Wondering What to Serve with Quiche? These 40 Delicious Sides Will Complete the Menu
You’re really excited to whip up a rich and indulgent quiche for your brunch party…but that buffet table will look a little sad with nothing else on it and now you’re wondering what to serve with quiche. Fear not: We’ve got you covered with a wide range of side dishes—asparagus Caesar salad, sliced citrus with pistachio dust and hearty risotto-stuffed mushrooms, to name a few—that will satisfy every guest in attendance. (Psst: There are even some delicious cocktail recipes, too, if you prefer to keep it light and simple.)
Is Quiche a Main Dish or a Side Dish?
If you’ve ever indulged in quiche (or looked at the title of this article), the answer to this question will come as no surprise. Quiche is, indeed, a main dish—and it’s no wonder, considering that this savory pie boasts a buttery crust and a creamy, cheese-laden egg custard with a wide variety of mix-ins, including meats (bacon and ham, most commonly) and vegetables. Yep, we’re full just thinking about it.
For obvious reasons, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying quiche all by its lonesome…but when you’re hosting a brunch or lunch with quiche as the main feature, you will likely want to have some side dishes to round out your spread. Fortunately, this is fairly easy to do, since light salads and veggie sides, citrus fruits and (for the very hungry) potato and bread dishes all play nicely with this French classic. Without further ado, here are some of our favorites.
45 Brunch Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests
1. Cacio e Pepe Brussel Sprouts
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, sheet pan recipe, low carbs
Brussels sprouts make a healthy, seasonal stand-in for pasta in this twist on the cheesy, peppery Italian classic.
2. Pan-Roasted Broccoli ‘Steaks’ with Garlic-Sesame Vinaigrette
DONNA GRIFFITH/THE PRIMAL GOURMET COOKBOOK
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, <500 calories
These crisp and caramelized broccoli steaks are an ideal textural counterpoint to the fluffy and creamy interior of quiche. Plus, the umami-packed garlic-sesame vinaigrette is so delicious you could slurp it with a spoon.
3. Turnip Fries
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, sheet pan recipe, beginner-friendly
Bake ‘em in the oven or bust out the air-fryer—either way these crispy wedges are a hearty and healthy way to round out your meal.
4. Cauliflower ‘Potato’ Salad
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, low carb, keto-friendly
Classic potato salad is a tad too rich to serve alongside quiche, but this brilliant cauliflower side is a perfect accompaniment that boasts all the same flavors without the heavy mayo. (Psst: The secret is Greek yogurt.)
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Sriracha and Lime
AMANDA FREDERICKSON/SIMPLE BEAUTIFUL FOOD
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, sheet pan recipe
These sweet potatoes feature a bright combination of cilantro, sriracha and lime that promises to perk up your palate without clashing with your quiche.
6. Baby Vegetables with Orange and Thyme
OLA SMIT/DINNER'S IN THE BAG
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, sheet pan recipe, beginner-friendly
Sweet, zesty orange and savory thyme lend fresh, aromatic flavor to this simple and elegant steamed veggie side.
7. Caprese Salad with Grilled Zucchini
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, low carbs, <500 calories
Ripe summer tomatoes have just the right amount of acidity to cut the buttery richness of the main course.
8. Minty-Fresh Zucchini Salad with Marinated Feta
AUBRIE PICK/KITCHEN REMIX
Time Commitment: 15 minutes + marinating time
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, make-ahead, low carbs
This refreshing summer salad is the palate cleanser you’ll crave between each bite of decadent quiche.
9. Gluten-Free Cheese and Cauliflower ‘Breadsticks’
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, low carbs, kid-friendly
Who needs a snoozy side of toast when you can munch on this cheesy, gluten-free alternative instead?
10. Lemon Tahini Salad with Lentils, Beets, Carrots
AUBRIE PICK/GREAT TASTES
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, no bake, high protein
A zippy and bright lemon-tahini dressing complements the earthy flavor of root vegetables wonderfully in this healthy side dish, which just so happens to be a dreamy accompaniment to custardy quiche.
11. Creamed Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, crowd-pleaser, low carbs
This recipe for meaty Brussels sprouts and sweet caramelized onions in cream sauce is basically begging to be served alongside any quiche that features bacon. (Quiche Lorraine, anyone?)
