Looking for a fresh take on dinner? Swap out the same-old sides for something vibrant and satisfying. Below are 18 delicious, gluten-free, mostly dairy-free (with occasional ghee), and Whole30-friendly side dishes that are simple to prepare and full of flavor.
Sometimes I make a whole meal from sides alone—do you ever do that? Whether you want a few complementary dishes to serve with an entrée or you’re assembling a sides-only dinner, these recipes are reliable crowd-pleasers.
1. Broccoli Ranch Twice Baked Potatoes
Crispy, salty skins give way to a creamy, broccoli-and-ranch mashed potato filling. These twice-baked potatoes feel indulgent while still being wholesome.
2. Lemon & Thyme Roasted Carrots
Tender roasted carrots brightened with fresh lemon and fragrant thyme—an easy, elegant side that pairs well with fish or roasted chicken.
3. Spicy Roasted Broccoli
Roasted until crisp-tender and seasoned with heat, this broccoli is addictive—so much so I make it several times a week.
4. Cinnamon Pecan Sweet Potato Rounds
These taste like classic sweet potato casserole but without added sugar—sweet, nutty, and guilt-free.
5. Pineapple Cauliflower Rice
Roasted cauliflower rice with pineapple, coconut aminos, and bacon bits creates a sweet-savory side that works well with Asian-inspired or tropical mains.
6. Smashed & Roasted Italian Potatoes
Seasoned boldly and roasted until crisp, these smashed potatoes are irresistibly crunchy on the outside and tender inside.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting brings out their sweetness and creates caramelized edges—my three-year-old even eats an entire tray in one go.
8. Skillet Breakfast Potatoes
Crispy, fast, and versatile—these potatoes work for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and come together in one skillet.
9. Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
Oven-roasting gives these green beans extra depth, and toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
10. Pesto Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts
Dairy-free pistachio lemon pesto elevates roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts into a bright, herb-forward side.
11. Roasted Red Cabbage
Also called purple cabbage, this vegetable develops rich color and sweet, roasted flavor when baked—try it as a vibrant side for roasted meats.
12. Baked Herb Potato Rounds
These rounds have a buttery flavor without using butter—herbs and roasting create rich taste and crisp texture.
13. Roasted Parsley Carrots
A simple recipe that highlighted my love for ghee—these carrots roast until soft and naturally sweet with a bright parsley finish.
14. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
A light swap for regular rice, this cauliflower rice with cilantro and lime is especially good with fajitas, tacos, or burrito bowls.
15. Smashed & Roasted Rosemary Garlic Potatoes
If you love garlic and rosemary, these smashed roasted potatoes deliver bold, comforting flavor and a perfect crispy finish.
16. Roasted Lemon Asparagus
Light and bright, this asparagus is roasted with lemon and is ready in about 15 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
17. Light & Creamy Mashed Potatoes
A lighter take on mashed potatoes that uses chicken stock for creaminess with fewer calories—comforting without feeling heavy.
18. Garlic Green Beans
Sautéed or roasted with garlic, these green beans convert skeptics into fans—deliciously simple and full of flavor.
Which side is your favorite? Share your go-to dish in the comments—I’d love to hear what you make. If you try one of these recipes and post a photo on Instagram, tag @thewholecook so I can see your results. It brightens my day to see these recipes on your table.
For more side dish inspiration, browse the full collection of sides on my recipe archive.