Side Dish Recipes
Salads, vegetables, grains, and accompaniments to complete any meal.
A great side dish can transform a simple main into a complete meal. Our sides collection covers everything from crisp salads and roasted vegetables to fragrant rice dishes and creamy (or dairy-free!) gratins. These are the recipes that round out your plate and add colour, texture, and flavour to whatever you're serving.
Latest Sides Recipes
937 recipes in this category
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Let me share one of my favorite easy weeknight sides that'll blow your mind. Spaghetti squash is honestly a game changer because it cooks up in just about 40 minutes total, making it perfect for busy nights. This humble vegetable is packed with vitamins and fiber, so you're getting real nutrition without any guilt. The best part? You need just three simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills. Once you try this, you'll find yourself making it constantly because it's so satisfying and versatile.
How to Cook Brown Rice
Brown rice is one of my go to staples because it's so affordable and nutritious. Unlike white rice, brown rice keeps all its fiber and nutrients intact, which means it actually keeps you fuller longer. The best part? It's incredibly simple to make. Just combine the rice with water and a touch of olive oil, let it simmer for about an hour, and you've got a wholesome side dish that pairs with practically anything. I make this at least twice a week in my kitchen.
How to Make Cauliflower Rice
Let me share one of my go to recipes that's become a staple in my kitchen. Cauliflower rice is incredibly quick to whip up, ready in just ten minutes total, and honestly one of the easiest ways to sneak more vegetables into your meals. What I love most is how versatile and budget friendly it is. Cauliflower is packed with vitamin C and fiber, so you're getting serious nutritional benefits without any of the guilt. Whether you're looking to cut carbs or simply want a lighter side dish, this simple recipe delivers real flavor with minimal fuss.
Roasted Beets
Roasted beets are one of my favorite simple dishes to make because they're so forgiving and delicious. With just three ingredients and an hour of your time, you'll have a vibrant side dish that works with almost anything. I love how the natural sweetness intensifies when they roast, and beets are packed with betalains that support heart health. The best part? You can prep them in just 15 minutes, then let the oven do the work while you handle other things. It's honestly hard to mess up, and your kitchen will smell amazing.
Spinach, sweet potato & lentil dhal
This is one of my go to weeknight dinners because it comes together in under an hour and tastes absolutely delicious. The combination of warming spices, creamy lentils, and vibrant spinach makes it feel like proper comfort food, but it's actually packed with plant based protein and fiber. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and are loaded with beta carotene, which is brilliant for your immune system. Best of all, it's incredibly budget friendly and uses ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard. Serve it with rice or naan, and you've got a meal that feels restaurant quality without the fuss.
Fried bread
My go to comfort food when I'm craving something warm and satisfying is fried bread. It's incredibly simple to make, taking just seven minutes from start to table, and costs almost nothing since you probably have these ingredients on hand already. The neutral oil I use adds minimal flavor while helping the bread get perfectly golden and crispy on the outside. I love how this quick snack comes together when I need an instant pick me up, and it's so versatile you can eat it plain or top it with whatever you're in the mood for.
Brussels sprouts winter salad with clementine dressing
This bright winter salad has become my go to when I need something nourishing but quick. Raw brussels sprouts and kale are packed with vitamins and fiber that keep me feeling energized through the cold months, and the best part is there's no cooking required for the greens themselves. The clementine dressing brings such a lovely citrusy sweetness that makes even vegetable skeptics ask for seconds. Pine nuts and pomegranate seeds add a luxurious touch, but honestly, the whole thing comes together in under 40 minutes and costs far less than ordering a salad out. It's my favorite way to make winter vegetables feel exciting again.
Naan bread
Making naan bread at home is easier than you might think, and honestly, it's one of my favorite things to bake. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you'll have soft, pillowy naan ready to enjoy in about an hour total. The yogurt in this recipe keeps the dough incredibly tender while adding beneficial probiotics that support digestion. What I love most is how budget friendly and simple it is, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. These turn out beautifully golden and fragrant, perfect for scooping up curry or just enjoying warm with butter.
Easy bread rolls
Making homemade bread rolls has never been easier, and honestly, I make these all the time now. With just a handful of basic ingredients and under an hour from start to finish, you'll have warm, fluffy rolls that taste infinitely better than store bought ones. The best part? Strong white bread flour gives you that lovely chewy texture while providing good protein content to keep you fuller longer. This recipe is so straightforward and budget friendly that you'll wonder why you ever bought rolls at the bakery. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, these rolls come together quickly and never disappoint.
