99 Healthy Sides That Will Make It a Meal
From lightened-up potato dishes and hearty grains to fresh and flavorful salads bursting with veggies, these sides make it simple to put a wholesome meal on the table, any night of the week.
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Photo By: Con Poulos
Photo By: Tara Donne
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Photo By: Tara Donne ©FOOD NETWORK : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.
Photo By: Antonis Achilleos
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Tara Donne ©Tara Donne
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Christopher Testani
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Teri Lyn Fisher
Photo By: Tara Donne
Photo By: Antonis Achilleos
©Food stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin
Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Tara Donne ©Tara Donne
Photo By: Tara Donne ©Food Network
Photo By: Antonis Achilleos
Photo By: Con Poulos
Photo By: Tara Donne
Photo By: Con Poulos ©2010. Con Poulos Photography
Photo By: Antonis Achilleos
Photo By: Antonis Achilleos
Photo By: Ryan Dausch
Photo By: Ryan Dausch
Photo By: Antonis Achilleos
Photo By: Yunhee Kim ©Yunhee Kim 2011
Photo By: Antonis Achilleos
Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Tara Donne ©FOOD NETWORK : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Yunhee Kim ©2011, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
©Food Stylist: Simon Andrews Prop Stylist: Marcus Hay
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Photo By: Con Poulos ©2010. Con Poulos Photography
Photo By: Antonis Achilleos
Photo By: Antonis Achilleos
Fill Your Plate
When it comes to dinner, the side dishes can make or break your meal — especially when you’re eating healthy. As much as we love simple steamed veggies or a quick tossed salad, both can get boring when they’re your weeknight go-to. Filling your table with wholesome choices can (and should be!) so much more interesting. With the right recipes you can rotate between healthy whole grains, vitamin-packed potatoes, cruciferous gems like cauliflower or broccoli and, of course, lots of flavorful takes on veggies. Not sure where to start? We love Ina’s green beans, dressed with a homemade Gremolata including lemon zest, grated Parmesan, minced garlic and parsley, plus toasted pine nuts for a buttery crunch.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Gremolata
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Healthy Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower can shine in many forms. This recipe shows how simple it is to turn the florets into a healthy, low-carb side dish — our version has only about one-quarter of the carbohydrates in rice.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Cauliflower Rice
Pea Salad with Tarragon and Pea Shoots
Alex's fresh, green salad is a celebration of spring with three kinds of peas (fresh shelled green peas, plus snow and sugar snap) topped with delicate pea shoots. Toss it all with a light dressing made with tarragon and sherry vinegar.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad with Tarragon and Pea Shoots
Giada's Mediterranean Farro Salad
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Farro Salad
Ina's Moroccan Couscous
The Barefoot Contessa's Moroccan-inspired couscous studded with pine nuts and currants is one of those recipes you'll want to learn by heart.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Couscous
Superfood Spinach Salad with Pomegranate-Glazed Walnuts
Get the Recipe: Super Food Spinach Salad with Pomegranate-Glazed Walnuts
Roasted Beets with Warm Fennel Vinaigrette
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beets with Warm Fennel Vinaigrette
Quinoa Salad
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad
Pear and Fennel Salad
Get the Recipe: Pear and Fennel Salad
Okra with Tomatoes
Get the Recipe: Okra with Tomatoes
Roasted Carrots
Ina lets roasted carrots shine with just a little bit of fresh dill mixed in. How easy is that?
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Raisin Relish
Green Beans with Mushroom and Shallots
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Mushroom and Shallots
Spring Greens with Oranges
Get the Recipe: Spring Greens with Oranges
Beets with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette and Mint
Get the Recipe: Beets With Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette and Mint
Chile-Garlic Edamame
Get the Recipe: Chile-Garlic Edamame
Braised Collard Greens and Butternut Squash
Get the Recipe: Braised Collard Greens and Butternut Squash
Low-Fat Scalloped Potatoes
Get the Recipe: Low-Fat Scalloped Potatoes
Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Sauce
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Sauce
Spinach and Green Apple Salad
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Green Apple Salad
Pan-Roasted Carrots with Mint and Parsley Gremolata
Get the Recipe: Pan-Roasted Carrots with Mint and Parsley Gremolata
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes
Kamut Marinara
Get the Recipe: Khorasan Wheat Marinara
Spiced Citrus Baby Kale
Get the Recipe: Spiced Citrus Baby Kale
Roasted Moroccan-Style Vegetables
Get the Recipe: Roasted Moroccan-Style Vegetables
Curried Spaghetti Squash
Get the Recipe: Healthy Curried Spaghetti Squash
Giada's Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale
Get the Recipe: Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale
Shaved Cabbage and Brussels Sprout Salad
Get the Recipe: Shaved Cabbage and Brussels Sprout Salad
Barley Pilaf
Get the Recipe: Barley Pilaf
Light Spicy Zucchini and Tomato Casserole
Get the Recipe: Light Spicy Zucchini and Tomato Casserole
Tuscan White Beans
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Beans
Cheesy Mushroom Stacks
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mushroom Stacks
Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Horseradish Butter
