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19 Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly With Any Main Course

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A great side dish is like a good friend—reliable, supportive, and never overshadowing the main event. It’s the finishing touch that turns a random meal into something worth talking about, even if most of that talk is just, “Wow, this was a good idea.” No matter what’s on the plate, the right match is waiting to make it even better.

Air fryer basket filled with breaded chicken pieces cooking evenly.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites Low Carb Version. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Steamed Artichoke

An artichoke in a bowl with lemon slices and a fork.
Steamed Artichoke. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Some side dishes take over the plate, but this one knows how to stay in its lane. The subtle flavor of Steamed Artichoke makes it perfect for any meal without stealing the spotlight. It’s the kind of side that makes you feel fancy without actually trying. Just dip, pull, and enjoy—it doesn’t get much easier than that.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichoke

Sugar Free Rainbow Pickled Daikon

Three bowls with diced pickled daikon.
Sugar Free Rainbow Pickled Daikon. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A little crunch, a little tang, and a lot of color make this side an easy win. Sugar Free Rainbow Pickled Daikon isn’t just for looks—it brings a punch of flavor that keeps things interesting. It works with almost anything, adding just the right amount of bite. Plus, who doesn’t love a side dish that looks as fun as it tastes?
Get the Recipe: Sugar Free Rainbow Pickled Daikon

Lecso Vegetable Stew

A girl holding a big casserole filled with vegetable stew.
Lecso Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Some sides feel like a supporting act, but this one has main character energy. Lecso Vegetable Stew is warm, hearty, and loaded with flavor that plays well with everything. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you don’t make it more often. Whether it’s paired with meat, fish, or just a spoon, it’s always a good choice.
Get the Recipe: Lecso Vegetable Stew

Baked Cabbage Steaks Using Air Fryer

Roasted cabbage wedges topped with herbs and seasonings.
Baked Cabbage Steaks Using Air Fryer. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

When you need something that’s crispy and tender, this side delivers. Baked Cabbage Steaks Using Air Fryer bring out flavors you didn’t even know cabbage had. It’s simple, quick, and works with pretty much anything. Plus, anything that turns a basic veggie into something exciting deserves a spot on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cabbage Steaks Using Air Fryer

Low Carb Dumplings Recipe

A plate of several seasoned dumplings garnished with fresh herbs.
Low Carb Dumplings Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Finding a side dish that works with everything is like hitting the jackpot, and this one does just that. Low Carb Dumplings Recipe is light enough to keep things balanced but still fulfilling. Whether you’re pairing it with soup, sauce, or just eating them straight up, they never disappoint. Good luck stopping at just one.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Dumplings Recipe

Avocado Egg Salad

Avocado Egg Salad on a salad leaves.
Avocado Egg Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Creamy, fresh, and easy to throw together, this one makes any meal feel complete. Avocado Egg Salad is the kind of side that goes with everything. It’s light but filling, making it perfect for when you need something simple that still feels like a real dish. Just don’t be surprised when people ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Crispy Baked Zucchini In Oven

Crispy Baked Zucchini served on a white plate.
Crispy Baked Zucchini In Oven. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

If fries and veggies had a genius-level child, this would be it. Crispy Baked Zucchini In Oven gives you all the crunch without any of the guilt. It’s the kind of side that makes you forget you’re eating something healthy. Plus, dipping it into your favorite sauce makes it even better.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Zucchini In Oven

Air Fryer Cabbage Recipe

Grilled cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs and spices.
Air Fryer Cabbage Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Some sides are good, and then there are the ones you end up making every week. Air Fryer Cabbage Recipe somehow turns a simple veggie into something crispy, flavorful, and easy. It’s light, but it holds its own next to any main course. If cabbage always tasted like this, no one would ever complain about eating their greens.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cabbage Recipe

