25 Tasty Instant Pot Side Dish Recipes You Need to Try

Sometimes the side dish steals the show, especially when your Instant Pot does all the work. These 24 Instant Pot side dish recipes cover everything from creamy potatoes to crisp-tender veggies, all ready in a fraction of the usual time.

Whether you’re rounding out a weeknight dinner or need a hands-off side for a holiday spread, there’s something here for every plate. Scroll through, pick your favorites, and click “Get the Recipe” to grab the full instructions for each.

1. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes cook up fork-tender in minutes, then whip into a creamy, buttery mash with no draining or babysitting a pot. It’s the easiest mashed potatoes you’ll ever make, and they turn out silky every time.

2. Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes

Thin potato slices layer up with a rich, cheesy sauce and cook to bubbling perfection without ever turning on the oven. It’s classic comfort food, ready in a fraction of the usual baking time.

3. Instant Pot Lentil Salad

Lentils cook up tender but not mushy, then toss with fresh vegetables and a bright vinaigrette for a hearty, protein-packed salad. It’s a great make-ahead side that only gets better as it sits.

4. Instant Pot Ratatouille

Eggplant, zucchini, and peppers stew together in a garlicky tomato sauce until perfectly tender. It’s a colorful, veggie-packed side that pairs with just about any main dish.

5. Instant Pot Herb Butter Potatoes

Baby potatoes steam until tender, then get tossed in a garlicky herb butter for a simple side with big flavor. It’s ready in well under 30 minutes, start to finish.

6. Instant Pot Garlic Green Beans

Fresh green beans cook up crisp-tender in minutes and get finished with plenty of garlic for a fast, flavorful side. It’s a foolproof way to get vegetables on the table without any fuss.

7. Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash cooks whole in the Instant Pot, then shreds into tender noodle-like strands with a fork. It’s a low-carb side that works under marinara or simply tossed with butter and herbs.

8. Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf

Nutty wild rice cooks up tender and fluffy with onions, celery, and herbs for a cozy, hearty side. It’s a great change of pace from plain rice and holds up beautifully at a holiday table.

9. Instant Pot Quinoa

Quinoa turns out light and fluffy every time, with no watching the pot or guessing at timing. It’s a simple, healthy base for grain bowls or a quick side for any main.

10. Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Rice simmers with tomatoes, onion, and spices until every grain is packed with flavor, no separate saucepan required. It’s the perfect companion to tacos, enchiladas, or any Tex-Mex spread.

11. Instant Pot Creamed Spinach

Fresh spinach wilts down into a rich, creamy sauce with garlic and a touch of nutmeg, all in one pot. It’s a steakhouse-style side that comes together in a fraction of the usual time.

12. Instant Pot Cauliflower Mash

Cauliflower steams until tender, then blends up creamy and smooth for a lighter stand-in for mashed potatoes. It’s a low-carb side that still delivers all the comfort-food satisfaction.

13. Instant Pot Glazed Carrots

Carrots cook up tender in minutes, then get tossed in a sweet, buttery glaze that caramelizes beautifully. It’s a simple side that dresses up any weeknight dinner or holiday plate.

14. Instant Pot Corn On The Cob

Corn on the cob steams up sweet and juicy in just minutes, with none of the fuss of boiling a big pot of water. It’s the fastest way to get perfect corn on the table all summer long.

15. Instant Pot Basmati Rice

Basmati rice comes out light, fluffy, and perfectly separate every single time, no rinsing guesswork required. It’s a reliable base for curries, stir-fries, or any saucy main dish.

16. Instant Pot Cheesy Grits

Grits cook up creamy and rich with a generous helping of melted cheese, all without any stovetop stirring. It’s a Southern-style comfort side that pairs perfectly with shrimp or eggs.

17. Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes steam until perfectly tender in a fraction of the oven’s baking time, ready for butter, brown sugar, or a savory topping. It’s a fast route to a classic favorite any night of the week.

18. Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

Broccoli steams to bright, crisp-tender perfection in just a couple of minutes, keeping its color and crunch. It’s the fastest way to get a healthy vegetable on the table with zero effort.

19. Instant Pot Sautéed Zucchini

Zucchini sautés up tender with garlic and herbs using the pot’s saute function, no extra pan required. It’s a light, fast side that’s perfect for using up a summer zucchini glut.

20. Instant Pot Brussel Sprouts With Bacon

Brussels sprouts cook up tender and savory alongside crispy bacon for a side that converts even the skeptics. It’s rich, smoky, and ready without heating up the oven.

21. Instant Pot Black Beans

Dried black beans cook up tender and creamy with no overnight soaking required, seasoned simply with onion and garlic. It’s a budget-friendly, protein-packed side for taco night or rice bowls.

22. Instant Pot Cabbage With Bacon

Cabbage wedges braise down tender and savory with smoky bacon in one pot, no long simmer needed. It’s an old-fashioned side that comes together in a fraction of the usual time.

23. Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Rice

Rice simmers with garlic and butter, then gets finished with a generous shower of Parmesan for a rich, savory side. It’s an easy upgrade from plain rice that pairs with almost any main.

24. Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Tender chicken, noodles, and vegetables simmer together into a comforting broth that’s ready in a fraction of the stovetop time. It’s a cozy, soul-warming addition to round out any comfort-food spread.

More Side Dish Recipes to Explore

Looking for more ways to round out your dinner table? Browse our full collection of Side Dishes and check out our Instant Pot Recipes for more pressure-cooker inspiration.