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24 Easy Vegetable Side Dishes That Go With Any Main

Healthy veggies that will be a popular choice at the dinner table!

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grilled cabbage slaw on an oval plate
Mike Garten

If you're tired of heating up the same bag of frozen veggies, say hello to our favorite vegetable side dishes that feature some of the healthiest vegetables! These recipes take seasonal vegetables and turn them into creative, healthy side dishes perfect for any and every meal. Chicken breast recipes, fish, vegetarian — no matter the main protein, these sides will complement mains while adding heaps of flavor. Whether you need potluck dishes for a big party, holiday sides to complete a stunning roast or need the perfect addition to an easy dinner recipe, these easy vegetable sides are an instant crowd-pleasers — they'll be coming back for seconds and thirds!

Not only packed with mouthwatering flavors, these side dishes are perfect for crowds big or small. From dishes perfect for hosting your next sit-down dinner to quick BBQ side dishes, these sides can be as easy or elevated as your heart desires. Planning a summer cookout? Throw your veggies on the grill to whip up our smoky grilled cabbage, charred corn or blistered snap peas. Searching for something fresh? Add our ranch slaw or sesame cucumber salad to the menu for an added crunch, no cooking required. Whether you prefer 100% vegan recipes or those topped with a creamy cheese or dressing, these dishes make getting in your daily veggies as delicious as possible.

If you're looking to add some color, texture and fresh flavor to your spread, serve up a few of these side dishes to get creative with your greens. In the mood for more veggie inspo? Check out our best vegetarian recipes for dishes where vegetables are truly the star of the show!

1

Blistered Snap Peas

blistered snap peas with gochugaru on top
Mike Garten

Top Tip: Use a grill basket for these spicy, smoky peas so that none of your delicious veggies fall through the grates.

Get the Blistered Snap Peas recipe.

2

Bacon-Roasted Potatoes

bacon roasted potatoes in a blue bowl
MIKE GARTEN

Cooking these herby potatoes and bacon in an air fryer ensures maximum crispiness in under 30 minutes!

Get the Bacon-Roasted Potatoes recipe.

RELATED: 40 Easy Air Fryer Recipes For the Best Weeknight Dinners

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3

Grilled Cabbage Wedges with Creamy Caraway Dressing

grilled cabbage wedges with creamy caraway dressing
MIKE GARTEN

Toss your cabbage onto the grill to caramelize it, giving a sweet, charred flavor that pairs perfectly with crispy bacon and chopped parsley.

Get the Grilled Cabbage Wedges With Creamy Caraway Dressing recipe.

RELATED: 15 Creative Cabbage Recipes That Everyone Will Love

4

Wedge Salad with Creamy Herb Dressing

wedge salad with creamy herb dressing on top
Mike Garten

Cool and crisp with an irresistible crunch, this vegetarian version of the classic wedge salad is a stunning side you can present in less than 15 minutes.

Get the Wedge Salad With Creamy Herb Dressing recipe.

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5

Roasted Carrots and Chickpeas with Marinated Feta

roasted carrots and chickpeas with feta on top
Mike Garten

Creamy feta combined with shallots, chile and fresh herbs to pack a flavorful punch in this filling side.

Get the Roasted Carrots and Chickpeas With Marinated Feta recipe.

6

Charred Corn with Parmesan-Parsley Butter

charred corn still in their husks with parmesan parsley butter on the side
Mike Garten

Warning: This pureed butter (packed with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese) is so irresistible, we'd suggest making extra to top off your main, too.

Get the Charred Corn With Parmesan-Parsley Butter recipe.

RELATED: 48 Creative Corn Recipes to Make All Summer Long

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7

Roasted Asparagus with Anchovy Breadcrumbs

roasted asparagus with anchovy breadcrumbs on a plate
Mike Garten

Mixing fresh breadcrumbs with salty, savory anchovies gives this classic roasted veggie an unexpected flavor.

Get the Roasted Asparagus With Anchovy Breadcrumbs recipe.

8

Succotash

summer succotash salad with red tomatoes, corn, zucchin and green beans
Mike Garten

Take advantage of summer with these seasonal veggies all mixed together in a light lemon dressing.

