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    The 30 BEST Healthy Side Dishes

    If you need some interesting new Healthy Side Dishes to cook for your family, you’ve come to the right place!

    There is an amazing range of recipes here. Whatever main course you’re looking to pair with, there’s the perfect companion here.

    You’ll find plenty of great sides that are loaded with nutritious ingredients like veggies, whole grains, sweet potatoes and more.

    Cook you way through all of these healthy side dishes, they’re all fantastic!

    the best healthy side dishes

    The Best Healthy Sides:

    1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

    Starting off our list of healthy side dishes is this amazing Mediterranean Quinoa Salad.

    It’s a light and tasty side dish full of nutritious ingredients. A simple mix of quinoa, a few veggies, some Mediterranean staples, and a zesty lemon dressing is all it takes.

    Get the Recipe


    2. Easy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

    These easy baked sweet potato fries are a great way to bring the joy that comes with sweet potato fries to your own home. They are gluten-free, vegetarian, and perfectly seasoned.

    If you need a finger-food side, definitely give these fries a try!

    Get the Recipe


    3. Balela Salad

    Let us present you Balela deliciousness!! So colorful, so easy, so refreshing… This hearty colorful salad comes from many Middle Eastern countries and is bursting with flavors and textures.

    Chickpeas, black beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, parsley, mint… no wonder it’s one of our favorite healthy side dishes!

    Get the Recipe


    4. Caponata

    You will love the combination of savory, sweet and tart flavors in this creamy eggplant caponata, with summer veggies like onion, tomatoes, olives and more!

    It’s a winner recipe, for sure!

    Get the Recipe


    5. Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad with Pesto

    Spring and summer demand colorful, light, refreshing salads. So here it is our Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad, but with major flavor bender… delicious basil pesto dressing.

    This one is there for you to brighten up any meal of the day.

    Get the Recipe


    6. Quick and Easy Pico de Gallo

    If you’re planning a Mexican night, a good salsa is a must. Easy, fresh and delicious, this healthy Pico de Gallo whips up in 10 minutes.

    Try this fresh pico your next taco night.

    Get the Recipe


    7.Moroccan Couscous

    Give regular couscous a colorful makeover by adding a bunch of veggies and earthy Moroccan spices. 

    This Moroccan Couscous is not only an ideal dish next to any of your chicken, beef or fish dishes, but it can be a stand alone light vegetarian lunch option.

    Get the Recipe


    8. Rainbow Pasta Salad

    We just love this simple and healthy Rainbow Pasta Salad. It’s so easy to make, and tastes delicious.

    Make a big batch, leftovers make great lunches.

    Get the Recipe


    9. Zucchini Carrot Salad

    Quick, easy, tasty and nutritious. This spiralized zucchini carrot salad will add a whole new dimension to your salad repertoire.

    It comes with a bright and tangy Catalina dressing.

    Get the Recipe


    10. Mediterranean Pasta

    This Mediterranean Pasta is your new weeknight best friend. It’s a super delicious side to your favorite grilled or baked lean protein.

    Plus, leftovers are great for lunch!

    Get the Recipe


    11. Habichuelas Guisadas (Puerto Rican Stewed Beans)

    This Habichuelas Guisadas (Puerto Rican Stewed Beans) are the tastiest beans you will ever eat, seasoned with tomato, sofrito, sazon and adobo.

    Once you try your beans the Puerto Rican way, you may never eat them any other way again…

    Get the Recipe


    12. Espinacas con Garbanzos

    This classic Spanish dish is a great addition to your recipe collection. Hearty chick peas and fresh spinach are cooked in a cozy sauce of tomatoes, onions and exotic spices.

    One of our very favorite healthy sides!

    Get the Recipe


    13. Tomato Cucumber Raita

    This traditional Indian dip is just what you need when you have a fiery main course. It will cool your palette when you are eating those spicy tikkas and curries.

    Get the Recipe


    14. Green Bean Almondine

    These green beans are covered in almonds toasted in marvelous melted butter. The buttered almonds are topped with parsley and lemon juice. YUM!

    Get the Recipe


    15. Chili Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans

    These chili maple glazed sweet potatoes with pecans have a nice kick due to being topped with a marvelous maple-chili glaze.

    The maple syrup adds sweetness, and the chili adds spiciness to make for a great sweet and spicy combo.

    Get the Recipe


    16. Mango Salsa

    You gotta try mango salsa in the summer time when you see some juicy, ripe mangoes. All you doing is chopping and mixing a few ingredients. Life can’t get easier than that… right?

    Use it as topping for tacos or over baked chicken or fish.

    Get the Recipe


    17. Israeli Couscous Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

    This gorgeous Israeli Couscous Salad is light and fresh, yet at the same time oh so satisfying.

    Pearled couscous are tossed with tons of veggies, feta cheese, Kalamata olives and a refreshing dressing. Great potluck contender!

    Get the Recipe


    18. Batata Harra

    Add an exotic twist to your everyday potatoes with this Lebanese delight. It’s packed full of flavors.

    If you love fresh herbs, this batata harra is a must try healthy side dish.

    Get the Recipe


    19. Pipirrana (Spanish Summer Salad)

    Here to celebrate tomato season this summer is a tribute to all those luscious summer tomatoes, ripening on the vines in warm sunshine.

    Mixed with just a few more cool crunchies, and you have yet another colorful popular traditional dish, pipirrana, all the way from the south of Spain.

    Get the Recipe


    20. Kale Salad

    This super healthy kale salad has a wide array of flavors that combine for a salad that tastes as beautiful as it looks.