Steamed bao buns
Making steamed bao buns at home is easier than you might think, and honestly, it's so much cheaper than buying them from a restaurant. I've simplified the traditional recipe to get fluffy, pillowy buns ready in about an hour using just basic pantry staples. The beauty of this method is that you don't need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. The rice vinegar adds a subtle tang that keeps the dough tender, while the plain flour provides satisfying carbohydrates to fuel your day. Once you master this simple dough, you'll find yourself making these regularly for quick lunches or impressive snacks.
Courgette & mushroom bread
This courgette and mushroom bread is one of my favorite weeknight discoveries because it's genuinely simple to throw together in just over an hour. The grated courgettes keep the loaf wonderfully moist while adding vegetables to something you'd normally think of as indulgent, and they're packed with vitamins and minerals too. What I love most is that you probably have most of these ingredients already in your kitchen, making this an economical choice that tastes like you've spent far more effort than you actually have. The earthy mushrooms and fresh basil make every slice feel special, and your kitchen will smell absolutely divine while it bakes.
Easy soft flatbreads
These soft flatbreads have become my go to weeknight staple, and I think you'll love how incredibly simple they are to make. With just self raising flour, yogurt, and a few basic pantry staples, you can have warm, pillowy bread on the table in under 30 minutes. The yogurt not only keeps them wonderfully soft and tender, but it also adds a gentle tang and beneficial probiotics to aid digestion. What I adore most is how forgiving this recipe is, perfect for busy evenings when you need something delicious without any fuss. Serve them warm with curry, use them for wraps, or enjoy them plain with a drizzle of melted ghee.
Yorkshire puddings for two
Making Yorkshire puddings for just two of us is one of my favorite shortcuts in the kitchen. This recipe comes together in barely five minutes of prep, and the whole thing is done in twenty. I love using eggs as the star ingredient because they're packed with choline, which is brilliant for brain health. Best of all, you probably have everything already in your cupboards, so there's no need for a special trip to the shops. These rise beautifully golden and crispy, and honestly, there's nothing quite like fresh Yorkshire puddings straight from the oven.
Red onion gravy
Red onions are one of my favorite ingredients to work with, and this gravy is proof of why. Sweet, rich, and deeply savory, it comes together in just 45 minutes of mostly hands off cooking. Red onions are packed with antioxidants that support heart health, making this a delicious way to add something nutritious to your table. What I love most is how budget friendly it is, using humble pantry staples to create something that tastes restaurant quality. Whether you're serving it with a Sunday roast or spooning it over mashed potatoes, this gravy transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Giant Yorkshire pudding Sunday lunch
There's something truly special about a proper Sunday lunch, and this giant Yorkshire pudding takes it to the next level. What I love most is how simple it actually is to pull together in just over an hour, even though it looks impressively restaurant worthy. The Yorkshire pudding puffs up into this glorious golden creation that becomes the star of the plate, while underneath you've got a beautiful seared steak and all the trimmings. Broccoli is packed with vitamin C and fibre, so you're getting real nutrition alongside the indulgence. Best of all, this meal won't break the bank, making it perfect for feeding people you love without the fuss.
Ultimate roast potatoes
After years of experimenting, I've finally cracked the code for roast potatoes that are impossibly crispy on the outside and fluffy within. The secret is using duck fat, which contains oleic acid, a heart healthy monounsaturated fat that's actually good for you. What I love most is how simple this really is: just potatoes, fat, flour, and salt. From prep to plate in just over an hour, you'll have restaurant quality results without any fuss. Trust me, once you try these, you'll never go back.
Dauphinoise potatoes
This is one of my favorite dishes to make when I want something impressive but honestly quite simple. Dauphinoise potatoes are creamy, comforting, and look far more fancy than the effort required. The beauty of this recipe is that it comes together in just over an hour from start to table, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Garlic not only flavors the dish beautifully but also offers wonderful cardiovascular benefits. With just potatoes, cream, milk, and cheese layered together, you'll end up with something absolutely delicious that never fails to impress.
Chow mein
Let me share with you one of my favorite quick weeknight dinners: chow mein. This classic stir fried noodle dish comes together in just thirty minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of chow mein is its simplicity and affordability, using humble pantry staples and whatever protein you have on hand. I love that the mangetout adds a wonderful fresh crunch and is packed with vitamins, while keeping the whole dish light and nutritious. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and customizable, so you can swap ingredients based on what you've got available. Trust me, once you master this version, you'll be making it constantly.
