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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

1 Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

Simple, flavorful, and healthy Oven roasted vegetables take less than 10 minutes of prep work! Nothing beats yummy veggies roasted in the oven!
4.97 from 31 votes
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2 How to Boil Corn on the Cob Recipe

How to Boil Corn on the Cob Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

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.
5 from 10 votes
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3 Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Roasted brussels sprouts on white plate.
Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Video

Oven roasted brussel sprouts have a perfectly crispy outside and a melt-in-your-mouth center, and take just 10 minutes to prep!
5 from 204 votes
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4 Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes

Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

Simple roasted sweet potato cubes are flavor bombs coated in cheesy, spiced magic that'll make them your new go-to.
4.97 from 128 votes
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5 Fruit Salad Recipe

Fruit Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Recipe Video

This fruit salad recipe includes an array of colorful and healthy fruits, making it a delicious side dish for any meal.
5 from 52 votes
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6 Roasted Green Beans Recipe

Roasted Green Beans Recipe
Total Time: 17 minutes
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.
5 from 13 votes
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7 Corn Salad

Corn Salad
Total Time: 12 minutes

Recipe Video

This vibrant corn salad is veggie-packed, lightly dressed for a fresh taste, and ready to brighten your plate in under 15 minutes!
4.99 from 87 votes
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8 Zucchini Tots Recipe

Zucchini Tots Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

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.
4.91 from 50 votes
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9 Baked Parmesan Asparagus

Baked Parmesan Asparagus
Total Time: 25 minutes
Baked parmesan asparagus is the yummiest way to eat veggies! It takes just 10 minutes to prep and only a handful of seasonings.
5 from 4 votes
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10 Roasted Red Potatoes Recipe

Roasted Red Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes

Recipe Video

With a handful of ingredients, and 30 minutes bake time – crispy, seasoned oven roasted red potatoes will add flavor to any meal!
5 from 91 votes
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More Recipes

11 Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey Glazed Carrots
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

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

Roasted Carrots Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

Easy roasted carrots are lightly seasoned for a simple healthy side that is on the table in only 30 minutes!
5 from 4 votes
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13 Sauteed Green Beans Recipe

Sauteed Green Beans Recipe
Total Time: 12 minutes

Recipe Video

Sauteed green beans are a quick and easy stovetop side that is packed with flavor and comes together in minutes!
5 from 3 votes
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14 Herb Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Herb Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Easy Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes – A yummy side dish!! Golden potatoes in lemon juice, olive oil, and lots of seasonings!!
4.94 from 15 votes
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15 How to Grill Corn on the Cob

How to Grill Corn on the Cob
Total Time: 17 minutes

Recipe Video

Unlock the secret to unbelievably delicious grilled corn with our super simple guide on how to grill corn on the cob!
5 from 7 votes
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16 Microwave Corn

Microwave Corn
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

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.
5 from 41 votes
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17 Roasted Broccoli Recipe

Roasted Broccoli Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Delicious, tender Roasted Broccoli coated in olive oil and lemon juice and drizzled in Parmesan cheese. We love this recipe!
5 from 16 votes
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18 Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts

Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts
Total Time: 40 minutes
Crispy Roasted Brussel Sprouts That Are Seasoned With Balsamic Vinegar, Garlic, And Olive Oil! These Brussel Sprouts Are Life-Changing Delicious!
5 from 14 votes
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19 Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe

Air Fryer Zucchini Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Crispy air fryer zucchini will give you all the flavor and none of the guilt! This healthy version still packs the flavor punch.
5 from 9 votes
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20 Zucchini Chips Recipe

Zucchini Chips Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
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.
5 from 12 votes
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21 Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Asparagus
Total Time: 8 minutes
Sprinkled with salt, pepper, and a little parmesan cheese, grilled asparagus is a simply flavorful side for any dinner recipe! 
5 from 10 votes
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22 Zucchini Fries Recipe

Zucchini Fries Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

These baked zucchini sticks are crusted and baked in panko, parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil. Zucchini fries are healthy AND delicious!
5 from 28 votes
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23 Green Bean Bundles

Green Bean Bundles
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

Mouth-watering green bean bundles are wrapped in bacon and glazed in brown sugar for the ultimate side dish!
5 from 19 votes
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24 Zucchini Chips Recipe

Zucchini Chips Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
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.
5 from 12 votes
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25 Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Cauliflower Rice Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
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!
5 from 8 votes
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26 Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Recipe
Total Time: 16 minutes

Recipe Video

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. 
4.95 from 18 votes
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27 Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Creamy mashed cauliflower is undeniably delicious! It's simple to make and is such a great side dish for any dinner meal.
5 from 8 votes
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28 Potatoes and Asparagus Recipe

