Healthy Sides, Happy Bellies!
It’s no secret that the side dishes that you serve with a meal can make or break the entire dining experience. But if you want to make sure your bellies are healthy and happy at the same time, then you need to think about smart and nutritious side dish options. Healthy sides don’t have to be boring or tasteless – there are plenty of delicious options that can complete your meal and keep everyone feeling satisfied without sacrificing their health. Take a look at our guide to creating some amazing and healthy sides, and you’ll be sure to have happy bellies at your dinner table!
1. Satisfying Healthy Sides to Feed Your Whole Tribe
When putting together a meal, the sides are an oft-overlooked part of a balanced diet. These delicious and easy-to-prepare sides will keep the family happy, while also providing a nutritious and hearty meal.
- Crispy Baked Sweet Potato – Cut a sweet potato into wedges and toss in olive oil, paprika, and garlic salt. Bake in the oven until golden brown and crisped to perfection!
- Savory Rice Pilaf – Soak ½ cup of rice for one hour, rinse, and add to a pot with 1 ½ cups of vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh parsley.
These healthy sides are just the start to an endless array of great-tasting sides. Why not whip up a sheet of roasted vegetables or a colourful salad? With these delicious sides, you can feed the entire family without sacrificing nutrition.
2. Fresh and Flavorful Sides to Change Up Your Mealtime
A delicious, homemade side dish can catapult a meal from ‘Eh, it was alright’ to ‘Wow, that was amazing!’ Sure, potatoes are a classic, but why settle for the same ol’ when there are so many flavorful and creative side options to choose from?
Put a Spin on Veggies. The key with veggie sides is to get creative! Steam, roast, even sauté vegetables for a variety of different textures, and don’t be afraid to use a wide selection of spices and seasonings to bring out their flavor. Try:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
- Cumin-Spiced Sweet Potatoes
- Grilled Chile-Lime Summer Squash Skewers
Make a Sal-addition. Salads can be a great way to round off a meal. Choose a leafy green like kale or spinach, and then mix in some fresh fruits and vegetables, along with a delicious dressing. You don’t have to follow a recipe for your salad either — use what you have on hand! Experiment by combining juicy pomegranate and pears with crunchy grated carrots and almonds, and top it off with a lemon-basil vinaigrette. Yum!
3. Quick and Healthy Side Dishes to Keep Tummies Happy
Are you looking for something light and tasty to pair with your main dish that doesn’t take too long to make? Look no further, because these 3 recipes offer healthy, delicious sides that are simple and quick to prepare.
- Minted Pea Salad: This tangy and fresh-flavored salad is the perfect way to accompany any main course. With the addition of feta cheese, olives, and parsley, you’ll be able to impress even the pickiest of eaters. Just throw all the ingredients together, give it a good stir, and you’ve got yourself a fabulous side dish in no time.
- Honey Mustard Brussels Sprouts: Get everyone to love their greens with this mouthwatering recipe. All you need are a few basic ingredients and a hot oven. As the Brussels sprouts roast in the oven, your kitchen will fill with the inviting aroma of honey and mustard. In 20 minutes or less, your healthy side dish is ready for the table.
- Cilanto Lime Rice: Give your family a delicious side of Cilantro Lime Rice. All you have to do is sauté some onions and garlic, then add some cilantro, jalapeño, and fresh lime juice to cooked white or brown rice. Ready in just 15 minutes, you’ll have a tasty side that bursts with flavor!
These easy-to-make side dishes check all the boxes and will leave everyone happy and full. Give them a try, and if you want some extra ideas, browse our delicious selection of healthy recipes that are guaranteed to keep tummies happy.
4. Delicious Ways to Step Up Your Salad Game
If you love salads but are looking for some creative ways to make them more exciting, you’ve come to the right place. Here are four unique and delicious ways to take your salad game up a notch.
- Feta and Fruit: For a sweet and savoury combo, add feta cheese and your favourite fruit to your salads. Try cantaloupe and feta, strawberries and feta, or even apples and feta.
- Pasta Add-ins: Mix up the textures in your salad and add some cooked pasta. Any type of pasta will work well, from rotini to farfalle.
- Nutty Toppings: Nuts are a great way to add some crunch and flavour to your salads. Pistachios, walnuts, and almonds are all excellent choices.
- Veggie Swaps: Don’t be afraid to shake up the traditional salad mix by swapping out some veggies. Bell peppers, beets, and even cucumbers can add some unexpected flavour.
Try out these ideas to make your next salad something special. With these delicious add-ins, your salad game is sure to impress anyone at the table.
5. Enjoy Healthful Side Dishes that Everyone Will Love
Making wholesome side dishes your family will love doesn’t have to be a chore! Here are a few tips and recipes to help bring together nourishing dishes that are sure to brighten up any meal:
- Produce-packed stir-fries – The crisp-tender texture of stir-fried veggies are a delicious way to fill up on the good stuff. For added flavor, use a splash of your favorite soy sauce, or season lightly with sugar, salt and pepper.
- Fresh herb-rooibos infused quinoa – This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Cooked quinoa tossed with a blend of fresh herbs and rooibos tea adds a deliciously unique twist to this hearty grain.
- Light and healthy salads – Salads are a great way to get in those essential veggie nutrients. Mix rainbow bell peppers, tomatoes, roasted mushrooms and juicy oranges to create an exciting flavor combination. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle with pumpkin seeds or sunflower kernels.
Try something new! With so many exciting options available, there’s no need to keep sticking to the same old recipes. Ignite your family’s taste buds with something new and exciting! Look for recipes online, in cookbooks and even on social media for tasty suggestions.
Healthy sides don’t have to be a bore. With these delicious recipes, you can ensure that your family’s meals are nourishing and enjoyable. Get creative with your side dishes and fill those bellies with good food -Happy eats everyone!
