Must Try in 2025: Best Sides to Savor
- By Valerie Denton
- Updated on January 15, 2025
As we dive into 2025, the culinary landscape continues to evolve, bringing new flavors, techniques, and ingredients to the forefront. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting a lavish party, sides play a crucial role in complementing your main courses. This year, we’re focusing on a mix of innovative recipes and classic favorites reimagined, each designed to enhance your dining experience with their unique profiles.
From the smoky depth of charred vegetables to the refreshing zest of citrus-dressed salads, our side dishes are curated to pair beautifully with both traditional and modern cuisines. Every month, I’ll update this article with fresh, seasonal side dish recipes, ensuring you have access to a diverse palette of options that reflect the best of what each season has to offer.
These recipes are not just about filling a spot on your plate; they’re about elevating every meal into a memorable culinary event. We’ll explore everything from rustic, comfort food staples that bring warmth during the cooler months to vibrant, garden-fresh preparations that celebrate the bounty of the warmer seasons. Each side will be designed to be both practical and inspiring, with tips on how to adjust flavors to match your main dishes perfectly.
Table of Contents – select to jump forward
What are Side Dishes
Side dishes are secondary servings that accompany the main course in a meal. They are usually smaller in portion and meant to complement or enhance the flavors of the main dish. Side dishes vary widely from simple steamed vegetables to elaborate salads and starches, offering a balance to the meal’s nutritional profile and sensory experiences.
Why Side Dishes Matter
Side dishes play a crucial role in crafting a well-rounded meal, serving far beyond mere accompaniment to the main dish. They offer an opportunity to enhance the flavors of your primary course, contribute contrasting or complementary textures, introduce vibrant colors, and elevate the nutritional profile of the entire meal. Whether you’re preparing a humble weeknight dinner or orchestrating a grand dinner party, the side dishes you select can profoundly influence the overall dining experience.

Flavor Enhancement
A thoughtfully chosen side dish can act as a flavor enhancer to the main course. For instance, a tangy, citrusy salad can cut through the richness of a fatty fish or a creamy pasta dish, refreshing the palate. Alternatively, a side of spiced, roasted vegetables can complement and intensify the deep flavors of a grilled steak or roasted meat.
Texture Contrast
Texture plays a significant role in the enjoyment of a meal. A creamy or silky side dish, like mashed potatoes or a velvety puree, can provide a delightful contrast to a crispy or chewy main dish, such as fried chicken or grilled ribs. On the other hand, adding a crunchy element like a fresh slaw or a toasted breadcrumb topping can break the monotony of softer, smoother main dishes like baked fish or a stew.
Visual Appeal
The visual presentation of a meal is immensely important as it’s the first impression diners receive. Side dishes offer an excellent opportunity to add splashes of color and artistry to the plate. Brightly colored vegetables, vibrant salads, or elegantly garnished grains can transform a dull, monochromatic main dish into an appealing, festive feast that excites the senses before the first bite is even taken.
Nutritional Balance
Incorporating a variety of side dishes can also improve the nutritional value of your meal, ensuring a balanced intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. For example, adding a side of steamed broccoli or a kale salad can boost the vitamin content, while a side of quinoa or brown rice can provide necessary fiber and protein. This is particularly important in creating meals that are satisfying and healthful, supporting overall dietary goals.
Adapting to the Occasion
The choice of side dishes can also reflect the tone and formality of a meal. For casual dining, simpler sides such as roasted potatoes or a basic green salad might be appropriate. For more formal occasions or festive gatherings, more elaborate sides like risottos, gourmet vegetable tarts, or intricately seasoned and layered dishes can add a sense of occasion and delight guests.
In summary, side dishes are integral to the success of a meal, capable of transforming and elevating the dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary. They allow the cook to express creativity and consider the interplay of flavors, textures, and colors, while also catering to nutritional needs and the specific context of the meal. Choosing the right side dishes is thus a blend of art and science, requiring both a creative touch and thoughtful consideration.
Origin of Side Dishes
The concept of side dishes is a universal aspect of culinary traditions around the world, varying significantly from one culture to another based on local ingredients, agricultural practices, and historical influences. This diversity not only enriches our dining tables but also provides insight into how food adapts and evolves across different societies.
In many Asian cuisines, the practice of serving a staple such as rice or noodles alongside multiple smaller dishes—such as steamed or pickled vegetables, fish, and various types of pickles—is prevalent. This style of dining emphasizes a communal sharing culture where meals are enjoyed together, allowing diners to taste a variety of flavors and textures in one sitting.
Conversely, European meals often feature a different array of side dishes, such as hearty breads, a variety of cooked or raw salads, and potatoes prepared in numerous ways. These sides reflect the agricultural norms and culinary techniques of the region, showcasing how local resources and historical developments shape what appears on the dinner plate. Looking back historically:
Ancient Rome
Dining was an elaborate affair with meals typically accompanied by “mensae secundae,” or second tables, which included an assortment of fruits, nuts, and cold meats. This practice highlighted the Romans’ love for diverse and abundant feasting.
Medieval Europe
Banquets during this era were grand displays of hospitality and excess, featuring multiple side dishes like aspics, pottages, and subtleties—an array of elaborate dishes designed to surprise and delight guests. These dishes were not only a testament to the chef’s skill but also a crucial element of the theatrical experience of medieval feasts.
Modern Times
Today, the evolution continues as modern culinary techniques and global influences merge to create innovative new side dishes. Chefs and home cooks alike experiment with traditional components, introducing new flavors and methods that redefine what a side dish can be.
This exploration of side dishes through the ages and across continents illustrates the rich tapestry of global cuisine and how it reflects deeper cultural stories and societal developments. Each dish, whether a simple steamed vegetable or an intricate aspic, carries with it the marks of its cultural heritage and the innovative spirit of its creators.
Selecting the Perfect Side Dish Recipe
Choosing the right side dish can elevate a meal from good to extraordinary. It’s about balancing flavors, textures, and colors to complement the main course while also taking into account the season and the occasion. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a side dish:
Consider the Main Dish
The main dish should dictate the choice of your side. Consider the dominant flavors and textures of the main course:
- Rich and Heavy Main Dishes: Opt for lighter sides, such as steamed vegetables or a crisp salad, to provide a contrast.
- Light Main Courses: Complement with something more substantial, like roasted potatoes or a creamy pasta, to round out the meal.
Balance the Flavors
A well-chosen side dish not only complements the main dish but also introduces additional flavors that enhance the overall dining experience:
- Salty or Spicy Mains: Choose sides with mild, cooling flavors, such as cucumber salad or a creamy polenta.
- Sweet or Rich Mains: Opt for sides that add a touch of acidity or bitterness, like a tangy coleslaw or sautéed greens.
Texture and Consistency
The texture of the side dish should offer a pleasant contrast to the main:
- Crunchy Main Dishes: Pair with something soft or creamy, such as mashed potatoes or a smooth bean puree.
- Soft Main Courses: Add crunch and interest with a side like roasted brussels sprouts or a grain salad.
Color and Presentation
Visual appeal is crucial, as we eat with our eyes first. Choose sides that add color and visual interest to the plate:
- Monochromatic Meals: Brighten them up with colorful sides like glazed carrots, beetroot salad, or a vibrant chutney.
- Colorful Plates: Sometimes, a simple, less colorful side like a white rice pilaf can balance a plate that’s already full of color.
Seasonal and Local Ingredients
Selecting ingredients that are in season not only enhances the flavor of your dishes but also supports local agriculture:
- Spring: Think fresh greens, asparagus, peas, and herbs.
- Summer: Opt for tomatoes, berries, cucumbers, and fresh corn.
- Fall: Go for squash, pumpkins, potatoes, and late-harvest greens.
- Winter: Choose root vegetables, preserved foods, and hearty grains.
Dietary Considerations
Always consider the dietary needs and preferences of your guests. Include a variety of sides that cater to different restrictions such as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, or low-carb options.
Experiment and Have Fun
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and recipes. Sometimes, the best pairings are discovered through trial and error. Get creative with spices, herbs, and seasonal produce to find what works best for your personal taste and the specific occasion.
By thoughtfully selecting side dishes that complement and enhance the main course, you can ensure a harmonious and memorable meal. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or a formal gathering, the right sides can make all the difference.
Ready, Set, Cook
Whether you’re looking to introduce a new tradition or simply spice up your weekly meal planning, our monthly updates will keep your kitchen lively and your taste buds intrigued. By choosing the right side dishes, you can elevate any dinner from good to great. Whether you opt for the simplicity of steamed vegetables or the bold flavors of international cuisines, remember that the best meals are those made with care and shared with loved ones.
So stay tuned, and get ready to explore a world of flavors with our 2025 side dish guide!
January: Sides for A Cozy Start to the Year
Creamed Spinach (coming soon)
Creamed spinach is a timeless classic that never fails to delight. This creamy, savory side dish combines fresh spinach leaves with a rich blend of cream, garlic, and nutmeg, offering a luxurious texture and robust flavor. Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any meal, creamed spinach is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Learn more a

Scallop Cabbage (coming soon)
Elevate your vegetable game with scallop cabbage, a delightful dish that features layers of tender cabbage baked with a creamy, scalloped sauce. The subtle sweetness of cabbage pairs wonderfully with the richness of the sauce, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for winter nights.
Dilled Carrots (coming soon)
Brighten up your plate with dilled carrots, an easy-to-make side that’s bursting with flavor. This recipe enhances the natural sweetness of carrots with a zesty dill and butter glaze. Quick to prepare, dilled carrots are an excellent choice for adding a vibrant, healthy touch to your dinner table. Find out more about the herb dill by exploring our detailed article, “Fresh Dill Unleashed.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What defines a side dish?
A side dish is a secondary serving that accompanies the main course during a meal. It’s usually smaller in portion and designed to complement or enhance the flavors of the main dish. Side dishes range from simple steamed vegetables to elaborate salads and starches.
What are some tips for preparing side dishes ahead of time?
Many side dishes can be prepared in advance to ease mealtime preparation. Look for make-ahead tips under each recipe, which often include storage advice and instructions on how to reheat dishes effectively. Use our Ultimate Guide to Cooking Vegetables for make ahead cooking methods for vegetables. It gives you step by step instructions on how to blanche and pre-cook your vegetables in advance. Our Carrot Souffle, Chipotle Fried Apples, Marshmallow Black Cherry Jell-O Salad can all be made in advance.
Are there any side dishes that can serve as a main course for vegetarians or vegans?
Several of the side dishes in the series are substantial enough to serve as a main course for vegetarians or vegans. These include options like stuffed peppers, hearty grain salads, and robust vegetable casseroles.