Side Dish Recipes

Oil and vinegar coleslaw skips the mayo for a light, tangy slaw of shredded cabbage tossed in red wine vinegar, a little sugar, and oil. Crisp, refreshing, and ideal for picnics, tacos, and barbecue.

Bulgur pilaf with pine nuts and red pepper: nutty bulgur simmered in broth with sweet bell pepper, then finished with toasted pine nuts and chives. A fast, wholesome side that comes together easily.

A lighter take on potato salad with hard-boiled eggs, crisp apple, and a creamy curry dressing made with yogurt and fat-free mayo. Quick to prep, easy to transport, and ready in under 20 minutes.

Romaine, shredded fennel, cauliflower, and red onion tossed in a bright lime-garlic dressing with paprika. A crunchy, no-cook side salad that's vegetarian and diabetic-friendly.

Microwave teriyaki potatoes with red-skinned potatoes tossed in teriyaki sauce, butter, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. A quick 30-minute side dish.

Spiced zucchini and peas simmered in tomato sauce with turmeric, cumin, and cayenne. A quick Indian-inspired vegetarian side dish ready in 30 minutes.

Fresh wilted spinach tossed with caramelized onions, nutmeg, and thyme for a low-calorie side dish ready in 30 minutes. Diabetic-friendly and naturally light at just 55 calories per serving.

Microwave-steamed globe artichokes with a zesty mustard dipping sauce made with brown mustard, Italian dressing mix, Worcestershire, and hot sauce.

Asparagus with mushrooms and fresh coriander is a 10-minute sauté of buttery browned mushrooms tossed with crisp diagonal-cut asparagus, shallots, and a finishing handful of cilantro. Bright, herbal side dish for spring.

Strawberry mozzarella salad with romaine, balsamic vinaigrette, and fresh basil ribbons. A summery riff on caprese that trades tomatoes for ripe berries and comes together in 10 minutes.

Panzanella panini presses fresh tomato, basil, and mozzarella with a splash of balsamic into a crisp, golden grilled sandwich. A warm, melty take on the classic Italian bread-and-tomato flavors.

Corn and tomato saute browns sweet fresh corn and shallots, then folds in raw tomatoes and tarragon off the heat so they stay fresh and juicy. A light, 5-ingredient summer side in 20 minutes.

Pasta in almond garlic sauce blends blanched almonds, raw garlic, and parmigiano-reggiano into a silky, dairy-light coat for cavatappi. Fresh basil, mint, and a squeeze of lemon keep it bright.

Asparagus and pimento side dish steams fresh asparagus and tops with lime juice, pimento, and pine nuts. A 10-minute Mediterranean-leaning side that works hot or chilled.

Easy creamed spinach: a Pennsylvania-style side made by wilting fresh spinach in its own water, then folding it into a quick nutmeg-spiked bechamel. Seven ingredients, half an hour.

Lamb and fennel salad with a creamy Spanish-style hazelnut garlic dressing, endive, spinach, and crumbled goat cheese. An elegant salad with Mediterranean soul.