Pixicook

50 Best Easy Sides Recipes

Side dishes are the unsung heroes of the dinner table, providing balance and variety to every meal. Our collection of easy sides is designed to simplify your cooking without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're in need of a quick vegetable dish, a refreshing salad, or a classic roasted root veggie, these recipes are quick to prepare, using readily available ingredients to create a delightful array of textures and tastes.

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1. Cucumber Salad with Garlic ginger and soy

Garlic, ginger and soy make a great simple dressing for sliced cucumbers. This salad comes together in minutes for a quick side dish.

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2. Perfectly Crispy Homemade French Fries

These perfectly crispy homemade French fries have a tender center and a golden, crispy exterior. They're a classic side that's sure to please everyone at the table.

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3. Sauteed Spinach with Garlic and Lemon

This simple, flavorful recipe delivers bright, tender green spinach with garlic and lemon. It's a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with any main course.

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4. Sauteed Spinach with Xiao Shing Wine and Garlic

Lightly wilted spinach with a hint of Xiao Shing wine and garlic, this dish presents a simple way to enjoy the leafy green. The wine adds a sweet and savory depth while the garlic provides a punchy contrast.

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5. Sautéed Spinach with Ginger, Scallions, and Soy Sauce

This is a light and flavorful side dish that combines the nutrient-packed goodness of spinach with the zestiness of ginger and the gentle crunch of scallions. The soy sauce adds a savory, umami note that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

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6. Sauteed Snap Peas with Garlic and Lemon

These vibrant, crunchy snap peas make a great side dish or light lunch, sauteed with fragrant garlic and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add a refreshing tang. This is a simple recipe that brings out the best in fresh produce.

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7. Charred Broccoli Salad with Nutritional Yeast, Parmesan Cheese, Sunflower Seeds and Golden Raisins

A vibrant charred broccoli salad that combines the crunchiness of sunflower seeds, the sweetness of golden raisins, the nuttiness of nutritional yeast, and the richness of Parmesan cheese. This dish brings a unique take on the traditional salad and is perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

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8. Sauteed Zucchini with Garlic and Lemon

This vibrant, flavor-packed side dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It combines tender zucchini sauteed in garlic and finished with a burst of zesty lemon juice for a refreshing, easy-to-make dish.

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9. Maitake Mushrooms with Ginger, Scallion and Soy

This dish is a simple yet flavorful preparation of Maitake (Hen of the Woods) mushrooms, accentuated with a tangy, aromatic ginger and scallion dressing and a hint of soy. It is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with any Asian-style main course.

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10. Sautéed Bok Choy with Scallions, Ginger, and Garlic

Enjoy a light, healthy, and deliciously fragrant dish featuring bok choy sautéed with scallions, ginger, and garlic. This Asian-inspired dish is full of flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect side for your favorite main course.

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11. Sauteed Swiss Chard with Sweet Soy and Toasted Peanuts

This vibrant and tasty dish combines the earthy flavors of Swiss Chard with a hint of sweetness from a homemade sweet soy sauce, and a delightful crunch from toasted peanuts. It's a perfect side dish to complement any main course, or can be served on its own as a light, flavorful meal.

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12. Sauteed Kale with Garlic and Calabrian Chili

A quick and flavorful side dish, this sauteed kale with garlic and Calabrian chili offers a perfect blend of bitter greens, spicy heat, and fragrant garlic. It's a versatile accompaniment to any main course, adding color and nutrition to your meal.

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13. Arugula Salad with Horseradish Buttermilk Dressing

A refreshing and zesty arugula salad with a creamy horseradish buttermilk dressing, perfect as a side dish or light main course.

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14. Sautéed Kale with Shallot, Ginger, Chili Crisp, and Lime

A vibrant and flavorful sautéed kale dish with the zing of shallot, ginger, chili crisp, and a splash of lime.

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15. Sautéed Swiss Chard with Olives and White Wine

A simple yet elegant side dish featuring Swiss chard sautéed with garlic, chili flakes, olives, and white wine.

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16. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Lemon

Savor a delightful blend of tender, roasted Brussels sprouts paired with the savory crunch of bacon, all brightened by a zesty lemon-parsley gremolata. This dish brings a comforting yet refreshing side to your dinner table, perfect for a cozy evening at home.

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17. Roasted Broccoli with Tahini and Harissa

Indulge in this Middle Eastern-inspired dish that transforms ordinary broccoli into a culinary delight. The subtle heat of harissa paired with the creamy nuttiness of tahini elevates roasted broccoli to a whole new level, perfect for a flavorful weeknight side or a vibrant addition to your dinner party spread.

