Eating healthily can often be seen as boring and unimaginative: salads, grilled ingredients, steamed vegetables… but it doesn’t have to be! Spice up your meals and switch up your side dishes with some of these delicious, nutritious recipes. From zesty potatoes to Mediterranean salads, here are some irresistible recipes to side up your meal plans.
Side Up Your Meal Plans: Delicious Side Dish Recipes

1. Spice Up Your Plate – Delicious Side Dish Recipes

Side dishes are a great way to take your regular dinners to the next level. Let’s explore some delicious recipes that will upgrade your plate in no time!

  • Avocado Tomato Salad: Upgrade your usual lettuce with this flavorful combination of ingredients! Simply combine diced tomatoes, avocados, cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil and sea salt in a bowl and the dressing is ready. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients, like onions, shredded cheese or olives.
  • Zucchini Chips: Looking to replace the classic french fries in your plate? Zucchini chips are the perfect solution! Preheat your oven and then start preparing the ingredients. Slice the zucchini, season it with granulated garlic, oregano, pepper and salt and then coat it with olive oil. Place the zucchini slices on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes at 375°F. Enjoy your healthy side dish!
  • Grilled Asparagus: Make sure to make the most of the barbecue season! Wash the asparagus and gently pat it with a paper towel. Place the asparagus onto a cooling-rack, top it with a blend of melted butter and olive oil and sprinkle some salt and pepper. Place the cooling-rack onto the preheated grill and cook for 10-14 minutes. Delicious!

Side dish recipes come to the rescue every single time! Give these recipes a try and you’ll definitely bring a tasty twist to your regular meals. Spice up your plate with these healthy, easy and delicious side dish recipes.

1. Spice Up Your Plate - Delicious Side Dish Recipes

2. Creating Complementary Dishes Without the Hassle

Creating delicious, complementary dishes to complement the main meal doesn’t have to be a hassle, especially when you plan ahead. Here are some strategies for stress-free meal prep that will help you make the most of your time and ingredients.

  • Pre-Assemble Components – Preparing ingredients in advance means you won’t be stuck in front of the stove while everyone else is digging into their meal. Chop vegetables, pre-cook grains, mix together dressings and sauces, and pre-measure out other ingredients.
  • Shop Smarter – Make the most of the time you spend in the grocery store. Buy pre-chopped ingredients, pre-made sides, and frozen fruits and vegetables. Knowing what’s in your pantry and working with what you have can also save time and money.
  • Think Outside the Box– Get creative with how you prepare meals. Instead of frying foods, try baking or roasting. Try steaming or simmering dishes in a sauce instead of boiling. Use a slow cooker for soups, stews, and main dishes.
  • Focus on Simplicity– Don’t overextend yourself. When it comes to side dishes, keep things simple. Roasted or grilled vegetables, cous cous or quinoa, light salads, and a variety of dips can all make for delicious, stress-free sides.

These strategies will help you create complementary dishes without the hassle. With a little planning, creativity, and knowledge of what’s in your pantry and grocery store, you can make easy, healthy meals your whole family will enjoy.

2. Creating Complementary Dishes Without the Hassle

3. The Delicious Taste of Variety: A Guide to Side Dishes

When it comes to meals, nothing compares to the flavors and textures created by combining different ingredients. Side dishes are the perfect way to diversify dinner time, offering an array of flavors and colors to tantalize the palate. Here are some ideas from around the world that are easy to make and sure to be a hit with your family.

Ready-made: When time is of the essence, sometimes there’s no beating pre-made fare. Reach for a jar of pickles, olives, or artichoke hearts. This route will satisfy the taste buds while also providing interesting accents to plate presentations. Heat-and-eat options such as tater tots, salsas, and hummus also provide an instant solution.

  • Pickles
  • Olives
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Tater tots
  • Salsas
  • Hummus

From scratch: Bakers, cooks, and chefs know that the homemade approach yields some of the best results. Fire up the stove with a few simple ingredients like potatoes, peppers, carrots, and onions for a savory side dish. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of herbs and spices, and a pinch of salt. Healthy, hearty, and ready in minutes.

  • Potatoes
  • Peppers
  • Carrots
  • Onions
  • Olive oil
  • Herbs
  • Spices
  • Salt

3. The Delicious Taste of Variety: A Guide to Side Dishes

4. Chef-Style Dishes You Can Create at Home

Creating a delicious, gourmet meal for your family doesn’t have to mean spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. Don’t let the intricate and beautiful dishes in your favorite restaurant intimidate you – with a few basic techniques and seasonings, you can easily create delightful, chef-style dishes in your own home. Here are few of our top picks:

  • Baked Salmon – this classic is sure to impress. Serve with a creamy dill sauce and tender roasted vegetables.
  • Lemon Herb Chicken – the zesty flavor of this tender chicken dish is sure make your family beg for seconds.
  • Vegetarian Chili – for a vegetarian-friendly meal, try this vegetarian chili. Packed with fiber and flavor, it’s sure to satisfy.
  • Fettuccine Alfredo – this popular dish is easier to make than you think. Cook up some fresh fettuccine noodles and toss with a creamy Alfredo sauce for a restaurant-worthy dinner.

Don’t forget to garnish your meal with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, freshly ground black pepper, or crumbled feta cheese. The combination of flavors and colors will definitely elevate your dinner to restaurant-quality standards. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be serving up gourmet dishes in no time – and your dinner guests will never be the wiser!

4. Chef-Style Dishes You Can Create at Home

5. Vibrant Mix-Ins: Additions for Every Meal Plan

Shake up your meal plan with a plethora of vibrant mix-ins. Whether you’re looking for a little extra crunch or a bold new flavor, these mix-ins will take your meal plan to the next level.

  • Nuts: Go nuts with walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, and more. They’re the perfect way to add texture and flavor to your meals.
  • Fruits: Fruits are a great way to add color, flavor, and natural sweetness. Throw in some blueberries, raspberries, and mangoes for a burst of freshness.
  • Vegetables: Raw and cooked vegetables are a go-to when it comes to adding flavor and nutrition to any meal. Try roasting bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli and more for an unforgettable bite.

Cheese also makes a great mix-in as it adds a creamy texture and bold flavor to any dish. Sprinkle some Parmesan, feta, blue cheese or goat cheese on your favorite meal for a delicious twist. Finally, mix-ins like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, basil, cilantro and parsley provide a hearty and flavorful upgrade to any meal.

Don’t be afraid to add some texture, flavor, and fun to your meals! From these delicious side dish recipes, you can make sure that your next plate is a feast for your tastebuds. Bring on the sides and watch as every meal becomes something special!