Served with a side: matching mains with best side dish recipes

How to match side dishes with main recipes

Picking the perfect side is all about making sure dishes are balanced, seasonal and work together to create a complete dish. If you’re struggling to figure out what goes together, these tips will help you get it right:

1. Think about how you’ll eat it

When considering your sides, try to think about how you envision eating the meal as a whole, and pick dishes that will enhance the experience. If you’re cooking soup, you’ll probably want something to soak it up, or add a little contrasting texture, such as croutons, bread, muffins or scones. However, if you have a dry dish, such as a grilled piece of chicken, you may want something to add moisture to the dish and act as a sauce, such as braised vegies, beans or a lentil dish.

2. Consider contrast

You want your sides to add an element of contrast to your main to bring balance to your plate. If you’ve opted for a meaty main, try pairing it with a vegetable based side. Together these dishes will create balance on the plate and allow your taste buds to take in both rich flavours and something lighter.

3. Keep it similar

Avoid pairing a Chinese stir-fry with a French potato side, or a spicy Indian curry with fried noodles, as these can come across as confused on the plate. Instead, try to pick and theme, such as Italian, French, Indian or modern Australian, and then carry it through the entire meal. You can add your own spin on these complimentary dishes, swapping potatoes for sweet potatoes, or adding lemongrass to the crème brulee, but overall the meal will be consistent and will work as a whole.

4. Keep it seasonal

Try to pick dishes that use ingredients that are in season. Pair up hearty stews with mash and an acidic salad of winter greens, or opt for a pear and walnut salad to accompany your pumpkin ravioli. Chances are that if things are seasonal, they’ll match, so follow what’s available at the markets for the best side pairings.

Sides for grilled meat

There’s no doubt that potatoes are a wonderful companion to a grilled steak dinner, but try to include a simple salad with vinaigrette alongside to add freshness, colour and tang.

Sides for grilled fish and chicken

Light fresh salads, colourful salsas and herb-flecked couscous are just some of the ideal companions to a grilled fish or chicken dish. Try to add bolder flavours and colour to your plate with your choice of sides.

Sides for soups

These side dishes are all about adding contrast and something to mop up all those wonderful flavours. Think herbs, cheeses or crunchy nuts and seeds, or stick to your favourite croutons for the ideal companion.

Sides for roast dinners

Include zingy vegetable dishes, such as garlicky zucchini or herbed potatoes, or keep things comforting by including creamy favourites such as macaroni and cheese alongside roast chicken or a potato gratin with your roast beef.

Served with a side: matching mains with best side dish recipes

Sides for stews and casseroles

As well as the usual dishes to mop up all those wonderful sauces, think about something to will add a dash of acidity and colour to your plate, such as a tangy salad of bitter greens.