What are some good and easy side dishes?

My family had the same problem, and I started experimenting in the grain and pasta aisle. My most favorite alternative is couscous. It's very popular in the food world right now, and you can find it in the rice/pasta aisle in all flavors...garlic, cheese, herb, chicken, beef...it's smaller than rice, but very versatile, and goes with whatever you are cooking. There are also numerous other grains that I haven't tried yet, but I bet would be fun to try.