    You’ll be coming back to this one year round!

    Get the Recipe


    21. Chakalaka (South African Vegetable Dish)

    Chakalaka! If your grilled protein needs a new sidekick, this famous South African vegetable dish is the answer!

    It has a well rounded variety of healthy veggies and beans.

    Get the Recipe


    22. Roasted Parmesan Zucchini and Tomatoes

    This roasted parmesan zucchini and tomatoes recipe is quick, easy, healthy, and delicious! All you need to make it is a sheet pan, and you can make it in under thirty minutes.

    Trust us, your whole family will surely love it!

    Get the Recipe @ aberdeenskitchen


    23. Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia)

    Greek green beans, properly known as fasolakia, make a tasty side dish out of fresh green beans braised in extra virgin olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs.

    You definitely need to try this one!

    Get the Recipe @ eatingeuropean


    24. Lemon Garlic Asparagus

    These addictive lemon garlic asparagus taste amazing, and take only about 10 minutes to make!

    They’re crispy on the outside, and full of tender lemon and garlic flavors. Perfect for a spring dinner or lunch!

    Get the Recipe @ cafedelites


    25. Sheet Pan Roasted Broccoli

    Make this incredibly easy and addicting Sheet Pan Roasted Broccoli recipe for your loved ones. The healthy, crispy and amazingly flavored broccoli will taste just delicious.

    Try this perfect veggie side dish with your favorite protein and make a complete and satisfying dinner.

    Get the Recipe @ damndelicious


    26. Tropical Fruit Salad

    This delicious Tropical Fruit Salad is packed with exotic fruits like papaya, mango, kiwis and dragonfruit.

    Take this to your next potluck for some rave reviews!

    Get the Recipe @ jessicagavin


    27. Roasted Acorn Squash

    If you love sweet flavors in your sides, try this roasted acorn squash recipe. It features maple syrup, brown sugar and cinnamon.

    The sweetness makes a great pairing to savory mains.

    Get the Recipe @ dinneratthezoo


    28. Baked Garlic Herb Potato Wedges

    Baked potato wedges that are crispy. No grease, no mess. So easy and they can be made in no time. Serve them with a delicious garlicky, herby drizzling…

    Get the Recipe @ damndelicious


    29. Greek Yogurt Coleslaw

    Just because you’re eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to give up creamy coleslaw!

    This Greek yogurt coleslaw has the same flavor and creaminess you love, and you can chow down without any guilt. How cool!

    Get the Recipe @ gimmesomeoven


    30. Cauliflower Rice with Garlic and Parmesan

    Parmesan Cauliflower Rice recipe will become your favorite side dish, it’s seriously so good, flavorful and light.

    The recipe is also low carb, low calorie and gluten free. It’ll be one of your favorite healthy side dishes!

    Get the Recipe @ cookingclassy


    31. Mexican Quinoa

    Another dish that’s filled with colorful vegetables is this marvelous Mexican quinoa.

    It uses Tex-Mex spices, hearty black beans, and tons of tasty vegetables like bell peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, and even more!

    Get the Recipe @ wellplated


    32. Thai Fresh Spring Rolls

    Now these Thai fresh spring rolls shout summer. Fresh, colorful and light. With a simple peanut sweet chili sauce, say hello to healthy and fresh eating this summer with these exotic flavors.

    Get the Recipe @ tastesbetterfromscratch


    33. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

    Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice tastes just like your favorite from Chipotle, and only takes a few minutes.

    We can see endless burritos bowls with this one…

    Get the Recipe @ cafedelites


    34. Grilled Brussels Sprouts

    Fire up the grill and make these perfectly charred and crispy brussels sprouts. They are brushed with seasoned olive oil that turns them super tasty.

    Get the Recipe @ thegraciouswife


    35. Kale Cobb Salad

    Try this best summer Kale Cobb Salad at home! This colorful salad is perfectly arranged, with super flavorful and healthy ingredients, and then topped with creamy poppy seed dressing

    It’s perfect for summer potlucks or get-togethers.

    Get the Recipe @ damndelicious


    So there you go, thirty five great healthy side dishes. The only question now is, which one do you feel like tonight?

    Pin or bookmark this collection of great dishes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new recipes!

    Check out these other great recipe collections!
    Healthy Dinner Ideas
    Healthy Chicken Dishes
    Broccoli Recipes
    Kale Recipes
    Salad Recipes
    Brown Rice Recipes
    Quinoa Recipes

    featured image for healthy side dish recipes post.

    35 BEST Healthy Side Dishes

    This collection of Healthy Side Dishes has a huge variety of nutritious pairings for your favorite mains. We love these super easy sweet potato fries:

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb sweet potatoes
    • 2 Tbsp olive oil
    • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
    • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    • 1/2 tsp paprika
    • 2 Tbsp corn starch
    • Sea salt to taste

    Instructions

      1. Wash sweet potatoes. Peel skin if desired. Cut into ¼ to ½ inch square fries.
      2. Soak in cold water at least 30 minutes to a few hours.
      3. Preheat oven to 425°F. Remove fries from water, pat dry very well and toss with mixture of corn starch, black pepper, paprika and garlic powder.
      4. Toss with olive oil and spread evenly in single layer on parchment paper lines baking sheet. If no parchment paper is available, line sheet with aluminum foil and grease, or just grease baking sheet.
      5. Place fries in oven and bake 15 minutes. Flip fries with spatula, return to oven and bake additional 15 minutes.
      6. Remove from oven, allow to rest 5 minutes, and sprinkle with sea salt and any additional desired garnishings.

      Did you make this recipe?

      Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

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