Vegetable side dishes are an easy and healthy way to round out any meal. They add a pop of color, fresh flavor, and variety to the table. This article explores a variety of simple yet flavorful vegetable recipes perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.
Air Fryer Vegetables
If you’re not already roasting veggies in the air fryer, now’s the time to start! They cook super quickly and have amazingly crispy, caramelized edges.
Recipe:
- Serves 4
- 1 zucchini or yellow squash, cut into ½-inch half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 4 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered
- 1 small red onion, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 carrot, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 heaping cup small broccoli florets
- 1 heaping cup small cauliflower florets
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedge, for squeezing
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving, optional
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Place the zucchini, red pepper, mushrooms, onion, carrot, broccoli, and cauliflower in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and several grinds of pepper and toss to coat.
- Add some of the vegetables to the air fryer basket, just enough to fit in a single layer.
- Transfer to the air fryer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes (12 minutes is often ideal), tossing halfway, or until the vegetables are tender and browned. Repeat with the remaining veggies.
- Transfer the air-fried vegetables to a serving dish and squeeze with lemon juice.
Simple Green Salad
A simple green salad is one of the freshest and easiest vegetable side dishes-no cooking required!
Roasted Asparagus
This 15-minute side dish is perfect for spring, when asparagus is at its best. Simple recipe that only needs olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and asparagus.
Sautéed Kale
Sautéed Kale makes it easy to eat more leafy greens.
Read also: Master Keto Grilled Veggies
Roasted Delicata Squash
If you’re looking for a delicious vegetable side dish for a fall or winter meal, roasted squash is a great option. Delicata squash is best for weeknights because you don’t have to peel it, and its small size makes it easy to chop.
Best Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes aren’t only for Thanksgiving!
Sautéed Green Beans
Sautéed green beans are crisp-tender, vibrant, and ready in 10 minutes.
Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli’s crisp, browned edges make it completely irresistible.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Complete with crackly exteriors and caramelized edges, these roasted Brussels sprouts are a fan favorite side dish. Nutty, hearty, brussels sprouts tossed with sweet maple and salty, smokey, bacon.
Read also: Low-Carb Cinnamon Rolls
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Tender, puffy, and beautifully browned, roasted sweet potatoes have always been one of the best and easiest vegetable side dishes. Chop your sweet potatoes into fry-sized pieces, toss in oil, salt and pepper, and roast for about 30 minutes, flipping once near the middle.
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower florets are tender, rich, and nutty. It’s super hands-off.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
They’re crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and packed with rich garlic flavor.
Mashed Cauliflower
Potatoes aren’t the only vegetable that can create a creamy, cloud-like mash. Cauliflower can too! This three ingredient recipe - cauliflower, unsweetened greek yogurt, and olive oil - is a healthier alternative to potatoes that cuts down on the calories and add vitamins and minerals. The greek yogurt adds protein and helps the mash become extra creamy. No need to sacrifice flavor for healthiness with this delicious and easy recipe.
Roasted Mushrooms
Seasoned with tamari, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs, these roasted mushrooms have a meaty texture and rich, savory flavor.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to Atkins Vegetables
Cabbage Steaks
You might not think to roast cabbage, but you totally can!
Roasted Beets
These roasted beets are wonderful chilled, so I often roast them off a day in advance. They’re one of the best vegetable side dish recipes to make ahead.
Sautéed Yellow Squash
This veggie side dish will be the star of any meal! Sautéed zucchini with red onion, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Add a little lemon juice and voila! Instant farm fresh side dish! The herbs and spices are versatile, so experiment with what you have around your pantry, garden or farmer’s market.
Cucumber Salad
This sweet, tangy salad has definite dill pickle vibes.
Grilled Tomatoes
You’ve tried grilled zucchini and grilled corn…but what about grilled tomatoes?
Oven Roasted Eggplant
Roasting is one of the easiest ways to cook eggplant…and one of the most delicious. These cubes are browned on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender in the middle. Serve them alongside any pasta, pizza, or simply cooked protein.
Other Healthy and Easy Vegetable Recipes
These recipes are so good that my father in-law now often asks for carrots instead of French fries. There is no need to sacrifice flavor for healthiness with these vitamin-packed, Healthy Baked Carrot Fries!
Cheesy Broccoli with Beer Sauce
The broccoli is steamed until fork tender and the sauce is creamy, dreamy sharp cheddar-y goodness. As an added bonus the beer makes the sauce rich and tangy.
Green Beans with Pine Nuts
Green beans tossed with toasted pine nuts, sautéed garlic, and bright tangy lemon juice. The pine nuts give this dish a creamy, yet slightly crunchy texture, while the garlic and lemon adds a tangy burst of flavor.
Southwest Salad with Cornbread Croutons
A light, healthy feel of this fresh Southwest Salad with Cornbread Croutons.