The main dish usually gets the attention, but a good side is what makes dinner feel complete. The right one turns a simple piece of chicken or salmon into a real meal.
This list has my healthy side dishes, mostly roasted vegetables (the easiest way to make almost any vegetable taste great), plus crispy potatoes, a few fresh salads, coleslaw and a skillet cornbread.
The Easiest Way to Roast Any Vegetable
Heat the oven to 400 to 425°F, toss the vegetables with olive oil and salt, and spread them out on a sheet pan with plenty of room. Crowded vegetables steam instead of browning, so use two pans if you need to. Roast until the edges are golden and caramelized, flipping once halfway through.
Most of the roasting recipes below follow that same method, with timing for each vegetable.
Thinking Ahead to the Holidays?
Many of these work beautifully on a holiday table. For Thanksgiving-specific ideas, see my Thanksgiving Menu Ideas, which include a full list of healthy Thanksgiving sides.
20 Healthy Side Dishes
Crispy Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Crispy Roasted Potatoes are a fantastic, easy side dish that goes with any meal. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and easy to make! Toss chopped potatoes with olive oil, salt, freshly ground black pepper, granulated garlic, and granulated onion, then bake to golden perfection in a regular oven or air fryer.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Carmelized Edges
These roasted Brussels sprouts are crispy, golden brown, and full of flavor. All you need is olive oil, salt, and pepper to make them delicious, but a drizzle of balsamic vinegar (or a touch of honey and lemon) takes them to the next level. The secret is to let them get nicely browned and caramelized in the oven. That’s where the magic happens.
Easy Roasted Broccoli Recipe (Crispy Every Time)
This easy roasted broccoli gets crispy, golden edges and a tender center every time. One sheet pan, 25 minutes, and just a few simple ingredients. The high oven heat caramelizes the florets for a nutty, delicious side dish that goes with everything.
How to Roast Carrots in the Oven
Roasted carrots are an easy, healthy, and flavorful side dish that pairs well with nearly any meal. Their natural sweetness and crispy edges make them a crowd-pleaser. And yes, you can make roasted carrots in the air fryer, too.
How to Roast Sweet Potatoes in the Oven
This roasted sweet potato recipe is about to become your new go-to. Whether you’re prepping a healthy side dish, building a nourishing grain bowl, or just looking for a snack you can feel good about, these roasted sweet potatoes hit the mark every time.
How To Roast Acorn Squash In The Oven
Roasted acorn squash makes a simple yet elegant side dish for any occasion. A drizzle of good olive oil, a scattering of sea salt, and a crack of black pepper are all you need to give this acorn squash a tender, caramelized, and rich flavor.
How to Roast Cauliflower in the Oven
Roasted cauliflower is an easy, healthy, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with roasted meats, tossing it into a salad, or enjoying it on its own, this simple recipe will quickly become a favorite.
How to Roast Cabbage in the Oven
Roasted cabbage is a simple, healthy side dish with caramelized edges and a tender center. Naturally gluten-free and packed with fiber, it’s delicious on its own or finished with lemon, tahini, or Parmesan.
How to Cook Asparagus in the Oven [Plus Seasoning Ideas]
Get all my best tips on how to cook asparagus in the oven! Plus, my go-to seasoning and serving ideas.
Easy Roasted Beets
Oven-roasted beets are naturally sweet, tender, and full of rich, earthy flavor. If you’ve ever wondered how to roast beets, this simple method ensures perfectly cooked beets every time.
Slow-Roasted Tomatoes in the Oven
Roasted tomatoes look and taste gourmet, but it’s incredibly easy to make. The oven does all of the work for you. Grab all of your ripe end-of-summer tomatoes and make a big pot of this delicious roasted tomato recipe. Serve it with crusty bread to impress your friends, or spoon it on top of chicken or fish.
Easy Layered Ratatouille Recipe (Like the Movie!)
This gorgeous, good-for-you baked ratatouille dish is super easy to make! I cook it low and slow for the best texture, but the hands-on time is minimal. Serve it warm out of the oven with a crusty baguette on the side, and maybe a sprinkling of fresh Parmesan cheese.
Easy Baked Potato in Air Fryer (Perfect Every Time)
Make the perfect baked potato in the air fryer: crispy skin, fluffy inside, and ready in about 40 minutes. This simple method works for any potato size and is hands-down the easiest way to get oven-style results without heating up your kitchen.
Herb Lemon Rice
Herb Lemon Rice is bright, fresh, and incredibly simple. This side dish pairs beautifully with grilled fish, roasted vegetables, or any Mediterranean-style meal. Lemon zest and fresh herbs bring ordinary rice to life in the best way.
Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread is the perfect side dish for fall. It’s fluffy, delicious, and comes together in under 45 minutes. You can adjust the sweetness of this recipe depending on your preference.
Mom’s Creamy Cucumber Salad
A light and refreshing side dish, Mom’s Creamy Cucumber Salad features crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet dill dressing. It goes particularly well with rich and savory dishes. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or quick family dinners.
Mediterranean-Style Cucumber Salad
This easy cucumber salad comes together quickly and makes a great snack or side for just about any meal.
Easiest Homemade Coleslaw Recipe (5 Minutes or Less)
This easy homemade coleslaw recipe comes together in just minutes with shredded cabbage, mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. A classic creamy coleslaw perfect for summer BBQs, burgers, tacos, and easy dinners.
Mint & Pea Orzo Salad
This Mint & Pea Orzo Salad recipe is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for spring and summer. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats, it’s a delicious way to fuel your body and satisfy your taste buds. This recipe makes 2 large servings or 4 side servings, scale up if needed.
How to Make Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Spaghetti squash noodles are a simple, healthy pasta swap, naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and full of fiber and nutrients. When roasted, it transforms into tender strands that look like noodles. This method shows you how to bake, scrape, and serve them with any sauce you love.
FAQs About Healthy Side Dishes
What is the healthiest side dish?
Non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, cauliflower and cabbage are hard to beat. Roasting them with a little olive oil brings out their natural sweetness.
What side dishes go with chicken?
Crispy roasted potatoes, roasted broccoli or carrots, herb lemon rice and a crunchy cucumber salad all go with chicken. Pick one starch and one vegetable.
Which sides can I make ahead?
Coleslaw, cucumber salads, the orzo salad and the cornbread can all be made a day ahead. Roasted vegetables are best fresh, but you can chop everything in advance.
If you only try one recipe here, make the Crispy Roasted Potatoes. They go with everything.
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