So you have the main course, but what the heck are you eating on the side? Instead of slaving away in the kitchen or resorting to unhealthy packaged products, try one of these healthy side dishes and recipes for grains, veggies, and yes, even fries!
In my dream world, all meals could be cooked in one pot in less than 15 minutes, but those are hard to come by! When it comes to dinner, the sides are always a hit for me. I find I can make a main course pretty quickly, but it’s the sides that end up taking FOREVER.
There are times when one-pot stunners make sense, but in my house, stuffed chicken and baked salmon always call for healthy sides. And preferably ones that don’t take up much space on a pan in the oven.
I’ve rounded up 35 healthy side dishes that are packed with nutrients, taste amazing, and are super easy. Many are also gluten free and low carb. I hope these inspire you to step out of your cooking zone and do some magic in the kitchen. Enjoy!
Healthy Side Dishes: Grains
Hello whole grains! A meal doesn’t feel quite as satisfying when grains aren’t involved. They’re also a great source of fiber. Here are some of my favorite healthy cereal side dishes.
Watermelon Feta and Mint Quinoa Salad – This is one of my favorite healthy sites when the weather warms up. The combination of hearty quinoa + sweet watermelon + slightly salty feta is awesome!
Wild rice pilaf with butternut squash – You’ll love this warm side dish that combines wild rice and roasted vegetables.
Apricot Edamame Quinoa Salad – Eat this as a side dish or even as a main dish! Perfect for lunch or dinner with a healthy dose of antioxidants.
Israeli quinoa salad – Anything with Mediterranean flavors and I’m sold! Packed with flavor and nutrient-dense ingredients, this salad features quinoa, cucumber, tomato and onion.
Harvest grain salad – Another favorite side dish. It’s a delicious blend of quinoa, fresh veggies, nuts, dried fruits, and a dressing that brings it all together.
Quinoa cooked in the microwave – Had to throw in this genius kitchen hack from Fit Foodie Finds…did you know you can make quinoa in your microwave in under 10 minutes?! Quinoa is a great alternative to brown rice. Bookmark!
Healthy side dishes: fries
Yes, fries get their own category! I share french fries from a variety of healthy side dish recipes. Just chop and bake, and you’ve got a delicious (and healthy!) side.
sweet potato fries – Everyone needs a recipe for sweet potato fries in their pocket. I share how to make them Strictly speaking crispy!
Oven Baked Fries – these are a healthier alternative to deep frying! My go-to place for a healthy roast recipe! Also, no air fryer required and roasted with olive oil!
Baked yuca fries – If you have never tried yuca fries, you have to do this! Seriously one of my favorite fries.
Crispy curly fries – Missing curly fries from your favorite fast food joint? Make them at home!
Baked Zucchini Fries – I don’t know if it’s the dipping sauce or the zucchini fries, but I really want to make this Lexi’s Clean Kitchen recipe!
Beet fries with Greek yogurt dip – Another creative Eating Bird food recipe that makes fries out of beets! Yummy!
Healthy side dishes: Vegetables
To yourself, your partner or the child who thinks vegetables are boring… I’m here to prove them wrong! These are my favorite healthy vegetable side dish recipes.
Roasted maple squash with tahini yogurt dressing – If the picture above doesn’t make your mouth water, something is wrong with you. joking! But do that side stat.
Cauliflower Rice Filling – Who said stuffing is only for Thanksgiving? Secretly packed with veggies and ready in under 20 minutes.
Perfect fried potatoes – You can never go wrong with fried potatoes! I’ve done a lot of tests and can assure you that they are perfect!
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts – Roasted Brussels sprouts is one of my favorite vegetarian sides. I took that and topped it off with maple syrup and bacon. So good!
Roasted Maple Dijon Carrots – Another improved recipe for a classic. These Maple Dijon Mustard Carrots are delicious all year round!
Grated Brussels Sprouts Salad – Eat this as a side salad or throw some protein on top and call it a complete meal!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic – another delicious side of Brussels sprouts! Toasted to perfection this time with balsamic vinegar.
Grilled chimichurri corn – If you’re looking for a way to spice up your standard summer corn on the cob, you’ve come to the right place! It’s easy to make and the perfect side dish for your next BBQ!
Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas with Tahini + Za’atar – I love nothing more than roasted cauliflower with tahini! The chickpeas add a nice crunchy flavor with a protein punch!
Charred green beans with garlic and pomegranate seeds – The combination of roasted green beans and the hint of sweetness from the pomegranate will leave you wanting more… trust me.
Lemon Ginger Asparagus with Roasted Almonds – The flavor combination in this side dish is so delicious! Delicious all year round, but especially so in spring and summer.
Broccoli Cheddar Fritters – My kid loves this recipe! Simple ingredients and a great way to sneak in some broccoli!
Peach Spinach Salad – You can’t go wrong with a staple side salad! This Ambitious Kitchen Peach Spinach Salad looks amazing.
Thai Zucchini Noodle Salad – I went through a zucchini noodle phase where I ate them at pretty much every meal. This is one of my favorite creations from this phase and I love that it highlights two veggies: zucchini and peppers.
Orange Radicchio Salad – I’ve made this so many times this spring! Love the bright, refreshing flavors. Sprinkle on a little cheese for a more delicious taste!
Rosemary Butternut Squash – Hello butternut squash! This recipe uses simple ingredients but is packed with nutrients!
Lemon Herb Zucchini Pasta Salad – Another zucchini pasta salad. These whip up in no time and really make the summer veggies, including fresh herbs, stand out!
Roasted Vegetables with Tahini Sauce – You can’t go wrong with this easy and healthy side dish! Sauté your favorite veggies with some olive oil and salt and top with the best tahini sauce!
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes – Roasted fingerling potatoes are so easy to make, but look extra fancy. These are a great side dish for a dinner party!
Avocado Corn Salad – Eating Bird Food took two of my favorite summertime dishes and made a salad!
Creamy Cucumber Salad – Few things are more refreshing in summer than cucumbers. I can’t wait to try this creamy salad from Fit Foodie Finds.
Avocado Strawberry Mango Salsa – Don’t forget the fruit side dishes! This Strawberry Mango Salsa from Ambitious Kitchen is a hit at the next happy hour or Mexican fiesta!
Simple citrus salad – Apparently you are doing it wrong if you eat your fruit plain. Paired with a lemon juice vinaigrette and fresh mint, this citrus salad from A Couple Cooks makes my mouth water.
* * * * *
From grains to fries to lots of veggies packed with vitamins and minerals, you’ve got at least 35 healthy side dishes to get you through the next few months. Have fun cooking!
SUBSCRIBE TO THE THM NEWSLETTER
Join over 20,000 members of the THM community to get access to exclusive recipes, healthy lifestyle tips and behind-the-scenes news from our team!