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The Passport Kitchen

17 Side Dishes That Can Make Weeknight Dinners Feel Special

August 13, 2025 by Amanda Tyler Leave a Comment

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Some nights, dinner is just dinner. But some nights you want to make it a bit more special. These side dishes are the way to make your weeknight dinners a little more special.

They are delicious and perfect for any night. 

Egg and Scallion Vegetarian Dumpling Recipe

Egg and Scallion Vegetarian Dumplings.

Image Credit: The Passport Kitchen.

These light and springy egg and scallion dumplings, filled with vermicelli noodles for texture and bounce, are the best vegetarian dumplings of all time.

Get The Recipe:  Egg and Scallion Vegetarian Dumplings

Garlicky & Spicy Sichuan Cucumber Salad

Garlicky & Spicy Sichuan Cucumber Salad.

Image Credit: The Passport Kitchen.

This Sichuan cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for a Chinese-inspired feast of your own and can be made in 5 minutes with simple pantry ingredients!

Get The Recipe: Garlicky & Spicy Sichuan Cucumber Salad

10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe.

Image Credit: The Forked Spoon.

Crisp, fresh, and bursting with loads of unexpected flavor, this Garlic Bok Choy Recipe is guaranteed to be your new favorite side dish. Ready in just 10 minutes, enjoy this easy vegetarian side dish with chicken, beef, or fish.

Get the Recipe: 10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

Savory Potato Galette

Savory Potato Galette.
Image Credit: In The Kitch.

This savory potato galette recipe is perfect. The combination of pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese lends a seasoned, savory taste to the thinly sliced baked potatoes. Encased in free-form pastry dough, it all comes together in a delightfully rustic way.

Get the Recipe: Savory Potato Galette

Sweet Potato Soufflé

Sweet Potato Soufflé.

Image Credit: Spoonful of Flavor.

This simple Sweet Potato Soufflé recipe combines mashed sweet potatoes with a handful of basic ingredients. It’s garnished with pecans and a dusting of brown sugar. 

Get The Recipe: Sweet Potato Soufflé

Parmesan Cauliflower 

Parmesan Cauliflower | a quick and healthy side dish.

Image Credit: An Inspired Home.

In a matter of minutes, you can make crispy and flavorful roasted Parmesan Cauliflower for a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Parmesan Cauliflower

Lemon Greek Potatoes Recipe

The Best Lemon Greek Potatoes Recipe: Crispy and Tangy!.

Image Credit: The Bored Housewife.

There’s something magical about lemon Greek potatoes. The crispy edges, the tender centers, and that unmistakable zesty, herby flavor make this dish a standout.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes Recipe

Vietnamese Mango Salad With Mint, Red Onion, and Chili

Vietnamese Mango Salad with Mint, Red Onion, and Chili.

Image Credit: The Passport Kitchen.

This punchy, sweet-and-sour Vietnamese mango salad mixes ripe yellow mango, mint and other herbs, quick-pickled red onion, and a limey-umami chili dressing to make an easy, refreshing mango salad that’s the perfect side dish for any meal!

Get The Recipe: Vietnamese Mango Salad with Mint, Red Onion, and Chili

Spicy Cold Cucumber Salad Recipe

Easiest Cold Cucumber Salad Recipe.
Image Credit: Greedy Girl Gourmet.

This easy, cold cucumber salad recipe is spicy and delicious. Best of all, it only requires 4 ingredients and takes 5-10 minutes to make. 

Get the Recipe: Spicy Cold Cucumber Salad

Spicy Green Beans

Spicy Green Beans.
Image Credit: Laura Fuentes.

This quick one-skillet recipe makes these spicy green beans crunchy and delicious. It’s perfect for any night of the week.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Green Beans

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.

Image Credit: The Savory Cipolla.

These delicious and elegant Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any family dinner. Beautifully golden and slightly crispy on top, with a rich and cheesy cream sauce filling, they are sure to have your guests coming back for more!

Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Green Bean Artichoke Casserole Recipe

Green Bean Artichoke Casserole Recipe.
Image Credit: Saving Talents.

The Green Bean Artichoke Casserole Recipe is perfect for any meal. Its blend of crispy fried onions, rich creamy soup, and savory spices results in a deliciously flavorful dish.

Get the Recipe: Green Bean Artichoke Casserole Recipe

Pan-Fried Broccoli

Pan-Fried Broccoli.

Image Credit: Healing Tomato.

This Pan-fried broccoli with onions is a simple dish with seven ingredients and can be prepared in 15 minutes. It’s flavored with the exquisite Japanese seven spice, making it an effortless vegan keto side dish.

Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Broccoli

Wasabi Mashed Potatoes

Wasabi Mashed Potatoes.

Image Credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

Prepare these distinctive and daring Wasabi Mashed Potatoes for an innovative twist on the classic side dish. Retaining the beloved creamy consistency of traditional mashed potatoes, this version is satisfyingly robust and delivers just the right amount of piquant kick!

Get the Recipe: Wasabi Mashed Potatoes

Italian Sweet & Sour Baked Peppers

Italian Sweet & Sour Baked Peppers.

Image Credit: Cucchiarella.

These Italian Sweet and Sour Baked Peppers are the perfect side dish to add a splash of color to your table! They are the perfect side dish to enrich your tables with taste, authenticity, and color.

Get the Recipe: Italian Sweet & Sour Baked Peppers

Baked Ranch Mushrooms

Baked Ranch Mushrooms.

Image Credit: Pumpkin’N Spice.

These Baked Ranch Mushrooms are a simple, five-ingredient side dish that’s packed with flavor. Fresh mushrooms are tossed in a combination of olive oil, butter, and zesty ranch seasoning and baked until golden and tender.

Get the Recipe: Baked Ranch Mushrooms

Easy Mediterranean Vegan Bean Salad Recipe

Easy Mediterranean Vegan Bean Salad Recipe.

Image Credit: The Sunshine Pantry.

This Mediterranean Vegan Bean Salad recipe is filled with fresh veggies and beans and has a tangy mustard dressing. It’s ready in less than 10 minutes, and it’s a perfect side dish. 

Get the Recipe: Easy Mediterranean Vegan Bean Salad Recipe

 

 

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