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It’s nice to have some go-to healthy side dishes to pair with your meal. These don’t have to be veggies, nor do they need to be hard!

Collage of healthy side dish recipes.

We Love a Healthy Side Dish!

We like to incorporate at least one healthy side with our meals. Healthy dishes don’t mean we skimp on flavor, and these are packed with taste!

A healthy side dish should complement the main dish by completing a balanced meal. They are typically low in calories and rich in nutrients and often include fruits, vegetables, or whole grains.

The closer a food is to its original state, the healthier and more nutrient-rich it is, think “less processed”. We love to simply include nutrient-rich fruits and veggies.

From veggies and beyond, we have plenty of tasty options to choose from, there’s sure to be plenty to love!


Our Top 10 Side Dish Picks

4.97 from 31 votes

Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Simple, flavorful, and healthy Oven roasted vegetables take less than 10 minutes of prep work! Nothing beats yummy veggies roasted in the oven!
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5 from 10 votes

How to Boil Corn on the Cob Recipe

Boiling corn on the cob is a cinch! You will love this juicy corn on the cob to put on the side of any summer meal.
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Roasted brussels sprouts on white plate.
5 from 204 votes

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Roasted brussels sprouts have a perfectly crispy outside and a melt-in-your-mouth center, and take just minutes to prep!
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4.97 from 128 votes

Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes

Simple roasted sweet potato cubes are flavor bombs coated in cheesy, spiced magic that'll make them your new go-to.
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5 from 52 votes

Fruit Salad Recipe

This fruit salad recipe includes an array of colorful and healthy fruits, making it a delicious side dish for any meal.
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5 from 13 votes

Roasted Green Beans Recipe

Roasted Green Beans are the easiest and most delicious healthy side dish that goes perfect with any dinner. Plus, they’re quick and great for holiday meals too.
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4.99 from 87 votes

Corn Salad

This vibrant corn salad is veggie-packed, lightly dressed for a fresh taste, and ready to brighten your plate in under 15 minutes!
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4.91 from 50 votes

Zucchini Tots Recipe

Cheesy zucchini tots are a fun twist on tater tots, and are loaded with my favorite vegetable. They're super easy and quick to make.
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5 from 4 votes

Baked Parmesan Asparagus

Baked parmesan asparagus is the yummiest way to eat veggies! It takes just 10 minutes to prep and only a handful of seasonings.
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5 from 90 votes

Roasted Red Potatoes Recipe

With a handful of ingredients, and 30 minutes bake time – crispy, seasoned oven roasted red potatoes will add flavor to any meal!
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More Recipes

5 from 15 votes

Honey Glazed Carrots

Sweet honey glazed carrots are simple and ready in 15 minutes, the perfect side dish for any meal, especially holidays!
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5 from 4 votes

Roasted Carrots Recipe

Easy roasted carrots are lightly seasoned for a simple healthy side that is on the table in only 30 minutes!
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5 from 2 votes

Sauteed Green Beans Recipe

Sauteed green beans are a quick and easy stovetop side that is packed with flavor and comes together in minutes!
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4.94 from 15 votes

Herb Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Easy Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes – A yummy side dish!! Golden potatoes in lemon juice, olive oil, and lots of seasonings!!
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5 from 7 votes

Corn on the Cob on the Grill

Corn on the cob on the grill has become our new favorite summer side dish, and we can't get enough of that smoky char!
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5 from 41 votes

Microwave Corn

Did you know you can microwave corn on the cob? It's the quickest and easiest way to cook juicy, crispy corn on the cob.
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5 from 16 votes

Roasted Broccoli Recipe

Delicious, tender Roasted Broccoli coated in olive oil and lemon juice and drizzled in Parmesan cheese. We love this recipe!
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5 from 14 votes

Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts

Crispy Roasted Brussel Sprouts That Are Seasoned With Balsamic Vinegar, Garlic, And Olive Oil! These Brussel Sprouts Are Life-Changing Delicious!
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5 from 9 votes

Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe

Crispy air fryer zucchini will give you all the flavor and none of the guilt! This healthy version still packs the flavor punch.
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5 from 12 votes

Zucchini Chips Recipe

If you’re looking for a tasty side, these Baked Zucchini Chips are your answer! Sliced zucchini baked to perfection with a bread crumb and parmesan crust. These bite-sized veggies taste amazing and are a great alternate to the classic fried zucchini recipe.
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5 from 10 votes

Grilled Asparagus

Sprinkled with salt, pepper, and a little parmesan cheese, grilled asparagus is a simply flavorful side for any dinner recipe! 
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5 from 28 votes

Zucchini Fries Recipe

These baked zucchini sticks are crusted and baked in panko, parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil. Zucchini fries are healthy AND delicious!
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5 from 19 votes

Green Bean Bundles

Mouth-watering green bean bundles are wrapped in bacon and glazed in brown sugar for the ultimate side dish!
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5 from 12 votes

Zucchini Chips Recipe

If you’re looking for a tasty side, these Baked Zucchini Chips are your answer! Sliced zucchini baked to perfection with a bread crumb and parmesan crust. These bite-sized veggies taste amazing and are a great alternate to the classic fried zucchini recipe.
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5 from 8 votes

Cauliflower Rice Recipe

This tasty low-carb side dish will knock your socks off with how yummy it is! Cauliflower rice will be your new go-to healthy side dish!
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4.95 from 18 votes

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Recipe

Delicious and Healthy Baked Parmesan Zucchini. These spears are crusted in Parmesan cheese and baked to perfection, making them a great side dish for any meal. 
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5 from 8 votes

Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

Creamy mashed cauliflower is undeniably delicious! It's simple to make and is such a great side dish for any dinner meal.
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5 from 7 votes

Potatoes and Asparagus Recipe

Delicious potatoes and asparagus mixed together with bacon, butter and more. This vegetable medley is a great side dish to any meal!
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5 from 13 votes

Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Recipe

These Parmesan Brussel Sprouts are a new favorite side dish. The roasted parmesan makes a wonderful crunchy texture and adds a delicious layer of flavor!
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5 from 5 votes

Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is the perfect healthy side dish, it's simple to throw into the oven and comes out golden brown with a little crunch!
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5 from 3 votes

Veggie Cups Appetizer

Quick and Easy Veggie Cup Appetizers – filled with dressing and veggies, this mess-free snack is great for so many occasions.
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5 from 7 votes

Roasted Tomatoes Recipe

Juicy roasted tomatoes are the yummiest and easiest appetizer or side dish. Roasting them (with a little olive oil, basil and parmesan) brings out every delicious flavor!
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4.99 from 918 votes

Naan Bread

Our famous homemade Naan bread is soft and chewy with the perfect hint of garlic. It's an easy side – perfect for pairing with any meal.
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4.97 from 63 votes

Cilantro Lime Rice

Our 30-minute Cafe Rio cilantro lime rice tastes just like the original – perfect for a salad, burrito, or taco!
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5 from 4 votes

Coconut Rice Recipe

This easy, restaurant-style Coconut Rice is perfect for pairing with your favorite Asian dishes. Best of all, it's ready in 20 minutes!
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4.99 from 5784 votes

Spanish Rice Recipe

Restaurant-Style Spanish Rice (aka Mexican Rice), that is easy to make and tastes like it came straight from the restaurant, and is the best side dish to any Mexican entree.
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5 from 111 votes

Crockpot Spanish Rice Recipe

Crockpot Spanish Rice is full of delicious Mexican spices. This savory side tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant!
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5 from 6 votes

Baked French Fries Recipe

Baked french fries are a healthy twist on a crunchy comfort food. They are still packed with flavor and will satiate all of the fried potato cravings.
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5 from 6 votes