Potatoes and Asparagus Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
Delicious potatoes and asparagus mixed together with bacon, butter and more. This vegetable medley is a great side dish to any meal!
5 from 7 votes
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29 Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Recipe

Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
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!
5 from 13 votes
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30 Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted Cauliflower
Total Time: 25 minutes
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!
5 from 5 votes
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31 Veggie Cups Appetizer

Veggie Cups Appetizer
Total Time: 15 minutes
Quick and Easy Veggie Cup Appetizers – filled with dressing and veggies, this mess-free snack is great for so many occasions.
5 from 3 votes
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32 Roasted Tomatoes Recipe

Roasted Tomatoes Recipe
Total Time: 22 minutes
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!
5 from 7 votes
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33 Naan Bread

Naan Bread
Total Time: 1 hour 26 minutes

Recipe Video

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.
4.99 from 919 votes
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34 Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

Our 30-minute Cafe Rio cilantro lime rice tastes just like the original – perfect for a salad, burrito, or taco!
4.97 from 63 votes
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35 Coconut Rice Recipe

Coconut Rice Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
This easy, restaurant-style Coconut Rice is perfect for pairing with your favorite Asian dishes. Best of all, it's ready in 20 minutes!
5 from 4 votes
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36 Spanish Rice Recipe

Spanish Rice Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Video

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.
4.99 from 5801 votes
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37 Crockpot Spanish Rice Recipe

Crockpot Spanish Rice Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Crockpot Spanish Rice is full of delicious Mexican spices. This savory side tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant!
5 from 111 votes
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38 Baked French Fries Recipe

Baked French Fries Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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.
5 from 6 votes
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39 Roasted Chickpeas Recipe

Roasted Chickpeas Recipe
Total Time: 32 minutes
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.
5 from 6 votes
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40 Broccoli Slaw Recipe

Broccoli Slaw Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
Broccoli slaw is layered with green onions, oriental ramen noodles, peanuts, and sunflower seeds in a delicious dressing!
5 from 8 votes
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41 Fruit Kabobs

Fruit Kabobs
Total Time: 30 minutes
Our quick and colorful fruit kabobs are easy to customize, creating a healthy and delicious appetizer or side – perfect for every occasion!
5 from 15 votes
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42 Sweet Potato Fries recipe

Sweet Potato Fries recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
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.
4.75 from 4 votes
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43 Crock Pot Pinto Beans Recipe

Crock Pot Pinto Beans Recipe
Total Time: 12 hours

Recipe Video

Nutrient-rich pinto beans are cooked to perfection. These make a great meal or a tasty side dish to any of your Mexican dishes.
5 from 45 votes
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44 Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe

Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
Simple and Fresh Caprese Stuffed Avocados are a twist on classic flavors. This is a perfect appetizer or side to any meal!
5 from 6 votes
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45 Kale Salad Recipe

Kale Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
Sweet Kale Salad is topped with chunks of apple, candied pecans, dried cranberries, and bacon, served with a homemade sweet dijon vinaigrette!
5 from 8 votes
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46 Arugula Salad Recipe

Arugula Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
Fresh Arugula salad is loaded with healthy greens, juicy tomatoes, and parmesan shavings with pine nuts and creamy avocado on top!
5 from 7 votes
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47 Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe

Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
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!
5 from 9 votes
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48 Tuna Salad Recipe

Tuna Salad Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

Chopped Tuna Salad Recipe is filled with fresh crisp veggies and tossed in a light and refreshing lemon vinaigrette!
5 from 24 votes
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49 Southwest Caprese Salad Recipe

Southwest Caprese Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
Southwest caprese salad substitutes queso fresco and a bright cilantro jalapeño vinaigrette to add some flair. It is fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor!
5 from 6 votes
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50 Tomato Mozzarella Salad

Tomato Mozzarella Salad
Total Time: 8 minutes
Our favorite fresh tomato mozzarella salad delivers big flavors with just 4 simple ingredients in under 10 minutes!
5 from 10 votes
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51 Quick Caprese Salad Recipe

Quick Caprese Salad Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
Simple and Quick Caprese Salad is easy and delicious with pops of mozzarella, tomatoes, avocados and drizzled with a balsamic glaze!
5 from 2 votes
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52 Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe

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

Asparagus Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
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!
5 from 10 votes
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54 Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Strawberry Spinach Salad is fresh, naturally sweet, colorful, and absolutely delicious. Serve it as a quick lunch or a dinner side!
5 from 14 votes
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55 Green Bean Salad Recipe

Green Bean Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
Crisp and flavorful green bean salad is seasoned with garlic, feta, and lemon for a tasty side, perfect to accompany any dinner!
5 from 4 votes
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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.