Non Vegetable Side Dish Ideas: 25 Delicious Options!
When you’re searching for the perfect side dish to accompany your main meal, non vegetable options can add variety and flavor to your table.
Veggie dishes like brussel sprouts, butternut squash, sweet potato, and asparagus, are often overdone. Whether you are not a fan of greens or simply want to be more creative with your side dishes, this article will give you plenty of alternatives to choose from!
When planning a comforting family dinner, a casual gathering, or simply want a quick and easy side dish for a weeknight meal, these 25 non-vegetable side dishes offer a delicious mix of flavor and texture.
From cheesy indulgences to low-carb side dishes, you’re sure to find a tasty option here!
Non Vegetable Side Dishes – 25 Delicious Options!
Let’s dive into these delicious side dish recipes.
1. Mac and Cheese
A creamy and cheesy dish made with tender pasta, this mac and cheese is a go-to comfort food. It’s perfect as a hearty side that complements anything from fried chicken to BBQ ribs.
2. Cheesy Rice Casserole
This rice casserole is a quick and easy side dish that’s packed with flavor, thanks to cheddar cheese and smoky spices like paprika.
The creamy texture and crunchy topping make it a delicious side dish for both weeknight dinners and holiday meals. Use chicken broth instead of water to cook the rice for extra richness.
It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or roast meats, and the leftovers make a tasty lunch the next day!
3. Cornbread
Cornbread is a slightly sweet and crumbly side dish that’s great with smoky BBQ, ham, or hearty soups like chili. Add a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet twist.
4. Buttermilk Biscuits
Flaky, buttery biscuits are ideal to serve with comfort food meals like fried chicken or gravy-heavy dishes. These simple yet delicious pillowy biscuits are great for any night of the week.
5. Creamy Risotto
Risotto is an elegant side dish that’s both comforting and simple to make. With parmesan, butter, and broth, it’s a rich and creamy ultimate side for roast chicken or pork.
6. Wild Rice Pilaf
This rice recipe is a healthy side dish made with wild rice, broth, and herbs. It’s light yet flavorful, making it a great option for pairing with roasted fish.
7. Cheddar Biscuits
Cheesy, fluffy, and packed with flavor, these cheddar biscuits offer a tangy bite that’s perfect for serving with soups or stews. They’re quick to make and always a hit.
8. Egg Noodles
Soft and buttery, egg noodles are a simple side that pairs well with everything from beef stroganoff to ham. They’re also perfect for soaking up rich gravies and sauces.
9. Cheese Grits
A classic Southern side dish, cheese grits are creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Serve them alongside fried fish or grilled chicken for a tasty comfort food meal.
10. Garlic Butter Rice
Tossed in rich garlic butter, this quick and easy side dish pairs perfectly with chicken, shrimp, or pork. The butter and garlic create a rich and savory flavor in every bite!
11. Deviled Eggs
Creamy and tangy, deviled eggs are a simple dish perfect for serving as a side dish at parties, picnics, or holiday meals. The mustard adds a flavorful kick to these easy-to-make bites.
12. Dill and Greek Yogurt Biscuits
These fluffy biscuits made with Greek yogurt and fresh dill are a delicious recipe that’s perfect as a side dish for any main course. Ready in minutes to prep and absolutely irresistible.
13. Dinner Rolls
Soft and pillowy, these classic dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up gravies or sauces. They pair well with everything from holiday ham to hearty soups and stews.
14. Quinoa Salad
For a healthy side, try quinoa salad tossed with dried cranberries and herbs. This light and crunchy dish pairs well with grilled meats and is perfect for lunch the next day.
15. Garlic Knots
Soft dough tied into knots and brushed with garlic butter. These garlic knots are a perfect addition to any Italian main dish like spaghetti or lasagna.
16. Polenta Cakes
These crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside polenta cakes are a tasty way to enjoy polenta. They pair nicely with rich meat dishes like braised beef or roasted pork.
17. Herbed Butter Popcorn
A fun and savory snack, herbed butter popcorn is easy to make and perfect for serving alongside soups or stews for a light crunch during a comfort food meal. It also makes a delicious snack!
18. Rice Pilaf
This fragrant and flavorful rice pilaf made with chicken broth and herbs is a simple side dish that’s perfect for pairing with any grilled chicken, lamb, or fish dish.
19. Garlic Bread
Crunchy, buttery, and garlicky, garlic bread is a must-have when serving pasta. This classic side also pairs well with soups and stews, adding a crispy texture to the meal.
20. Cheese Straws
These flaky, cheesy cheese straws are great for snacking or serving as a side dish to soups, stews, or even a simple salad. They’re buttery, crispy, and full of flavor.
21. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
A delicious recipe that combines sweet and salty flavors, bacon-wrapped dates are a perfect tasty side for parties. These bites are easy to prep and will impress your guests.
22. Cranberry Couscous
Tangy dried cranberries mixed with light couscous for a fresh, sweet, and savory side. This simple dish goes well with grilled chicken or pork.
23. Herbed Couscous
A light and flavorful side dish made with fresh herbs, this is a great addition to any meal, adding both texture and flavor to roasted meats or seafood.
24. Sweet Corn Casserole
This sweet corn casserole is one of the best side dishes. It is perfect for pairing with grilled meats, roast chicken, or ham. While it does use corn, you won’t recognize it in this creamy, rich dish!
25. Egg Drop Soup
A light and savory soup, egg drop soup is a great starter or side dish for a variety of Asian-inspired meals. With simple ingredients, this soup takes minutes to make and will complete your next meal!
Tips, Notes, and Possible Substitutions
- Healthy Alternatives: Try greek yogurt as a healthy substitute for sour cream in dishes like potato salad or deviled eggs. Wild rice can also be swapped with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter side dish.
- Dairy-Free Tips: If you’re avoiding dairy, use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or vegan butter in dishes like garlic bread and biscuits.
- Fresh Flavor: Garlic bread and herbed butter popcorn are best served fresh out of the oven/microwave for maximum crunch and flavor.
These non-vegetable side dishes provide a variety of options for your meals, ensuring you have plenty of delicious food to choose from! Each recipe is designed to be simple to make and packed with flavor, perfect for any occasion!
