Simple Side Dishes

When planning your party menu, remember that easy side dishes complete the meal.

From traditional dishes for special occasions – think cranberries for Thanksgiving and potato salad for Independence Day – to new takes on familiar ingredients, your side dishes can be the surprisingly simple grace note in your mealtime melody!

Things to Consider When Choosing a Side Dish for Your Next Party

• Plan for Plate Appeal. Think about color, texture and aroma. Vegetables like beets, carrots and leafy greens add a pop of bright color to a plate, offering a contrast to main dishes like fish or chicken. Conversely, a paler side like rice or potatoes can offer a counterpoint to dark main dishes such as roast beef.
• Seek Balance. When a main dish is a dense or rich recipe, a lighter side dish can prevent a meal from feeling too heavy. A simple salad is a good accompaniment for lasagna, for example, while a lighter entrée, like grilled chicken breast, can benefit from a more substantial side, like roasted potatoes, to make a filling meal.
• Avoid Culture Clash. Experimenting with the flavors and traditional cuisine of many cultures can be an exciting adventure! Often this means using bold flavors and seasonings, and mixing different tastes can create a complex and delightful experience. Use caution, however, as strongly contrasting flavors can overwhelm the taste buds. When in doubt, select main dish and side dish recipes from the same cultural tradition (e.g., Indian, Asian, French).
• Be Mindful of the Method. Unless you have a commercial kitchen at your disposal, you probably need to consider your resources when planning a menu. Three dishes that bake at different temperatures can be problematic, while a meal that involves multiple cooking methods can be hard to manage. For simplicity, take advantage of dishes that can share the same space – beef and veggies roasted together, or meat and vegetables prepared on the grill.

When you are planning your next gathering, consider any of the following side recipes. You’re sure to find delicious dishes that all your guests will love.

Easy Party Sides

Air-Fried Sides

Use your air fryer to enjoy your favorite side dishes without added fat and calories.