When it comes to meal planning, it’s easy to focus on the main dish and forget about the side dishes. However, incorporating healthy side dishes into your dinner can add variety, flavor, and important nutrients to your diet. Here are 10 healthy side dish ideas to round out your dinner.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

Roasted Brussels sprouts with Parmesan are a delicious and nutritious side dish. They are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. To make this dish, trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they are crispy. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Balsamic glazed carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. To make this dish, sauté sliced carrots in olive oil until they are tender, then add balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic. Continue cooking until the sauce is thick and the carrots are glazed.

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Quinoa salad with roasted vegetables is a healthy and hearty side dish that is perfect for a vegetarian or vegan meal. To make this dish, roast a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, and mix them with cooked quinoa. Drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette and top with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.

Garlic Green Beans

Garlic green beans are a simple and flavorful side dish that can be made in under 10 minutes. To make this dish, sauté fresh green beans in garlic-infused olive oil until they are tender, then season with salt and pepper.

Greek Salad

Greek salad is a classic side dish that is full of fresh flavors and healthy ingredients. To make this dish, combine chopped cucumber, tomato, red onion, and Kalamata olives with crumbled feta cheese and a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular French fries. They are high in fiber and vitamin A, and they are delicious when baked in the oven with a sprinkle of cinnamon and salt.

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus is a simple and healthy side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or fish. To make this dish, coat fresh asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill them until they are charred and tender.

Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

Tomato and mozzarella salad is a refreshing and easy side dish that is perfect for summer. To make this dish, slice fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, and layer them on a platter with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Cauliflower Rice Pilaf

Cauliflower rice pilaf is a low-carb and nutritious side dish that can be served with grilled chicken or fish. To make this dish, pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains, then sauté them in a skillet with onion, garlic, and your choice of spices.

Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Beet and goat cheese salad is a colorful and flavorful side dish that is packed with nutrients. To make this dish, roast beets in the oven until they are tender, then slice them and toss them with crumbled goat cheese, arugula, and a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard.

Conclusion

Incorporating healthy side dishes into your dinner is a great way to add variety and important nutrients to your diet. These 10 healthy side dish ideas are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them perfect for any meal.

FAQs

1. What are some other healthy side dish ideas? Some other healthy side dish ideas include roasted root vegetables, steamed broccoli, and sautéed spinach.
2. Can I make these side dishes ahead of time? Yes, many of these side dishes can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.
3. Are these side dishes suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet? Yes, several of these side dishes are suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet, such as the quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and the beet and goat cheese salad.
4. Can I substitute other vegetables in these dishes? Yes, feel free to substitute other vegetables in these dishes based on your personal preferences or what’s in season.
5. Are these side dishes low in calories? Yes, many of these side dishes are low in calories and high in important nutrients, making them a healthy addition to your dinner.