12. Kale Caesar Salad
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, no cook, <500 calories
A light and healthy serving of greens is one of the most obvious pairings for a rich main like quiche. This kale Caesar is the best of them all, since it fits the bill without being totally joyless—you know, like that lackluster mixed green salad that restaurants serve just to take space on the plate.
13. Cauliflower, Pomegranate, and Apple Salad
JACQUI MELVILLE/APPLE
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: baking sheet recipe, <500 calories, no cook
Cauliflower once again proves its potential as a low-key flavor vessel in this sweet-tart salad—a palate-cleansing pick-me-up that pairs well with most anything.
14. Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: baking sheet recipe, <500 calories, no cook
This simple kale salad boasts a dijon vinaigrette that harmonizes wonderfully with quiche and a spiced, crispy chickpea topping that’s downright addictive.
15. Crisp Fall Green Salad with Benne Seed Ginger Dressing
EMILY DORIO/THE SALTWATER TABLE
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser
Here, bitter greens (think: dandelion, kale and kohlrabi) and a bold, Asian-inspired ginger dressing come together to create a bright, exciting salad that goes well with anything rich.
16. Roasted Squash Salad with White Beans, Bread Crumbs and Preserved Lemon
ARAN GOYOAGA/CANNELLE ET VANILLE
Time Commitment: 1 hour + soaking time
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegan, <500 calories
Prefer a heartier salad? No problem—just try this comforting combination of sweet, roasted squash, buttery white beans and aromatic preserved lemon. Chef’s kiss.
17. Harissa and Honey-Roasted Carrots
PHOTO: NICO SCHINCO/STYLING: EDEN GRINSHPAN
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, sheet pan recipe
Beautiful to look at and even better to taste—this roasted carrot side is a sweet and spicy flavor bomb that requires precious few ingredients to pull off.
18. Sprightly Biscuits
ROBERT S. COOPER/A REAL SOUTHERN COOK
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
This just in: The secret to super light and fluffy, Southern-style biscuits is Bisquick and Sprite.
19. Brussels Sprouts Skillet with Crispy Pancetta-Garlic Bread Crumbs
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: no bake, <500 calories, <10 ingredients
So what if there’s already pancetta in your quiche…you really can’t have too much of a good thing, can you?
20. Julia Turshen’s Radicchio and Roasted Squash Salad
DAVID LOFTUS/NOW & AGAIN
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, low carbs, <500 calories, make-ahead
Warning: This radicchio slaw is a brightly colored and beautiful companion to quiche that provides a welcome flavor contrast, to boot.
21. Kale Salad with Persimmons, Crispy Chickpeas and Fried Shallots
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 1 hour 5 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
This inventive and oh-so complex combination of leafy greens, dried apricot, fresh persimmon, shallot and chickpeas acts as a perfect foil to the straightforward flavor profile of quiche.
22. Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Crispy Chickpeas and Yogurt Sauce
PHOTO/STYLING: KATHERINE GILLEN
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: <500 calories, sheet pan recipe, vegetarian
In case you missed it, we can’t get enough crispy chickpeas. Here, they deliver a delightful textural contrast to creamy, roasted sweet potato. As far as your quiche is concerned, the palate-cleansing tang of silky yogurt sauce tastes like a match made in heaven.
23. Arugula Salad with Whole-Lemon Vinaigrette
KRISTIN TEIG/SALAD SEASONS: VEGETABLE-FORWARD DISHES ALL YEAR
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, <500 calories
Peppery arugula dressed in an extra lemony, zingy vinaigrette served alongside a creamy, buttery egg custard. Looks like a well-balanced equation to us.
24. Make-Ahead Farro and Brussels Sprout Salad
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, make-ahead, vegetarian
This hearty combination of chewy, nutty farro and earthy Brussels sprouts feels light and fresh thanks to the fruity tang of pomegranate seeds. Let’s just say this one checks all the boxes.
25. Ina Garten's Roasted Broccolini and Cheddar
QUENTIN BACON/MODERN COMFORT FOOD
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: low sugar, sheet pan recipe, ready in <30 minutes
As far as we’re concerned, the Barefoot Contessa can do no wrong and this sheet pan recipe proves it. A play on the classic broccoli with cheese sauce, this adult twist is low on carbs (you know, to balance out the quiche) and high on flavor.
