Sticking to a healthy diet can get tiring if you don’t have the right recipes on hand.
Everyone should eat lots of veggies, and the best way to get the vegetables you need in your diet is to serve them as side dishes to your meals. Whether it’s something simple such as a salad or a full-on cooked side dish such as green beans, we’ve got you covered.
These vegetable side dishes will help you not only stick to your healthy routine, but they’ll also taste delicious.
Vegetable side dishes often play an essential role in elevating the main course during a meal. They can add vibrant colors, flavors, and textures to the dining table while also providing essential nutrients for a well-balanced diet. From simple steamed vegetables to more elaborate dishes, these sides can be the key to transforming an ordinary meal into an extraordinary one.
Many home cooks are constantly on the lookout for new and intriguing vegetable dishes to enhance their culinary repertoire. There is an endless array of options, ranging from roasted root vegetables to crisp and zesty salads. Seasonal ingredients can also inspire the choice of side dishes, ensuring that the dishes are both fresh and flavorful.
Exploring and experimenting with various techniques, such as sautéing, grilling, and pickling, can add an extra layer of excitement to these side dishes. The incorporation of different herbs and spices, as well as creative combinations of vegetables, can result in an unforgettable dining experience. With much to consider and discover, vegetable side dishes offer an excellent opportunity for culinary creativity and enjoyment.
You can whip up a larger batch too at the beginning of the week so you have a perfect side dish to have throughout the week.
You might even be able to sneak some for your kids.
Whether you decide to make chicken, beef, pork, or fish, these veggie side dishes will pair with your main entrée perfectly.
Sit back and enjoy these delicious vegetable sides and pick your favorite for your next big meal.
Source: joyousapron.com
1. Greek Cucumber Salad
Mediterranean food is known for having extremely fresh ingredients and for being really healthy for you.
This salad is the epitome of those sentiments and you’ll find reasons to make this Greek cucumber salad throughout the week.
Source: lecremedelacrumb.com
2. Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges
This is a guaranteed tasty veggie side that won’t disappoint.
Slice your potato wedges thin enough so that they can get nice and crispy on the outside while still having a soft starchy middle.
This is one of those veggie sides that doesn’t have a lot of ingredients but is still full of flavor.
The cheesy parmesan crust is really the star of the show, but if you make the right dipping sauce the two go perfectly together.
Source: cookingclassy.com
3. Smashed Potatoes
Smashed potatoes are fun to make so you can get the whole family involved.
The taste is just as good too!
It’s incredibly easy to make too, so you won’t have to slave away in the kitchen all afternoon just for your side.
Source: seededatthetable.com
4. Broccoli and Cheese
A well cooked broccoli still has a bit of snap to it while being fairly tender.
Pair your fresh broccoli with a ton of creamy cheese and the dish is too good to pass up.
You could bust out this side for a quick hunger fix or make a big batch for dinner.
If you want your casserole to really shine, you’ll throw in some bits of bacon and use a nicer cheese.
Source: number-2-pencil.com
5. Sweet Potato Fries
Fries are a great veggie side to make that can go with a ton of different meals, but when you make them out of sweet potatoes they add an extra flavor to your meals.
Baking them in the oven will give them a slightly smoky taste which enhances their flavor.
You’ll want to get the thickness of your sweet potato fries just right because otherwise, the fries will end up too soggy.
You can toss a pinch of salt and pepper to the fries to make them taste even better.
Of course, a great dipping sauce will really make this side treat stand out.
Source: peelwithzeal.com
6. Green Beans and Garlic
What’s really nice about the vegetable ideas on this list is that they are quick to make but still have a lot of flavors.
This is the perfect example because all you’ll need is a handful of ingredients and toss them in a pan for a few minutes before you’re ready to serve.
The green bean is a healthy food you’ll feel good serving no matter what kind of meal you make.
Source: leitesculinaria.com
7. Green Peas With Mint
Peas are usually thrown in as an ingredient in some other dish but this veggie side makes them the star of the show.
With a little mint added to the peas, you’ll create an incredible side dish that can adapt to a ton of different meals.
This is a super simple dish to make regardless if you buy fresh peas or use frozen ones.
It’s great to bust out when you don’t have a ton of time but still need something the entire family will enjoy.
Not to mention how healthy it is for everyone to be eating!
Source: belleofthekitchen.com
8. Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Garlic is a great way to spruce up any meal and match it with a generous portion of parmesan on some asparagus in a great combo.
Make sure you get some fresh asparagus in your local store or farmer’s market to make this dish stand out.
This one is easy enough to make when you don’t have a ton of time and it goes with a lot of meals.
Source: instrupix.com
9. Cauliflower Fried Rice
A good fried rice can be packed with healthy ingredients and good flavor.
The healthy aspect of this recipe is taken up even higher by using cauliflower rice instead of regular white grain rice.
You can make a ton of this dish and use it as a base for your protein or just have it on its own for a healthy snack.
With this side, you can give it to your children and they won’t even know it’s cauliflower because of the great taste.
Source: natashadkitchen.com
10. Cabbage Salad
The cabbage salad is a wonderfully healthy side to make that is light and refreshing.
It’s a great way to balance out any of those savory meals that need a bit of balance.
You’ll have some cucumbers and peas with a lot of cabbage and then you’ll add the sauce.
A mix of apple cider vinegar and white vinegar and some high-quality olive oil will do the trick.
This is a great way to mix in a ton of fresh veggies into one of your regular meals and still get some great flavor.
Source: kalynskitchen.com
11. Broccoli Radish and Gorgonzola Salad
You can’t go wrong with this refreshing and delicious side dish.
