65 Healthy Sides That Will Steal All The Attention
Especially when we're trying eat healthier, it’s almost too easy to fall into the trap of going for the same boring meals again and again. We’ve found that the best way to avoid that is to add fun, colorful side dishes with lots of flavor and good mouthfeel (crunchy! spicy! herby!). Check out these 65 side dish recipes that all have a little something extra going on—they great for jazzing up everything from weeknight dinners to holiday mains.
Most nights, we definitely fall prey to the ease of just tossing whatever veggies we’ve got around in a pan with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. When we look for ideas to shake our menu up, we’ve got to get creative so as to add flavor, but not lose that simplicity. The easiest way to do this is to take all we know about stir frying, roasting or grilling our vegetables, and then taking it a few steps further with the toppings. We’re talking feta cheese, black and white sesame seeds (or use everything bagel seasoning, we won’t judge), dill… the options are truly endless.
We’re also very partial to a protein-packed bean salad, particularly ones we can make ahead of time and serve hot or cold. We’ve included a few of our favorites here, like our black bean and corn salad or mediterranean chickpea salad, but get creative with the beans you like best (or whatever you’ve got kicking around in your cabinets).
We know eating healthier can sometimes mean avoiding some of your favorites, like potatoes. We’ve also included a few ways we like to make them that cut some of the calories but not the flavor, like our air fryer roast potatoes or oven baked french fries. Love mashed potatoes but hate all the butter and carbs? Try swapping in butternut squash or parsnips for all that creamy goodness, sans potatoes.
For more healthy ideas, check out our list of better-for-you appetizers, dinners, and desserts too.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries can sometimes have a bad reputation—especially the oven-baked ones. They’re usually a floppy, bland pile of under-seasoned sadness, but it doesn’t have to be that way! There’s a way to get crisp and savory fries fresh out of the oven, and we've got the tips and tricks to help you get there.
Get the Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
Brussels Sprout Salad
When we want to incorporate more Brussels sprouts into our dinner routine, we turn to this fresh, seasonal salad. With toasted almonds, shaved Parmesan, and pomegranate seeds, this is the holiday side that will convert even the biggest Brussels sprout haters.
Get the Brussels Sprout Salad recipe.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Roasted carrots are a classic easy side dish that I turn to time and time again, whether I'm serving up a holiday dinner or a quick weeknight meal. That being said, topping them with a balsamic glaze truly takes them over the top. I include how to make a homemade balsamic glaze here, which if you've never made it before, you'll be surprised by just how easy it is to whip up.
Get the Balsamic Glazed Carrots recipe.
Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples
You may have seen crisp, anise-y fennel bulbs dotting the famers' market stands, nuzzling up alongside sweet delicata squash and tart apples. The three find their way into this healthy side dish that's perfect for elegant dinner party menus, simple weeknight meals, or paired with richer, holiday spreads.
Get the Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples recipe.
Bacon Fried Cabbage
If you want to venture into the world of cabbage that goes beyond corn beef or coleslaw, try this fried cabbage on for size. Hearty and flavorful, it only requires 5 ingredients (if you don't count the salt and pepper). Plus, one of those ingredients is BACON!
Get the Bacon Fried Cabbage recipe.
Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are great as is, but add a quick roast to get the bottoms crisp and a healthy dusting of pecorino and Parmesan? As soon as they come out of the oven, these cheese will gently melt into them, reminding us of one of our favorite pastas, cacio e pepe.
Get the Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Sweet Potato Salad
This sweet potato salad is the perfect way to lighten up any winter dinner or even your Thanksgiving spread. Feta, dried cranberries, and red onions pair really nicely with the earthy sweetness of the orange superfood. Did we mention it's great warm or cold?
Get the Sweet Potato Salad recipe.
Wild Rice
Rice is maybe one of the best, all-time favorite carbs, and you don't have to limit yourself to just white and brown. There are tons varieties that can bring about different textures and flavors, like nutty and chewy wild rice. Serve it alongside roast veggies or toss in some mushrooms, and you’ll have a hearty meal that comes together in a flash!