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Horseradish Butter
Herbed Farro Salad
Get the Recipe: Herbed Farro Pilaf
Shaved Vegetable Tart
The classic vegetable tart gets a photo-worthy makeover with a vibrant blanket of fresh radishes and cucumbers.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Vegetable Tart
Escarole Salad with Bacon, Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
Get the Recipe: Escarole Salad with Bacon, Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
Creamy Dijon Leeks
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Leeks
Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Get the Recipe: Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Potato Skins
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Skins
Herb Salad
Get the Recipe: Herb Salad
Orange-Glazed Carrots
Get the Recipe: Orange-Glazed Carrots
Giada's Herbed Quinoa
Get the Recipe: Herbed Quinoa
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Fennel Potatoes
Get the Recipe: Fennel-Garlic Potatoes
Ham and Apple Salad
Get the Recipe: Apple-and-Ham Salad
Wheat Berry Salad
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad
Edamame and Shiitake Rice
Get the Recipe: Edamame and Shiitake Rice
Spicy Chickpeas and Spinach
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chickpeas and Spinach
Roasted Turnips and Mushrooms
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turnips and Mushrooms
Ellie's Jewel Roasted Vegetables
Get the Recipe: Jewel Roasted Vegetables
Spicy Coconut Broccoli Rabe
This spicy broccoli rabe calls for a handful of ingredients and takes a mere 10 minutes to cook up.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Coconut Broccoli Rabe
Grilled Avocado with Tahini
Avocado fans are sure to love this quick-cooking side, which cooks up in just 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Avocado with Tahini
Provencal Summer Squash and Potato Gratin
Get the Recipe: Provencal Summer Squash and Potato Gratin
Green Salad with Buttermilk Dressing
Get the Recipe: Green Salad With Buttermilk Dressing
Baked Beans with Swiss Chard
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans With Swiss Chard
Corn and Squash Casserole
Get the Recipe: Corn and Squash Pudding
Quinoa with Shiitakes and Snow Peas
Get the Recipe: Quinoa With Shiitakes and Snow Peas
Roast Fingerlings with Lemon
Get the Recipe: Healthy Roast Fingerlings with Lemon
Quinoa Pilaf with Crimini Mushrooms
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Pilaf with Crimini Mushrooms
Kale Caesar Salad
Get the Recipe: Kale Caesar Salad
Spicy Summer Squash with Herbs
Get the Recipe: Spicy Summer Squash with Herbs
Purple Potatoes with Rosemary and Olives
Get the Recipe: Purple Potatoes with Rosemary and Olives
Sauteed Asparagus with Olives and Basil
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Asparagus with Olives and Basil
Rainbow Bell Pepper Couscous
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Bell Pepper Couscous
Lemon Pepper Mushrooms
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Pepper Mushrooms
Melissa's Israeli Couscous Tabouli
Get the Recipe: Israeli Couscous Tabouli
Spicy Green Tomato-Avocado Salad
Get the Recipe: Spicy Green Tomato-Avocado Salad
Baby Spinach with Almonds and Golden Raisins
Get the Recipe: Baby Spinach with Almonds and Golden Raisins
Creamy Chili-Lime Corn
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chili-Lime Corn
Asiago Roasted Broccoli
Get the Recipe: Asiago Roasted Broccoli
Southwestern Black Beans
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Black Beans
Whole-Grain Biscuits
Get the Recipe: Whole-Grain Biscuits
Ina's Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato "Fries" with La Boite Spice Mix
Corn-and-Oat Risotto
Get the Recipe: Corn-and-Oat Risotto
Whole-Grain Mushroom and Kimchi Brown Rice
Get the Recipe: Whole-Grain Mushroom and Kimchi Brown Rice
Roasted Beet Salad
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad
Roasted Carrots with Almonds and Olives
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots with Almonds and Olives
Coconut-Curry Wheat Berries and Rice
Get the Recipe: Coconut-Curry Wheat Berries and Rice
Cajun Spelt
Get the Recipe: Cajun Spelt
Ellie's Lighter Creamed Spinach
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach
Made-Over Blackened Cajun Skillet Fries
Get the Recipe: Made-Over Blackened Cajun Skillet Fries
Kasha Salad with Hazelnuts and Feta
Get the Recipe: Kasha Salad with Hazelnuts and Feta
Trisha's Baked Green Bean Fries
Got a hankering for fries? Go for Trisha's crispy, crunchy baked version made with fresh green beans.
Get the Recipe: Baked Green Bean Fries
Garlic Greens
Get the Recipe: Garlic Greens
Barley with Bacon, Peas and Dill
Get the Recipe: Barley with Bacon, Peas and Dill
Soy Green Beans
Soy sauce and garlic make Guy Fieri’s side an exciting way to get your greens.
Get the Recipe: Soy Glazed Green Beans
Mexican Green Quinoa
Get the Recipe: Green Spinach Quinoa
Mango Cucumber Rice Salad
Get the Recipe: Mango-Cucumber Rice Salad
Sunny's Braised Cipollini Onions
Get the Recipe: Cipollini Onions Braised in Red Wine
Quinoa With Garlic, Pine Nuts and Raisins
Get the Recipe: Quinoa With Garlic, Pine Nuts and Raisins
Triple-Herb Freekeh
Get the Recipe: Triple-Herb Freekeh
Green Beans and Tomatoes
Get the Recipe: Green Beans With Tomatoes
Whole-Wheat Cornbread
Get the Recipe: Whole-Wheat Cornbread
Oven "Fries"
Get the Recipe: Oven "Fries"
Mediterranean Bulgur
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Bulgur
Whole-Grain Herbed Garlic Bread
Get the Recipe: Whole-Grain Herbed Garlic Bread
Grilled Polenta
These polenta cakes get their salty bite from a touch of Parmesan cheese and their smoky flavor from a few minutes on the grill. They work as a great side to soups or salads.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Polenta
Rutabaga Mash
Rutabagas don't get enough love, but this simple 4-ingredient alternative to mashed potatoes may just be the recipe to make you a fan.
Get the Recipe: Rutabaga Mash