Save the Day (and Dinner!): 17 Easy Sides That Rescue Any Meal

Let’s face it, sometimes even the best main dishes need a little help. That’s where having a few easy side dishes up your sleeve can be a game-changer. Save the day and dinner with these 17 easy sides that rescue any meal, turning what’s on your plate from “meh” to “wow” with hardly any fuss!

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Air fryer glazed carrots in a bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots are your quick and tasty sidekick in the nick of time. They caramelise into something special, shaking up the routine with minimal effort. On the lookout for a side that saves the day and the dinner without the fuss? Look no further—these carrots rescue any meal with their sweet charm.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stuck on what to make for dinner? Our Wild Rice Casserole is your answer. It’s the kind of food that warms your soul and fills your belly, just the thing you need when you’re stumped on what to cook. With its comforting flavors, this dish will save the day and rescue any meal.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Air Fryer Asparagus

An air fryer pile of asparagus with grated cheese.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For a side dish that can truly hold its own, try Air Fryer Asparagus. It’s the quick and healthy side that everyone at the table will cheer for. Ready to save the day and rescue dinner, it’s just the thing to lighten your meal with minimal hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Eggplant Casserole

A plate of eggplant casserole with sauce and cheese.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Need to get dinner on the table, but not sure what to serve? Our Eggplant Casserole is only a few simple steps away. It’s made with common ingredients yet delivers uncommonly good taste. With this dish, you can save the day and any dinner that needs a rescue.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

A bowl of Thai jasmine rice and chili peppers.
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

On those busy nights when you just need to throw something together, Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice is all you need. It pairs beautifully with almost anything, and it’s simple to make. Almost without trying, it will save the day by adding a soothing touch to your meal that saves the day and rescues dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Egg Casserole isn’t only for the early risers; it’s got the chops to save dinner too. Packed with protein, it’s a make-ahead marvel that can rescue any meal from being a dinnertime flop. Having friends over and need to impress? Slide this casserole onto the table and watch it save the day.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

Yellow Lentil Dal

A bowl of yellow lentil dal with sour cream and a spoon.
Yellow Lentil Dal. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Need a comforting, healthy side dish? Yellow Lentil Dal is ready to step in. With its robust flavors, it enhances any meal and serves up plant-powered protein. Save the day and dinner with this easy, tasty dish that’s sure to become one of your rescue meals.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal

Refried Beans

A bowl of homemade refried beans and lime wedges.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you’re out of dinner ideas, Refried Beans come to your rescue. Simple and filling, they pair up with almost anything, saving the day and adding that homey touch to your meal. Eat them with tacos, rice, or just scoop them up with chips. They’re the side dish superhero when you need something that will rescue any meal without a fuss.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Say hello to Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole when you need a low-carb option to save dinner. It’s that cheesy, gooey goodness that both kids and adults will love. Halfway through the week and out of ideas? This casserole comes to the rescue, proving easy sides can really save any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Indulge in the layers of a 7 Layer Salad and find something new in every bite. It’s not just salad; it’s a party in a bowl that’s sure to rescue your spread from boredom. Save the day and your dinner with this mix of flavors and textures that prove salads can be the main event and can easily save any meal.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Turn the ordinary into something more with Asparagus Casserole. Got some asparagus? Whip up this casserole as a side to impress, and save the day without breaking a sweat. Comforting, yet offering something different at the table, it’s ready to swing in and rescue any meal that’s missing a zing.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate.
Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cauliflower Steaks are here to show you that sides can be hearty, too. They’re big on flavor and save you from falling into the ‘boring veggie’ trap. Serving something that needs a fancy touch? These steaks are your go-to to save the day and jazz up dinner, showcasing how easy sides can rescue any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Minestrone Soup

Two bowls of soup with pasta and vegetables.
Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s a combination of healthy and hearty, turn to Minestrone Soup. It’s the perfect way to use up any vegetables you have on hand and, best of all, it works beautifully as a side, too. It’s just what you need to save the day and rescue dinner on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Smashed Red Skin Potatoes in a white bowl.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Looking to put something comforting and tasty on the table? Crispy Smashed Potatoes have got your back. Golden, crispy, and downright delicious, they’re just the thing you need to save the day and motivate your family to gather for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Crispy Shallots

A pile of crispy shallots on a plate.
Crispy Shallots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Think of Crispy Shallots as the sparkly jewels that turn your meal from so-so to spectacular. These little gems add that crunchy, oniony zing that can lift up any dish. Stuck with a bland soup or salad? Sprinkle some on, and just like that, they save the day and dinner, adding an easy twist to rescue any meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Every slice of Scalloped Potatoes is a creamy slice of heaven that’s got your back on busy weekdays. They’re the ultimate save-the-day side dish, elevating even the simplest chicken or fish. And when dinner needs a cozy touch, these potatoes show up like the culinary cavalry. They’re just the thing to rescue any meal.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries Recipe

A bowl of crispy portobello mushroom fries with dipping sauce.
Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries Recipe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a fun, flavorful side, try the Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries Recipe. They’re tasty, easy to cook, and add a playful vibe to any meal. Rescue dinner from the ordinary and save the day with these easy, irresistible fries.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries Recipe

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