Get the Wild Rice recipe.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This summer-friendly recipe uses canned chickpeas, meaning it comes together in less than 30 minutes. 😎 Our lemon-parsley vinaigrette here is perfectly tart and fresh with a hint of spice, and you're going to want to put it on everything.
Get the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad recipe.
Green Beans Almondine
This classic French recipe turns humble green beans into an easy and impressive side dish you can make all year round. Sautéed with shallots and garlic, tossed with buttery, toasted almonds, and finished with lemon, these green beans are quick enough to serve for a weeknight dinner while also being fancy enough for holiday meals and dinner parties.
Get the Green Beans Almondine recipe.
Peas & Carrots
A quick side dish is always appreciated, especially one as easy as this combo. It goes well with your steak dinners, your rice & beans, or your vegan meatloaf, but if you really love your peas and carrots, you could just eat this in one sitting, as a meal (we have! 😉).
Get the Peas & Carrots recipe.
Black Bean And Corn Salad
This easy salad comes together quickly and works as a side dish, a great topping for tacos, or as an appetizer with tortilla chips. Think of this as a medley of the most exciting parts of a vegetarian burrito bowl, unadulterated by rice, and hyped up by a little honey-lime action.
Get the Black Bean And Corn Salad recipe.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts
We love classic sautéed Brussels sprouts, but sometimes we crave something with a bit more kick. These slightly spicy salty-sweet sprouts make for a unique and easy side dish.
Get the Shredded Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Roasted Garlic-Parsnip Puree
Parsnips are sweet like carrots and creamy like potatoes. Instead of mashed potatoes, give mashed parsnips a try. They're just as easy to make and with some roasted garlic, they're even more delicious!
Get the Roasted Garlic-Parsnip Puree recipe.
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Inspired by the popular Chinese takeout dish Kung Pao Chicken, these saucy Brussels sprouts are dangerously delicious. If you want to up the spice level, feel free to add red chili peppers with the garlic.
Get the Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad
If you’re looking for a new way to serve Brussels sprouts, you have to try thinly slicing them and making a flavor-packed winter salad. This salad has all of our favorite seasonal flavors: apples, cider vinegar, cranberries, nuts and sharp cheese. It’s the perfect side dish for all your holiday get-togethers, especially the fancier dinners.
Get the Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe.
Pear Salad
This simple yet satisfying wintery salad packs a flavorful punch with slightly smoky seared pears, creamy blue cheese, and ultra-crunchy candied pumpkin seeds. Tied together by a sweet-sour honey vinaigrette, it’s the perfect holiday side (or add some protein to make it a main!).
Get the Pear Salad recipe.
Best-Ever Keto Mac & Cheese
If you're on keto, you know there are a lot of no-nos in classic mac & cheese. This version takes out all the trouble children (ahem, PASTA) without sacrificing flavor. The pork rind topping is totally optional, but we think it adds a pleasant crunch.
Get the Best-Ever Keto Mac & Cheese recipe.
Air Fryer Crispy Potatoes
The air fryer works some kind of magic on potatoes—they get extra crispy all over and stay perfectly soft on the inside. Toss them in just a little bit of oil so all of the seasonings stick to make these the most delicious potatoes ever.
Get the Air Fryer Crispy Potatoes recipe.
Butternut Squash Mac 'N' Cheese
Creamy, sweet, and conveniently orange, butternut squash adds extra body and richness to mac & cheese. A little thyme does some heavy lifting, making the homey comfort classic a little fancy, and bringing some fall flavors to the table that are *chef’s kiss*.
Get the Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese recipe.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Cheesy green bean lovers, take note: The caramelized Brussels sprouts have arrived. Tossed in a honey and vinegar dressing and roasted until glazed and crisp, these sweet and tangy sprouts will steal the (side) show wherever they go.
Get the Caramelized Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a broad name for a type of Korean banchan—or, side dish—that is served with most meals in Korea. Serve it alongside bibimbap, stir it into fried rice, or fold it into creamy pasta for extra umami flavor.
Get the Kimchi recipe.
Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
There’s your average casserole, and then there’s this cheesy loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole. Filled with plenty of veggies and feel-good flavors, there’s something in this dish for everyone. Hot tip: This goes over like gangbusters at potlucks.
