Casseroles are often an entire meal rolled into one dish, but others could use just the right side dish to round out the meal. Often so rich and creamy, a refreshing and crunchy salad or bright and punchy vegetable side dish is just what the menu calls for. From tender green beans to simply sautéed squash, there's something in this collection for just about every casserole out there.
Related: 52 Easy Casserole Recipes For Warm Meals On Busy Nights
There are few foods in this world that bacon, garlic, and Parmesan can't make better, and that list doesn't include green beans. Roasting these green beans at a high temperature quickly cooks them and keeps them tender and bright green for the perfect contrast to creamy casseroles.
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This recipe keeps things simple. That said, if you want to dress this broccoli up a bit, toss it in a store-bought (or homemade) pesto, lemon aioli, sesame-ginger dressing, creamy chipotle sauce, or whatever best compliments the casserole you're serving it with.
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Bacon grease, a splash of red wine vinegar, and a touch garlic turn ordinary pole beans into a tangy, salty, and savory side for just about any casserole.
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Think of broccolini as broccoli's skinnier cousin, that are just as easy to cook and crowd-pleasing, too. We keep this recipe simple, but feel free to add your favorite flavor additions, from red pepper flakes to a sprinkle of ranch seasoning.
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You'll often need a bright and crunchy salad to cut through the cheesy richness of casseroles. The edible flowers on this salad are a gorgeous touch, but can be left off if you can't find them in a store near you.
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When asparagus is in season, the best thing to do is to cook it simply and let it shine. Slivered almonds are a simple garnish that add nuttiness to the sweet spears.
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This is our take on a classic Caesar salad. It features hearty kale, plenty of cheese, and toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. It's delightful served with baked pastas, lasagnas, and other cheesy casseroles.
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With the oven already occupied with a casserole, turn to your air fryer to make the sides. This quick asparagus recipe only takes 15 minutes to make and is bursting with flavor thanks to crumbled goat cheese and everything bagel seasoning.
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This bright take on a canned favorite requires only six ingredients (not counting salt or pepper) and 15 minutes of hands-on cooking.
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Sometimes all a casserole needs alongside it is a simple green salad. This salad dresses up the lettuce with spring onions, radishes, and lots of fresh herbs.
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Toss this side dish in the oven right alongside your casserole. We serve this corn simply, with a little butter and fresh herbs, but you can use your favorite seasonings, like smoked paprika or lemon pepper instead.
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It's always a good idea to keep an envelope of ranch dressing mix in the pantry, as it can be the ticket to an easy and flavorful side dish like these beans in no time.
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The trio of fresh ginger, orange juice, and honey in this recipe transforms plain carrots into a zingy side that will have you going back for seconds.
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For a fresh spring take on a simple side salad, try this strawberry-infused recipe. We blend the fruit into the dressing in addition to tossing pieces in salad, ensuring that the strawberry flavor really shines through.
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Orange marmalade is the secret ingredient to make this simple carrot side dish shine. Although optional, we recommend using rainbow carrots because of the gorgeous color contrast.
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The sweet and salty balance of maple and bacon cuts through the natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts to make this recipe a veggie side dish everyone will enjoy.
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Greens go with just about everything in our minds, and this shortcut version made in an Instant Pot is a great go-to when the stovetop is already crowded.
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If a typical leafy green salad isn't your thing, try this fresh and crunchy slaw instead. It has a pop of sweetness from fresh apple and a salty punch from Parmesan cheese.
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If you haven't tried smashing your veggies, now is the time. It increase the surface area of the vegetable, meaning more crispy, delicious bits.
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With edible skin and a gorgeous golden hue, we think you'll fall in love with this easy to prepare autumn squash.
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If you aren't already serving Old-School Squash Casserole, then this sautéed squash side is a great, quick dish to serve with other creamy casseroles.
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This stovetop side dish is ready in only 20 minutes, and while we love fresh corn, the recipe can made with frozen corn kernels for less cleanup.
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This cabbage practically melts in your mouth. Its natural sweetness is paired with the rich and salty flavor of bacon and a touch of red pepper for heat.
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"It was a great summer salad - I added pieces of prosciutto and sharp provolone. My family hopes I will make it again," wrote Southern Living reader, Evie Spadafora of this simple side salad.
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Peppery radishes and sweet pops of juicy orange segments transform humble leaves of romaine lettuce into a refreshing salad that cuts through any rich and savory casserole its served with.
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A homemade dressing is often what takes a lackluster salad to the next level, and this salad is no exception. Made with white balsamic vinegar, mayonnaise, and mustard, the dressing adds a flavorful kick and balances the pungent flavor of blue cheese and the sweetness of ripe, fresh strawberries in the salad.
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Our favorite part of this simple side salad is the sorghum syrup in the dressing that adds just the right amount of sweetness.
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A classic pairing with pasta, this savory bread side is good for sopping up all sorts of saucy casseroles, too.