Side Dishes

Discover healthy, crazy simple, and heavenly side dishes that will please everyone! Explore a selection of the best summer sides for BBQ parties or potlucks, cheap and easy vegetable side dishes for a crowd, healthy side dishes for chicken, and fancy side dishes for steak dinners.
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Sourdough Dinner Rolls Homemade Recipe
The smell of freshly baked Sourdough Dinner Rolls is hard to beat. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and tangy, making them a wonderful comfort food and the ideal side for any meal. They’re a holiday favorite but are just as easy to enjoy on a regular dinner night. Preparing the dough in the morning and baking it fresh later in the day is simple and convenient. Thanks to the sourdough starter, these rolls have a distinctive tangy flavor and are easier to digest than those made with commercial yeast. You can mix the dough in the morning and bake the rolls fresh for dinner the same day. Or you can make them ahead and store them in the freezer for later use. You can enjoy this versatile side dish with a wide range of meals, from soups and stews to holiday roasts.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Asparagus - 15 Minutes Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare—this Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe is ready in just 15 minutes! This simple method guarantees a perfectly cooked side dish that complements almost any meal. With only three ingredients, you can whip up this healthy vegetable dish in just 15 minutes. Asparagus is a popular choice for its great taste and health benefits, but it’s easy to overcook, leaving it mushy. Using an air fryer for cooking is a cost-effective option as it requires less energy consumption as compared to a conventional oven. This recipe uses thick asparagus, which cooks in the air fryer in about 10 to 12 minutes. For thinner asparagus, 5 to 7 minutes is all it takes, while medium-sized asparagus will be ready in 7 to 9 minutes. This foolproof recipe ensures perfectly cooked asparagus every time!
Authentic Greek Eggplant Dip - Melitzanosalata Recipe
Melitzanosalata is a delightful authentic Greek dip crafted from fire-roasted eggplants, zesty lemon juice, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. This rustic eggplant salad offers a perfect balance of smoky and tangy flavors, showcasing the best of Mediterranean cuisine. With only a few ingredients and about 10 minutes of preparation, this easy-to-make dip is a fantastic addition to any meal. Serve it with warm pita bread and other mezes like Tirokafteri for a true Mediterranean feast. Perfect for BBQ parties or family get-togethers, Melitzanosalata is as nutritious as it is delicious, with eggplants providing essential nutrients and olive oil and garlic adding extra health benefits. The roasted eggplants give the dip a deep, smoky taste that adds richness to every bite.
Turkish Piyaz Salad - White Bean Salad with Tahini Sauce Recipe
Turkish Piyaz Salad, also known as White Bean Salad with tahini sauce, is a nutritious and flavorful side dish that complements a wide range of meals. Made with a simple mix of white beans, onions, tomatoes, and parsley, it’s elevated by a tangy and creamy dressing of tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil. This traditional Turkish salad is incredibly easy to make and comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days. Across most of Turkey, Piyaz is enjoyed as a side dish, but in the Antalya province, it is celebrated as a main dish. It pairs wonderfully with popular Turkish dishes such as Inegol Kofte, Grilled Lamb Kofta, or Cheesy Baked Shrimp. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a healthy and diet-friendly option.
Easy Creamy Fish Taco Slaw Recipe
This creamy and slightly tangy Fish Taco Slaw Recipe is easy to make, tastes fresh, and is packed with flavor. It’s the perfect mix of cabbage, carrots, and red onion, all tossed in a dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and lime juice. More than just a topping, this fish taco slaw is a must-have for creating the ultimate taco experience. Plus, it’s not just limited to tacos—you can serve this slaw as a side dish, in wraps, or on burgers. You can store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cabbage may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If it sits too long, you might need to toss it again to redistribute the dressing. Replace mayonnaise with a vegan alternative or use a tahini dressing for a plant-based option.
Homemade Ajvar - Roasted Red Pepper and Eggplant Dip
Ajvar is a delicious roasted red pepper and eggplant dip popular in Balkans and Turkey. It is typically made with roasted red bell peppers, eggplants, garlic, vinegar, and oil but you can also include chili peppers for a spicy kick! This rich and smokey condiment has a smooth or slightly chunky texture depending on personal preference and is usually served with bread or pita chips, meats, or as a side dish. Traditionally, ajvar is simmered after blending, but I’ve found that this step isn’t really necessary. It doesn’t do much to thicken the dip and only slightly changes the flavor. That said, if you prefer to stick to the traditional method, you can simmer it for 30–40 minutes after blending. If you decide to go that route, you’ll find the full instructions detailed in the recipe.
Indian Snack Onion Bhaji - Pakora Recipe
Crispy and golden Onion Bhaji, also called Onion Pakora or Kanda Bhaji, is a popular Indian snack made by deep-frying thinly sliced onions coated in a spiced gram flour batter. These vegan and gluten-free fritters are both quick and easy to make, ready in just 30 minutes. Whether served with a bowl of raita, a side of spicy ketchup, or alongside a curry, they are always a hit. This recipe, made with simple pantry staples, delivers a fresh and delicious flavor that beats store-bought versions every time. Perfect for cold or rainy days, onion bhajis pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. Any extras can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Alternatively, you can freeze them and keep them for up to five months. Simply place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container.