Get the Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole recipe.
Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots
A combo of spices adds a riot of flavor to those carrots that may or may not have been sitting in the crisper for too long. Serve alongside anything grilled, like our grilled tofu or grilled pork tenderloin.
Get the Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots recipe.
Cauliflower Au Gratin
Potatoes au gratin is a creamy decadent dish that no matter how hard we try, we can never give it up. This version made with cauliflower lets us have the decadence without the guilt.
Get the Cauliflower Au Gratin recipe.
Callaloo (Jamaican Spinach)
Like sautéed spinach, callaloo is a versatile dish. Most often mixed with rehydrated salted cod fish and eaten for breakfast with boiled green bananas, boiled yams, dumplings, and of course, fried plantains, callaloo can be mixed with rice to make a delicious side dish.
Get the Callaloo (Jamaican Spinach) recipe.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
This side is like if green beans dressed up as cheesy garlic bread. 😍 Tossed in garlic and black pepper and showered with cheese, this simple, yet irresistible side will steal the spotlight at every holiday table.
Get the Parmesan Roasted Green Beans recipe.
Avocado & Tomato Salad
Since this avocado salad is simple and straight forward, it basically goes with everything. Serve it along with some baked salmon, grilled chicken, or keep it all veg with a portobello burger.
Get the Avocado & Tomato Salad recipe.
Mashed Butternut Squash
Butternut squash has an advantage on potatoes when it comes to a puree. After roasting, butternut squash becomes extremely smooth and creamy. Instead of the added milk or cream, the squash gets blended with a little butter for a velvety smooth side dish. It's one of our favorite ways to serve the vegetable and it takes very little effort!
Get the Mashed Butternut Squash recipe.
Miso Roasted Carrots
These sweet-savory carrots are topped with the MOST delicious mix of crunchy nuts and spices. Pulse the nuts and coriander seeds in a spice grinder or food processor if you've got one, but no sweat if not — it's easy enough to chop the nuts on the cutting board and smash the coriander seeds with the back of a knife.
Get the Miso Roasted Carrots recipe.
Roasted Cauliflower Salad
The roasted cauliflower here is perfectly spiced with just a little bit of heat, and the creamy avocado dressing helps balance everything out. This salad good enough to be a main dish, but is easy enough to make a great, simple side too.
Get the Roasted Cauliflower Salad recipe.
Garlic-Sesame Sautéed Spinach
This easy sautéed spinach recipe is our take on the classic Korean banchan (aka side dish) sigeumchi namul. The rich flavor of toasted sesame oil pairs beautifully with the verdant spinach, and fresh scallions, peppery raw garlic, and rice vinegar bring a pleasant brightness that'll keep you coming back for more.
Get the Garlic-Sesame Sautéed Spinach recipe.
One-Pot Creamy Vegan Greens
Creamed spinach without the dairy? Yes, please. Did you know that by substituting a few key ingredients, you can make these easy, creamy greens without sacrificing any of the rich flavors you’d expect? Not only is it a bit more nutritious, but it’s also just as delicious.
Get the One-Pot Creamy Vegan Greens recipe.
Air Fryer Green Beans
These green beans come with a treat: 8 cloves of creamy, buttery garlic that get air-fried alongside the green beans for bites of roasted garlic that don’t involve turning on your oven. You can eat them alongside the beans or reserve them for another use, like smearing alongside butter and flaky sea salt on a slice of toasted sourdough bread. 😋
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
Vinegar Coleslaw
To make this a truly vegan-friendly slaw, there is neither mayonnaise nor honey in the mix. We use maple to bring out the veggies’ natural sweetness and Dijon mustard helps emulsify the oil and vinegar (and adds a nice little kick of spice too).
Get the Vinegar Coleslaw recipe.
Oven Baked Fries
Who wants to deep fry in a huge pot of oil every time they want fries? Not us! But these? They're worth the 30 minutes, the easy clean-up, and the relatively measly 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
Get the Oven Baked Fries recipe.
cucumber-tomato-onion-saladpin
Perfect for when your garden or the local farmers' market is overflowing with cucumbers and tomatoes, this salad also does surprisingly well with out-of-season produce, especially if you make it ahead of time so it can marinate. Just hold off on adding the herbs until the very end so they stay bright and fresh.
