When planning a meal, pairing the right main course with the perfect side can elevate your dining experience. Simple side dishes can add a lot of flavor and texture to your plate, while more intricate ones can bring out the best in your main course. Whether you’re having a casual family meal or hosting a special occasion, knowing how to make delicious sides can make your meal memorable.
Here are some options that pair well with your favorite mains:
Classic Roast Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Start by roasting a whole chicken. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a mixture of your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary. Roast it at 375°F for 1-1.5 hours until golden and crispy on the outside, juicy inside. For the mashed potatoes, peel and boil about 3 pounds of potatoes. Once tender, mash them with butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth. These mashed potatoes are rich and creamy, a perfect accompaniment to the savory chicken. The simple, buttery flavor of the potatoes balances the herbed, juicy chicken, creating a satisfying meal.
Fresh and Flavorful Slaw to Pair with Any Dish
For a quick, refreshing slaw, toss shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. In this slaw dressing recipe, you have to whisk together dressing ingredients, like mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat. If you prefer a lighter option, you can swap mayo with Greek yogurt. For a crunchier texture, add sunflower seeds or poppy seeds. Customize your slaw by adding finely chopped green onions or switching the cabbage for a broccoli or Brussels sprouts slaw. The creamy, tangy dressing brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making this slaw a perfect, cool complement to hearty mains.
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
For a perfectly grilled salmon, start by seasoning the fillets with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Preheat the grill to medium-high and cook the salmon for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. While the salmon grills, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the cooked salmon just before serving. The citrusy butter enhances the rich, flaky texture of the fish. Pair with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Roasted Vegetables with Herbed Couscous
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Chop vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Meanwhile, cook couscous according to the package instructions. Once done, fluff with a fork and toss with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. The light, fluffy couscous pairs perfectly with the sweet, roasted vegetables, offering a delightful contrast in texture. This side is simple but packed with flavor, making it a great pairing with protein-heavy dishes.
Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Sauce
Begin by searing a beef tenderloin in a hot pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes, then finish cooking in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the desired doneness is reached. For the sauce, sauté sliced mushrooms in the same pan until golden, then add garlic and spinach. Pour in heavy cream and cook until the sauce thickens. Spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the sliced beef tenderloin before serving. The tender, juicy beef paired with the rich, creamy sauce offers a luxurious combination that’s sure to impress.
Crispy Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives
For crispy baked potatoes, start by scrubbing four large russet potatoes clean and drying them thoroughly. Poke a few holes with a fork and rub the potatoes with olive oil and salt. Bake at 400°F for about 45 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the inside is tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, cut a slit down the middle, fluff the insides with a fork, and top with sour cream, fresh chives, and crispy bacon bits if desired. These potatoes have a crunchy, salty exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, making them the perfect side to hearty meat dishes like steak or roast chicken.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a Zesty Salad
Start by boiling spaghetti according to the package directions. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add red pepper flakes for a little kick and toss in the drained pasta. Stir to coat the pasta in the garlic oil. For a zesty salad, mix arugula with halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. The simple pasta pairs perfectly with the fresh, tangy salad. This combo offers a light yet satisfying meal that’s full of flavor, making it a great side pairing for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Barbecue Ribs with Corn on the Cob
Start by seasoning your ribs with a dry rub of brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Slow-cook the ribs in the oven at 300°F for 2-3 hours until tender. Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce and finish under the broiler for 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce. For the corn, boil or grill the ears until tender. Brush with butter, sprinkle with salt, and serve. The smoky, sweet ribs complement the fresh, buttery corn, making this a classic and satisfying combo perfect for summer gatherings or any hearty meal.
Pairing the right sides with your main course can transform an everyday meal into something special. From crispy potatoes and roasted vegetables to fresh slaw and baked pasta, these dishes add layers of flavor and texture to your plate. The beauty of these sides lies in their versatility. They can complement anything from grilled salmon to roasted beef. So, whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or a festive occasion, these pairings will surely impress your guests and make your meal memorable.
