Sides for the Best Dinner
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Sides for the best dinner are the recipes I turn to when the main dish needs a little something extra. Plain rice or warm tostadas can do the trick, but there are nights when I want more. A batch of fajita veggies, a fresh cucumber salad, or crispy patacones can change the whole plate. These are the sides I make to round out dinner in a way that feels easy and satisfying.
Why These Sides Work for Dinner
Each of these recipes has a place at the table, whether you want something light and fresh or warm and hearty. A cucumber salad cools down spicy mains, patacones bring crunch and texture, and a skillet of fajita veggies can stretch a meal without much effort. These sides fill the gaps so dinner feels balanced.
Plantains
1
The Easiest Air Fryer Sweet Plantains
Delicious, sweet, and easy-to-make air-fried sweet plantains. They're a lighter version of the classic maduros recipe.
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2
Air Fryer Plantain Chips
Easy, crispy homemade air fryer plantain chips are perfect for snacking. They're gluten-free and a healthier version of the classic plantain chips.
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3
Boiled Plantains
Boiled plantains are such a simple and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed in so many ways. Whether you’re tossing them with garlic and herbs, adding a little heat with hot sauce, or going sweet with cinnamon and brown sugar, they’re a versatile staple that’s perfect for any meal. A must-try if you love Latin flavors!
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4
Air fryer Arañitas de Platanos
Air Fryer crispy plantain hash or fritters made with finely shredded green plantains. Air fried or deep fried, these arañitas de platanos are delish! Perfect with fish, ceviche, steak, and chicken. These are perfect!
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Rice
5
6
How To Make The Best Canned Black Beans
Turn bland canned beans into delicious restaurant-like black beans (frijoles negros) and serve with white rice and fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley.
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7
Black Beans and Rice with Green Chiles
A simple black beans and rice recipe made with green chiles, cumin, and lime. Great for taco night, meal prep, or as a quick side dish.
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8
Vegan Arroz con Gandules
Arroz con gandules – Puerto Rican rice with pigeon peas, cooked with sofrito, sazon, and adobo. This vegetarian version comes together in one pot and is perfect with tostones.
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Salads
11
Tajin Creamy Cucumber Salad with Queso Fresco
Tajin creamy cucumber salad with queso fresco is a quick, no-cook recipe made with sour cream, lime, and queso fresco. A great warm-weather side.
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12
Strawberry Spring Salad with Feta, Blueberries, and Balsamic Drizzle
This strawberry spring salad is tossed with blueberries, pecans, feta, balsamic vinaigrette, and finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
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Pasta Salads
13
Big Mac Style Pasta Salad
Big Mac inspired pasta salad is loaded with tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, and creamy burger sauce, all mixed with pasta for a fun dish that’s great for football Sundays or picnics.
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14
Bruschetta Pasta Salad
This bruschetta pasta salad is made with tomatoes, basil, garlic, marinated mozzarella, and a balsamic dressing, all mixed with fusilli for a simple and delicious meal.
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15
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Deviled egg pasta salad is made with macaroni, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing with mustard and paprika. Serve it fresh with grilled chicken or sandwiches.
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16
Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
This creamy cilantro lime pasta salad comes together with fusilli pasta, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and sweet corn, all mixed with a tangy cilantro lime dressing.
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17
20-Minute Simple Black Bean Pasta Salad
A simple and quick black bean pasta salad packed with fresh ingredients like fusilli, arugula, sweet corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and a yogurt lime dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s great as a meal or side dish!
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18
Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
Made with flaky tuna, fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, and a creamy dressing, this tuna pasta salad is a delicious and simple dish for BBQs, potlucks, or casual family meals.
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20
Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad
Creamy caesar pasta salad is a quick and easy dish loaded with creamy dressing, crispy garbanzos, and fresh arugula. Perfect for potlucks, weekday dinners, or meal prep.
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21
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Dill pickle pasta salad is made with macaroni, diced dill pickles, sweet onions, and a creamy dressing. Serve it fresh with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
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22
Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
This creamy ranch pasta salad features shell pasta coated in ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and crunchy roasted garbanzos. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and pairs perfectly with your favorite mains like crispy chicken cutlets or hot honey bites.
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23
Pickle Pico De Gallo Pasta Salad
Pickle pico de gallo pasta salad is made with macaroni, a creamy dressing, and crunchy pickles. Serve it fresh with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
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Vegetables & Tortillas
24
Honey Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Carrots
These honey garlic herb butter roasted carrots are baked until golden and tossed with warm butter, herbs, and honey. A simple side for the holidays or everyday dinners.
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25
Oven-Roasted Parmesan-Garlic Carrots
These oven-roasted parmesan-garlic carrots are tender inside and crisp on the edges. Made with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan for an easy side that works for weeknights or holidays.
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26
15-Minute Peppers and Onions For Delicious Fajitas
Cooked fajita veggies made with peppers and onions for a sweet addition to your favorite carnitas or seared steak.
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27
Crispy Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower with Hummus
This crispy za’atar roasted cauliflower with hummus is topped with warm olive oil mixed with garlic, paprika, and parsley. Simple, bright, and perfect for sharing.
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The Best Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad
This Mexican street corn potato salad is made with roasted corn, golden potatoes, mayo, lime, scallions, and crumbled cotija — great for cookouts or weekday meals.
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30
Baked Blue Corn Tostadas
Baked blue corn tostadas are made in the oven with tortillas, a little butter or olive oil, and salt. Crunchy, simple, and ready in minutes.
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French or Yuca Fries
31
Taco Bell Nacho Fries (Baked Copycat Recipe with Nacho Cheese)
Nacho fries copycat recipe – golden fries coated in Mexican seasoning and served with melty nacho cheese, just like Taco Bell’s. Bake or fry them for the perfect fast food fix at home.
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32
In-N-Out Animal Style Fries (Copycat Recipe)
In-N-Out animal style fries copycat recipe – golden fries topped with cheese, caramelized onions, and the classic sauce. Serve them fresh for the best taste.
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33
How To Make Crispy Yuca Fries In The Air Fryer
Yuca is a mild, nutty, starchy vegetable that can be turned into crispy deliciousness without deep frying! These yuca fries in the air fryer, are so easy and simple to make.
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34
Extra Crispy and Tender Yuca Fries with Chimichurri Aioli
Super crispy yuca fries are undefeated; they're so good when they're done right.
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Baked
35
Corn Pudding Casserole
This corn pudding casserole bakes up with a golden top and soft, creamy center. Sweet, buttery, and perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners.
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36
Corn Pudding Recipe That Makes the Perfect Side
This corn pudding recipe makes the perfect side for roasted chicken, pork, or holiday dinners. Creamy in the center, golden on top, and full of sweet corn flavor.
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