Authentic Imam Bayildi Recipe - Vegetarian Stuffed Eggplants
Imam Bayildi, or Stuffed Eggplant, is an authentic dish from the Ottoman era that highlights the simple yet rich flavors of Turkish cuisine. Made with eggplants braised in olive oil and filled with a mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic, it is part of the "Zeytinyagli" category, which features olive oil-based dishes. This timeless recipe is cherished across the Balkans, Eastern Mediterranean, and Middle East for its cultural significance and delicious taste. While the preparation takes a bit of time, the tender, flavorful eggplant makes it well worth the effort. With roots in the Ottoman Empire, this naturally vegan dish reflects a shared culinary heritage between Greek and Turkish communities. Typically served warm or at room temperature, Imam Bayildi is both versatile and delightful.
Soft and Fluffy Pakistani Flatbread Roghni Naan Recipe
Soft, fluffy, and full of flavor, Roghni Naan is a beloved Pakistani leavened flatbread made with simple ingredients like plain flour, natural plain yogurt, ghee, and yeast. Traditionally cooked in a blazing hot tandoor oven, this flatbread is perfect for dipping into rich curries, hearty soups, or creamy dips. Don’t have a tandoor? No problem—Roghni Naan can be baked in a hot oven or even cooked on a stovetop with delicious results. It’s freezer-friendly too, staying fresh for up to five months, making it ideal for meal prepping or planning ahead. For larger gatherings, the recipe can be scaled up without a hitch. Leftover roghni naan bread is incredibly versatile—just add your favorite pizza toppings and bake for a fast and satisfying meal.
Homemade Sourdough Bread in Dutch Oven Recipe
If you want to try something new in baking, this no-knead Homemade Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread recipe is a great choice. It’s an easy way to bake a tangy, crusty, and airy loaf with a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy inside. You only need a Dutch oven and a few simple ingredients to begin. Sourdough bread is special because it doesn’t depend on commercial yeast to rise. Instead, it’s made with a “sourdough starter”—a natural combination of flour, water, wild yeast, and good bacteria. This is what gives sourdough its distinct tangy taste, chewy texture, and makes it easier on digestion compared to other breads. The flavor and texture are truly one of a kind, thanks to the fascinating process of fermentation. Plus, fermentation also helps the bread last longer, which is always a good thing.
Sourdough Dinner Rolls Recipe From Scratch
Freshly baked bread from scratch always fills the house with an irresistible aroma, and Sourdough Dinner Rolls take that to the next level. Soft, fluffy, and with just the right amount of tang, these rolls are a fantastic addition to any meal, especially during holiday gatherings. You can prepare the dough in the morning and bake it just in time for dinner, making them a practical choice for busy schedules. The sourdough starter gives these rolls their unique flavor and also makes them gentler on digestion. You can mix the dough in the morning and bake the rolls fresh for dinner the same day. Or you can make them ahead and store them in the freezer for later use. You can enjoy this versatile side dish with a wide range of meals, from soups and stews to holiday roasts.
Turkish Fasulye Piyaz Salad - White Bean Salad Recipe
Fasulye Piyaz, or Turkish White Bean Salad, is a wholesome and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals. Made with a simple combination of beans, onions, tomatoes, and parsley, it’s dressed with a flavorful mix of tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil. This traditional Turkish salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, ready in just 15 minutes. While Piyaz is often served as a side dish across Turkey, in the Antalya province, it is regarded as a main dish. It’s a great accompaniment to classic Turkish recipes like Inegol Kofte, Grilled Lamb Kofta, or Cheesy Baked Shrimp. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb, it’s an excellent option for those following special diets or looking for a healthy meal choice.
Greek Roasted Eggplant Salad - Melitzanosalata Recipe
Melitzanosalata is a traditional Greek dip bursting with smoky flavor from fire-roasted eggplants, enhanced by the tang of lemon juice, garlic, and the richness of extra virgin olive oil. This wholesome eggplant salad is a true celebration of Mediterranean tastes, made with just a handful of simple ingredients in only 10 minutes. Enjoy it as part of a meze platter alongside warm pita bread and dips like Tirokafteri, or serve it at BBQ parties and family gatherings. Besides being delicious, Melitzanosalata is packed with nutrition—eggplants are low in calories and high in nutrients, while olive oil and garlic bring their own healthful qualities to this rustic dish. The roasted eggplants give the dip a deep, smoky taste that adds richness to every bite.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Crispy, Healthy, and Full of Flavor - This Easy Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe is Ready in Just a Matter of Minutes. This foolproof air fryer asparagus recipe will help you create a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any meal. With only three simple ingredients, you can make this nutritious and flavorful vegetable side dish in just 15 minutes. Asparagus is a popular vegetable that is both nutritious and delicious. However, many people struggle to cook it perfectly, as it can easily become mushy or overcooked. In this recipe, I used a thick variety which takes 10 to 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer. If you want to use thin asparagus, it typically takes 5-7 minutes to cook. For medium-sized asparagus, it usually takes 7-9 minutes.
Imam Bayildi Recipe - Vegan Stuffed Eggplants
Imam Bayildi, also known as Stuffed Eggplant, is a traditional Ottoman dish featuring eggplants cooked in olive oil and stuffed with a flavorful mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic. It belongs to the "Zeytinyagli" category in Turkish cuisine, which includes dishes braised in olive oil. This beloved recipe is popular across the Balkans, Eastern Mediterranean, and Middle East for its rich history and incredible taste. Despite taking a bit of time to prepare, the results are well worth it. The baked eggplant is tender, refreshing, and melts in your mouth. Its origins trace back to the Ottoman Empire, a time when Greek and Turkish communities shared culinary traditions. Naturally vegan, Imam Bayildi is typically enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it both versatile and satisfying.