10 Prep Ahead Sides for Easy Weekday Dinners

If carbs are what you're craving, whip up a batch of this freezer-friendly recipe on Sunday when you are meal prepping for the week. You're really only doing the first bake ahead, then you stuff and freeze the spuds. When you're ready to pair them with protein for dinner, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave for 3 minutes or in a 350-degree oven until hot, about 25 minutes.

If you're living the low-carb life, this is one of the best make-ahead side dish ideas to consider. Yep, you can make your own cauliflower rice from an affordable full head of cauliflower! Chop that head of cauliflower into florets, then steam the sturdy veggie pieces in your Instant Pot® for this speedy side. Blitz the tender cauliflower pieces into rice-sized bits, strain out excess water, then freeze in single-serving portions to add to meals throughout the week.

For lunchtime grain bowls or a dinner side dish, you can't go wrong by roasting a big tray of veggies on Sunday to utilize throughout the week. This foolproof strategy talks you through exactly when to invite each separate produce pick to the party so they all cook to perfection and finish at the same time. Refrigerate in single servings (for solo lunches) or family-size portions (for dinner), then reheat in the microwave until warm or in a 425-degree oven for about 15 minutes.

Pasta salad isn't just for picnics. Pair this fully loaded Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad with leftover chicken or quick-cooking shrimp, and you have a recipe for a delicious, speedy supper. Since this side salad features bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, and green onions in addition to the pasta, it can count as your vegetable and starch side all at once.

Since this potluck-favorite is designed to be tossed together ahead then chilled to allow the flavors to meld, we like to serve it as a lunch or dinner side dish all week long. This broccoli salad earns 5 stars from Allrecipes home cooks thanks to the savory maple-flavored bacon pieces, the salty slivered almonds, and the sweet and refreshing grape halves studded throughout.

The whole point of meal prep is to help you keep your cool during the busy week, right? So we couldn't resist kicking things off with this refreshing chilled gazpacho recipe that's fully loaded with summer's best produce: tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, jalapeño, fresh herbs...the gang's all here. We love to mix a big batch, pour it into a pitcher, then pop that in the refrigerator to scoop up along with a sandwich or salad each day for lunch.

Pair this easy side dish recipe with Asian takeout or with your own grilled protein. Meal prep can be even quicker if you take some help from the supermarket, as Allrecipes fan Frances C suggests: "I used the store-bought matchstick carrots and edamame from the freezer section. It comes together quite easily and packs a punch of flavor!" Toss together a batch or two on Sunday, then refrigerate in individual portions. Bonus: No reheating required! This is one noodle dish that's supposed to be served cold.

Speaking of salads, one of your best bets for a grab-and-go lunch side comes in the form of mason jar salads. We're particularly fond of this one because it features some satisfying whole grains (fluffy, nutty quinoa) in addition to the veggies. Walnuts, goat cheese, dried cherries and a zippy orange-curry vinaigrette round out the recipe, which makes enough for a work week's worth of lunch or dinner sides.

Transform canned beans into an easy make-ahead side dish you'll crave. Bacon, ground beef and a dressed-up barbecue sauce make this slow cooker recipe remarkably satisfying. Add a small scoop to any protein and you'll stay full for hours! Slow cook the entire recipe on low for 6 hours over the weekend, then reheat all at once in the slow cooker for 1 hour for a family-sized dinner side.

A can of beans, one of our go-to affordable pantry staples, is also the star of this vibrant veggie salad. To complete the no-cook side dish, toss drained and rinsed chickpeas with a variety of chopped vegetables, feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a simple vinaigrette for a cool and colorful entrée pairing.