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    Home » Sides

    14 Easy Sides That Complete Any Meal

    Published: Apr 30, 2026 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    When dinner time rolls around, having the right sides can make all the difference. From fresh veggies to hearty potato dishes, these 14 sides are perfect for complementing any main course and can easily turn a simple meal into something extra special. Whether you're looking for something light and refreshing or warm and comforting, there's a side here to suit every palate.

    Sweet and Tangy Marinated Cucumbers

    Sweet and Tangy Marinated Cucumbers
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This cucumber side is super easy to make-just mix it up and chill it, no cooking required. It pairs nicely with grilled meats, rice, and various proteins, adding a quick and tasty touch to your meal.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Roasted Potatoes

    MExican. potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Mexican Potatoes can be ready in under an hour. These crispy potatoes are seasoned with Mexican spices and topped with lime and cilantro, making a zesty side that pairs nicely with a creamy sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    After a long day, Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are a simple and tasty side dish to prepare. They turn out great and require very little effort.

    Get the recipe

    Potato Wedges

    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer potato wedges are ready in just 15 minutes and require minimal effort. With a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, these wedges are a straightforward and healthier side dish.

    Get the recipe

    Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon

    Sweet potato wedges.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These air fryer sweet potatoes are ready in just 15 minutes, making them a great option when you're short on time. With a sprinkle of cinnamon and salt, they pair well with fish or chicken, or can be enjoyed as a tasty snack.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    An air fryer baked potato.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These air fryer baked potatoes are a great option when you need a quick side dish. With just three ingredients, you can whip up a tasty meal in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A simple Mac and Cheese can be made quickly by mixing everything together and baking it. This dish combines Cheddar and Gruyere for a creamy, cheesy meal that's ready in under an hour.

    Get the recipe

    Leftover Boiled Potato Casserole

    Leftover boiled potato casserole.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Leftover boiled potatoes can be turned into a simple potato casserole. It's creamy and cheesy, making it a great option for tired cooks.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Roasted Broccoli

    Garlic roasted brococli.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This quick broccoli dish is a real help when you're feeling worn out and don't want to spend much time in the kitchen. It's simple to prepare and great for days when cooking feels like too much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Greek Potatoes with Lemon & Feta Cheese

    Greek potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    After a long day, roasted potatoes with lemon and feta cheese are a great choice. They're easy to prepare and full of flavor!

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

    Baby potatoes in a bowl.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These crispy seasoned potatoes are a great side dish that pairs well with any meat. They have a salty and crispy texture, similar to Canarian "Papas Arrugadas," making them a tasty choice for busy cooks.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Creamed Corn

    Homemade Creamed Corn in the Instant Pot
    Photo Credit: The Foreign Fork.

    Creamed corn is a simple and tasty side dish that everyone enjoys. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy cooks.

    Get the recipe

    White Bean Panzanella

    White Bean Panzanella
    Photo credit: J Cooking Odyssey.

    This dish features fresh, ripe tomatoes mixed with white beans and crunchy toasted bread, all brought together with a flavorful dressing. It's a simple and satisfying side that pairs well with many meals.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Bombay Potatoes

    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    Spicy Bombay Potatoes, also known as Masala Aloo, are a tasty side dish that pairs well with any meal. You can whip them up in just 20 minutes using one pot.

    Get the recipe

    More Sides

    • Hasselback potatoes.
      29 Side Dishes That Steal the Show Every Time
    • 22 Potato Side Dishes So Good They Outshine the Main Course
    • Smoked mac and cheese with bacon.
      12 Classic Southern Sides That Will Have Everyone Asking for Seconds
    • Mac and cheese.
      19 Heavenly Southern Sides That Will Leave Your Guests Raving
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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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