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18. Roasted Cauliflower with Chimichurri

Savor the vibrant flavors of this roasted cauliflower adorned with a fresh, herby chimichurri sauce. This dish brings a zesty twist to your table, combining the caramelized warmth of the oven-roasted vegetable with the bright, tangy notes of the Argentinian condiment.

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19. Roasted Carrots with Dukkah

Discover the sweet and earthy flavors of roasted carrots elevated with the nutty, spicy crunch of homemade dukkah.

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20. Tabbouleh

Savor this refreshing tabbouleh, a traditional Middle Eastern grain salad bursting with fresh herbs and zesty lemon. Fine bulgur wheat pairs with ripe tomatoes, fragrant parsley, and mint to create a dish that's perfect as a side or a light meal.

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21. Cauliflower with Fresno Chili, Ginger, and Garam Masala

Delve into the earthy warmth of this sautéed cauliflower dish, accentuated by the zesty kick of Fresno chili and aromatic ginger. This easy-to-follow recipe, with its fusion of spices, promises a flavor-packed side that's sure to awaken your palate.

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22. Sauteed Zucchini with Olives and Parsley

A vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs the freshness of zucchini with the briny punch of Castelvetrano olives, all brightened with a hint of fresh parsley. This sauteed zucchini recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal accompaniment for a weeknight meal.

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23. Sauteed Celery with Garlic, Chili, and Toasted Peanuts

Indulge in the crunch and zest of sauteed celery paired with fragrant garlic, the gentle kick of chili, and the nutty crunch of toasted peanuts. This recipe is a vivid mélange of flavors designed to elevate the humble celery to a dish that's both comforting and exciting.

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24. Chinese Broccoli with Garlic

This Chinese Broccoli recipe captures the essence of simple yet flavorful Asian cuisine. The slightly bitter green is paired with aromatic garlic and enriched with savory oyster and fish sauces for a delightful side dish perfect for any home cook seeking authentic taste with minimal fuss.

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25. Sauteed Broccoli with Garlic and Chili

Delight in the vibrant crunch of sauteed broccoli, infused with the warmth of garlic and a gentle kick of chili. This simple yet flavorful side dish brings a touch of elegance to your everyday meals, perfect for a quick dinner for two.

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26. Spicy Stir-Fried Asparagus

This Spicy Stir-Fried Asparagus recipe brings a zesty kick to your table with a blend of fresh ginger, garlic, and sambal. The lime juice finish adds a refreshing twist to this simple yet flavorful side dish, perfect for enlivening any meal.

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27. Roasted Root Vegetables

A medley of sweet and earthy root vegetables, roasted to perfection to bring out their natural sugars and flavors. This dish is a comforting and colorful addition to any meal, highlighting the simplicity and deliciousness of seasonal produce.

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28. Roasted Broccoli with Garlic, Parmesan, and Lemon Juice

A simple yet delectable side dish, this roasted broccoli is elevated with the aromatic addition of garlic, the nutty hint of Parmesan, and a refreshing splash of lemon juice. Perfect for a cozy dinner for two.

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29. Roasted Eggplant with Olive Oil and Parsley

Savor the simplicity of Mediterranean flavors with this Roasted Eggplant with Olive Oil and Parsley recipe. The eggplant transforms into a tender, caramelized delight, perfect for a light side dish or a rustic appetizer.

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30. Sauteed Broccoli with Oyster Sauce

Indulge in a delightful stir-fry featuring crisp-tender Chinese broccoli coated in a savory blend of oyster and fish sauce, with a touch of garlic for depth. This side dish brings a Chinese restaurant favorite into your kitchen, balancing freshness with umami-rich flavors.

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31. Green Bean Almondine

Savor the crunch and nuttiness of this classic Green Bean Almondine, a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Fresh green beans sautéed with slivered almonds and garlic, finished with a burst of lemon juice and fresh parsley, create a symphony of flavors and textures.

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32. Fast Bok Choy with Chili Crisp

Enjoy a quick and vibrant side dish that brings the refreshing crunch of bok choy together with the fiery kick of chili crisp. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for adding a touch of heat and color to your meal.

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33. Butter and Carrot Juice Glazed Carrots

Savor the natural sweetness of carrots elevated by a velvety, rich glaze in this simple yet elegant dish. Perfect as a side, these butter and carrot juice glazed carrots are a testament to the beauty of cooking with a few well-chosen ingredients.

