Always struggling with side dishes? 9 quick and easy side dishes that go well with everything

Saturday 28 March 2026 15:30 - Daniele Mainieri
Always struggling with side dishes? 9 quick and easy side dishes that go well with everything

How often does it happen that you have already decided on your next meal... but get stuck in front of the simplest and at the same time most difficult question: what side dish shall I prepare today?

It seems like a minor choice, yet the right side dish can completely transform a lunch or dinner. It can make a dish more balanced, add color to the table and, most importantly, make people want to make seconds. You don't need complicated recipes or hard-to-find ingredients. You just need to have in your repertoire a few simple, quick and tasty side dishes that are perfect for both everyday cooking and when last-minute guests arrive.

That's why I've collected 11 easy and tasty side dish ideas that work every time: from baked vegetables to quick stir-fry dishes to super crispy air fryer recipes. These are those preparations that save your lunch or dinner - and often become the real stars of the dish.


Easy side dish recipes

A quick and easy recipe for pan-fried mushroomsRecipe A quick and easy recipe for pan-fried mushrooms

Need a quick , tasty and reliable side dish ? Sautéed mushrooms tick all the boxes! Whether you enjoy them on their own, with eggs, rice or pasta, or as a side with grilled meat, they go with just about anything. A few fresh mushrooms, a hint of...

Carrots in honey and clementine sauceRecipe Carrots in honey and clementine sauce

Let yourself be enchanted by this recipe for carrots in sauce made with honey and clementine . This combination of flavors transforms a simple ingredient—carrots—into a sophisticated dish, perfect for special occasions as well as everyday meals....

Creamy baked cacio e pepe potatoes: the easy side dish that drives everyone crazy!Recipe Creamy baked cacio e pepe potatoes: the easy side dish that drives everyone crazy!

There are recipes that can turn a few ingredients into an unforgettable dish. Oven-baked creamy cacio e pepe potatoes are one of them: a perfect meeting of the simplicity of country cooking traditions and the intensity of Roman cuisine ....

How to cook zucchini in an air fryer?Recipe How to cook zucchini in an air fryer?

In just a few minutes, you can prepare a delicious, healthy side dish to accompany your meals by making zucchini in the Air Fryer ! Perfect with barbecued meats , this zucchini needs only a drizzle of olive oil and a few spices. Here we've chosen...

Air fryer confit cherry tomatoesRecipe Air fryer confit cherry tomatoes

Air fryer confit cherry tomatoes are easy to make and perfect for serving alongside main courses, or for adding to salads or savoury tarts . Their glossy, caramelized appearance makes them incredibly appetizing—you'll be eager to try them! You may...

Air fryer sweet potato fries, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!Recipe Air fryer sweet potato fries, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!

Discover a crispy and delicious new way to enjoy your favorite sweet potatoes with our sweet potato fries cooked in the air fryer! Perfectly golden fries, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside , without all the fat and calories of...

Spiral potatoes on a stick: the foolproof technique without a machineRecipe Spiral potatoes on a stick: the foolproof technique without a machine

Spiral potatoes on a stick are a versatile recipe: as well as looking beautiful, they can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish with meat, fish, or chicken. Even better, you don’t need a machine to make the spiral cut—just a wooden...

Sicilian caponata, an irresistible quick and easy italian recipeRecipe Sicilian caponata, an irresistible quick and easy italian recipe

Sicilian caponata is certainly one of the best vegetable stews made with eggplant, tomatoes and onion. Served as a starter on bruschetta or as a side dish with meat, it is very flavorful. Make it in summer or winter, as it can be served hot or cold....

Super-simple homemade mashed potatoesRecipe Super-simple homemade mashed potatoes

A homemade mashed potato recipe that is simple, quick, and delicious! Once cooked, all you need to do is mash your potatoes and mix them with milk, butter, and a hint of nutmeg. It's hard to make it easier, right?! The advantage of mashed potatoes is...

Shoestring potatoes in the air fryer so crispy, no one will believe they're homemadeRecipe Shoestring potatoes in the air fryer so crispy, no one will believe they're homemade

Air fryer shoestring potatoes are a practical, lighter way to make this much-loved classic. Made with thin strips of potato and just a little oil, they turn golden, crispy, and full of flavor thanks to the appliance's hot-air circulation. Perfect...

My mother's eggplant caponata: the family recipe everyone lovesRecipe My mother's eggplant caponata: the family recipe everyone loves

My mother's eggplant antipasto is more than just a recipe: it's a memory, a gathering around the table, and that delicious smell that fills the house as it bakes in the oven. Made with simple ingredients and a mother's loving touch, it has the...

Daniele MainieriDaniele Mainieri
Every day, I dive into the world of food and wine with curiosity, always looking for new flavours, recipes and inspiring discoveries to share. From traditional family dishes to the latest food trends, including pairings that make all the difference. I’ve been working in food & wine communication for over 10 years and I’m currently the Editorial Manager for the Italian edition of Petitchef.

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