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24 Meatball Side Dishes – Easy Ideas For Subs & Dinners

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Check out this list of the easiest 24 meatball side dishes ! From creamy polenta and flavorful couscous to nutritious sautéed Brussels sprouts and zesty Greek Tzatziki sauce, this roundup caters to all taste buds. Each of these meatball side dishes is chosen not just for their tastiness, but also for their nutritional values, ease of preparation, and adaptability to various dietary preferences.

24 meatball side dishes sub sandwich dinner 1

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1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A Hearty Companion

These garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect hearty companion for your meatballs. Infused with the robust flavor of garlic, they’re creamy, smooth, and satisfying, providing an ideal balance to the savory taste of the meatballs.

A Classic Pairing

Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with meatballs, adding a comforting, familiar touch to any meal. Their creamy texture complements the meaty texture of the meatballs and absorbs the sauce wonderfully, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Customize Your Potatoes

Feel free to customize your mashed potatoes by adding in your favorite herbs, cheeses, or spices. The versatility of this dish allows it to be tailored to suit your unique taste preferences.

Check this recipe.

2. Lemon Butter Asparagus

A Light and Tangy Counterpart

This lemon butter asparagus is a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with meatballs. The tender, slightly crisp asparagus dressed in a light, tangy lemon butter sauce provides a counterpoint to the rich, hearty flavor of the meatballs.

Nutrient-Rich Side

Adding this vegetable side dish not only brings color and texture to your plate, but also contributes a wealth of nutrients. Asparagus is rich in vitamins and fiber, making your meatball meal even more nourishing.

Easy and Quick to Prepare

This asparagus dish is quick and simple to make, allowing you to whip up a healthy and tasty side in no time. Feel free to add some grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.

Check this recipe.

3. Garlic Bread

A Flavorful Companion

Garlic bread is a flavorful companion to meatballs, offering a crispy and aromatic element that complements the meaty texture and taste perfectly. The robust garlic flavor and buttery richness make it a crowd-pleaser.

Versatile Side Dish

Garlic bread can be enjoyed with a variety of meatball dishes, whether they’re served with marinara sauce, gravy, or on their own. It’s great for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate, ensuring none of the delicious flavors go to waste.

Add Your Personal Touch

You can customize your garlic bread by using different types of bread, adding cheese, or sprinkling some fresh herbs on top.

Check this recipe.

4. Creamy Coleslaw

A Crunchy and Creamy Side

Coleslaw is a crunchy, creamy side dish that pairs excellently with meatballs. Its cool, tangy flavor provides a refreshing contrast to the savory meatballs, adding a different texture and flavor profile to your meal.

A Touch of Freshness

Adding coleslaw to your meatball meal introduces a touch of freshness, which can balance out the richness of the main dish. This classic side is also very versatile, pairing well with different types of meatballs.

Easily Customizable

Coleslaw is easily customizable according to your taste. You can make it creamier, crunchier, or add in some extra veggies for more color and variety.

Check this recipe.

5. Baked Zucchini Fries

A Healthier Alternative

Baked zucchini fries are a healthier alternative to traditional french fries. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, these are a perfect match for savory meatballs.

Add Nutrients and Color

Adding these vibrant, green fries to your meal not only enhances the plate’s visual appeal but also boosts the nutritional value. Zucchini is a great source of vitamins and fiber, ensuring your meal is balanced and nourishing.

Read also: 27 Potluck Recipes

Fun to Customize

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings for your zucchini fries. Whether you prefer them spicy or cheesy, they can be tailored to your liking.

Check this recipe.

6. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled Corn on the Cob

A Sweet and Smoky Side

Grilled corn on the cob provides a sweet, smoky flavor that beautifully complements meatballs. The natural sweetness of the corn contrasts the savory, meaty flavors, creating a balanced meal.

Perfect for Summer Barbecues

Grilled corn is an ideal side dish for summer barbecues and gatherings. Pair it with some grilled meatballs for a delightful outdoor feast that your guests will love.

Personalize Your Corn

Top your grilled corn with a variety of seasonings, such as chili powder, lime, or grated cheese, to add a punch of flavor.

Check this recipe.

7. Creamy Polenta

A Comforting Side

Creamy polenta is a comforting side dish that pairs excellently with meatballs. Its smooth, creamy texture provides a nice contrast to the firm, hearty meatballs, creating a well-rounded meal.

Versatile and Delicious

Polenta is versatile and can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, herbs, or butter. Its mild flavor profile allows it to complement the meatballs without overwhelming them.

Easily Customizable

Feel free to get creative with your polenta by adding your favorite spices, cheeses, or even vegetables.