Get the Succotash recipe.

RELATED: 40 Easy Summer Salads That Pack in the Best Seasonal Flavors

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9

Mashed Parsnips

mashed parsnips in a bowl
Mike Garten

The best part of this creative take on a classic side? Parsnips and potatoes can be added to the pot at the same time, requiring double the flavor with no extra effort.

Get the Mashed Parsnips recipe.

RELATED: 46 Easy Mashed Potatoes To Help You Find the Ultimate Holiday Side

10

Ranch Slaw

ranch slaw with shredded cabbage, cucumber and carrot
Mike Garten

Homemade ranch dressing (or store-bought) is the star of this easy slaw combining Persian cucumbers, sugar snap peas, radishes and carrots.

Get the Ranch Slaw recipe.

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11

Rosemary Roasted Carrot Salad

rosemary roasted carrot salad with greens
Mike Garten

Sweet roasted carrots get a boost of flavor with the addition of peppery arugula and bright lemon in this satisfying side. Looking to switch it up? Swap out the carrots for a favorite root vegetable!

Get the Rosemary Roasted Carrot Salad recipe.

RELATED: 60 Best Christmas Side Dishes That Deserve a Spot on Your Holiday Table

12

Escarole Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

escarole salad with red wine vinaigrette and pomegranate seeds
Mike Garten

This festive salad throws together toasted walnuts, bright pomegranate seeds and blue cheese for a flavor-packed addition to any fall or winter meal.

Get the Escarole Salad With Red Wine Vinaigrette recipe.

RELATED: 21 Thanksgiving Salads That Compliment Your Turkey Perfectly

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13

Roasted Asparagus with Creamy Feta

roasted asparagus with creamy feta on a plate
Mike Garten

Purée feta with whole-milk yogurt for an ultra-creamy base to roasted asparagus.

Get the Roasted Asparagus With Creamy Feta recipe.

14

Vanilla Roasted Sweet Potatoes

vanilla roasted sweet potatoes on a plate
Mike Garten

A touch of vanilla enhances the natural sweetness of this classic roasted root veg.

Get the Vanilla Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe.

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15

Grilled Romaine Lettuce with Creamy Feta Dressing

grilled romaine lettuce with creamy feta dressing on a blue plate
Mike Garten

Throwing romaine lettuce on the grill gives a smoky flavor to the leafy green, while cheesy, creamy yogurt dressing brings it all together.

Get the Grilled Romaine Lettuce With Creamy Feta Dressing recipe.

16

Coriander-Maple Glazed Carrots

glazed carrots on a blue baking dish
Colin Faulkner

Rainbow carrots in this sweet and spicy recipe make it extra eye-catching.

Get the Coriander-Maple Glazed Carrots recipe.

RELATED: 12 Easy Carrot Recipes That'll Spruce Up Your Easter Meal

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17

Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

maple glazed brussels sprouts in a platter with serving spoon
Mike Garten

Smoky and sweet: Brussels sprouts get an almost caramelized taste with the addition of maple syrup, while crispy bacon adds heaps of flavor to every bite.

Get the Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts recipe.

18

Lime and Aleppo Pepper Green Beans

lime and aleppo pepper charred green beans
Mike Garten

Ready in 10 minutes, these grilled green beans — seasoned with earthy, slightly-fruity Aleppo pepper — couldn't be easier.

Get the Lime and Aleppo Pepper Green Beans recipe.

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19

Sesame Cucumber Salad

sesame cucumber salad in a bowl
Mike Garten

Smashing your cucumbers is not only a fun stress reliever, but ensures that every piece captures the tangy, spicy dressing.

Get the Sesame Cucumber Salad recipe.

RELATED: 37 Delicious Healthy Salads That Are Fresh and Filling

20

Hasselback Potatoes

hasselback potatoes with green scallion butter on top
Mike Garten

The slits created in Hasselback potatoes open up the door for an endless amount of toppings to seep through, from savory scallion butter to fresh herbs to crispy bacon (or, all of the above!).

Get the Hasselback Potatoes recipe.

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