Potato fritters
These crispy golden potato fritters are one of my go to weeknight dinners because they come together in just 30 minutes from start to finish. I love how simple they are to make with just a few basic ingredients you probably have on hand already. The best part is topping them with creamy avocado and a fried egg, which gives you healthy fats and protein to keep you satisfied. They're wonderfully versatile too, so feel free to swap in soured cream for Greek yogurt if you prefer, or add fresh herbs to the batter. Trust me, once you make these, they'll become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
Honey-roasted parsnips
You know how parsnips often get overlooked? Well, let me share my favorite way to prepare them. These honey roasted parsnips are absolutely delicious and incredibly simple to make. The whole thing takes just under an hour, and most of that is hands off cooking time. What I love most is that parsnips are packed with fiber, which is brilliant for digestion, plus they're wonderfully affordable year round. The honey caramelizes as they roast, creating this gorgeous golden exterior while the insides stay tender and sweet. It's the kind of side dish that feels fancy but requires barely any effort or special ingredients.
Sage & onion stuffing
This is my go to stuffing recipe, and honestly, it's so simple I make it all the time. The beauty of it is you probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already, which means minimal shopping and maximum flavour. Sage is wonderful for digestion and really brings this dish to life with its earthy, peppery notes. The whole thing comes together in just ten minutes of prep, then you can pop it in the oven and forget about it for three quarters of an hour. It's the kind of comforting side dish that makes any meal feel a bit more special.
Honeyed hasselback carrots
This is one of my favorite ways to celebrate carrots, and honestly, it couldn't be simpler. Slicing them partway through and roasting them with honey, rosemary, and bright citrus creates this gorgeous caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender. The whole thing comes together in just an hour, and carrots are so affordable you can make this for a crowd without breaking the bank. Plus, carrots are packed with beta carotene for your eyes and skin, making this side dish as nourishing as it is delicious.
Squash & barley salad with balsamic vinaigrette
This is one of my favorite salads to make when I want something that feels both hearty and fresh. Roasted butternut squash paired with chewy pearl barley creates a satisfying base that keeps you full, and barley is packed with fiber that supports digestion and heart health. What I love most is how quick it comes together in just 40 minutes total, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully, while the pumpkin seeds and fresh basil add wonderful texture and brightness. It's comforting enough for lunch or dinner, and honestly, it costs very little to throw together.
Easy gluten-free flatbread
You're going to love this recipe because it's ridiculously simple and comes together in just 20 minutes from start to finish. I've been making these gluten free flatbreads constantly because they require only three basic ingredients: self raising flour, yogurt, and toasted cumin seeds. The yogurt not only keeps them soft and tender but also adds beneficial probiotics that support your digestive health. What makes this my go to weeknight staple is how forgiving the dough is and how affordable it all costs. Whether you're serving them with curry, using them as wraps, or just enjoying them warm with butter, these flatbreads genuinely impress every single time.
Cheese & pesto whirls
These gorgeous cheese and pesto whirls are one of my go to recipes when I want something impressive but honestly pretty straightforward. The beauty of this recipe is that it comes together in just 80 minutes from start to finish, which means you can have warm, homemade bread on the table without spending half your day in the kitchen. I love using fresh pesto here because it's packed with basil, which has wonderful anti inflammatory properties and adds such vibrant flavor. The combination of melty mozzarella, sharp parmesan, and those lovely semi dried tomatoes make every bite feel special, and your kitchen will smell absolutely divine while they're baking.
Easy red cabbage
This is one of my favorite side dishes to make because it's incredibly simple and comes together in just an hour. Red cabbage is wonderfully affordable and packed with antioxidants that are great for your health. The combination of warm spices like anise and cinnamon with a touch of vinegar sweetness creates something really special that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or hearty grain bowls. You'll be amazed at how such basic ingredients transform into something restaurant quality, and honestly, most of the time is just letting it simmer away while you attend to other things.
This 5-Ingredient British Potato Pie Is My New Favorite Comfort Dinner
This potato pie has completely stolen my heart, and I think you'll understand why the moment you taste it. With just five simple ingredients and under an hour and a half from start to finish, it's the perfect weeknight dinner that feels fancy without any fuss. Yukon gold potatoes are my secret weapon here, offering a naturally buttery flavor and smooth texture while providing excellent vitamin C and potassium. The beauty of this recipe is how economical it is, using pantry staples you likely already have on hand. It's pure comfort in every bite, and honestly, I've been making it constantly because it's so ridiculously easy.
Buttery Mashed Potatoes with a Secret Spring Ingredient
My family has been begging me to share this recipe because something about these mashed potatoes just tastes different, but nobody can quite figure out what makes them so good. The secret is leeks, those mild and slightly sweet spring onions that add incredible depth without overpowering your palate. Leeks are packed with fiber and vitamins, so you're sneaking in nutrition without anyone noticing. The best part is how quick and simple it all comes together in just 35 minutes total. You probably have most of these ingredients on hand already, and this dish costs practically nothing to make while tasting like something from a fancy restaurant.
