17 Side Dishes So Good They’ll Steal The Spotlight

When planning a meal, don’t just think about the main dish. Try these 17 side dishes that are so good, they might just steal the spotlight. These sides can bring exciting flavors and textures that make the whole meal special. So next time, give these side dishes a try and watch them become the stars of your meal!

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Eggplant Casserole

A plate of eggplant casserole with sauce and cheese.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With its rich layers and savory flavors, our Eggplant Casserole is a hearty side that can easily become the main attraction at any dinner. It pairs with both meat and vegetarian mains, often drawing more praise than expected. This casserole has a way of turning heads and making guests ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

A bowl of freshly made Copycat Chipotle corn salsa with a serving spoon in it.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bursting with flavor, our Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa adds a zesty kick to any meal. Inspired by the popular Chipotle version, this salsa often becomes the star, especially among those who appreciate a bit of spice. It’s perfect for adding a vibrant touch to your table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Our Wild Rice Casserole stands out with its nutty flavor and pleasing chewy texture. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a conversation piece that complements any main beautifully. Often, it’s this casserole that guests talk about long after the meal is over, making it a true spotlight stealer.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Yellow Lentil Dal

A bowl of yellow lentil dal with sour cream and a spoon.
Yellow Lentil Dal. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Comforting and full of flavor, our Yellow Lentil Dal is a creamy, soothing presence on any plate. It pairs perfectly with spicy dishes, providing a gentle contrast. This dal has a habit of capturing the limelight, often becoming the most memorable part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

A person scooping a sweet potato casserole out of a baking dish.
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The playful mix of sweet potatoes and gooey marshmallows in our Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows makes it a festive and favored choice. It’s especially popular during holiday meals, often overshadowing more traditional dishes. This casserole is the best example of how a side dish can shine brighter than the main.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Vegan chicken nuggets in a bowl with dip.
Vegan Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, our Vegan Chicken Nuggets are a real treat. These nuggets are perfect for dipping and can quickly become the center of attention, proving that a plant-based dish can indeed shine. They’re a delicious addition that can beat even the most traditional dishes!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Yellow Squash Casserole

Squash casserole being served with a wooden serving spoon.
Yellow Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Our Yellow Squash Casserole is a refreshing choice that’s both light and flavorful, perfect for balancing out heavier dishes. Its understated elegance can often make it the unexpected star of a meal, proving that simple ingredients can shine brightly.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Imagine all the beloved flavors of pizza packed into a fresh, crisp Pizza Salad. This side is perfect for those seeking a lighter option but still wanting robust flavors. It’s a fun, unconventional choice that can often outshine more traditional dishes.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet and irresistibly creamy, our Corn Casserole is often the first dish to disappear from the table. This casserole brings a touch of comfort to any gathering and pairs wonderfully with both grilled and roasted dishes. It’s a side that can easily take center stage, charming guests with its simplicity and richness.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Minestrone Soup

Two bowls of soup with pasta and vegetables.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

As a side dish, our Minestrone Soup brings warmth and a bounty of vegetables to your meal. It’s a perfect addition for those cooler days or when you want something light yet wholesome alongside your main course. Its rich blend of flavors complements a variety of dishes, ensuring it’s more than just a side.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle rice in a bowl with sliced lime and spoons.
Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Our Cilantro Lime Rice adds a fresh and light side to any plate, with its zesty lime and aromatic cilantro lifting the flavors of your main dish. It’s an easy choice for anyone looking to add a subtle flair to their meal. Whether paired with spicy entrees or simple grilled meats, it holds its own.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Chipotle black beans cooked and in a serving bowl.
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These hearty Copycat Chipotle Black Beans are a robust choice that complements an array of main courses. Their rich flavor profile is reminiscent of your favorite fast-casual restaurant, making them a crowd-pleaser. They’re so good, that you might find them competing with the main dish for attention.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Broccoli Casserole with Crackers

Someone serving broccoli casserole.
Broccoli Casserole with Crackers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Topped with crunchy crackers, our Broccoli Casserole with Crackers turns a nutritious vegetable into a decadent treat. This dish often surprises guests by competing with more indulgent mains, thanks to its delicious mix of textures. It’s a great way to enjoy your greens while indulging a little.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Crackers

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s nothing quite like the comforting texture and taste of Southern Mash. This creamy, smooth side dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, from grilled steaks to saucy ribs. It’s so rich and wholesome, it might just become the highlight of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted hasselback potatoes on a baking sheet with parmesan.
Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Our Hasselback Potatoes bring a touch of elegance and a lot of flavor to any gathering. The unique cut of these potatoes allows them to crisp up perfectly while holding delicious toppings in each slice. Not only do they offer a visual appeal, but their delectable taste could easily overshadow simpler main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With its zesty and vibrant kick, our Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad can turn any meal into an unforgettable experience. This salad combines freshness with a spicy punch that’s perfect for balancing heavier main dishes. Its crunchy texture offers a delightful contrast, ensuring it stands out on your table.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries

A bowl of crispy portobello mushroom fries with dipping sauce.
Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Our Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries are an innovative alternative to traditional fries. With their satisfying crunch and deep, earthy flavor, they’re an ideal side for dipping and sharing. They pack such a flavor punch that they could easily become the main attraction of a casual meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries

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