60 Unfussy Vegetable Sides for Tonight's Dinner
Round out that meal with something the family will want to eat!
Grandma always said "eat your vegetables."
And boy, when you make 'em like this, they're hard to stop eating! From cream-covered braised cabbage to succulent stewed tomatoes, from blistered snap peas to smoky char-grilled tomato soup, we've got fun, but more importantly delicious ideas that'll help you turn your side dishes into the show-stealing stars of dinner!
Most of these recipes lean on ingredients you're likely to have on hand, or that can be easy to substitute. So go ahead and pick a couple, then work 'em into your weeknight dinner rotation. The whole family will be glad you did!
Need more dinner inspiration? Check these stories:
Butter-Braised Cabbage with Cream and Garlic
You probably have a cabbage in your fridge. (You may have two.) If you also have cream and some garlic, then you're halfway to this super delicious, goes-with-anything side dish.
Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)
This Mexican classic is easily the most flavorful way to eat fresh corn and makes one excellent side dish for your summer barbecues!
Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
This classic Gullah-Geechee Lowcountry side is pure comfort food deliciousness. Serve it with turkey wings and everyone at the table will be happy.
Blistered Snap Peas with Brown Butter and Chives
This simple recipe is so easy it barely counts: some melted butter cooked until it browns, along with a little salt and some chives to garnish are all you need to bring out the best in these flavorful greens.
Leek, Mushroom, and Escarole Salad
Pan-seared mushrooms and leeks are tossed with greens and dressed in a vinaigrette. This side is great with rich proteins, like steak!
Steamed Artichokes with Smoked Paprika Aioli
When fresh artichokes are in season, grab as many as you can and make this simple recipe. They're the perfect side or starter dish—and they slow down your eating, so they're perfect for serving to friends or with family on a lazy weekend evening.
Get the recipe for Steamed Artichokes with Smoked Paprika Aioli.
Char-Grilled Tomato Soup
This is a great way to use up a bunch of farmers' market tomatoes before they go bad — don't skip the grilling, as it gives the soup a wonderfully deep flavor. Serve it with your favorite grilled protein!
Spring Salad with Pickled Vegetables
Give a simple salad a big flavor kick with some thinly sliced pickled veggies!
Cream of Asparagus Soup with Parmesan Croutons
Soup makes a very smart side dish—this chilled one, especially! Serve it with roast chicken thighs or a light broiled fish.
Asparagus, Cucumber, and Herbs Panzanella
I like to get out the biggest plates I have when I make panzanella, so that everyone can load up. It's a side dish that's so good, you might forget about the main!
Get the recipe for Asparagus, Cucumber, and Herbs Panzanella.
Smashed Potatoes with Paprika and Cumin
With all the flaky goodness of baked potatoes, all the crunchy deliciousness of fried, and a combo of spices that we sometimes dream about at night, it's a side dish that is sure to have guests and family alike asking for seconds.
Roasted Asparagus with Herb-Lemon Vinaigrette
When fresh asparagus starts showing up at the farmers' market or in your garden, snap it up and break out this easy recipe.
Acorn Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette
As soon as winter squash is in season, this becomes a regular staple at our dinner table.
Broccoli Steaks with Spiced Tomato Jam
Sliced thick and seared in a pan, broccoli makes a hearty and delicious side dish. And trust us, you're going to want to make extra of the tomato jam!
Roasted Vegetable Mélange
Here's a simple and healthy side dish that's ideal for a big Sunday Supper. It practically cooks on its own—letting you focus on the main—and it's easy to scale up or down, depending on who's coming to dinner.
Grilled Corn with Pesto and Basil Schmear
Take your corn side dishes to the next level! Flavorful grilled corn gets even better with a pesto and basil schmear.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Pesto and Basil Schmear.
Hasselback Potato Gratin
Your whole family will love this cheesy potato gratin. It's great for holidays and special occasions too!
Southwest Salad with Lime Vinaigrette and Cornbread Croutons
This salad is the perfect supper side dish. This bright bean-and-greens salad is a great way to use day old cornbread. The cojita cheese and lime vinaigrette give it a touch of Tex-Mex flavor.
Get the recipe for Southwest Salad with Lime Vinaigrette and Cornbread Croutons.
Farro and Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Peas
This hearty combo of quinoa and farro is packed with fresh herbs like dill and basil, bursting with fresh peas, and dressed simply in an oil and lemon juice vinaigrette. It's a side dish that's easy to make, tastes great, and looks gorgeous to boot.
Get the recipe for Farro and Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Peas.
Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding
This Thanksgiving (or Sunday) side will be just the thing for impressing any of your Nanas when they come to visit.
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