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17 Dishes That Don’t Need A Side To Shine

ByZuzana

No juggling side dishes, no guessing what pairs well because it’s all handled. These 17 meals show up strong enough to skip the supporting cast entirely. They’re built to fill the plate, the appetite, and the conversation. And honestly, who misses the salad when the main steals the whole show?

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Rainbow Fathead Pizza

Rainbow Pizza filled with colorful tomatoes and green fresh chives around it.
Rainbow Fathead Pizza. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Ever want something that feels balanced all in one bite? Rainbow Fathead Pizza does just that with layers of rich flavors and textures coming together on one plate. It creates a full experience without needing extras on the side. Perfect alone, it pairs vibrant combinations that make it a meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Fathead Pizza

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Skewers of vegetables and shrimp on a grill.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Skewers that bring simplicity and flavor into focus are always appreciated. Grilled Shrimp Skewers keep things fresh and balanced by providing just enough variety right on the stick. It’s a filling option that doesn’t need anything else with it. Whether for lunch or dinner, you’ll find it checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Cast iron skillet with cream cheese sausage balls arranged around a bowl of white dip, garnished with chopped herbs.
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

These bite-sized sausage balls stand out for bringing comfort and richness to the table. Cream Cheese Sausage Balls combine just the right harmony of flavors that fill you up. Great for grabbing and enjoying anytime without needing to add anything. This dish keeps things fuss-free and focused.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Grilled Tri Tip

Sliced medium-rare steak arranged on a wooden board, topped with a green herb sauce.
Grilled Tri Tip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those who appreciate a hearty option, this one gets straight to the point. Grilled Tri Tip delivers bold flavor and makes a statement all on its own. It’s got everything you’d look for without needing sides to complete it. Trust it to hold its place without extra frills.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Tri Tip

Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Brown plate with gnocci, tomatoes and basil leaves.
Gnocchi Tomato Basil. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Pasta doesn’t always need a side, and this one proves it. Gnocchi Tomato Basil combines flavor and substance to stand alone as a complete dish. Perfectly filling, it’s simple yet does the job all by itself. No fillers or extras are needed when this is around.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled meat ribs garnished with chopped herbs and garlic, served on a white platter with fresh parsley in the background.
Grilled Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Thighs bring a lot more flavor and keep things interesting no matter when you serve them. Grilled Chicken Thighs hold their own with bold textures that don’t rely on anything else. It’s easy to stick with just this plate for a hassle-free option. It always satisfies without needing extras to go with it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs

Tomahawk Steak

Close-up of cooked beef slices on a wooden board, with a fork holding one piece. The meat appears juicy with a seasoned crust.
Tomahawk Steak. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Steak isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience, especially with this option. Tomahawk Steak brings size and flavor to the plate, easily standing alone as the centerpiece of any table. No extra sides are needed when you serve this robust favorite. Keep it simple and let the dish shine as it is.
Get the Recipe: Tomahawk Steak

Grilled Sausage & Peppers

A sandwich with grilled sausage & peppers, and onions on a plate.
Grilled Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Sausage & Peppers bring a flavorful punch all on their own. The bold flavors ensure every bite is tasty. With a hint of char on the outside, it’s perfect without any sides. You’ll love how simple ingredients can shine so bright.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Sausage & Peppers

Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Kabobs with a dipping sauce.
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Your grill deserves something special. Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs deliver bright and herby notes on tender chicken pieces. Ideal for those who love a bit of tang, they’re perfect just as they are. Grab a skewer and enjoy every bite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Salmon

A close-up of a cooked salmon fillet topped with a mixture of chopped herbs, garlic, and seasonings.
Grilled Salmon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fish is always a lighter yet full option when served just right. Grilled Salmon doesn’t need anything else on the plate to deliver a balanced flavor and texture. It’s a versatile choice that feels complete all on its own. Whether for small or larger meals, it fits neatly into almost any plan.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon

Mediterranean Salad

A fresh salad with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, red onion, feta cheese, black olives, and parsley on a bed of lettuce.
Mediterranean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Some salads stand alone, and this one is a perfect example. Mediterranean Salad captures variety and balance all in a single bowl, no additional plates needed. It’s filling without leaning on extras to help complete the meal. Simple yet effective, it’s a dish you’ll value as a whole on its own.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salad

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Close-up of a cheeseburger with a sesame bun, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and beef patty.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sandwiches are a one-stop meal, especially when they deliver as much flavor as this one. Grilled Chicken Sandwich combines everything into one filling bite that doesn’t need extras. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it delivers without needing side items to help. This is a quick and complete solution for any day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips with mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, garnished with chives on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Inspired by a classic but perfectly delivered solo. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips bring enough heartiness to skip everything else on the table. They’re saucy and rich, no extras needed to enjoy every bite. Perfect as-is, this option speaks for itself.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers

A wooden round serving board is covered with white parchment paper, displaying numerous grilled steak and veggie skewers arranged horizontally across it.
Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Skewers create balance naturally, and this dish doubles down on that idea. Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers combine bold flavors with clean textures to hold up solo. Serving all you need in one bite, they do away with needing any sides. Let the simplicity work for you when this is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak & Veggie Skewers

Caprese Chicken Recipe

A plate of baked chicken breast with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
Caprese Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Inspired by flavor and simplicity, this brings a lot to the table on one plate. Caprese Chicken Recipe skips the extras and focuses on delivering its perfect blend upfront. It feels complete without a single thing added on the side. You’ll find its combination keeps every bite distinct yet balanced.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Chicken Recipe

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Butter might enhance some of the flavors here, but let’s face it, it’s already a solid choice. Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter showcase their richness with every bite, no sides required. Great for a meal that feels done the moment it’s served. This is a go-to option for a complete plate with no extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Low Carb Sushi Rolls

Keto Friendly Sushi Rolls served on a black board.
Low Carb Sushi Rolls. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Rolls like these make dining convenient and full without much else needed. Low Carb Sushi Rolls take all the flavors you want and pack them neatly into each bite. Great for a lightweight but filling meal without needing anything on the side. Perfect for keeping things fuss-free while still feeling whole.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Sushi Rolls