These Buttery Belgian Mashed Potatoes Go with Everything
These buttery Belgian mashed potatoes are my go to side dish because they're ready in under an hour and honestly, they pair beautifully with just about anything on your dinner table. The Yukon gold potatoes are naturally buttery and creamy, so you don't need much fussing to make them special. I love that carrots sneak in here too, adding natural sweetness and beta carotene for your eyes. The whole thing comes together in about forty minutes total, making it perfect for weeknight meals when you want something homey but don't have tons of time. One taste and you'll understand why I make these constantly.
This 9x13 “Marry Me” Potato Casserole Will Have You Saying I Do
This creamy potato casserole is my go to dish whenever I want to impress someone special, and honestly, it's so simple that anyone can make it. The sun dried tomatoes add a gorgeous pop of color and flavor while bringing along lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that's great for your heart. What I love most is that you can prep everything ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you're ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With just a handful of pantry staples and one baking dish, you'll have a restaurant quality meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
The 4-Ingredient French Carrot Salad I Can't Stop Eating
This humble French carrot salad has completely taken over my kitchen, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I make it at least twice a week. What makes it so irresistible is how ridiculously simple it is to throw together, yet it tastes like something you'd order at a fancy bistro. Fresh carrots are nutritional powerhouses packed with beta carotene for healthy eyes and skin, and when you dress them in this bright lemon and Dijon vinaigrette, they become absolutely addictive. The whole thing comes together in under 40 minutes from start to finish, which means you can have a restaurant quality side dish on your table faster than you'd expect. Trust me, once you make this, you'll understand why I keep coming back to it.
The Crunchy 10-Minute Salad My Sicilian Grandmother Serves With Every Meal
My Sicilian grandmother has served this salad at every meal for as long as I can remember, and I finally understand why. It comes together in just ten minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fresh and satisfying. The chickpeas provide a wonderful protein boost and are packed with fiber to keep you full, while the crisp romaine, cucumber, and tomato give you that satisfying crunch she loves. What I appreciate most is how inexpensive it is to make, especially when you use canned chickpeas. There's nothing fancy here, just quality ingredients, a simple vinaigrette, and the kind of straightforward preparation that has sustained her family for generations. You'll find yourself returning to this one again and again.
The 20-Minute Lemony Chickpeas That Transport Me To Spring
Every spring, I crave something bright and nourishing, and this recipe never fails to deliver. Chickpeas are packed with protein and fiber, making them incredibly satisfying despite taking just twenty minutes from start to finish. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: garlicky olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and whatever herbs you have on hand transform humble canned chickpeas into something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It's one of those magical meals that costs almost nothing to make, comes together in a flash, and somehow makes everything feel hopeful again. Trust me, once you make this, you'll find yourself returning to it again and again.
My Dad’s 2-Ingredient Caesar Cauliflower Steals the Show
My dad swears by this recipe, and honestly, he's onto something. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you get a side dish that tastes restaurant quality without the fuss. Cauliflower is packed with vitamins and fiber, making it surprisingly nutritious, and when you roast it with creamy Caesar dressing, it becomes this golden, irresistible vegetable that even skeptics will love. The best part? Most of the work happens in the oven while you relax. It's the kind of easy, impressive dish that makes you look like you spent way more effort than you actually did.
These Buttery 15-Minute Peas Are My Favorite Spring Side
When spring arrives, I can't wait to make this recipe because it's honestly the easiest way to elevate a simple vegetable into something special. Fresh peas are packed with fiber and plant based protein, making them surprisingly nutritious despite their sweet taste. What I love most is that the whole thing comes together in just 15 minutes, which means you can have an elegant side dish ready before your main course is even close to done. The butter and cream make everything taste indulgent, but the ingredient list is so short and affordable that you'll find yourself making this again and again throughout the season.
These Super Easy Asparagus Fries Are Super Crispy
When I need a quick vegetable side that actually tastes indulgent, these asparagus fries are my go to. They come together in just 35 minutes total, and honestly, most of that is just cooking time while you relax. The best part? Asparagus is packed with fiber and vitamins that keep you feeling great, so you're basically eating something nutritious that tastes like a treat. With pantry staples like panko, parmesan, and eggs, you probably have everything on hand already. Trust me, once you taste how impossibly crispy and golden these turn out, they'll become a regular in your dinner rotation.
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Use our meal planning feature to pair sides with your main courses throughout the week. Browse by ingredient if you've got vegetables to use up, or filter by cook time to find something quick. The nutritional information for each side helps you balance your overall meal — especially useful if you're tracking macros or managing specific dietary goals.
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Our chef's hints and tips on each recipe share the small details that make a real difference — how to get truly crispy roast potatoes, the secret to fluffy couscous, or when to dress a salad for maximum flavour. Combined with built-in timers and step-by-step instructions, even the simplest side dish becomes something special.
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