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17 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With Steak Tonight

I believe steak side dishes should be as memorable and delicious as the main event. From a bright lemony arugula salad to a silky root-vegetable mash, the sides below are the ones I repeatedly choose when serving steak — and they never disappoint.

Best side dishes to serve with steak featuring roasted potatoes.

When I’m planning a meal around pan-seared ribeye, filet mignon, or grilled ribeye, I usually pick the sides first. The right mix of warm, comforting starches and bright, fresh vegetables is what turns a steak into a balanced, satisfying plate.

My approach to building a plate is simple: start with something warm and creamy, like classic mashed potatoes. Add something light and acidic to cut through the richness — a peppery arugula or a crisp cucumber salad works great. And my biggest tip: avoid stacking heavy sides on top of one another; a single rich side plus a fresh side keeps the meal harmonious.

Warm and Creamy Steak Sides

A big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes

1

Classic Mashed Potatoes

This is my go-to when I want a true steakhouse feel: creamy, buttery mashed potatoes that pair perfectly with a well-seared steak. If I’m hosting, this one is always on the table.

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Mashed sweet potatoes recipe.

2

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

I reach for sweet mashed potatoes when I want a lighter, subtly sweet side to complement a rich steak. They bring a pleasant contrast without overpowering the main.

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A pan of creamed corn.

3

Perfect Creamed Corn

For corn lovers, creamed corn is lightly sweet, creamy, and nostalgic. It’s a lovely foil to a savory steak and tends to be one of the first sides to disappear at the table.

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A plate of roasted asparagus with lemons.

4

Roasted Asparagus

A springtime favorite that’s quick to roast while the steak rests. Light, bright, and perfect with a squeeze of lemon right before serving.

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A white pan with scalloped potatoes.

5

The BEST Scalloped Potatoes

This takes a little more time but is worth the extra effort for holidays or dinner parties. Rich, indulgent, and a real crowd-pleaser alongside steak.

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A white bowl of garlic roasted potatoes.

6

Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes

Crispy outside, tender inside—an easy, satisfying side that pairs well with any steak. Minimal effort, maximum comfort.

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A white plate of roasted broccoli, parmesan, and garlic.

7

Roasted Broccoli (Garlic & Parmesan)

Timing and temperature are key for great roasted broccoli. A topping of garlic, parmesan, and lemon elevates it to a steak-ready side.

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Sauteed mushrooms with thyme in a pan.

8

Sautéed Mushrooms

Rich and buttery, these sautéed mushrooms are a classic steak companion. Spoon a few over the steak for a delicious finish.

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A bowl of roasted Brussels sprouts on a table next to a spoon.

9

Simple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A steakhouse favorite when Brussels sprouts are in season. Roasted until caramelized, they add a satisfying texture and deep flavor to the plate.

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Air fryer baked potatoes on a plate

10

Air Fryer Baked Potato

My favorite method for crispy skin and a fluffy center without heating the oven. Top with butter and herbs, or load with your favorite toppings.

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Mashed cauliflower with butter.

11

Mashed Cauliflower

A lighter swap for traditional mash with the same creamy texture. Great with richer steaks when you want to keep the meal from feeling too heavy.

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Green beans topped with lemon in a white bowl.

12

Green Beans with Shallots and Lemon

Quick sautéed green beans with garlic, shallots, and lemon make a bright, simple side that comes together in minutes — perfect for grilled steak in summer.

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Steak Side Salads

A bowl of kale salad.

13

Simple Kale Salad

Hearty and durable, kale salad holds up well if you prep ahead. This version with garlic-infused oil is a great match for steak when you want something a little more substantial than arugula.

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Cucumber salad recipe for the best summer salad.

14

Easy Cucumber Salad

A crisp cucumber salad is an ideal palate cleanser for summer steaks. Light, refreshing, and quick to prepare.

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A white bowl of creamy coleslaw.

15

Best Creamy Coleslaw

If you like classic, mayo-based coleslaw, this creamy version is bright, cooling, and pairs especially well with grilled or smoky steaks.

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Vinegar coleslaw in a white bowl.

16

Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo)

If you prefer a tangier, non-mayo option, this vinegar-based coleslaw cuts through rich steak flavors with a bright, sharp bite.

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Steak Sides From My Cookbook

If you have the Downshiftology Healthy Meal Prep cookbook, it’s full of sides that pair wonderfully with steak. A few favorites I often make:

  • Root vegetable mash: A savory blend of parsnips, turnips, and celeriac. Lower in carbs than traditional mashed potatoes and great with lots of garlic and chives.
  • Balsamic roasted mushrooms: Garlicky mushrooms with fresh herbs and a touch of balsamic and maple for sweetness.
  • Grilled corn and zucchini salad: Grilled zucchini and corn tossed with jalapeño, cilantro, onion, garlic, and lime — perfect for summer.
  • Roasted green beans almondine: Crisp green beans topped with toasted almonds and roasted garlic for a slightly upscale side.

If you make any of these sides, tell me how they turned out in the comments — your reviews help other readers choose great pairings. If you want more healthy meal ideas, consider signing up for the author’s newsletter for regular inspiration.