19 Side Dishes To Jazz Up Your Menu
Sneak Preview: Peruse this collection of 19 side dishes suitable for holidays, celebrations, parties, Sunday dinners, or vegetarian entrees.
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Do you get stuck on the side dishes when you plan your menu? Or maybe you need to take something to a potluck or celebratory gathering. Look through these side dishes for something to jazz up your menu with fresh color, exciting textures, and valuable nutrition.
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Fresh Broccoli Rice Casserole (No Canned Soup)
This is a traditional Broccoli-Rice Casserole with mushrooms but no canned soup. See microwave directions in the notes below the recipe directions.
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Easy Carrot Casserole Recipe
Puréed carrots get the company-best treatment with a little butter, sugar, and maple flavoring. You’ll love the soufflé-like texture. An Instant Pot and a food processor make assembly quick and easy, but neither is essential. Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour.
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Baked Sweet Potato Balls: A Festive Side Dish
These mashed sweet potatoes are formed into balls, rolled in a spicy egg white mixture, and then rolled in chopped pecans. They are a delicious make-ahead alternative to marshmallow, butter, and sugar-laden sweet potato casseroles.
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Cheesy Tex-Mex Yellow Squash Casserole (with Leftover Cornbread)
Cheesy Tex-Mex casserole made with yellow squash, green chiles, and leftover cornbread—easy comfort food from kitchen staples.
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Cilantro Hominy Rice Recipe
Try this flavorful side dish of buttery cilantro rice with hominy alongside grilled meats–especially a steak or a pork tenderloin.
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Deviled Eggs Without Mustard (Sweet & Simple!)
Deviled Eggs Without Mustard are easy to make and irresistibly snackable. Featuring mildly sweet filling and no mustard, they’re ideal for potlucks, holidays, or any family gathering.
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Smoky Roasted Baby Carrots with Smoked Paprika
Smoky Roasted Baby Carrots are roasted baby carrots tossed in smoked paprika for an easy, flavorful side dish with a smoky depth. No smoker needed!
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Southern-Style Squash Soufflé with a Hint of Sweetness
Fresh yellow squash makes a delicious but simple casserole similar to that served at Black-Eyed Pea restaurants in the South.
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Yellow Squash Patties for Dipping (No Grater Needed)
These soft, savory yellow squash patties come together without grating or chopping. Just slice, microwave, mix, and fry—perfect for dipping and surprisingly kid-friendly.
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Crunchy Coleslaw Recipe with Ramen and Almonds
Try this slightly untraditional coleslaw with a sweet-and-sour dressing, almonds, and Ramen noodles. It’s full of flavor and crunch.
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Old-Fashioned Potato Salad with Cooked Dressing (No Mustard!)
A classic potato salad recipe featuring a cooked dressing made quickly in the microwave. No mustard or raw onions—just creamy texture and traditional flavor!
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Cowboy Baked Beans with Sausage and Ground Beef
Well-seasoned baked beans are taken to a new level with the addition of ground beef, hot sausage, and bacon.
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Roasted Eggplant and Potatoes Recipe
Roasted eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, and mushrooms are seasoned with Ranch dressing mix and olive oil, then roasted to perfection.
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Vegetarian Eggplant Dressing with a Cheesy Twist
Vegetarain Eggplant Dressing is a veggie-packed dish with Southwestern flavors. Made with eggplant, veggies, green chiles, and cornbread and topped with Cheddar, it’s a hearty side or vegetarian main course that’s easy to customize. Perfect for using up leftover cornbread!
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Roasted Edamame with Mushrooms and Balsamic Glaze
This roasted edamame and mushroom recipe is chewy, savory, and full of umami. Tossed with garlic oil and your choice of soy sauce or balsamic, it’s a quick and satisfying side dish—or a plant-based main when you need one.
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Microwave Cauliflower Mash That’s Thick, Not Soggy
Thick, creamy cauliflower mash made in the microwave—no draining, no squeezing. Just cook uncovered, then blend with butter or cheese for a flavorful, low-carb side dish that’s surprisingly satisfying.
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Savory Mashed Sweet and White Potatoes (No Sugar Added)
White potatoes and sweet potatoes are cooked together, mashed separately, then swirled together to make an interesting and tasty side dish.
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Calabacitas with Potatoes, Corn, and Summer Squash
Fresh Calabacitas contain yellow squash, zucchini, onions, corn, tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. Makes a great side dish or soft taco filling.
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Easy Cheesy Rice Pilaf with Peppers and Peas
This Cheesy Rice Pilaf is a vibrant and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken, fish, or beef. Long-grain rice is simmered with bell peppers and onions, then finished with sweet peas and gooey melted cheese for a comforting, flavorful dish.
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Questions? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com. Hope to see you again soon!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.