Side dishes made simple: 13 quick and flavorful recipes

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We’ve got you covered with a collection of 13 easy-to-make side dish recipes that will take your main courses to the next level. These hassle-free options are bursting with flavor and will complement any meal perfectly.

A bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Indulge in a creamy and nutrient-dense side dish with Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. This one-pot recipe takes only 30 minutes to make, making it an ideal side dish option for busy weeknight family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage With Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a simple and delicious side dish. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of cabbage with the smoky flavor of bacon and the added texture of onions. It’s a perfectly balanced dish that will impress your guests without requiring much effort or time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you need a quick and refreshing side dish, turn to Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Made with sour cream and mayo, this crisp and light salad can be prepared and served in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect accompaniment for family dinners, especially when you’re short on time but still want a dish that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

A bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy a quick and easy side dish with this recipe for Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. In just a short time, you can prepare a flavorful and low-carb rice substitute using simple ingredients. It’s a perfect choice for those who want a light and tasty addition to their meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A pan of creamy broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In 25 minutes, you can create a creamy and flavorful stovetop broccoli side dish with Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes. This dish combines the freshness of broccoli florets with sun-dried tomatoes. The easy cream sauce adds a rich and velvety texture to the dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These fun Loaded Zucchini Boats resemble potato skins but feature a healthier twist by using zucchini as the base. Packed with a combination of cheese and bacon, everyone will love these! The zucchini provides a fresh and nutritious alternative, while the melted cheese and crispy bacon add layers of savory goodness.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Golden baked jicama fries garnished with parsley on a plate.
Golden Baked Jicama Fries. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

These Golden Baked Jicama Fries are oven-baked and are made by boiling jicama in water, seasoning them, and then baking them to achieve a golden and crispy texture. Save even more time making these by buying pre-cut jicama fries in the produce section of your grocery store!
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Pan-Fried Broccoli Parmesan Fritters

A stack of pan-fried broccoli Parmesan fritters on a plate.
Pan-Fried Broccoli Parmesan Fritters. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy a delicious and versatile side dish with Pan-Fried Broccoli Parmesan Fritters. They can be served on their own or with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Broccoli Parmesan Fritters

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese garnished with parsley.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Impress your family with these Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. With just a few simple ingredients like Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and Italian seasoning, you can have juicy, flavorful tomatoes topped with a delicious cheese mixture in less than 30 minutes. This quick and easy side dish recipe is a great addition to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Sour Cream and Onion Cauliflower Bake

Sour cream and onion cauliflower bake in a baking dish with a spoon.
Sour Cream And Onion Cauliflower Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a delicious and comforting side dish, try Sour Cream and Onion Cauliflower Bake. This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, and the combination of sour cream, onion, and cauliflower creates a creamy and flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sour Cream and Onion Cauliflower Bake

Cauliflower Potato Salad

Cauliflower potato salad garnished with green onions in a bowl with a fork.
Cauliflower Potato Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional potato salad, try Cauliflower Potato Salad. Packed with flavor and easy to make, this side dish includes cauliflower, bacon, cheese, and a touch of hot sauce for some extra heat.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Potato Salad

Buttery Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery roasted cauliflower on a baking sheet.
Buttery Roasted Cauliflower. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Elevate your meal with this Buttery Roasted Cauliflower! This recipe uses common pantry ingredients to create a buttery and flavorful roasted cauliflower dish. By first softening the cauliflower in chicken stock and then roasting it in a hot oven, you’ll achieve a tender texture and a burst of delicious flavor.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Roasted Cauliflower

Bang Bang Cauliflower

Bang bang cauliflower garnished with fresh parsley in a bowl.
Bang Bang Cauliflower. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of Bang Bang Cauliflower. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare this delicious oven-baked side dish that’s bursting with taste. It’s a quick and easy recipe that will satisfy your cravings without requiring much time or effort in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Cauliflower

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