Though many casseroles are all-in-one-meals, some could benefit from a side dish. These fitting options include everything from basic breads to colorful salads.
31 Sides to Go With Your Best Casseroles
Updated on Aug. 21, 2024
Air-Fryer Garlic-Rosemary Brussels Sprouts
This air-fryer Brussels sprouts recipe is my go-to Thanksgiving side dish. It’s healthy and easy, and it doesn’t take very much time or effort to make. I usually use rosemary for my turkey, so this lets me use up some of the leftover herbs! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
1/31
2/31
Herbed Accordion Dinner Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
To dress up everyday dinner rolls, brush herbed butter over the dough, then form accordion rolls. The aroma from the oven is incredible! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 186 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
3/31
Chutney-Glazed Carrots
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Carrots slow-cooked with chutney, Dijon and ginger make a zippy side for a barbecue or potluck. We love serving these carrots with grilled chicken or beef roast. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 183 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 714mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
4/31
Spinach Rice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this Greek-style rice dish alongside steaks with mushrooms. It makes an elegant side that can be doubled for guests. —Jeanette Cakouros, Brunswick, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 235 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
5/31
Citrus Fruit Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh pineapple with yogurt and pecans is a merry update of the classic ambrosia salad. We stir it up for breakfast, a snack or as a bright side. —Heather Rivers, Boise, ID
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 176 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
6/31
Lemon Almond Asparagus
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this timesaving way to dress up fresh asparagus. Drizzle butter and lemon juice over the spears before topping them with almonds and lemon zest strips. —Linda Barry, Yakima, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 78 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
7/31
Garden Chickpea Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 492 calories, 38g fat (6g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein.
8/31
Sour Cream Cut-Out Biscuits
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 biscuits
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying different ways to make biscuits without being completely satisfied, I decided to incorporate sour cream. Success! Split while warm, butter and enjoy. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, ON
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 159 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 343mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
9/31
Shaved Fennel Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad tastes even more impressive than it looks. It has an incredible crunch thanks to the cucumbers, radishes and apples. And the finish of fennel fronds adds just the faintest hint of licorice flavor. —William Milton III, Clemson, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 55 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
10/31
Quinoa Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Toasting the grain before it simmers isn't essential, but it does add a pleasant nuttiness to the flavor of this vegan quinoa salad. Mix and match whatever fresh herbs and veggies you have on hand. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 227 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 449mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
11/31
Refreshing Tropical Fruit Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want a family-friendly side dish? This colorful medley is kid-pleasing and a great way to encourage healthy eating. —Sharon Ricci, Spooner, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 120 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fruit.
12/31
Ramen Noodle Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With added crunch from ramen noodles and sunflower seeds, plus a sweet, glossy dressing, this lively salad is a definite crowd-pleaser! —Beverly Sprague, Baltimore, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 189 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
13/31
Lemon-Sesame Green Beans
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s a kabob shop in Charlottesville, Virginia, called Sticks, and it has wonderful sides, including sesame beans. I love them so much that I had to make my own version. You can use fresh or frozen green beans; haricots verts (French green beans) work well too. This salad only gets better as it sits, so it’s a perfect (and convenient!) recipe to make a day or two in advance. —Dyan Carlson, Kents Store, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 124 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
14/31
Three-Green Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings (about 3/4 cup dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
For a crisp, refreshing side dish, this tasty salad can't be beat. It's the perfect salad to go with lasagna. —Gina Squires, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup salad with 1 tablespoon dressing: 136 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
15/31
Quinoa with Peas and Onion
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even picky eaters will love this protein-packed dish. If you have freshly shelled peas on hand, substitute them for the frozen. —Lori Panarella, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 174 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
16/31
Balsamic Zucchini Saute
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super fast vegetarian dish is flavorful and uses only a few ingredients, so it’s easy to whip up while your entree is cooking. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 94 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
17/31
Cilantro-Lime Rice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My family's favorite Mexican restaurant serves a similar rice as a side dish. I threw this together one night when I was making fajitas, and everyone loved it! It's such an easy side dish and pairs well with kabobs on the grill, too. —Robin Baskette, Lexington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 130 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
18/31
Favorite Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, especially when our four children and nine grandchildren come to visit. They always ask for this salad when they're here for dinner. —Doris Dion, Lake Ozark, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 96 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
19/31
Oatmeal Rolls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
24 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
Most people tell me what they like best about these rolls is they're so moist. I like them because they're simple to make, freeze well and because I grew up on oatmeal and still love it! —Jeanette Fuehring, Concordia, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 146 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
20/31
Apple Feta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend of mine shared this recipe with me after I raved about the delightful salad at dinner. I have served it for years now, and no matter where i take it, I have to bring along copies of the recipe to hand out.
-Marlene Clark
Apple Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
21/31
Wild Rice, Quinoa & Cranberry Salad
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This fragrant salad is a vitamin and protein powerhouse. Toss in leftover cooked turkey to make it a meal the next day. —Jerilyn Korver, Bellflower, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 317 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 595mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
22/31
Lemon-Pepper Broccoli
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh green broccoli turns tangy and tasty when roasted with lemon juice and pepper. A sprinkle of almonds adds crunch. —Liz Bellville, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 84 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
23/31
Blueberry Romaine Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to bring this delicious salad to school gatherings. The homemade dressing couldn't be simpler, so I whip it up in advance and just give it a quick toss with the other ingredients when I get to any event. —Kris Bristol, Charlotte, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 443 calories, 40g fat (6g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
24/31
Zucchini Rice Pilaf
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 231 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 318mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
25/31
Dinner Rolls
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These are the best dinner rolls around. If you can't decide which enticing topping to choose, just use them all.—Christina Pittman, Parkville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll (calculated without toppings): 118 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
26/31
Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Try this simple arugula salad recipe for a fresh side the whole family will love. It combines fresh peppery greens with tasty golden raisins, crunchy almonds and shaved parmesan. —Nicole Rash, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 181 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1/2 starch.
27/31
Blood Orange Avocado Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My refreshing side salad is such a nice addition to our calorie-loaded Thanksgiving dinner. Use regular oranges if you can't find blood oranges. Finely chopped walnuts work well in place of the pomegranate seeds, too. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 241 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
28/31
Garlic Bread Mini Muffins
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These little garlic bread bites make a terrific addition to any buffet spread. We make sure to serve them warm. —Kathy Yarosh, Apopka, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 94 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
29/31
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Vinaigrette
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'd never tried Brussels sprouts until I made this salad. It won me over and even charmed my family. Bacon and apples spruce up the flavor. —Stephanie Gates, Waterloo, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 166 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein.
30/31
Hungarian-Style Green Beans
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A vacation to Hungary inspired this flavorful side of green beans with paprika and mushrooms. Being a vegetarian, I welcome these tasty ideas. —Sherry Johnston, Green Cove Springs, Florida
31/31
Mandarin Broccoli Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet, crunchy and colorful, this salad has a fresh mix of textures and flavors. It tastes even better when you chill it overnight, if you can wait that long. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
