10 Quick Sides for Busy Home Cooks to Serve Alongside Your Meals

The eternal conundrum of the home cook: what to serve alongside the main event. A great side dish can elevate a meal from ho-hum to heavenly, but let’s be real, it’s often the last thing on our minds when we’re scrambling to get dinner on the table. But fear not, dear readers, for we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’re serving up a dozen quick and easy side dish ideas that will have you whipping up a delicious accompaniment to your favorite dishes in no time.

From savory to sweet, and from classic comfort foods to international twists, these sides are sure to become your new go-tos. So go ahead, take a deep breath, and let’s see some quick and easy sides that will make your meals unforgettable.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is a delicious and easy side dish that elevates the humble vegetable to new heights. With its crispy edges and savory flavor, it’s perfect for pairing with any main course. This dish not only tastes great but also adds a nutritious boost to your meal.

PIN IT

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). 2. Wash and cut the broccoli into florets, and place them in a bowl. 3. Drizzle olive oil over the broccoli, then add minced garlic, salt, and pepper; toss to coat evenly. 4. Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 20 minutes. 5. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. 6. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. 7. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful side dish!

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a luscious, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect addition to any summer meal, providing a cool contrast to grilled meats and spicy dishes. Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is sure to impress your guests while requiring minimal effort.

PIN IT

1. Start by slicing 2 large cucumbers thinly and placing them in a bowl. 2. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. 3. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers, toss gently to combine, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. 4. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving.

Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a delightful side dish that combines sweetness with a kick of heat. The caramelized edges provide a satisfying crunch, while the spices elevate the flavor profile to a new level. Perfect for any meal, these sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

PIN IT

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). 2. Peel and cube 2 large sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. 3. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste. 4. Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. 5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and tender. 6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Lemon Herb Quinoa

Lemon Herb Quinoa is a light and refreshing side dish that perfectly complements any meal. This dish combines fluffy quinoa with the bright flavors of lemon and fresh herbs, making it both nutritious and flavorful. It’s an excellent option for a quick and healthy side that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

PIN IT

1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water and drain. 2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. 3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. 4. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. 5. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir in the juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil. 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Mini Caprese Skewers

Mini Caprese Skewers are a delightful and refreshing appetizer that brings the classic flavors of a Caprese salad to a bite-sized format. With fresh mozzarella balls, ripe cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves threaded on skewers, they are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make. Perfect for summer gatherings or a simple snack, these skewers are sure to impress your guests.

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To make Mini Caprese Skewers, gather your ingredients: fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper. Begin by skewering one mozzarella ball, followed by a cherry tomato, and then a basil leaf, repeating until the skewer is filled, leaving space at both ends for handling. Once assembled, drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.

Simple Garlic Butter Pasta

Simple Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick and delightful side that elevates any meal. With its rich garlic flavor and buttery goodness, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a complement to your favorite protein. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making it a must-try for pasta lovers.

PIN IT

1. Cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 2. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. 3. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. 4. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired. 5. Stir to coat the pasta in the garlic butter sauce and heat through. 6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or additional cheese if you like.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey Glazed Carrots are a delightful side dish that brings a touch of sweetness to any meal. Their vibrant orange color and glossy finish make them as visually appealing as they are delicious. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

PIN IT

1. Begin by peeling and cutting 1 pound of carrots into evenly sized rounds. 2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. 3. Add the carrots to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. 4. Pour in 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of water, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. 5. Stir well to coat the carrots and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender and the glaze thickens. 6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Classic Coleslaw

Classic coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that adds a perfect balance to any meal. Made with finely shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing, it serves as a delightful palate cleanser. This colorful salad not only complements barbecue and fried foods but is also a staple at picnics and potlucks.

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To make classic coleslaw, start by shredding one small green cabbage and placing it in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Combine the shredded cabbage with the dressing and mix well. Optionally, add in some grated carrots or chopped onions for added flavor. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Zesty Avocado Toast

Zesty Avocado Toast is a vibrant and healthy option that combines the creamy goodness of ripe avocados with a kick of lime and spice. Topped with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and microgreens, it offers a refreshing flavor that elevates any meal. This quick and easy dish is perfect for breakfast or as a light snack, packed with nutrients and taste.

PIN IT

1. Start by selecting two ripe avocados. Cut them in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. 2. Add the juice of one lime, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the avocados. Mash the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. 3. Toast two slices of whole-grain bread until golden brown. 4. Spread the avocado mixture evenly on the toasted bread. 5. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh cilantro or parsley, and additional lime juice if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Buttery Baked Cauliflower

Buttery Baked Cauliflower is an incredibly easy side dish that transforms a simple head of cauliflower into a flavorful, golden treat with just a few ingredients like butter, garlic, and optional Parmesan. All you need to do is toss the florets in melted butter and seasonings, spread them on a baking sheet, and roast until tender and caramelized. It’s a versatile, low-effort recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, offering rich, buttery taste with crispy edges that even picky eaters love.

PIN IT

To make a simple buttery baked cauliflower side dish, start by preheating your oven to 400°F, cutting a head of cauliflower into florets, and tossing them with melted butter (about 2-3 tablespoons), minced garlic, salt, and pepper for rich flavor. Spread the coated florets in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and roast for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden brown with caramelized edges. For extra richness, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking, or drizzle with more melted butter before serving.