A side dish, often known as a side order or simply a side, complements the main course in a meal. Common side dishes include salads, potatoes, and bread, which are staples in Western cuisine. In Europe, rice and couscous have become popular, especially for formal occasions and dinner parties featuring Middle Eastern dishes.
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Side dishes typically come in smaller portions compared to main dishes, such as a “side salad” served in a small bowl. Side dishes can range from the simple and comforting to the exotic and adventurous, such as:
- Couscous paired with Middle Eastern entrees or a side salad featuring fresh Mediterranean ingredients like feta, olives, and tomatoes.
- In American cuisine, meals often include a vegetable side dish, like a salad, and a starch side, such as bread, potatoes, or rice.
- Fast-food restaurants commonly offer French fries as a side, though healthier options like salads are increasingly available as alternatives.
Side dishes play an essential role in balancing a meal, adding variety and enhancing the overall dining experience.