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17 Side Dishes to Serve with Steak: Delicious Pairings for Any Meal

I believe steak side dishes should be just as memorable as the main course. From a bright lemony arugula salad to a silky root-vegetable mash, the sides I return to again and again always complete the plate and elevate the meal.

Best side dishes to serve with steak featuring roasted potatoes.

When I plan a dinner with pan-seared ribeye, filet mignon, or grilled ribeye, the sides are usually the first thing I consider. A thoughtful pairing transforms a single protein into a balanced, satisfying meal. Over time I’ve settled into a simple formula: one warm, comforting side and one light, fresh side to cut through the richness. For example, classic mashed potatoes alongside a lemony arugula or cucumber salad is a combination I reach for often. My best tip: avoid stacking two heavy sides—your guests (and you) will appreciate the contrast.

Warm and Creamy Steak Sides

A big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes

1

Classic Mashed Potatoes

My go-to for a steakhouse-style meal: creamy, buttery mashed potatoes that pair perfectly with a well-rested steak. I always serve these when I’m hosting.
Mashed sweet potatoes recipe.

2

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Slightly sweet and lighter in feel, mashed sweet potatoes complement a richly seasoned steak without overwhelming the plate.
A pan of creamed corn.

3

Perfect Creamed Corn

Lightly sweet and nostalgic, creamed corn offers a creamy contrast to savory steak and is often one of the first sides to disappear at the table.
A plate of roasted asparagus with lemons.

4

Roasted Asparagus

Quick and bright, roasted asparagus is an easy oven side that pairs well with steak—finish with a squeeze of lemon for freshness.
A white pan with scalloped potatoes.

5

The BEST Scalloped Potatoes

A bit more time-consuming but truly indulgent—scalloped potatoes are perfect for holidays or dinner parties when you want something special next to your steak.
A white bowl of garlic roasted potatoes.

6

Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes

Crispy outside and tender inside, roasted potatoes tossed with garlic and herbs are an effortless, satisfying side.
A white plate of roasted broccoli, parmesan, and garlic.

7

Roasted Broccoli (Garlic & Parmesan)

Well-roasted broccoli with garlic, parmesan, and lemon makes a simple side feel elevated and pairs beautifully with steak.
Sauteed mushrooms with thyme in a pan.

8

Sautéed Mushrooms

Rich, buttery mushrooms sautéed with garlic and herbs are a classic steak companion—great spooned over the meat or enjoyed on the side.
A bowl of roasted Brussels sprouts on a table next to a spoon.

9

Simple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted until tender and caramelized, Brussels sprouts are a seasonal favorite that add texture and flavor alongside steak.
Air fryer baked potatoes on a plate

10

Air Fryer Baked Potato

For a crispy skin and fluffy center without heating the oven, the air fryer baked potato is a terrific, quick option—top with butter and herbs.
Mashed cauliflower with butter.

11

Mashed Cauliflower

A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes that still delivers a creamy texture—great with richer cuts of steak to keep the plate balanced.
Green beans topped with lemon in a white bowl.

12

Green Beans with Shallots and Lemon

Quick sautéed green beans with shallots, garlic, and lemon are a bright, speedy side—perfect for weeknight steak dinners.

Steak Side Salads

A bowl of kale salad.

13

Simple Kale Salad

Hearty and make-ahead friendly, massaged kale holds up well and pairs nicely with garlicky dressings alongside steak.
Cucumber salad recipe for the best summer salad.

14

Easy Cucumber Salad

Refreshing and light, cucumber salad is an ideal summer pairing for grilled steak and helps cleanse the palate.
A white bowl of creamy coleslaw.

15

Best Creamy Coleslaw

Classic mayo-based coleslaw brings cool creaminess and crunch—especially nice with grilled or pan-seared steak on warm evenings.
Vinegar coleslaw in a white bowl.

16

Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo)

A tangy, mayo-free coleslaw is a bright alternative that cuts through rich steak flavors and keeps the plate feeling lively.

Steak Sides From My Cookbook

If you own my Downshiftology Healthy Meal Prep cookbook, it’s full of side dish ideas that work beautifully with steak. A few favorites I often make alongside steak:

  • Root vegetable mash: A blend of parsnips, turnips, and celeriac for a lower-carb, flavorful mash brightened with garlic and chives.
  • Balsamic roasted mushrooms: Garlicky mushrooms finished with balsamic and a touch of maple for savory-sweet depth.
  • Grilled corn and zucchini salad: Charred zucchini and corn tossed with jalapeño, cilantro, onion, garlic, and lime—perfect for summer dinners.
  • Roasted green beans almondine: Crisp-roasted green beans topped with toasted almonds and roasted garlic for a slightly elevated side.

If you make any of these steak sides, please share how they turned out in the comments—your feedback helps other readers. If you’d like more recipe ideas and healthy meal inspiration, consider signing up for the newsletter from the recipe source mentioned in these recipes.