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34. Cauliflower with Garlic and Olives

A delightful sauté of cauliflower florets with aromatic garlic and briny green olives, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This dish brings a Mediterranean flair to your table and pairs perfectly with a variety of mains.

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35. Sauteed Asparagus with Butter and Parsley

Indulge in the simple elegance of sauteed asparagus adorned with melted butter and fresh parsley. This dish celebrates the tender snap of spring's favorite vegetable, paired with the richness of butter and the bright kick of parsley for a harmonious side dish.

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36. Eggplant with Artichoke Hearts and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Savor the Mediterranean flavors in this simple yet elegant side dish of eggplant with artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfectly sautéed to bring out the sweetness of the vegetables, complemented by the tanginess of the sun-dried tomatoes and finished with a hint of fresh basil.

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37. Dry Fried Green Beans

Savor the vibrant flavors and textures of these Dry Fried Green Beans, a classic dish with a spicy twist. Perfectly blistered green beans, savory ground pork, and a hint of chili crisp come together for an easy yet impressive side dish.

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38. Sauteed Asparagus with Chimichurri

A vibrant and zesty dish, this sauteed asparagus served with chimichurri brings the freshness of herbs and the crunch of perfectly cooked greens to your table. The homemade chimichurri sauce adds a punch of flavor that complements the asparagus beautifully.

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39. Rustic Artisan Bread

A homemade rustic artisan bread with a crispy crust and soft crumb, perfect for bringing the comfort of a bakery into your own kitchen.

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40. Quick Roasted Miso Sweet Potatoes

These miso-glazed sweet potatoes provide a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors, with a caramelized exterior and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior. A perfect side dish to complement a variety of mains or to enjoy on its own.

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41. Roasted Cauliflower with Olive Oil

This simple roasted cauliflower recipe transforms the humble vegetable into a golden, caramelized delight. Perfect as a side dish for your main course, it showcases the natural sweetness and nuttiness of cauliflower when roasted to perfection.

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42. Roasted Parsnips with Olives and Parsley

A harmony of earthy parsnips with the tangy zing of black olives and artichoke hearts, rounded off with a fresh burst of parsley. This dish brings a Mediterranean twist to your table, perfect as a side or a vegetarian main.

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43. Roasted Eggplant with Garam Masala and Cilantro Chutney

Savor the aromatic flavors of India with this roasted eggplant dish, coated in warm garam masala and served with a zesty cilantro chutney. Perfect as a side dish or a vegetarian main, it's a delightful journey for your taste buds.

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44. Roasted Miso Eggplant

Savor the umami-rich flavors of this roasted miso eggplant dish, a delightful blend of Japanese-inspired ingredients that caramelize beautifully in the oven, yielding a tender, flavorful interior with a slightly crisp exterior.

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45. Roasted Mushroom Larb

Savor the exotic flavors of this vegetarian twist on a traditional Lao meat salad. Roasted mushroom larb combines earthy shiitake mushrooms with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, resulting in a dish that's both vibrant and satisfying.

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46. Roasted Mexican Street Corn

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Roasted Mexican Street Corn, a delicious twist on the classic elote. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible blend of smoky, tangy, and savory notes, perfect for a festive side dish or a casual snack.

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47. Crispy Garlic Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Delectable crispy garlic balsamic Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.

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48. Simple Homemade Marinara Sauce

A simple and flavorful homemade marinara sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil.

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49. Classic Basil Pesto

A traditional Italian sauce made with fresh basil, nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

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50. Quick Cream Biscuits

Tender, fluffy biscuits made quickly with heavy cream.

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Cooking Tips for Easy Sides Recipes

How to Keep Vegetables Crisp When Sautéing?

Use high heat to cook vegetables quickly and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming, which can cause sogginess.

What Is the Best Way to Season Vegetables?

Season vegetables with salt and pepper at a minimum, and consider adding fresh herbs, spices, or a splash of acid like lemon juice or vinegar to enhance their natural flavors.

How Can I Make My Salads More Interesting?

Incorporate a variety of textures and colors with different vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dressings to make salads more exciting.

What's the Secret to Perfectly Roasted Vegetables?

Ensure even cutting, toss with oil and seasonings, and roast at a high temperature until they're caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside.

How Do I Prevent Roasted Vegetables from Sticking to the Pan?

Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and make sure to coat the vegetables evenly with oil before roasting.