In all of my recipe posts, I have a section towards the bottom that says “What To Serve It With” and that section is about what sides you could pair with the dish. Or if it is already a post about a side dish, I have main dish suggestions. And this post is all about what side dishes fit with what dish, how you can know what side dishes to pair with a dish and why it works.
Why Side Dishes Matter
Some people may not realize it, but side dishes really do matter. Not only do they help round out the meal and keep you full, but without them, the main dish can look a little lonely sitting on the plate by itself.
I know there are people who will make a main dish without a side and call it a day, but to me, something always feels missing when there is nothing alongside it. Funny enough, I used to be one of those people. The side dish was always the last thing on my mind because I was so focused on the main dish that I simply didn’t have time to think about anything else.
But over time, I realized that sides help complete the meal. The main dish is usually where your protein and carbs come from, while the side dish can add vegetables, fruit, or even another texture that balances everything out. It takes the meal from feeling incomplete to feeling well rounded.
Balance & Texture
When it comes to side dishes, balance and texture can make a huge difference. Let’s be honest, nobody wants an entire plate where every single thing has the exact same texture. A crunchy main dish with a crunchy side can sometimes feel like too much, while a plate full of soft foods can feel a little boring.
One of the best examples is a burger and fries. Unless your burger has crispy toppings like lettuce or onions, the burger itself is usually soft and savory. The fries add that crispy texture that balances everything out.
A lot of the best side dishes work because they contrast the main dish instead of matching it exactly. That is not always the case, but having different textures on the plate helps keep each bite interesting.
Color & Presentation
Color and presentation also play a huge role when it comes to side dishes. Part of what makes a meal look appealing is having a variety of colors on the plate. If everything is the exact same color, the meal can end up looking a little bland even if it tastes amazing.
Adding a colorful side dish can completely change how the plate looks. For example, smoked salmon paired with bright green asparagus instantly feels fresh and vibrant.
Presentation matters too because we really do “eat with our eyes first.” If food looks neat and inviting, our brains naturally expect it to taste good too. A thoughtfully plated side dish can make even a simple dinner feel more special.
Simple VS. Complicated Sides
Side dishes do not always have to be complicated. We do not all have time to make Michelin-star mashed potatoes every night, and honestly, sometimes frozen vegetables in the microwave are exactly what works for a busy evening. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
But if you do want something a little more homemade without spending an hour in the kitchen, simple sides can still make a big impact. Roasted asparagus with garlic and butter is one of my favorites because it only takes a few minutes to throw together before going into the oven. Ok, maybe not throw together, but you know what I mean.
Simple side dishes can still feel flavorful, balanced, and homemade without adding a ton of extra stress to dinner.
My Favorite Side Pairings
Here’s the fun part: talking about some of my favorite pairings! I could honestly go on about this all day, but here are a few combinations that I always come back to.
- Salmon with Asparagus
Yes, “salmon” is a broad term, but honestly, just about any kind of salmon works wonderfully with asparagus. Smoked salmon, pan-fried salmon, salmon pasta, you name it. The freshness of asparagus pairs so well with the richness of the salmon. - Meat and Potatoes
Another broad category, but hear me out. When I say “meat,” I mean dishes like steak, ribs, chicken legs, or meatloaf. Those kinds of hearty mains pair perfectly with potatoes.
Most of the time, I will make mashed potatoes, but sometimes I switch things up with roasted potato wedges in the oven. Potatoes are comforting, filling, and incredibly versatile, which is probably why this pairing has been around forever. - Pasta and Fresh Salad
You knew this one was coming. As you already know, I LOVE pasta, and most of the time I pair it with a salad or at least something green on the side.
A simple side salad goes a long way with pasta because it helps balance out the richness of the dish. Even a Caesar salad works incredibly well. It adds freshness and texture while keeping the meal from feeling too heavy.
If there is one thing I hope you take away from this post, it is that side dishes can completely change a meal. They add balance, color, texture, and sometimes even make dinner feel a little more complete.
And the best part is that side dishes do not have to be complicated to work well. Even simple additions can make a huge difference.
So next time you are planning dinner and are not sure what to serve alongside your main dish, get creative with it! Try different textures, colors, and combinations to see what works for you.
And if you think of a side pairing that I missed, let me know! I would absolutely love to make another post on this topic sometime in the future. Until then, maybe keep an eye out for that potato ricer post because trust me… those things work wonders.
Until Next Time…
Stay Saucy
Hailey 🍝
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