103 Side Dishes That Will Make Weeknight Dinners A Thousand Times Better (2024)

While you may have seen a meticulously assembled variation of this dish (known as confit bayaldi) made famous in the 2007 animated film Ratatouille, our version of this summer-y stew is way less fussy and much more forgiving in terms of presentation.

Get the Ratatouille recipe.

This is our simplest, easiest recipe, but the flavor combo options are endless—check out the rest of our grilled corn ideas too.

Get the Grilled Corn On The Cob recipe.

Instead of leaving the zucchini in their traditional slices, we threaded them onto skewers to lessen the amount of direct contact the zucchini had with the grill and create contrasting textures. The ribboning also creates plenty of nooks and crannies for the creamy ricotta and walnuts to settle.

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Macaroni salad is one of our favorite things to pair with pulled pork or ribs, which is why it's such a disappointment when it's too dry or soggy. Not to fear—this recipe guarantees perfection ever time.

Get the Classic Macaroni Salad recipe.

The story goes that these bubbling beauties were named so after becoming a traditional comfort food for post-funeral gatherings. They are basically comfort in a pan, but we prefer (and suggest we all) eat them on happier occasions, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time comfort food is an absolute necessity.

Get the Funeral Potatoes recipe.

For a vegetable side to reach the regular weeknight rotation, it has to be delicious and a no-brainer—just like these shallot-y roasted green beans. Simply toss fresh beans in olive oil and season with some salt and pepper before roasting on high heat, then finish under the broiler.

Get the Roasted Green Beans recipe.

Arroz con gandules is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that consists of rice, pork, tomato paste, achiote, gandules (pigeon peas), and sofrito. Perfect served alongside pernil and yuca fries (and followed up by a glass of coquito), arroz con gandules is the perfect side for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Get the Arroz Con Gandules recipe.

We use crisp apple, sliced red onion, briny feta, and toasted almonds in this salad for the perfectly balanced bowl. To go the extra mile, we definitely recommend toasting your own almonds. Not only does it give them a better texture, but it amplifies the flavor ten-fold.

Get the Spinach Salad recipe.

These melt-in-your-mouth potatoes got their name for good reason: With a tender, soft middle and an herby topping, one bite and you'll get it. Smothered in butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, they really are amazing with everything, from weeknight dinners to romantic special occasions.

Get the Melting Potatoes recipe.

This summery vegetarian side may be quick and easy, but the colorful shingled veggies make for an impressive presentation. Even the most reluctant vegetable-eaters won't be able to resist that cheesy herbed breadcrumb topping. 😋

Get the Zucchini Casserole With Garlicky Breadcrumbs recipe.

Baked beans are sweet, tangy, savory, and the best part, surprisingly easy to make—they’re a one-pot wonder! Throw in the fact that one batch feeds a small crowd and that most of the cooking is done unattended in the oven, and you have a winning dish.

Get the Baked Beans recipe.

Save yourself some time and make this simple Italian dressing ahead of time! Mix it together and store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve your pasta—the flavors will meld and taste better that way too.

Get the Italian Pasta Salad recipe.

Creamed spinach without the dairy? Yes, please. Did you know that by substituting a few key ingredients, you can make these easy, creamy greens without sacrificing any of the rich flavors you’d expect? Not only is it a bit more nutritious, but it’s also just as delicious.

Get the One-Pot Creamy Vegan Greens recipe.

Gnocchi will always hit the spot, but add mushrooms and it's a side to be extra proud of—it really couldn’t be simpler too. No fear if you don’t have a large skillet. Just split the mushrooms and gnocchi into batches so they have plenty of space to cook (and get nice and crispy!).

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When it comes to roasted veggies, zucchini is one of our favorites. First of all, it's FAST! (No shade, roasted beets.) Secondly, it's versatile! Feel free to swap in your favorite spices and herbs or keep it simple with salt and pepper.

Get the Baked Zucchini recipe.

This easy salad comes together quickly and works as a side dish, a great topping for tacos, or as an appetizer with chips. Think of this as a medley of the most exciting parts of a vegetarian burrito bowl, unadulterated by rice, and hyped up by a little honey-lime action.

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These crispy Parmesan potatoes are extra-special. Crusted with crunchy golden brown cheese and served with a tangy sour cream and chive dip, they’re hard to resist. This recipe may “serve 4 to 6,” but beware—you might just find yourself eating half the pan.

Get the Crispy Parmesan Potatoes recipe.

Potatoes au gratin is a classic, but it's long overdue for an upgrade. Enter: bundles! Thin-skinned red potatoesget sliced, layered in parchment, smothered in a creamy, cheesy, garlicky sauce, then baked until steaming and tender. Best part? Less mess!

Get the Potato Gratin Bundles recipe.

Creamed spinach is a simple side dish that is also the perfect way to use up any dying spinach. The creaminess will make you forget you're eating spinach and turn anyone into a fan of leafy greens.

Get the Creamed Spinach recipe.

This recipe made us wonder, Why don’t we roast carrots more often? When they roast, their flavor concentrates and sweetens. Pair that with copious amounts of umami-packed Parmesan and just a touch of lemon, and you’ve got a super-irresistible side.

Get the Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots recipe.