These recipes are more than just sides—they’re the finishing touches that take meals from basic to memorable. Whether you’re dressing up a salad, topping grilled meats, or putting together a cheese board, a good sauce or spread adds flavor fast.
You’ll find smoky, herby, spicy, and tangy options here, all using simple ingredients and approachable methods. From quick vinaigrettes and creamy dips to bold global flavors and seasonal preserves, this collection is packed with easy wins.
Scroll through and pick a few to try this week. You’ll be surprised how often these condiments come in handy—and how much better your meals taste because of them.
Rhubarb Sauce
This sweet-tart sauce is an easy way to enjoy rhubarb in the spring. It comes together quickly and works well over toast, ice cream, pancakes, or pound cake.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Sauce
Roasted Tomato Salsa
Roasting tomatoes deepens their flavor for a smoky, rich salsa. With just a few ingredients, this salsa is perfect for tacos, chips, or spooned over grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Salsa
Everything Bagel Seasoning
Make your own version of this popular seasoning blend with sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. Sprinkle it on eggs, avocado toast, veggies, or even popcorn.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Seasoning
Traeger Smoked Garlic Confit
Garlic cloves slow-cooked in oil with a hint of smoke make this a flavorful, spreadable condiment. Use it on bread, mix into pasta, or stir into mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic Confit
Old Bay Buffalo Sauce
Classic buffalo sauce gets a flavorful upgrade with Old Bay seasoning. It’s perfect for wings, sandwiches, or adding a kick to grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Old Bay Buffalo Sauce
Pesto Aioli
Fresh basil pesto blended into mayo makes a creamy, herby dip or sandwich spread. It’s an easy way to add big flavor to burgers, wraps, or grilled veggies.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Aioli
Mignonette Sauce for Oysters
A traditional French sauce made with vinegar, shallots, and pepper. It’s tangy, sharp, and a perfect match for fresh oysters on the half shell.
Get the Recipe: Mignonette Sauce for Oysters
Light & Creamy Feta Dill Salad Dressing
Crumbled feta and fresh dill come together in a creamy but not-too-heavy dressing. Great on crisp greens, cucumber salads, or as a drizzle for grilled chicken.
Get the Recipe: Light & Creamy Feta Dill Salad Dressing
Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette
This fruity vinaigrette blends fresh strawberries with lime juice for a bright, sweet-tart dressing. Try it on spinach salads, fruit bowls, or grilled chicken.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lime Vinaigrette
Avocado Lime Green Goddess Sauce
A fresh, creamy sauce made with avocado, lime, and herbs. It’s great as a salad dressing, sandwich spread, or veggie dip, and blends up fast in a blender.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Lime Green Goddess Sauce
Light Chipotle Tartar Sauce
A smoky, spicy twist on classic tartar sauce, lightened up but still full of flavor. Perfect for fish tacos, grilled seafood, or as a dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Light Chipotle Tartar Sauce
Cilantro Lemon Vinaigrette
This zesty vinaigrette combines the brightness of lemon with fresh cilantro. It’s great on salads, grain bowls, or as a marinade for chicken or shrimp.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lemon Vinaigrette
Roasted Garlic & Lemon Dressing
Roasting garlic adds depth to this lemon-based dressing. It’s a great all-purpose option for salads or drizzling over roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic & Lemon Dressing
Light Greek Yogurt Bleu Cheese Dressing
A creamy, tangy bleu cheese dressing made lighter with Greek yogurt. Use it on wedge salads, wings, or as a dipping sauce without the usual heaviness.
Get the Recipe: Light Greek Yogurt Bleu Cheese Dressing
Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing
This dressing combines orange, lemon, and a touch of sweetness with crunchy poppy seeds. It’s especially good on fruit salads or spring greens.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing
Homemade Eel Sauce Recipe (Unagi Sauce)
A sweet and savory sauce often served with sushi, this version is easy to make at home. Great drizzled over grilled seafood, rice bowls, or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Eel Sauce Recipe (Unagi Sauce)
Spiced Cranberry Orange Jam
Cranberries and oranges meet warming spices in this thick, festive jam. Great for holiday spreads, cheese boards, or gifting in small jars.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Cranberry Orange Jam
Jalapeño Hot Honey
This quick sauce blends honey with sliced jalapeños for a sweet and spicy condiment that’s great on pizza, fried chicken, roasted veggies, or cheese boards.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Hot Honey
Italian Salsa Verde
Made with parsley, garlic, lemon, and capers, this no-cook sauce adds a fresh, zesty hit to grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Italian Salsa Verde