10 Cheap, Easy, and Delicious Side Dishes to Take to Any Party!

Introduction

When you’re headed to a potluck or party, showing up with a crowd-pleasing side dish doesn’t have to be stressful or pricey. These 10 Cheap, Easy, and Delicious Side Dishes will stand out on any table because they’re bursting with flavor, made with minimal fuss, and budget-friendly—ensuring you’ll take home an empty dish every time.

Why These Side Dishes Are Perfect for Parties

Each recipe checks all the boxes: universally loved flavors, straightforward prep, and affordable, accessible ingredients. Whether you need something to whip up last-minute or a make-ahead option to save time, these sides offer maximum impact with minimal effort. Plus, they travel well and stay tasty at room temperature.

1. Creamy Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a bright, crunchy classic that complements everything from BBQ to sandwiches. Using a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper speeds up prep, ensuring even shreds every time.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/3 cup mayo
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add cabbage and carrot to a large bowl.
2. Whisk together mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Toss with veggies.
3. Chill until ready to serve.

2. Party Pasta Salad

A cold pasta salad loaded with veggies and tossed in a zesty Italian dressing—simple, hearty, and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/3 cup Italian dressing

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta, rinse in cold water, and drain.
2. Mix with veggies and dressing in a large bowl.
3. Chill in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for portable, leak-proof transport.

3. Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges

Potato wedges get extra crispy and flavorful in the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt—no deep fryer needed!

Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp grated parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss potatoes with oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Arrange in the air fryer basket lined with Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs Parchment Paper, 8IN Square for easy cleanup.
3. Cook at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. Toss with parmesan and serve.

4. Fresh Mango Salsa

Sweet, tangy, and spicy—this mango salsa is always the first bowl empty. For lightning-fast dicing, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper.

Ingredients:

• 2 mangoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Stir and chill before serving with chips or grilled food.

5. Caprese Skewers

A portable twist on a classic salad: grape tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and basil leaves threaded on skewers and drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint grape tomatoes
• 8 oz mini mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Toothpicks or mini skewers

Instructions:

1. Thread tomato, mozzarella, and basil on each skewer.
2. Arrange in a portable container like the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for easy serving.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

6. Black Bean and Corn Salad

Hearty, fresh, and colorful, this salad is full of flavor and keeps well for hours.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Toss, season, and serve.

7. Roasted Veggie Platter

A mix of colorful vegetables roasted for deep flavor—perfect finger food! Use the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet for even cooking and incredible caramelization.

Ingredients:

• Any mix of carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss vegetables with oil and seasoning. Spread in the skillet.
2. Roast at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, tossing once.
3. Serve warm or at room temperature.

8. Quick Pickled Cucumbers

Crunchy, tangy, and addictive, these pickles come together fast and taste amazing.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Bring water, vinegar, sugar, and salt to a boil. Pour over sliced cucumbers in a bowl.
2. Let cool, then chill for at least 1 hour.

9. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

These soft, cheesy breadsticks are the ultimate party side. Bake them on a sheet lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for nonstick perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan

Instructions:

1. Roll out dough, brush with butter, sprinkle with garlic powder and cheeses.
2. Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes. Slice and serve warm.

10. Classic Deviled Eggs

A timeless crowd-pleaser. Speed up your prep with a Rapid Egg Cooker for perfect hard-boiled eggs every time.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
• 3 tbsp mayo
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• Salt, pepper, paprika

Instructions:

1. Halve eggs and remove yolks. Mash yolks with mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Spoon or pipe filling into whites. Sprinkle with paprika.

Serving Tips and Party Tricks

For a polished presentation, set out your sides on serving trays or line up dishes on a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack for easy cleanup. Secure cold salads in containers with tight-fitting lids for worry-free travel, and bring along serving utensils for each dish.

Conclusion: Effortless, Flavor-Packed Sides for Any Gathering

With these 10 Cheap, Easy, and Delicious Side Dishes, you’ll always be the potluck favorite. Each dish brings vibrant color, taste, and simplicity to the table—without breaking the bank or keeping you in the kitchen all day. Next time the invite goes out, pick your favorite from this list and get ready to impress!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Each side serves approximately 6–8 people. Most of these dishes offer balanced nutrition, but ingredients can be adjusted for dietary needs (e.g., using low-fat dressings or whole-grain pasta). Average per-person calories range from 100 (veggie salads) to 250 (breadsticks and deviled eggs). Enjoy responsibly for a party-perfect feast!