Salads + Side Dishes
Salads and side dishes are an excellent way to give a dinner some extra pop. Salads should be much more than just lettuce and tomatoes. You can add all kinds of nutritious, fresh vegetables from classics like sweet young corn, to fruits such as peaches; you can even include whole grains such as quinoa or farro for variety! Crisp salads – cool, refreshing ones that allow you to sneak in more nutrition without having your family realize it- make the perfect start at any meal by pairing with any main course imaginable. From steakhouse classics like Caesar or Waldorf salad recipes; to international-inspired salads including those inspired by Mexican cuisine: there is plenty here for everyone looking for ideas when trying out new tastes! Side dishes not only play an important role in making your overall experience memorable but also help complement the main entree so put care into them too (just don’t forget about what vegetable will go well with them)!
Tired of boring oven roasted root veggies recipe? This creative yet still healthy spin adds crumbled Maple Pumpkin Seed Bars and blue cheese for a dynamic flavor and texture punch, while still being crazy simple and quick to prepare for your Thanksgiving meal. Make it your own with any combo of …
Maple Roasted Root Veggies Recipe + Pumpkin Seeds Read More »
The classic Southern dish of Hoppin’ John gets a colorful and healthy nutritious boost from peppers, scallions and whole grain wild rice. Gluten-free and DELICIOUS! UPDATE: This post was originally published in January 2016. It’s almost New Years and, like the good Southern girl I am, I have to kick off …
Wild Rice Hoppin' John (Gluten-Free) Read More »
Wondering how to make instant pot mashed potatoes? Not only is this mashed potato recipe dairy free (vegan-friendly) and Paleo, but it’s also super easy to make and bursting with flavor like sweet roasted garlic, nutty nutritional yeast and bright chives. And it’s beyond creamy thanks to cauliflower, olive oil …
Instant Pot Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Dairy Free) Read More »
Do you love sushi? Then you’ll LOVE these spicy tuna poke bowls! This healthy homemade recipe is made with canned tuna (instead of raw Hawaiian ahi) for easy prep, and it’s bursting with delicious Asian flavors like spicy wasabi mayo, sweet eel sauce, pickled veggies, whole grain rice, avocado and …
Easy Homemade Spicy Tuna Poke Bowls Read More »
This easy and healthy Thai Coconut Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is made with juicy mango and avocado salsa for the best spicy summer salad. Paleo and gluten-free, too! Friends of the interwebs, gather round. I’m about to share the ultimate summer recipe with you–it’s so good and fresh and bright and …
Thai Coconut Shrimp Ceviche Recipe with Mango Avocado Salsa Read More »
Just in time for summer BBQs, this Strawberry + Pickled Beet Salad with White Balsamic Dressing is an easy, healthy side dish. Garnished with feta, avocado, crispy quinoa and a tangy vinaigrette, this gluten-free and vegetarian arugula salad is a summertime classic! It’s officially summer, folks! This week marked the first day …
Strawberry + Pickled Beet Salad with White Balsamic Dressing Read More »
This easy Paleo cauliflower potato salad is low-carb and healthy, yet creamy and absolutely delicious thanks to the addictive tang from the pickles, capers and mustard. Use only cauliflower for a faux-tato salad that’s just as tasty and also Keto compliant. This post is sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market. All thoughts …
Easy Cauliflower Potato Salad Recipe (Paleo + Low-Carb) Read More »
This Twice Baked Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins Recipe is loaded with savory chipotle beans and guacamole for an easy, healthy and tasty appetizer perfect for Cinco de Mayo or your next party. This Mexican-inspired recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free and DELICIOUS! It’s Cinco De Mayo week, which I think after Thanksgiving …
Twice Baked Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins with Chipotle Beans Read More »
This quick and easy recipe for roasted vegetables with pesto is a healthy side dish that can be made with fresh summer squash or winter root vegetables–it gets a flavorful boost from the tangy pesto! Greetings from California! I’m going to keep today’s post short and sweet–just like the recipe …
Easy Roasted Vegetables with Pesto Read More »
This quick and easy recipe for Thai-style sauteed greens with coconut milk is a super healthy and nutritious side dish! It can be made with swiss chard, collard greens, kale or spinach and gets a delicious Asian zing from fish sauce and chiles. How do you guys feel about side dishes? …
Thai-Style Sauteed Greens with Coconut Milk Read More »
Side Dishes
That Complete the Meal
Salads and side dishes make a meal complete. You can't have just one without the other. So, for an exceptional dinner experience, you need to nail both!
Salads are great because they're healthy and refreshing. They're also easy to make and there's not as much risk of overcooking because they can be served cold or at room temperature (unlike a potato or grain dish). There are so many options when it comes to salads that you can mix it up every time by adding a different type of vegetable.
Side dishes don't just complement your entree - they complete it! They add texture, crunch, and color that will take your meal from good to excellent. Not to mention that serving side dishes gives everyone their own dish so they can decide which vegetables they like best! The combinations are endless; you could serve anything from potatoes and rice, to cauliflower or broccoli with cheese sauce.