Check this recipe.

8. Quinoa Salad

A Protein-Packed Side

Quinoa salad is a protein-packed side that pairs well with meatballs. Its nutty flavor and fluffy texture make it a delicious and nutritious addition to your meal.

Colorful and Nutritious

A quinoa salad loaded with colorful veggies not only looks appealing but also adds a variety of nutrients to your meal. It offers a refreshing contrast to the savory meatballs.

Customize Your Salad

Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, nuts, or even fruits to make the salad uniquely yours.

Check this recipe.

9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A Flavorful and Nutritious Side

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a flavorful and nutritious side that goes wonderfully with meatballs. Their slightly sweet, nutty flavor enhances the savory taste of the meatballs.

Easy to Make

Brussels sprouts are easy to roast and offer a delightful crunch that balances out the tenderness of the meatballs. They’re also a great source of fiber, making your meal even healthier.

Customize to Your Liking

Toss your Brussels sprouts with your favorite spices or drizzle them with a balsamic reduction for extra flavor.

Check this recipe.

10. Cauliflower Rice

A Low-Carb Option

Cauliflower rice is a low-carb, nutritious alternative to traditional rice that pairs perfectly with meatballs. Its light flavor and fluffy texture provide a nice contrast to the robust meatballs.

Quick and Easy

Cauliflower rice is quick and easy to prepare, making it an excellent option for a weeknight meal. It’s also versatile and can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices.

Personalize Your Cauliflower Rice

Feel free to add in some diced vegetables, herbs, or a splash of lime for an extra burst of flavor.

Check this recipe.

11. Greek Salad

A Fresh and Tangy Side

A Greek salad is a fresh and tangy side dish that’s perfect with meatballs. The mix of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatballs.

Healthy and Delicious

This salad is not only delicious, but also packed with nutrients. The different vegetables offer a range of vitamins and minerals, making your meatball meal balanced and nourishing.

Customize Your Salad

Feel free to mix up your Greek salad by adding your favorite ingredients, such as olives, bell peppers, or even some grilled chicken for extra protein.

Check this recipe.

12. Butternut Squash Puree

A Sweet and Creamy Side

Butternut squash puree is a sweet and creamy side dish that’s perfect with meatballs. Its natural sweetness and velvety texture create a delightful contrast to the savory meatballs.

Nutrient-Dense and Delicious

Butternut squash is a great source of vitamins and fiber. This puree brings not only flavor but also nutritional value to your meatball meal.

Easy to Personalize

Feel free to add your favorite spices to your butternut squash puree. Cinnamon, nutmeg, or sage would all work wonderfully.

Check this recipe.

13. Roasted Beet Salad

A Colorful and Nutritious Side

Roasted beet salad is a colorful, nutritious side that pairs wonderfully with meatballs. The earthy sweetness of the beets provides a nice balance to the savory, robust meatballs.

Healthy and Flavorful

Beets are packed with essential nutrients and are known for their health benefits. This salad brings a burst of color and a load of nutrition to your meal.

Easy to Customize

Add your favorite salad ingredients to make this roasted beet salad your own. Goat cheese, walnuts, and arugula are all delicious additions.

Check this recipe.

14. Couscous Salad

A Light and Fluffy Side

Couscous salad is a light, fluffy side dish that pairs nicely with meatballs. The tiny grains of couscous provide a pleasant texture contrast to the meatballs, and the salad’s fresh flavors balance the meal beautifully.

Nutritious and Versatile

Couscous is high in protein and can be mixed with a variety of vegetables to create a nutrient-rich salad. This makes it a fantastic, healthy accompaniment to meatballs.

Easily Customizable

Feel free to add your preferred veggies, herbs, or even dried fruits to your couscous salad. It’s a very adaptable recipe that can suit your personal taste.

Check this recipe.

15. Baked Sweet Potato Fries

A Healthier Twist on a Classic

Baked sweet potato fries are a healthier twist on a classic that goes perfectly with meatballs. Their natural sweetness offers a delightful contrast to the savory meatballs.

Nutrient-Packed and Delicious

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, making these fries not just tasty but also nutritionally beneficial. Baking them also cuts down on the fat content compared to traditional fries.

Easy to Customize

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like cayenne for a kick, or cinnamon for a sweet touch.

Check this recipe.

16. Creamed Spinach

A Creamy and Rich Side

Creamed spinach is a creamy, rich side dish that pairs wonderfully with meatballs. Its comforting creaminess provides a nice contrast to the meatiness of the meatballs.

Simple and Nutritious

Although it sounds decadent, creamed spinach can be made healthier with low-fat cream. Plus, you’ll be getting all the nutrients from the spinach.