Roasted Chickpeas Recipe

Roasted Chickpeas are full of flavor and perfectly crispy. Toss them in a salad or snack on them plain for a high protein and fiber snack.
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5 from 8 votes

Broccoli Slaw Recipe

Broccoli slaw is layered with green onions, oriental ramen noodles, peanuts, and sunflower seeds in a delicious dressing!
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5 from 15 votes

Fruit Kabobs

Colorful fruit kabobs are the best appetizer or side for any occasion! Load up your favorite fruits and get snacking.
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4.75 from 4 votes

Sweet Potato Fries recipe

These Sweet Potato Fries are so delicious and crispy. If you love sweet potatoes, you’ll love these fries because they’re simple, flavorful, made in the oven and the perfect side dish to any meal.
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5 from 45 votes

Crock Pot Pinto Beans Recipe

Nutrient-rich pinto beans are cooked to perfection. These make a great meal or a tasty side dish to any of your Mexican dishes.
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5 from 6 votes

Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe

Simple and Fresh Caprese Stuffed Avocados are a twist on classic flavors. This is a perfect appetizer or side to any meal!
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5 from 8 votes

Kale Salad Recipe

Sweet Kale Salad is topped with chunks of apple, candied pecans, dried cranberries, and bacon, served with a homemade sweet dijon vinaigrette!
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5 from 7 votes

Arugula Salad Recipe

Fresh Arugula salad is loaded with healthy greens, juicy tomatoes, and parmesan shavings with pine nuts and creamy avocado on top!
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5 from 9 votes

Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe

Full of shredded Brussel sprouts, pomegranate seeds, sliced almonds, and a little bit of shaved parmesan, this colorful salad has the perfect amount of crunch!
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5 from 24 votes

Tuna Salad Recipe

Chopped Tuna Salad Recipe is filled with fresh crisp veggies and tossed in a light and refreshing lemon vinaigrette!
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5 from 6 votes

Southwest Caprese Salad Recipe

Southwest caprese salad substitutes queso fresco and a bright cilantro jalapeño vinaigrette to add some flair. It is fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor!
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5 from 10 votes

Tomato Mozzarella Salad

Our favorite fresh tomato mozzarella salad delivers big flavors with just 4 simple ingredients in under 10 minutes!
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5 from 2 votes

Quick Caprese Salad Recipe

Simple and Quick Caprese Salad is easy and delicious with pops of mozzarella, tomatoes, avocados and drizzled with a balsamic glaze!
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5 from 10 votes

Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe

Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad – a simple, delicious and quick salad perfect for dinner or for BBQs and get togethers. So many great flavors!
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5 from 10 votes

Asparagus Salad Recipe

Filled with mozzarella cheese, and cherry tomatoes, seasoned with basil, and covered in a light balsamic vinaigrette, this asparagus salad is bursting with flavor! Best of all, it comes together in less than 10 minutes!
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5 from 14 votes

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Strawberry Spinach Salad is fresh, naturally sweet, colorful, and absolutely delicious. Serve it as a quick lunch or a dinner side!
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5 from 4 votes

Green Bean Salad Recipe

Crisp and flavorful green bean salad is seasoned with garlic, feta, and lemon for a tasty side, perfect to accompany any dinner!
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About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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5 Comments

  1. Sue says:

    5 stars
    I love the sheet pan veggie recipe. I’ll often add sliced apple sausage for a complete meal.

  2. April says:

    5 stars
    So many great options here! Can’t wait to try those sheet pan veggies, yum.

  3. Jamie says:

    5 stars
    Loved these sides dishes! The roasted vegetables were so good! Now on repeat!

  4. Dana G says:

    5 stars
    This such an amazing collection! I bookmarked it for later. Love the roasted veggies!

  5. Olivia says:

    5 stars
    It’s not always easy making the right choices. Having all these healthier choices makes it so much easier and takes a lot of the guesswork out for you.