Get the Cucumber, Tomato & Onion Salad recipe.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen: They're amazing boiled, baked, sautéed, and fried (we love you, sweet potato fries), but one of the easiest and most convenient ways to cook sweet potatoes is to roast them.
Get the Perfect Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Mashed Cauliflower
This cauliflower mash recipe is the perfect low-carb substitute to mashed potatoes. The secret to making steamed cauliflower smooth and creamy? CREAM CHEESE! (We're big fans, if you hadn't noticed 😉.)
Get the Mashed Cauliflower recipe.
Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a picnic staple, and for good reason: When tossed in a bright vinegar-based dressing and packed with thinly sliced onions, cukes can withstand warm temperatures and sit out at a sunny outdoor gathering (or in a lunch pail!) for hours.
Get the Cucumber Salad recipe.
Spinach Salad
We use crisp apple, sliced red onion, briny feta, and toasted almonds in this salad for the perfectly balanced bowl. To go the extra mile, we definitely recommend toasting your own almonds. Not only does it give them a better texture, but it amplifies the flavor ten-fold.
Get the Spinach Salad recipe.
Cauliflower Rice
The best part about cauliflower rice is that it's even easier to cook than rice. Just heat a pan with some oil and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. We love it as fried rice, cheesy Mexican rice, and especially cheesy cauliflower bread!
Get the Cauliflower Rice recipe.
Sichuan-Style "Fish-Fragrant" Eggplant
Despite the name, there is no trace of fish in this delicious dish. Originating from the Sichuan province in China, 魚香 (yu xiang) describes a flavor profile that was originally used in preparing fish dishes from the region. Now these pickled chiles, fermented bean paste, green onions, garlic, ginger, and punchy spice blend are used to season vegetables, like this eggplant, too.
Get the Sichuan-Style "Fish-Fragrant" Eggplant recipe.
Keto Broccoli Salad
Nuts and grated cheese in some form are a great addition to this broccoli salad, but you don't have to stick to almonds and cheddar. Feel free to sub in roughly chopped walnuts and goat cheese for something a bit fancy, or spiced pecans and pepper jack for a bit of kick.
Get the Keto Broccoli Salad recipe.
Cauliflower Stuffing
This low-carb side proves that you don’t always need bread to make an amazing stuffing. Cauliflower is basically a sponge: It’ll soak up the flavor of whatever you cook it with, so we recommend going heavy on the herbs!
Get the Cauliflower Stuffing recipe.
Stir-Fried Snow Peas
Briskly cooked over high heat, snow peas retain both their brightness, crunch, and inherent sweetness. You could simply fry them with a bit of garlic and oil, but adding more veg like mushrooms, and simple sauce elevate it into a proper side. Serve alongside cauliflower rice and a fried egg, and you’re all set.
Get the Stir-Fried Snow Peas recipe.
Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions
Transform this side into a meal by serving it alongside or on top of your favorite air-fried proteins, like our air-fried chicken breast or salmon. You could also serve it as a pizza topping or over grains with crisp vegetables, like sliced cucumbers and your favorite legume.
Get the Air Fryer Mushrooms and Onions recipe.
Beer Braised Cabbage
This dish gets its deep umami profile from browned mushrooms, a slight sweetness from shallots and carrots, and an herby, anisey kick from thyme and caraway. Douse it all in a rich braising liquid, and you have a hearty veggie-forward dish that’s great for any cold-weather weeknight.
Get the Beer Braised Cabbage recipe.
Red Cabbage Slaw
This slaw actually improves with time, softening into the lime-honey vinaigrette, so it'll do well after a few hours on the move. Pair it with chicken salad sandwiches and fruit salad for a picnic, or as a regular weeknight dinner side with rotisserie chicken.
Get the Red Cabbage Slaw recipe.
Toasted Sesame Oil Mashed Potatoes
Vegan mashed potatoes that are just as creamy and delicious as the real thing? You betcha! Toasted sesame oil adds tons of flavor and creaminess, while green onions and extra sesame seeds round them out for some of the best mashed potatoes we've ever had.
