Eat your vegetables!
It can be hard to find ways to make vegetables into exciting dishes, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple ingredients and minimal time, you can create delicious, nutritious side dishes that will add flavor and nutrition to any meal.
We have compiled a list of 10 quick and easy vegetable side dishes that are sure to become favorites in your home. From roasted and grilled vegetables to zesty salads and spicy soups, you’ll find something for everyone. Plus, each dish is prepared in less than 30 minutes so you can enjoy fresh vegetables without spending hours in the kitchen!
Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a hearty side dish, we have the perfect recipe for you. So don’t delay—try one of these tasty vegetable side dishes today!
Sautéed Broccoli With Garlic and Parmesan
Adding a few vegetable side dishes to your weekly meal planning can make all the difference in your family’s nutrition—and it doesn’t have to be an overly complicated endeavor. Take, for example, this sautéed broccoli with garlic and parmesan. It’s a favorite in my home, and one my kids happily eat up every time.
It can be prepped and cooked in just 15 minutes or less—which is great for busy evenings. Plus, the combination of flavors makes it absolutely irresistible. To make, simply heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the broccoli florets and sauté for 8-10 minutes. Next, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (1-2 minutes). Lastly, transfer the cooked broccoli to a bowl and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
This simple side dish not only pleases the taste buds but it also serves as an excellent source of vitamins A and C, plus fiber to help you reach your daily requirements for optimal health and wellbeing.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Hazelnuts and Maple Syrup
Roasted sweet potatoes with hazelnuts and maple syrup is a fantastic side dish that you can make in no time. Sweet potatoes are nutritious and naturally sweet, so even without adding any extra sweetness, the dish will still taste amazing. To give the sweet potatoes some added flavor and crunch, you can add toasted hazelnuts and drizzle with a little maple syrup.
To make this delicious side dish, start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Then, cut 2 large sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Spread the cubes on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil or melted coconut oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and dried rosemary leaves or any herbs of your choice. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown and tender.
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, transfer the cubes to a bowl and add 1/3 cup of chopped hazelnuts. Now drizzle some maple syrup to give it an extra dose of sweetness. Mix everything together and serve while hot! This simple side dish won’t take up any more time in your already busy schedule but will give you a great meal!
Roasted Asparagus With Lemon and Thyme
Asparagus is a delicious vegetable that’s full of nutrients and is also quite easy to prepare. This recipe for roasted asparagus with lemon and thyme is a great choice for a quick and flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1 bunch of asparagus, washed and dried
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, salt and pepper.
- Drizzle the mixture over the asparagus spears and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 10 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Once it’s done cooking you can serve your roasted asparagus with lemon and thyme hot, warm, or at room temperature – enjoy!
Mushroom Fried Rice
Mushroom Fried Rice is a great way to enjoy delicious vegetables in mere minutes. It’s full of flavor and comes together quickly with minimal effort. And best of all, it uses ingredients that you may already have in your pantry!
To make this delicious side dish, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 5 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Begin by heating the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté until they are golden brown. Then add the cooked rice, stirring to combine everything evenly. Add the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute or two until all the ingredients are fully heated through. Serve warm and enjoy!
Garlic Cauliflower Mash
When it comes to side dishes that pack a lot of flavor, you can always rely on garlic. Garlic cauliflower mash is an easy and delicious way to enjoy cauliflower in a creamy and flavorful way.
To make garlic cauliflower mash, you’ll need:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of butter or vegan butter alternative
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add in the cauliflower until it’s tender. Drain the cooked cauliflower and place it back into the pot; add in the minced garlic and butter. Use a potato masher to mash the ingredients together until they become creamy. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve warm as a quick side dish to your favorite entrees.
Sauteed Spinach With Garlic and Shallots
Sauteed spinach with garlic and shallots is a delicious side dish that can be whipped up in minutes. The garlic and shallots add wonderful depth of flavor to the already nutritious spinach, making it a great way to get your veggie intake.
To make this dish, you’ll need:
- 1/2 pound fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
First, heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallots; cook until the vegetables are lightly browned. Then add the fresh spinach, stirring frequently until it is wilted. Finish off with salt and pepper to taste if desired. Serve this delicious side dish as part of your favorite meal and enjoy!
Grilled Seasonal Vegetables
Grilling is the ultimate way to bring out the flavor in seasonal vegetables. Not only is it a quick and healthy way to cook, but it’s also incredibly simple – no fuss required!
Here’s how to make quick and easy grilled seasonal vegetables:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Cut up your favorite seasonal vegetables into even pieces – zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, onions, eggplant and more work great!
- Place the vegetables onto a foil-lined baking sheet or onto aluminum foil packets.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top of the vegetables, then season with salt and pepper and any other seasonings of your choice (Italian herb mix works great!).
- Grill for 8-10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender, flipping once halfway through cooking time. Enjoy!
Baked Curry-Spiced Squash Fries
Move over french fries – baked curry-spiced squash fries are here! Not only are they a healthier alternative to traditional potato fries, but they also introduce an exotic flavor to your plate. Even better, they’re super quick and easy to make.
To make Baked Curry-Spiced Squash Fries:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut 2 large squash into matchstick-sized pieces.
- Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of curry powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix until the spices cover the squash evenly.
- Grease a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of oil and spread the squash out on top in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking time.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Baked Zucchini Chips
If you’re looking for a crunchy treat, zucchini chips are incredibly simple and delicious. Zucchini is incredibly versatile and mild in flavor, so you can enjoy these with any meal.
To make these tasty chips, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice your zucchini into thin chips—you can use a mandolin for extra-thin slices—and toss them into a large bowl. Drizzle the slices with olive oil or melted butter and season to taste with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika or other spices of your choosing. Spread the seasoned slices on an oiled baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Enjoy as an appetizer or side dish and serve with ranch dressing or another dip of your choice.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Craving a Mexican-inspired side dish? Look no further than Mexican Street Corn Salad. This quick and easy dish will satisfy your cravings with its bold and flavorful spices.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of cooked corn kernels
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
- juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the salad, mix together all the ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet and can easily be added to quick and easy side dishes. From roasted to steamed, take your pick of these ten easy vegetable side dishes for a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
From quick and easy classics like roasted potatoes and Parmesan cauliflower to speciality dishes like roasted brussels sprouts and roasted butternut squash, these vegetable side dishes are sure to make your meals as tasty as they are healthy. Whether you are looking to level up your everyday dishes or make an impressive presentation at a dinner party, these ten quick and easy vegetable side dishes are sure to transform any meal.