Lots of fresh broccoli mixed in with thinly sliced radishes and some blue cheese dressing with gorgonzola crumbles added to it.
Even though this recipe is super easy to make, you’ll love how much flavor there is.
Source: dishingupthedirt.com
12. Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts have a strong flavor on their own, but when you create a maple glaze and coat them it really balances perfectly.
A little bit of salt and olive oil can create a nice crispy snack almost like chips.
It’s a perfect one to make in advance and keep around the house for a quick snack.
You’d be surprised at how often the kids keep asking for them too!
Source: allrecipes.com
13. Mashed Turnips
Turnips are a great way to still have your mashed potato fixed but with less starch and a unique flavor.
Although they have a slightly bitter taste compared to mashed potatoes, you’ll be able to use tricks like an uncovered pot to remove the bitterness.
The smaller the turnips the sweeter they are, so try to avoid big ones.
Source: sweetpeasandsaffron.com
14. Roasted Vegetables
This is one of those easy vegetable side dishes that never gets old.
You can pretty much choose any veggies you like to go with this one like roasted carrot, roasted butternut squash, roasted broccoli, or even a tomato.
Just make sure they will all time out just right because you don’t want to mix hard root veggies with softer peas and expect the two to time out perfectly.
The seasoning can really make all the difference, so experiment by adding a little more of the flavor you like.
Source: princesspinkygirl.com
15. Corn on the Cob
This is a classic that always passes the test of time.
Make sure to give the corn a good wash after you take the stalk off.
Then, slather it in butter and get the fire in the grill started.
Throw the corn on for a good 20 minutes but make sure to turn it every so often.
You don’t want parts of the grilled corn to burn and other parts to be perfect.
Sprinkle a little salt and butter and you’ll have the perfect side to comfort food.
Source: letthebakingbegin.com
16. Beet Salad
Beets are a great way to add flavor to a dish but still pack in a ton of nutritional value.
You’ll get plenty of minerals and vitamins along with better blood pressure by adding a beet salad to your routine.
A secret to beets is balancing the tangy flavor with a fresh flavor like goat cheese.
The vinaigrette is also a nice touch that really balances all the flavors together.
Source: thrivinghomeblog.com
17. Fiesta Salad
All the great flavors of Mexican cuisine are packed into one delicious bowl.
You have black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, and you could even chop up some avocados to go with it.
Top it all off with some sour cream and salsa and you have got yourself the perfect tortilla chip dip.
Just remember to make enough so that everyone at the table has a chance to get a bite.
You’d be surprised at just how fast this app goes when taken out at a party.
Source: twokooksinthekitchen.com
18. Roasted Zucchini
It doesn’t take much to have roasted zucchini for your side dish.
All you need is to prep the zucchini and stick it in the oven to roast.
The whole process will only take you half an hour but the seasoning will make all the difference.
Source: cookingchatfood.com
19. Simple Spinach Salad
Although the ingredients in the salad itself aren’t a lot, the dressing is packed full of flavor.
This is one of those vegetable side dishes you need fresh veggies to help taste better.
If you’re looking for a fall recipe that can remind you of the season, this might be the one.
It requires pumpkin seeds, so you could have this alongside carving your pumpkin.
Source: thefoodcharlatan.com
20. Broccoli Salad
Not all broccoli salads are the same and this version hits all the right flavor notes.
You have the salty and crispy bacon bits mixed in with the tangy sweet cranberries.
There are sunflower seeds with some savory onion along with cheddar cheese.
This broccoli salad might sound like it doesn’t have any flavor but when you have your first bite you’ll find reasons to keep it on the table.
Source: thebusybaker.ca
21. Kale Chips
Who doesn’t love the crispness of a good salty chip?
When you throw a pinch of salt on some baked kale pieces, you won’t even want to go back to regular fries.
The best part is it doesn’t take long to bake if you place the kale pieces apart, but the flavor is outstanding.
Source: wellplated.com
22. Baked Parsnip Fries
When you’re looking for a healthy alternative to french fries but don’t want sweet potatoes, try out these baked parsnip fries.
Cut them thin enough so that when they’re thrown in the oven they’ll only take about 20 minutes to fully cook.
Source: reciperunner.com
23. Sweet Potato Salad
You have to try this sweet potato salad for its health benefits as well as great taste.
The nutrients in vegetables, like potassium and beta-carotene, help the body stay strong and healthy.
When you throw in some lentils and onion, you have a hearty salad that is still a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Source: fatforweightloss.com.au
24. Cauliflower Au Gratin
Although this one might be a vegetable side dish don’t be fooled, it is full of flavor.
You’ve got heavy cream, cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
When you see the golden brown color start to come on the crust, that’s when it’s time to pull it out.
Source: aforkstale.com
25. Collard Greens
This southern classic is a vegetable side best served with some comfort food.
Collard greens are one of the toughest, heartiest vegetables around. They’re also quite nutritious.
Collards are a nutty-flavored leafy green vegetable that often shows up in Southern cuisine alongside things like ham hocks or bacon.
It can also be used in soup or even raw as a healthy replacement for lettuce.
25+ Flavorful Vegetable Side Dishes (+Sweet Potato Fries)
Ingredients
- 2 large peeled sweet potatoes cut into strips
- 1/4 tsp. sea salt
- 1 Tbsp. melted butter
- 1/2 tsp. dark brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Toss sweet potato with cinnamon, melted butter, and sea salt.
- Cook for 14 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time.
- Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
Notes
Organize all the required ingredients.
Enjoy the food.
Nutrition
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