Get the Toasted Sesame Oil Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Saffron Rice
Often found in Indian, Persian, and Greek cuisines, to name a few, gorgeous saffron rice is delicious served alongside lamb meatballs, tandoori chicken, grilled eggplant, and garlicky Greek chicken.
Get the Saffron Rice recipe.
Sweet & Sour Braised Red Cabbage
This might not replace your favorite sweet and sour chicken recipe, but we think it could edge out some of the more lackluster sides in your rotation. This sweet and sour cabbage would be particularly good served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a pork chop. (Or mushroom ragu, if you want to go the vegetarian route!)
Get the Sweet & Sour Braised Red Cabbage recipe.
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
We don’t believe in boring salads at Delish, and crunchy apples and tart cranberries bring a lot of life to this one. The slightly sweet and lemony dressing is easy to make, and you’ll want to have extra on hand to pour it over everything.
Get the Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad recipe.
Fennel Salad With Apples & Radishes
When you're looking for a side dish that tastes extremely fresh even in the depth of winter, look no further than fennel salad. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet, and perfectly light and refreshing, especially if you serve it alongside heavier cold weather comfort foods. Try it paired with roasted chicken, juicy steak, or even mac 'n' cheese. (Seriously, it works!)
Get the Fennel Salad With Apples & Radishes recipe.
Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad
Perfect for when your garden or the local farmers' market is overflowing with cucumbers and tomatoes, this salad also does surprisingly well with out-of-season produce, due to their year-round availability.
Get the Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad recipe.
Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of our favorites to roast because, flavor-wise, it is very much a blank canvas. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, add a touch of color and zesty flavor with Old Bay seasoning like we did here. Experiment with your favorite spice blend!
Get the Roasted Cauliflower recipe.
How To Cook Acorn Squash
Acorn squash might be the overlooked middle child of the squash family, but that doesn’t mean she can’t shine bright on any weeknight dinner table. With a tender edible skin and a soft creamy interior, this often-ignored squash is a perfect canvas for both sweet and savory flavors.
Get the How To Cook Acorn Squash recipe.
Black Eyed Pea Salad
Eaten during New Year’s for good luck and prosperity, we like to use black eyed peas as a salad year-round. You can absolutely make this salad using dry beans, but canned black eyed peas also work great. The best part of this simple salad is that it gets better as it sits, so feel free to make this ahead.
Get the Black Eyed Pea Salad recipe.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
This cauliflower is the perfect answer when you have buffalo wings on the brain but you need to eat some vegetables. All the flavors that you love about buffalo sauce coat these florets, which are then air-fried to perfection.
Get the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe.
Perfect Bok Choy
Quick-cooking bok choy is one of our favorite veggie sides. Here we pair it with ginger and sesame oil for a light but flavorful plate of greens. Serve it alongside fish, meat, or your favorite rice dish. (We're partial to this pork fried rice.)
Get the Perfect Bok Choy recipe.
Greek Salad
Known as horiatiki, this traditional Greek salad is made with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and feta. The easy dressing is a mixture of red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and extra-virgin olive oil. Best part? This Mediterranean side dish only takes 15 minutes to prepare.
Get the Greek Salad recipe.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a simple side dish that is also the perfect way to use up an abundance of dying spinach. The creaminess will make you forget you're eating greens!
Get the Creamed Spinach recipe.
Fauxtato Chips
Regular red radishes get baked here into crispy, salty, light-as-air chips that are a million times better than potato chips. Try them dipped in homemade ranch dressing—we're hooked.
Get the Fauxtato Chips recipe.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Just a teaspoon of balsamic takes these mushrooms next level. If you can't find crimini mushrooms, look for baby bellas or button mushrooms—they're essentially the same thing!
Get the Garlic Butter Mushrooms recipe.
Kabocha Squash
If you're unfamiliar, kabocha squash is more savory and nutty than its cousin, butternut squash. This makes it a perfect match for the caramelized umami-sweet flavor of this maple-soy brown butter here.
Get the Kabocha Squash recipe.
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