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20 Vegetable Side Dish Recipes

    20 easy, healthy, and delicious vegetable side dishes to go with every entrée!

    Liz eating Brussels sprouts

    Do you struggle to find vegetables your whole family will enjoy? Say goodbye to the days of soggy broccoli or overly boiled Brussels. Instead, use bright colors, flavorful spices, and quick cooking methods to create fresh and delicious sides your entire family will be excited to eat.

    Liz slicing carrot

    For instance, recipes like my Garlic Roasted Potatoes and Cauliflower, Roasted Curried Cauliflower, and Sesame Roasted Cauliflower are so delicious you won’t believe they’re actually good for you, too. Don’t worry, I won’t tell.

    roasted vegetables

    Health Benefits of Vegetables:

    Did you know that each vegetable has a different nutritional profile? Therefore, it’s important to include a wide variety in your diet. Studies show that consuming 2-3 cups of vegetables every day helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels, improves your immune system, and reduces the risk for heart disease. Plus, they’re a great source of fiber to keep you full throughout the day.

    Curried Cauliflower with Coconut Oil HR
    Best bacon and brussels on a plate

    So, in order to make dinnertime easier, I decided to round up and share with you 20 of my family’s favorite foolproof side dishes. Made with delicious seasonings and quick cooking methods, these recipes are so good your kids won’t even realize they’re eating vegetables!

    Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes in a bowl

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    Are fresh vegetables healthier than frozen?

    Contrary to popular belief, frozen vegetables are just as healthy – if not more so than fresh. Use whatever versions to which you have access. However, if using frozen varieties, be sure to thaw them ahead of time or adjust cooking temperatures.

    Can vegetables be prepped ahead of time?

    These dishes are best served fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

    Which vegetables are in-season?

    Eating in-season vegetables is a great way to keep costs low! Here is a great guide to help you find the best vegetables near you all year round.

    Za'atar Roasted Carrots and Green Beans on a plate

    So, are you ready to get cooking? Take a look at 20 of my absolute favorite vegetable side dishes below to get planning tonight’s dinner.

    Chinese broccoli with hoisin

    Baked Rosemary Sweet Potato Fries

    4.50 stars average
    40 minutes
    These rosemary sweet potato fries are both easy to prepare and guaranteed to be loved by all. The ultimate nutritious side dish!
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    Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

    Greek Roasted Vegetables

    4.48 stars average
    50 minutes
    This quick and easy vegetarian side dish recipe is made with various veggies that are baked until caramelized in olive oil and fresh herbs.
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    Greek Roasted Vegetables Recipe

    Garlicky Bok Choy

    4.34 stars average
    10 minutes
    Ideal for any greens you have on hand, bok choy is tossed with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce until tender and fragrant. Ready in 5 minutes!
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    Fragrant Bok Choy

    Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Za’atar

    4 stars average
    15 minutes
    A fast and easy side dish recipe, asparagus is coated with lemon and za'atar and grilled until slightly charred.
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    zaatar gileed asparagus

    Chinese Smashed Cucumbers

    5 stars average
    5 minutes
    This quick and flavorful Chinese side dish is made with cucumbers which are lightly smashed then tossed with vinegar, sesame oil, salt and a pinch of sugar.
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    Chinese Quick Pickled Cucumbers Recipe 20220419 211221

    Greek Stewed Green Beans

    4 stars
    35 minutes
    Greek stewed green beans are quick and easy 3-ingredient side dish recipe, traditional in Greek cuisine. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
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    Greek Stewed Green Beans

    Italian Stuffed Artichokes

    4.55 stars average
    1 hour 5 minutes
    These Italian stuffed artichokes are made with simple, pantry ingredients and result in the most comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish.
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    Italian Stuffed Artichokes On A Plate

    Sautéed Bacon and Brussels Sprouts

    Rate It!
    30 minutes
    Sauteed with bacon, garlic, and onions, brussel sprouts are the perfect side dish for any meal.
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    Best bacon and brussels on a plate