Faux Potato Salad

A white bowl of potato salad with mayonnaise.
Faux Potato Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This side gives you everything you love about the classic dish, minus the extra carbs. Faux Potato Salad is creamy, fulfilling, and the perfect match for whatever’s on the grill. It’s one of those dishes that makes you forget it’s a “healthier” version. No one will question what’s in it—they’ll just want more.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

Green Bean Casserole

A baked green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Some sides are a tradition for a reason, and this one never goes out of style. Green Bean Casserole is creamy, crunchy, and works with any meal, holiday or not. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel nostalgic, even if you just had it last week. If comfort had a flavor, this would be it.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread

Bright purple beet spread inside a ceramic bowl.
Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Some sides just sit quietly on the table, but this one makes a statement. Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread brings bold color and flavor that works with anything. It’s smooth, rich, and makes you feel like you put in way more effort than you actually did. Plus, anything that adds color to the plate is a win.
Get the Recipe: Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread

Gluten Free Fried Onions Recipe

A bowl filled with crispy fried onion strings.
Gluten Free Fried Onions Recipe. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Crispy, golden, and dangerously easy to snack on, this side is hard to resist. Gluten Free Fried Onions Recipe isn’t just for topping casseroles—it works with almost anything. It adds the perfect crunch to every bite, making boring dishes way more exciting. Just try not to eat them all before they make it to the table.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Fried Onions Recipe

Homemade Curd Cheese

Curd cheese inside a cup with frozen berries.
Homemade Curd Cheese. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This side is so versatile, you’ll find yourself putting it on everything. Homemade Curd Cheese is smooth, creamy, and pairs well with everything from bread to veggies. It’s light enough to complement any dish but still fulfilling on its own. If you’ve never tried making your own, this is the one to start with.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Curd Cheese

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh Salad inside colorful bowls.
Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Light, fresh, and full of flavor, this dish makes any meal feel balanced. Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad brings a bright, refreshing element to heavier dishes without stealing the show. It works as a side, a topping, or even a quick snack when no one’s looking. It’s proof that simple dishes can still be the best part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

Extra Crispy Keto Tater Tots Croquettes inside white bowl.
Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

If crunchy and golden sounds like your kind of thing, this side is a must. Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes takes everything good about regular tots and makes them even better. They work with any meal, but they’re also good enough to eat on their own. Just don’t be surprised if they disappear before the main dish even hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling

Keto steamed bread on a wooden board sliced.
Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Some sides are just there to fill space, but this one brings something extra. Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling is soft, light, and perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. It’s great with meats, stews, or just as a quick bite on its own. If you like your side dishes doing more than just sitting there, this is the one to make.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe Skewers Style

Bacon wrapped brussels sprouts on skewers.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe Skewers Style. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Brussels sprouts have a bad reputation, but this dish changes that fast. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe Skewers Style takes a simple veggie and makes it irresistible. It’s crispy, smoky, and pairs with just about anything. Even the biggest sprout-haters might have to admit this one is actually good.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe Skewers Style

Low Carb French Fried Onions

A wooden bowl filled with crispy fried onions, placed on a wooden tray.
Low Carb French Fried Onions. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Some side dishes are nice to have, and then there are the ones you can’t stop eating. Low Carb French Fried Onions add crunch and flavor to anything, whether it’s a main course or just a handful straight from the bowl. They’re light, crispy, and somehow disappear way too fast. You might want to make extra just in case.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb French Fried Onions

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites Low Carb Version

Air fryer basket filled with breaded chicken pieces cooking evenly.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites Low Carb Version. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Some sides sit quietly on the plate, but this one always gets attention. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites Low Carb Version gives you that perfect crunch without all the extra work. It’s quick, flavorful, and works with any meal—or just as a snack on its own. No one ever complains when this shows up on the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites Low Carb Version

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By Zuzana Paar on February 22nd, 2025
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About Zuzana Paar

I'm Zuzana, the creator of Tiny Batch Cooking. With my skills as a content creator, recipe developer, food writer, videographer, blogger, and photographer, I focus on small batch recipes that are easy and delicious. My aim is to help you enjoy cooking.

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