Easy to Personalize

Add a hint of nutmeg or some sautéed onions to enhance the flavors of your creamed spinach.

Check this recipe.

17. Cucumber Tomato Salad

A Crisp and Refreshing Side

Cucumber tomato salad is a crisp, refreshing side dish that balances the richness of meatballs. Its fresh and tangy flavors help to lighten the overall meal.

Healthy and Hydrating

This salad is not only low in calories, but it’s also high in hydration, thanks to the water-rich cucumbers and tomatoes. It’s a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Customizable Salad

Feel free to add red onions, feta cheese, or a vinaigrette of your choice to customize this salad to your liking.

Check this recipe.

18. Stuffed Mushrooms

stuffed mushrooms

A Hearty and Savory Side

Stuffed mushrooms offer a hearty, savory side that goes well with meatballs. The earthy taste of the mushrooms complements the robust flavor of the meatballs, creating a balanced meal.

Nutrient-Rich and Satisfying

Mushrooms are packed with nutrients and have a meaty texture that’s incredibly satisfying. When stuffed with delicious ingredients like cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, they become even more irresistible.

Versatile and Customizable

Feel free to play with different fillings for your stuffed mushrooms, such as cooked sausage, different cheeses, or even quinoa for a vegetarian twist.

Check this recipe.

19. Steamed Green Beans

A Simple and Nutritious Side

Steamed green beans are a simple, nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with meatballs. Their natural crunch and mild flavor complement the soft, hearty meatballs nicely.

Quick and Healthy

Green beans can be steamed in just a few minutes and are a great source of fiber and vitamins, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

Easily Customizable

You can dress up steamed green beans with your favorite herbs and spices, a sprinkle of parmesan, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Check this recipe.

20. Caprese Salad

A Fresh and Flavorful Side

Caprese salad is a fresh and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with meatballs. The tanginess of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella balance the hearty flavor of the meatballs.

Read also: 55 Breakfast Recipes

Simple and Nutritious

Caprese salad is simple to make and features nutritious ingredients like tomatoes and fresh basil. Plus, the addition of mozzarella adds a source of protein.

Easily Adaptable

Feel free to drizzle your Caprese salad with a balsamic reduction or add some olives for an extra flavor punch.

Check this recipe.

21. Roasted Broccoli and Carrots

A Nutritious and Hearty Side

Roasted broccoli and carrots are a nutritious and hearty side dish that pairs well with meatballs. The natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables complements the savory meatballs, creating a balanced meal.

Easy and Versatile

Roasting is an easy cooking method that enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables. Plus, you can season them with your favorite herbs and spices.

Healthy and Satisfying

Packed with vitamins and fiber, this side dish is as healthy as it is satisfying.

Check this recipe.

22. Grilled Zucchini

A Light and Nutritious Side

Grilled zucchini is a light, nutritious side dish that goes well with meatballs. Its subtle flavors and charred edges complement the rich, hearty meatballs perfectly.

Quick and Easy to Make

Zucchini grills up quickly and easily, making it an excellent choice for a fast side dish. Plus, it’s low in calories and packed with vitamins.

Versatile and Customizable

Season your grilled zucchini with your favorite herbs and spices or top it with a bit of grated Parmesan cheese.

Check this recipe.

23. Garlic Knots

A Delightfully Savory Side

Garlic knots are a delightfully savory side dish that goes perfectly with meatballs. The fluffy, garlic-infused bread is perfect for soaking up any sauce accompanying the meatballs.

Perfectly Comforting

Garlic knots, with their aromatic flavor and satisfying texture, provide a comforting touch that can make any meal feel special.

Fun and Customizable

Feel free to sprinkle your garlic knots with a bit of Parmesan cheese or dip them in marinara sauce for added flavor.

Check this recipe.

24. Greek Tzatziki Sauce

A Cool and Creamy Side

Greek Tzatziki sauce is a cool, creamy side dish that goes well with meatballs. The refreshing flavors of cucumber, garlic, and dill in the sauce provide a nice balance to the hearty meatballs.

Healthy and Delicious

Made with Greek yogurt, Tzatziki sauce is high in protein and probiotics. It’s a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Quick and Customizable

You can easily adjust the flavors in your Tzatziki sauce to your liking by adding more or less garlic, dill, or lemon juice.

Check this recipe.

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or a special gathering, these 24 meatball side dishes are perfect for any occasion. While each dish is delicious on its own, when paired with meatballs, they create a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Remember, these recipes are flexible, allowing you to make adjustments according to your personal preferences. So, explore these options and discover new ways to make your meatball meals even more delectable.


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