    Roasted Butternut Squash with Curry Spices

    5 stars
    40 minutes
    This three-ingredient side dish recipe is simple, delicious and packed with flavor. Naturally gluten free and vegan, this dish is ideal for entertaining.
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    Curry Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe

    Sautéed Chinese Broccoli with Hoisin

    5 stars
    12 minutes
    A popular Chinese side dish, steamed Chinese broccoli with hoisin couldn't be easier to make at home. Naturally gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and whole 30.
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    Steamed Chinese Broccoli with Hoisin 1

    Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes

    4.27 stars average
    25 minutes
    A twist on a classic main dish, this vegetarian side dish of Lebanese Green Beans with Tomatoes is made with warm spices including cinnamon and allspice.
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    Lebanese green beans with tomatoes

    Roasted Garlic Green Beans

    Rate It!
    15 minutes
    A quick and easy veggie side dish recipe, steamed green beans are tossed with roasted garlic and fresh lemon juice.
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    Easy Roasted Garlic Green Beans Recipe

    Perfectly Roasted Parmesan Broccoli

    Rate It!
    30 minutes
    A quick easy side dish recipe, this perfetly roasted parmesan broccoli is slightly caramelized and topped with lots of nutty parmesan cheese.
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    Fast Roasted Broccoli Recipe

    Chinese Style Garlic Green Beans

    5 stars average
    20 minutes
    Bursting with flavor, these garlic green beans are a healthy version of the Chinese take out favorite. Ready in 20 minutes!
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    Chinese Style Garlic Green Beans with Pork Recipe

    Steamed Broccoli with Sesame Seeds and Soy Sauce

    4.60 stars average
    25 minutes
    This broccoli dish, is the perfect combination of a healthy fat with a fiber rich food (broccoli) which will fill you up with out filling you out.
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    Sesame Soy Broccoli Recipe

    Za’atar Roasted Carrots and Green Beans

    4.22 stars average
    35 minutes
    This easy, delicious side dish of carrots and green beans roasted in olive oil and za'atar is perfect for holiday entertaining or a simple weeknight dinner.
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    Zaatar roasted carrots and green beans

    Roasted Asparagus with Za’atar

    5 stars
    20 minutes
    Asparagus is roasted in olive oil and za’atar until caramelized and tender. A healthy and easy 15-minute side dish recipe.
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    Asparagus Roasted with Za'atar - Gluten Free Side Dish Recipe

    Roasted Acorn Squash with Tahini Sauce

    5 stars
    40 minutes
    A healthy and easy side dish recipe, your whole family will love this cinnamon-spiced roasted acorn squash drizzled in an addictive tahini lemon sauce.
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    Roasted Acorn Squash with Tahini Sauce - a healthy side dish recipe

    Moroccan Spiced Roasted Carrots

    4.20 stars average
    35 minutes
    Transport your tastebuds to Africa with this Moroccan-spiced roasted carrots side dish drizzled with a creamy yogurt dressing.
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    Moroccan Spiced Roasted Carrots with Yogurt Vinaigrette - a delicious side dish recipe

    Zucchini and Green Bean Sauté

    4.50 stars average
    15 minutes
    A 10 minute side dish for busy weeknights, zucchini and green beans are quickly sautéed in olive oil then finished with lemon juice.
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    Zucchini and green bean saute 2
    nv-author-image

    Liz DellaCroce

    Liz Della Croce is the creator and author of The Lemon Bowl, a healthy food blog. Since 2010, Liz has been sharing delicious recipes that just so happen to be healthy. By using real ingredients with an emphasis on seasonality, Liz has built a growing audience of loyal readers who crave good food for their families. Click Here To Subscribe to my newsletter:

    4 Comments

    1. Phyll
      Reply

      I LOVE all your recipes and look forward to cooking them all. You are truly amazing with your varieties. What to make first??? Happy Thanksgiving to you and you family and thank you for sharing.

    3. Melissa
      Reply

      Thank you! I always struggle with adding side dishes to my meals that aren’t “steamed in the bag” vegetables. I’ve started adding your side dishes when I do my menu planning. These recipes add a lot of variety of flavors!

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