17 Simple Side Dishes You Don’t Need a Recipe Card For

Some side dishes are so familiar you barely think about making them. They come together from memory, not measurements, and still show up exactly how you expect. This list of 17 simple side dishes is all about ease, confidence, and the kind of cooking that feels automatic. You can expect comfort, a little nostalgia, and the relief of knowing dinner does not need instructions.

Arugula Salad With Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, And Pomegranate Seeds

Arugula Salad With Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, And Pomegranate Seeds comes together in about 10 minutes with simple chopping and no cooking required. Everything is tossed in one bowl, making it fit the spirit of simple side dishes you can assemble without notes or reminders. The ingredients stay familiar and easy to balance by eye, which keeps prep stress-free. It works well for quick dinners when something fresh needs to land on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Salad With Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, And Pomegranate Seeds

Berry Salad With Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, And Pomegranate Arils

Berry Salad With Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, And Pomegranate Arils relies on basic slicing and mixing that takes roughly 10 minutes from start to finish. It fits simple side dishes because the steps follow instinct rather than measurements. The contrast of textures comes together naturally without extra steps. This is the kind of side that can be pulled together while the main dish finishes cooking.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad With Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, And Pomegranate Arils

Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese

Colombian Baked Plantains With Guava And Cheese bake in the oven in about 25 minutes using a short ingredient list. The method stays straightforward, which makes it a clear match for simple side dishes that feel familiar. Assembly is quick, with layering that can be done without checking instructions. It works well when you want something hands-off while focusing on the rest of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese

Colombian Fruit Salad

Colombian Fruit Salad is prepared with basic chopping and mixing and is ready in about 15 minutes. It fits simple side dishes because the process follows common sense rather than strict steps. No cooking is involved, keeping cleanup light and timing flexible. It works equally well as a casual addition to lunch or a quick finish to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Fruit Salad

Fried Ripe Sweet Plantains

Fried Ripe Sweet Plantains cook on the stovetop in about 10 minutes using a single pan. This dish aligns with simple side dishes since the visual cues guide doneness better than any timer. The slices cook quickly and require very little prep. It is easy to make alongside eggs, grilled meats, or rice-based meals.
Get the Recipe: Fried Ripe Sweet Plantains

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic cook in the air fryer in about 15 minutes. The hands-off cooking style fits the rhythm of simple side dishes made without reference material. Tossing everything together before cooking keeps prep short. This side slides easily into busy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic

Fennel And Mango Slaw

Fennel And Mango Slaw takes about 15 minutes and requires only slicing and mixing. It belongs among simple side dishes because the balance comes together naturally without extra steps. No heat is involved, which keeps timing flexible. It pairs easily with grilled or roasted mains.
Get the Recipe: Fennel And Mango Slaw

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard cooks on the stovetop in under 10 minutes. The quick sauté method makes it a strong example of simple side dishes that rely on timing rather than measuring. Prep is limited to chopping and stirring. It works well when dinner needs a fast vegetable addition.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing comes together in about 15 minutes with light prep. It fits simple side dishes because the steps repeat motions most home cooks already know. Massaging the greens and mixing the dressing stay easy and intuitive. This side holds up well during longer meals without last-minute work.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad With Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta

Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta takes roughly 10 minutes using basic mixing. It fits simple side dishes since everything is combined in one bowl with no cooking. The ingredients are easy to adjust by sight and taste. It works well for make-ahead meals or quick dinners.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad is assembled in about 10 minutes with slicing and stirring. It reflects simple side dishes because the preparation relies on repetition rather than precision. No stove or oven is needed, keeping cleanup minimal. It adds contrast to heavier main dishes with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers cooks on the stovetop in about 20 minutes. The steady stirring and visual cues make it fit naturally into simple side dishes. Ingredients soften gradually, making timing easy to judge. It works well as a hearty addition to everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

Smoky Baba Ghanoush Without Tahini

Baba Ghanoush Without Tahini is prepared by roasting and blending, taking about 30 minutes total. The process stays manageable, keeping it aligned with simple side dishes that do not require memorization. Each step flows naturally from the last. It can be served right away or held until the rest of the meal is ready.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Baba Ghanoush Without Tahini

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad comes together in about 10 minutes with basic slicing. It fits simple side dishes because the preparation follows familiar motions. No cooking is involved, which keeps timing flexible. This side works well when meals need something quick and cooling.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers cook in the oven in about 35 minutes. The single-pan method fits the idea of simple side dishes you can prepare without written steps. Tossing and roasting keep the process efficient. It pairs well with a wide range of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers

Spinach Colcannon Recipe

Spinach Colcannon cooks on the stovetop in about 25 minutes using basic boiling and mashing. The familiar method places it firmly among simple side dishes. The steps are easy to follow from memory. It works well for comforting dinners that need a filling addition.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon Recipe

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant Tomato Stacks cook quickly on the grill or stovetop in about 20 minutes. The layering process stays straightforward, which suits simple side dishes made by feel. Assembly happens as the vegetables cook, keeping timing smooth. This dish adds structure to the plate without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks