Looking for the best sides for meatball subs? This list has the perfect option for everyone! Whether you’re craving something light and fresh, a dish that’s packed with cozy comfort, or anything in between, you’ll find all the inspiration you need right here. Meatball subs always hit the spot, but some of these sides might just steal the show! 

Meatball sandwiches with marinara sauce are one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. So trust me when I say I’ve done plenty of research into the best sides for meatball subs!

Sometimes, I want something light and fresh to balance out the meatball sandwiches. Other times, I’m looking for maximum coziness. And safe to say, I’ve found the perfect dish for every mood and taste.

From a crispy caesar salad to crunchy fried pickles to jalapeno poppers and beyond, these recipes may end up being just as tasty and satisfying as the meatball sub itself! When you browse this list, don’t be surprised if you find some of your new favorite sides.

1. Classic Caesar Salad

This refreshing bowl of crispy romaine lettuce includes easy homemade garlic croutons and a Caesar dressing made with or without anchovies. Top with shavings of Parmesan cheese for a truly perfect side dish.

2. Kale Salad

For another light and healthy option, try this crunchy salad with sliced almonds, parmesan cheese, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to throw this green salad together!

3. Fruit Salad

Ready for the best fruit salad you’ve ever tasted? Made with plenty of colorful and fresh fruit tossed together in a bright and simple honey lime dressing, this dish is incredibly refreshing and sure to be a crowd favorite.

4. Potato Salad

Enjoy a classic creamy dill pickle potato salad just like Grandma used to make! This sweet and tangy side is made with red potatoes, dill pickles, hard boiled eggs, crisp celery, sweet red onion, and fresh chives.

5. Pasta Salad

This classic pasta salad is a wonderful summer side dish. It’s easy to make, fully customizable, and always a crowd-favorite! Chopped veggies, rotini pasta, and fresh parsley tossed in Italian dressing and topped with some Parmesan makes for an irresistible bowl.

6. French Fries

If you love Wingstop seasoned fries, you’re going to go crazy for this copycat recipe! You can make them in the air fryer or on the stove for a great side dish that’s unbelievably easy to prep.

7. Onion Rings

Thinly sliced onion rings are dipped in batter and panko crumbs, then air fried to crispy golden perfection! Or, if you have a bag of frozen onion rings sitting in your freezer, you can just as easily use those as well.

8. Potato Wedges

These wedges are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and tossed in Ranch seasoning for the most amazing combination of texture and flavor! You can serve with extra Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or classic ketchup.

9. Egg Noodles

Who doesn’t love buttered noodles? In this version, the egg noodles soak up the broth and butter as they cook for a deep yet simple flavor that is oh-so-satisfying. If you’re craving comfort food, this recipe is for you!

10. Jalapeno Poppers

Stuffed with cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon, these baked poppers are super easy to make and great for game day! Depending on the size of the crowd, you may want to consider doubling the recipe.

11. Cucumber Salad

This salad is so easy to throw together when you want a side that’s bursting with flavor and crunch! Fresh veggies and feta with a light Greek dressing gives you a dish that’s full of nutrients and can be ready in under 15 minutes.

12. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Green beans are tossed with a mixture of Parmesan cheese and panko bread crumbs, then roasted to perfection! The light breading gets super crispy for a veggie side that even the pickiest of eaters will devour.

13. Coleslaw

Homemade creamy coleslaw is a classic side that can be made from scratch in just 10 minutes! It’s creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy all at the same time for a lighter dish that still delivers big on flavor.

14. Sweet Potato Fries

Frozen Alexia sweet potato fries only take 8 minutes to cook to crispy perfection thanks to the magic of the air fryer! This recipe will also work for other brands of frozen sweet potato fries with some minor possible tweaks based on the thickness of the fries.

15. Fried Pickles

Skip the messy deep frying and enjoy air fryer pickles in less than 10 minutes! They turn out crispy golden brown and are so delicious dipped in ranch, bleu cheese, southwest ranch, fry sauce, spicy mayo, or thousand island dressing.

16. Broccoli

Want to balance your meatball sub with a simple and super-healthy veggie? Boiling broccoli is the best way to get crisp-tender florets that keep their vibrant color and satisfying texture. It’s a delicious nutrient-rich veggie that’s so easy to make!

17. Minestrone Soup

This Italian soup is loaded with veggies, pasta, and beans in a luxurious tomato broth. It’s hearty and nourishing, just like nonna used to make! Best of all, this easy soup makes amazing leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.

18. Potato Skins

Toss some frozen potato skins in the air fryer for a crispy and delicious appetizer that can be ready in less than 10 minutes! Feel free to finish them with favorite toppings like sour cream and green onions or enjoy them as-is!

19. Curly Fries

Once you try cooking frozen curly fries in the air fryer, you’ll never want to make them any other way again! The hot air gets them perfectly crispy on the outside while leaving them wonderfully tender on the inside.

20. Roasted Vegetables

Roasting your veggies in the air fryer turns out so tasty, you don’t even need any breading! You can use zucchini, squash, onion, mushrooms, red peppers, or any combination that sounds amazing to you.

More side dish recipes

• 25 Fried Shrimp Side Dishes
• 21 Breakfast Sides
• 33 Best Meatloaf Side Dishes
• 25 Best Sides For Grilled Cheese
• 32 Sides For BBQ

Did you try any of these wonderful sides? Let me know in the comments below. Also be sure to check out this easy caprese salad that would make another wonderful side dish.