Side dish

A side dish is a food that goes with a main course.

People also call them side orders or side items. They help make a meal feel complete. You might call them a "side" for short. These foods accompany the entrée, which is the main part of the meal.

They add different tastes and textures to your plate. Many people enjoy how these small foods balance a large meal.

How a side dish works depends on how it is served. Sometimes, a restaurant includes them in the price of a meal. This is often called a combination meal. Other times, you can order them separately. This is known as an a la carte menu.

You might see a "side salad" in a small bowl. This is a smaller portion than a main dish. Some people even ask for sauce "on the side." This means the sauce stays in its own separate dish.

Different parts of the world use different side dishes. In many Western countries, people eat salad, potatoes, or bread.

In Europe, rice and couscous are very popular. Couscous is a small grain often served at dinner parties. It is common with Middle Eastern dishes. These foods help bring different flavors together at a formal event. Each culture has its own special way of choosing sides.

There are many specific foods that people use as sides. French fries are a common choice in American cuisine.

Some fast-food shops now offer salads instead of fries. This is a change made because of fat and calorie concerns. Other examples include macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes. You might also see baked beans, broccoli, or cabbage. Even things like applesauce or mushrooms can be side dishes. There are many choices for every kind of meal.

Side dishes connect to how we eat every day. They can be simple or very fancy. You might eat tater tots or corn at home.

At a party, you might see pasta salad or coleslaw. Some sides are warm, like sautéed mushrooms or green beans. Others are cool, like potato salad. They allow you to pick exactly what you want to eat. This makes every meal a little bit different.