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Who doesn’t love meat? All it takes is a nice stack of short ribs, a glistening pot roast chicken, or a perfectly cooked fillet to get the mouth drooling. But a single main dish, regardless of how elegant and showstopping, does not get the job done, especially if you’re hosting dinner or simply trying to mix things up a bit. A few side dishes also have to appear on the table.

Speaking of side dishes, vegetables are always a sound choice. These colorful and nutritious delights add vibrancy to your plate and contribute essential vitamins and minerals to your diet. They’re the missing piece of your dinner puzzle.

Given the diverse array of vegetable side dishes, selecting the perfect one for dinner can be challenging. Fortunately, we’re here to guide you.

So, whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian, a health freak, or someone looking to add variety to your meals, some delectable vegetable side dishes will amaze your taste buds.

• Sautéed Asparagus

Green veggie dishes never go out of style, and sautéed asparagus is one of them. The natural sweetness of asparagus is enhanced through the sautéing process, creating a tender yet crisp texture that bursts with flavor. It’s impressive enough to be served as a side dish with many different main dishes. Plus, it’s super easy to make.

To make sauteed asparagus, trim the harsh ends of the asparagus and dice them into bite-size pieces. Then, melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic. Once done, add the asparagus to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes until they become vibrant green and slightly tender—season with pepper, salt, and lemon juice or shaved parmesan to brighten the flavors. The result will be a mouthwatering vegetable side dish that will pair well with almost every main course.

• Cabbage Salad

Who doesn’t love a good cabbage salad? For this recipe, you will need green apples and crunchy cabbage tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing. It is safe to say this is not your typical cabbage salad. Still, making it is quite simple. This recipe is ideal if you have leftover cabbage and are looking for a quick side dish while preparing the main course. Just a little cutting and throwing will do. You’ll have a nourishing dish in a short while. Want to boost the dish’s flavor, color, and nutrition? Try blending other veggies, such as broccoli.

• Crispy Kale Chips

Kale chips, another must-try vegetable side dish, are baked until perfectly crispy. Only three ingredients are required, and the recipe is guaranteed to work. Kale chips only need to bake for 20 minutes in the oven. Just cut the kale stems off to prevent a woody flavor. And for the seasoning, a dash of sea salt is a timeless addition. Moreover, add cumin, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, or cinnamon for a flavor boost.

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Roasting is one of the best ways to bring out vegetables’ natural sweetness and flavors. Brussels sprouts are no exception. To make this delightful dish, start by trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts. Toss them in salt, extra virgin olive oil, and pepper before spreading them on a baking sheet. Roast them in a preheated oven until they’re caramelized and crispy on the edges. Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the roasted sprouts just before serving for a tangy twist. The result is a mouthwatering side dish with even the most skeptical Brussels sprout eaters asking for seconds.

• Baked Parsnip Fries 

Does anybody want healthy fries? Yes, please. However, in this case, parsnips will be used instead of potatoes. When sliced properly and thinly, parsnip fries will be baked in just 20 minutes. This recipe uses a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a garlic-paprika mixture. The outcome is a delectable, guilt-free side dish that functions as a snack.

• Honey-Glazed Roasted Carrots

When roasted, carrots become tender and sweet, making them an ideal side dish for dinner. Preheat your oven and toss peeled and trimmed carrots in olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Lay the carrots on a baking parchment, roast them until they caramelize and develop a beautiful glaze. The natural sweetness of the carrots, paired with the touch of honey, creates a harmonious balance that will satisfy even the most complex palates.

• Savoy Cabbage Roasted with Orange Vinaigrette 

Finding simple Savoy cabbage recipes might be difficult, but this one will surely leave you satisfied and wanting more. Here’s what happens: During the prolonged cooking process, the outer cabbage leaves turn black, but when they are removed, the meltingly delicate inside is revealed. The vinaigrette drizzled on top has a delicate aroma from the orange blossom water. Serve as a side dish with roast meat, pork, or mashed potatoes.

• Beet Salad 

Beets, usually called beetroot, are lauded for having an exceptional nutritional profile. They are high in vitamins and minerals yet low in calories. Mighty beets can lower blood pressure and enhance athletic performance. Despite this, many people can’t help but make them into a tasty salad. The earthy taste of the beets pairs perfectly with the sharp goat cheese and tart balsamic vinaigrette in this recipe. You can prepare the beets in whatever way you like. They can be roasted, boiled, or steam-cooked.

• Baked Potato Wedges with Parmesan 

You can eat this without thinking about calories. So, here’s how it goes. Parmesan cheese is added to potato wedges before they are roasted until they are crisp. It’s a simple but delicious veggie side dish. Just crispy, cheesy potatoes coated in your favorite sauce—no fancy ingredients necessary. Moreover, you can enhance the flavor by modifying this recipe and including your favorite ingredients.

Conclusion

Vegetable side dishes can elevate any dinner, providing flavor, color, and nutrition. Each of these dishes brings its unique flair to the table. So, the next time you plan a dinner, consider incorporating these delightful vegetable side dishes and watch your guests savor every last bite. Enjoy the beauty and health benefits vegetables offer, and make your dinner an unforgettable experience for all.