten-free)
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Bucatini Pomodoro
Bucatini pomodoro is bursting with bright flavors. The pasta is coated in a classic sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Pomodoro
Roasted Carrots And Brussel Sprouts
A platter of Roasted Carrots and Brussel Sprouts in a honey balsamic glaze is the perfect holiday side dish! Two vegetables in one effort!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots And Brussel Sprouts
Chickpea Salad
This Summer Chickpea Salad is full of fresh flavors and herbs. It is light, healthy, gluten free and travels well. {gluten-free, vegan}
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad
Easy Pesto Pasta Salad
This easy Pesto Pasta Salad is filled with the most flavorful combination of zesty pesto, pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella cheese pearls, and kalamata olives. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s the perfect side dish for picnics, parties, and summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pesto Pasta Salad
Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries With Garlic And Parmesan
These Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes! The garlic parmesan flavor is a hit with kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries With Garlic And Parmesan
Roasted Asparagus With Marinated Tomato Salad
Carolyn’s Cooking is the blog of Carolyn Mazzocco, which focuses on providing unique, homemade recipes that are easy to understand, fun to make, and yummy to eat.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Asparagus With Marinated Tomato Salad
Air Fryer Broccoli
There will be no more excuses for not eating your vegetables with air fryer broccoli. A perfect snack or a side dish for any weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli
Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
These homemade au gratin potatoes are baked in a rich, creamy sauce and make for the perfect side dish for this year’s holiday table!
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
Simple Steamed Brussels Sprouts
These simple steamed Brussels sprouts with garlic butter are fast healthy and tasty. They only take 8 minutes start to finish.
Get the Recipe: Simple Steamed Brussels Sprouts
Fried Apples Recipe (How To Make Fried Apples)
Fried Apples are so simple yet so flavorful! A few ingredients and a few steps leaves you with this amazing fall treat.
Get the Recipe: Fried Apples Recipe (How To Make Fried Apples)
Sheet Pan Roasted Veggies
This recipe for sheet pan roasted veggies always comes in handy when you need a quick, healthy way of adding veggie servings to your dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Veggies
Green Beans With Bacon
Skillet Green Beans with bacon, bourbon, and brown sugar are ready in just 20 minutes, making it the easiest Holiday side dish!
Get the Recipe: Green Beans With Bacon
The BEST Baked Crispy Oven Fries
No need to stand over a pot of hot oil frying potatoes to get delicious crispy crunchy fries. These crispy oven fries are seriously THE BEST!
Get the Recipe: The BEST Baked Crispy Oven Fries
Garlic Butter Fried Corn
Sweet summer corn is here and this recipe for Garlic Butter Fried Corn is a delicious, simple side dish to make with it! Easy, cheesy stovetop corn recipe.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Fried Corn
Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad With Peanuts
This crunchy spicy cucumber salad is the perfect healthy side dish with a homemade spicy dressing and crunchy peanuts—a 15 min. salad.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad With Peanuts
Egyptian Rice With Vermicelli (Roz Bel Shareya)
Egyptian rice رز بالشعرية (roz bel shareya) is one of the staples of Egyptian cuisine. This Egyptian rice with vermicelli is a versatile side dish.
Get the Recipe: Egyptian Rice With Vermicelli (Roz Bel Shareya)
Orzo Rice Pilaf With Garlic And Herbs
This easy Orzo Rice Pilaf recipe, is a perfect blend of tender orzo and aromatic rice with herbs, ideal for a delicious and elegant side dish.
Get the Recipe: Orzo Rice Pilaf With Garlic And Herbs
Pan Seared Asparagus
Pan Seared Asparagus takes an earthy but somewhat bitter vegetable and gives it a whole new caramelized flavor and is crispy golden brown.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Asparagus
Sauteed Broccolini And Garlic
Sauteed Broccolini and Garlic is an easy vegan side dish recipe that’s tasty and nutritious, goes with everything and always delicious.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Broccolini And Garlic
Oven Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe
These oven roasted bell peppers are a flavorful side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses. They’re quick and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe
(Healthier) Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Potato Wedge Recipe
This copycat Buffalo Wild Wings potato wedge recipe is everything you love about the original only healthier. These fries are so good you’ll eat them
Get the Recipe: (Healthier) Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Potato Wedge Recipe
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Parsnips With Parmesan Cheese
These easy Air Fryer Parsnips are the perfect blend of crispy and tender. They’re roasted to perfection in just 12 minutes, then finished with grated parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Enjoy this guilt-free root vegetable as a side dish with your dinner or in place of traditional fresh fries.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Air Fryer Parsnips With Parmesan Cheese
Easy Garlic Crostini With Olive Oil
A flavorful Easy Garlic Crostini recipe, featuring crisp bread slices infused with aromatic garlic and rich olive oil and toasted until golden brown.
Get the Recipe: Easy Garlic Crostini With Olive Oil
