11 Underrated Side Dishes That Will Save a Lackluster Dinner

black bean corn salad
11 Side Dishes That Will Save a Lackluster DinnerPHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Boring dinner got you down? If so, here’s some good news. There are tons of delicious and innovative side dishes out there that can breathe new life into a less-than-exciting entree. These recipes use underrated ingredients, like potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, and more, to create mouth-watering sides that taste like they belong on the menu of a five-star restaurant.

From recipes that offer an exciting spin on old classics to unexpected picks bursting with flavor and texture, scroll ahead for 11 side dishes that will save a lackluster dinner. Enjoy!

Sweet Potato Salad

If you're tired of eating baked or mashed sweet potatoes, whip up this sweet potato salad with a mix of red onion, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta. Serve it with grilled chicken or pan-seared steak for a tasty meal.

Get the recipe from Delish.

sweet potato salad
Delish

Garlic Knots

Try out this garlic knots recipe the next time you plan on having spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. These are made using simple ingredients, like store-bought pizza dough, minced garlic, and unsalted butter.

Get the recipe from Delish.

closeup of garlic knots garnished with cheese, parsley, and garlic on a white marble background
Hearst Owned

Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake

These are brussels sprouts like you've never experienced them before. Baked with a gooey white cheddar and Gruyère topping, this delectable dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Get the recipe from Delish.

cheesy brussels sprouts bake
Delish

Miso Carrots

Carrots may not seem like an exciting side dish, but this incredible recipe changes that. This one uses maple syrup, white miso paste, dark brown sugar, and sesame seeds. Be sure to sprinkle the finished result with roasted pistachios for the full effect.

Get the recipe from Delish.

miso carrots
Delish

Lyonnaise Potatoes

Baked potatoes not cutting it for you anymore? If so, try out this Lyonnaise Potatoes recipe that calls for onions, butter, and parsley.

Get the recipe from Delish.

lyonnaise potatoes
Park Feierbach

Chili Oil Smashed Potatoes

Speaking of potatoes, these smashed potatoes are amazing. The best part? They require only a few ingredients, like baby potatoes, chili crisp oil, and sliced scallions.

Get the recipe from Delish.

chili oil smashed potatoes
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Garlic-Parm Zucchini Sauté

Behold a delicious zucchini recipe you'll want to make over and over again. This dish calls for dried oregano, freshly grated parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes, but feel free to add any other spices you'd like.

Get the recipe from Delish.

sauteed zucchini
Delish

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

This lip-smackingly good buffalo cauliflower recipe elevates any entree it's paired with. Be sure to serve these with a side of homemade blue cheese dressing.

Get the recipe from Delish.

air fryer buffalo cauliflower
PHOTO: JOEL GOLDBERG; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

Grilled Balsamic Mushrooms

If you don't think you can make anything exciting with a package of mushrooms, think again. These are made using a tasty balsamic marinade you'll be thinking about for days.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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Park Feierbach

Buttermilk Onion Rings

These onion rings use a combination of fine-cornmeal, smoked paprika, and buttermilk to get their finger-licking good flavor.

Get the recipe from Delish.

air fryer onion rings
Parker feierbach

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Simple ingredients, like black beans, avocado, and corn, come together to create a refreshing salad you'll want to serve with every lunch and dinner.

Get the recipe from Delish.

black bean corn salad
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

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