19 Side Dishes That Made Weeknight Cooking Feel Easy

Weeknight meals don’t always need to feel complicated, and the right sides can make dinner both easier and more satisfying. These recipes use straightforward ingredients and quick prep methods to keep cooking stress-free. From roasted vegetables to fresh salads, each dish adds balance without extra effort. With 19 sides, there’s something here to round out any evening meal.

Three cabbage fritters stacked on a plate with a dollop of sour cream on the right and a sprig of parsley on the left. — Cabbage Fritters. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire Green Beans take about 20 minutes with green beans, Worcestershire sauce, and butter. The beans cook crisp-tender with a tangy glaze. Their flavor is savory, slightly smoky, and rich. This side adds bold taste in little time.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Baked sweet potato slices on a cutting board with a spoon. — Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices roast in about 35 minutes with sweet potatoes, butter, and brown sugar. The slices caramelize soft and golden. Their flavor is sweet, buttery, and warm. This dish feels comforting but simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts roast in about 25 minutes with sprouts, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. The glaze thickens into a tangy coating. Their flavor is earthy, sweet, and slightly sharp. This recipe turns sprouts into a quick favorite.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Red, yellow, and orange honey glazed carrots on a slate board. — Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots bake in about 30 minutes with carrots, honey, and olive oil. The carrots soften with caramelized edges. Their flavor is sweet, earthy, and lightly rich. This side feels bright while staying simple.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded Cauliflower Mash takes about 25 minutes with cauliflower, cheese, and sour cream. The mash turns creamy with savory toppings. Its flavor is cheesy, tangy, and hearty. This dish works as a lighter take on mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

A basket of seasoned sweet potato wedges with a small bowl of ketchup beside it. — Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges cook in about 20 minutes with sweet potatoes, oil, and spices. The wedges crisp outside while staying soft inside. Their flavor is sweet, savory, and slightly smoky. This side is quick and easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Easy Oven Asparagus

Roasted asparagus on a white bowl. — Easy Oven Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy Oven Asparagus roasts in about 15 minutes with asparagus, olive oil, and garlic. The spears turn tender with a slight char. Their flavor is earthy, fresh, and savory. This recipe makes a quick side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Overhead view of olivier salad with two egg halves. — Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian Potato Salad takes about 45 minutes with potatoes, peas, carrots, and mayonnaise. The vegetables mix into a creamy base. Its flavor is mild, tangy, and hearty. This salad is easy to scoop and serve.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions cook in about 25 minutes with green beans, garlic, and crispy onions. The beans stay crisp-tender under the topping. Their flavor is savory, garlicky, and slightly sweet. This side brings crunch and richness.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Close up on beet cucumber salad with dill. — Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad takes about 15 minutes with beets, cucumbers, and vinegar. The vegetables soak into a tangy brine. Its flavor is earthy, sour, and refreshing. This salad adds color and brightness to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes take about 35 minutes with potatoes, butter, and garlic. The butter browns into a nutty sauce. Their flavor is savory, rich, and hearty. This side makes a classic dish taste deeper.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts roast in about 30 minutes with sprouts, olive oil, and Indian spices. The seasoning coats each piece with warmth. Their flavor is earthy, spiced, and slightly sweet. This side brings a bold twist to a staple vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage. — Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables bake in about 40 minutes with carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. The vegetables caramelize soft with crisp edges. Their flavor is earthy, sweet, and hearty. This side makes use of simple pantry produce.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey Garlic Carrots cook in about 20 minutes with carrots, honey, and garlic. The glaze thickens into a sweet-savory coat. Their flavor is rich, earthy, and slightly tangy. This side balances flavor with quick prep.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

A bowl of roasted brussels sprouts. — Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta bake in about 25 minutes with sprouts, nuts, and cheese. The almonds add crunch while feta adds tang. Their flavor is savory, nutty, and sharp. This dish feels light but filling.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks bake in about 40 minutes with potatoes, cream, and Gruyere cheese. The stacks crisp golden on the edges. Their flavor is cheesy, buttery, and savory. This side makes potatoes feel special on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming Skillet Green Beans take about 15 minutes with green beans, garlic, and oil. The beans sear hot for a smoky finish. Their flavor is earthy, bold, and savory. This dish cooks fast while staying full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes take about 30 minutes with potatoes, butter, and cream. The mash turns fluffy and smooth. Its flavor is buttery, mild, and hearty. This side remains a timeless dinner staple.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Cabbage Fritters

Cabbage Fritters cook in about 25 minutes with cabbage, eggs, and spices. The mixture fries into crisp, golden patties. Their flavor is savory, earthy, and slightly spiced. This side adds variety while staying simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Fritters