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10 Healthy Side Dishes

Whether you’re balancing a rich entree or complementing a light one, these sides add a burst of health to your plate

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1 /10 Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Stephanie Spencer

Baby Vegetable Salad with Cornichons

This easy salad gets its creaminess from a lighter mix of Greek yogurt and mayo.

Recipe: Baby Vegetable Salad with Cornichons

2 /10 Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Stephanie Spencer

Roasted Cauliflower with Capers

Roasting cauliflower with just a little oil intensifies its flavor while still keeping it low in calories.

Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower with Capers

3 /10

The New Three-Bean Salad

No canned kidney beans here―and the flavors get even better if you start the salad a day ahead.

Recipe: The New Three-Bean Salad

4 /10 Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Stephanie Spencer

Warm Brussels Sprout Leaves with Toasted Garlic and Lemon

Hits of garlic and lemon zest give pop to this easy side without adding loads of oil.

Recipe: Warm Brussels Sprout Leaves with Toasted Garlic and Lemon

5 /10 Photo by Alex Farnum; written by Stephanie Spencer

Mashed Potatoes and Parsnips with Crisp Root Vegetable Strips

No need to toss those peels in the compost. Roast them with sage leaves and a little oil, and you've got a crisp and ingenious topping. In the mash, we replaced butter with the coconut spread, which brings out the parsnips' sweetness.

Recipe: Mashed Potatoes and Parsnips with Crisp Root Vegetable Strips

6 /10 Written by Stephanie Spencer

Roasted Asparagus

Roasting intensifies the woodsy flavor of asparagus. A thin crust of earthy parmesan cheese adds a bit of crunch.

Recipe: Roasted Asparagus

7 /10 Photo by Leigh Beisch; written by Stephanie Spencer

Fresh Peas with Mint and Green Onions

The combination of fresh peas and mint yields a harmonious and nutritional side dish. Peas are in the legume family, and these vegetables are typically high in protein and fiber, yet low in fat and cholesterol.

Recipe: Fresh Peas with Mint and Green Onions

8 /10 Photo by Annabelle Breakey; written by Stephanie Spencer

Tomato Salad with Chile and Lime

This salad pleasantly reminds us of fresh salsa, and wouldn't be out of place on a Mexican-themed buffet or on the table with beef fajitas or pork or shrimp tacos.

Recipe: Tomato Salad with Chile and Lime

9 /10 Photo by Lisa Romerein; written by Stephanie Spencer

Grilled Corn Poblano Salad with Chipotle Vinaigrette

Fresh corn and heart-healthy avocados make this a great side to accompany lean grilled meats.

Recipe: Grilled Corn Poblano Salad with Chipotle Vinaigrette

10 /10 Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Stephanie Spencer

Roasted Romanesco Broccoli

Like a cross between broccoli and cauliflower, Romanesco broccoli also delivers similar benefits, so dig in.

Recipe: Roasted Romanesco Broccoli