5 Easy Side Dishes to Transform Your Dinners

Need some easy side dish recipes to bring some interest to your weeknight dinners? The right sides can make all the difference!

Yet, when we talk about what we are doing for dinner, we often focus on the main course, whether that is chicken, beef, or seafood. Oftentimes, the sides are an afterthought, and we scramble to put together what we can from the crisper while the main meal cooks.

But often, it is the actual sides that make the meal. A simple baked chicken dinner can be transformed into an amazing (yet still incredibly easy) meal when paired with the right side. A simple piece of grilled fish can feel like a restaurant worthy meal when served alongside flavor packed sides, such as our Mango Couscous recipe below.

Also, when you consider the sides contribute some of the healthiest foods on the plate, it is worth giving them a bit of attention. Easy sides can be much more than a simple steamed veggie or a simple salad…they provide lots of creative and nutrient-rich ways to get more vegetables into your diet.

To give you some ideas, below are five of our favorite and easy sides that can elevate your everyday dinners. All five recipes are really easy to prepare and can add some variety to your weeknight dinners without much effort. It’s no surprise that Dinner Daily members rank these recipes as some of their favorites. Ready to give them a try? The easy recipes are below.

5 Easy Side Dishes To Add Variety to Your Dinners

Mango Couscous:

This one is a regular in our house, no matter the season. The mango really makes this side dish sing. Balanced with the peppers and scallions, it is a taste sensation. It also looks beautiful on the plates! My kids have loved this recipe for as long as I can remember.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups couscous
1 mango, peeled & chopped
1 red/orange/yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 tbs olive oil
3 scallions, chopped
Italian salad dressing of choice

Instructions:

Cook couscous according to package. Fluff with fork and place in bowl. Add remaining ingredients & stir. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with salad dressing. We use a simple homemade dressing of equal parts olive oil and fresh lemon juice (2 tbs each).

Corn and Avocado Salad:

This easy side dish recipe pairs the creaminess of the mighty avocado with garlic, shallots, and corn. Although we make this year round (all the time!), it is also a perfect way to use up any leftover corn on the cob.

3 garlic cloves, minced
1 to 2 cloves of garlic, minced or finely chopped
1 shallot, chopped (can also use half of a small brown or red onion)
10 oz frozen corn, (or fresh)
1 avocado, peeled & chopped
1 1/2 tbs fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Heat oil in skillet. Add garlic & shallot and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add corn to pan & cook 5 to 8 minutes until heated through and just starting to brown. Transfer to bowl & stir in chopped avocado & lemon juice. Season with salt & pepper.

Chopped Caprese Salad:

A fresh take on a classic, without the need to worry about the presentation on a serving platter. Just chop everything up, mix it in a bowl, and you are done.

4 to 5 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 cup fresh basil, coarsely chopped
5 oz fresh mozzarella, chopped
2 tbs olive oil

Instructions:

Place chopped tomatoes, onion, basil, and mozzarella in a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt & pepper to taste.

Snow Peas and Mushrooms:

Instructions:

2 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 tbs olive oil
6 oz mushrooms, sliced (we love it with Shiitake)
2 tbs soy sauce (or GF tamari), low sodium
1 tbs brown sugar
2 cups snow peas

Instructions:

Heat oils in a skillet over med heat. Add mushrooms & cook for 5 minutes. Add soy sauce and brown sugar. Cook for 2 more minutes. Add snow peas and cook until just crisp tender, and bright green, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Cabbage and Carrot Slaw:

Ingredients:

1/2 red cabbage, chopped or shredded
3 carrots, chopped or shredded
2 tbs plain sesame oil
2 tbs rice vinegar

Instructions:

Another long time family favorite. Combine cabbage & carrots in bowl. Toss with oil, vinegar, salt & pepper. Note: you can buy shredded carrots (commonly available at little extra cost) to save time with the prep.

We hope you enjoy all of the above easy side recipes and they make your weeknight dinners a bit more interesting, flavorful, and healthy!