26. Best Bloody Marys
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, special-occasion worthy
Sometimes the only side you need is a refreshing adult beverage, and that notion can certainly be applied to quiche. Our first choice? A spicy, savory bloody mary, of course.
27. Prosciutto and Salad Board
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, <500 calories, special occasion-worthy
This eye-pleasing combination of salad greens, salty prosciutto and sweet figs is simple, sexy and guaranteed to impress every brunch guest.
28. Cauliflower with Roasted Tomatoes, Parsley and Bread Crumbs
ABRA BERENS/CHRONICLE BOOKS
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: make-ahead, <500 calories, vegetarian
News to no one: cauliflower goes well with everything. Add a hint of sweetness and acidity with roasted tomatoes and some grassy freshness with parsley and you have a dish that’s just dying for a dance with quiche (and pretty much anything else on the menu).
29. Roasted Peach and Arugula Salad
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: sheet pan recipe, <10 ingredients, <500 calories
Stone fruits really elevate the flavor of quiche and there’s no better proof than this swoon-worthy combination of spicy arugula, sweet roasted peaches and crunchy almonds.
30. Corn Fritter Caprese with Peaches and Tomatoes
PHOTO: MARK WEINBERG/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, high protein
Remember what we said about stone fruit? Well, this time peaches are pairing up with other summertime favorites, tomato and corn, and the finished dish is so beyond brunch-worthy.
31. Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
LET'S STAY IN
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, sheet pan recipe
Avocado, mint, pomegranate, lime—there’s plenty going on in this squash salad and it’s still more than the sum of its parts. Serve this one with quiche or any dairy-rich dish and your guests will be dazzled.
32. Oven-Roasted Beets and Potatoes
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, <500 calories
Here, we slice golden and red beets and Yukon Gold potatoes super-thin, put them into stacks and then arrange them in a skillet to form a spiral. Isn’t it gorgeous? This hearty side dish is sure to impress.
33. Portobello Mushrooms Stuffed with Barley Risotto
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 1 hour 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, high protein, beginner-friendly
If you’re looking for a satisfying side dish that brings deep umami flavor to the table, this crave-worthy vegetarian recipe featuring creamy barley risotto tucked into portobello mushroom caps fits the bill.
34. Yotam Ottolenghi’s Roasted Butternut Squash with Lentils and Gorgonzola
OTTOLENGHI SIMPLE: A COOKBOOK
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, <500 calories
Another hearty option that harmonizes well—this delicious lentil and squash salad gets a pick-me-up from plenty of fresh herbs, plus a little bite from a sprinkling of gorgonzola. Serve slightly warm for best results.
35. Greens Mac and Cheese
DAVID LOFTUS/ULTIMATE VEG
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, kid-friendly
There’s more veg than pasta in Jamie Oliver’s recipe for greens mac and cheese, which is why you don’t have to feel too bad about doubling down on your love of dairy.
36. Kale and Brussel Sprouts Caesar Slaw
ANA CUBA/THE MODERN COOK'S YEAR
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, low carbs
For those who could never quite get on board with Brussels sprouts—you won’t even notice them when they’re shredded, mixed with kale and tossed in homemade Caesar dressing. Trust.
37. Frozen Aperol Spritz
COURTESY OF PLATED
Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegan
Fans of the boozy side idea will delight in this recipe, which turns a classic aperol spritz into a slushy that’s remarkably even more summery and brunchy than the original.
38. Roasted Tomato Soup
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 1 hour 45 minutes
Why We Love It: low sugar, low carb, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
Roast fresh tomatoes alongside garlic and onion before you start on the broth. It’s an easy way to achieve a more developed and concentrated flavor that puts the canned stuff to shame.
39. Asparagus Caesar Salad
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: low carb, <500 calories, low sugar, vegetarian
Nothing says “springtime in Paris” quite like in-season asparagus doused in your favorite dressing (Caesar, duh) and served alongside a generous helping of quiche Lorraine. Bon appetit.
40. Sliced Citrus with Pistachio Dust
KATE SEARS/THE MODERN TABLE
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, <30 minutes, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser
Citrus is one of the best pairings for quiche and this simple, elegant side of sliced citrus and pistachio is a highly-customizable upgrade on the sad fruit salads of yore that’s sure to impress a crowd.
65 Healthy Side Dishes That Are Easy and Delicious
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