10 Easy Veggie Side Dishes

Sauteed Garlic Green Beans

This simple yet flavorful dish brings out the natural sweetness of green beans with a hint of garlic.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cooking method:

1. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the green beans to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Finish with a splash of lemon juice before serving.

Honey-Glazed Carrots

These honey-glazed carrots are a sweet and savory side dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Cooking method:

1. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add carrots and sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in honey, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 10 minutes, until carrots are tender and glazed.
4. Sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Elevate your meal with these roasted Brussels sprouts, enhanced by a tangy balsamic glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Creamed Spinach

Rich and creamy, this spinach dish is a classic side for any dinner spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg

Cooking method:

1. Wilt the spinach in a large pot over medium heat, then drain and squeeze out excess moisture.
2. In the same pot, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add spinach, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, cooking until creamy and heated through.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon

This zesty asparagus side dish is quick to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Cooking method:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice and zest before serving.

Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet and earthy, these roasted sweet potatoes are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender, stirring halfway.

Lemon Garlic Broccoli

Fresh and zesty, this broccoli dish is a perfect accompaniment to any main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, juiced

Cooking method:

1. Steam broccoli until bright green and tender-crisp.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Toss in broccoli, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, stirring to combine.

Herbed Couscous Salad

Light and flavorful, this couscous salad is packed with fresh herbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, combine couscous and boiling water, cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Fluff couscous with a fork and stir in olive oil, parsley, mint, salt, and pepper.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

This cheesy cauliflower dish is crispy, savory, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 15 minutes, sprinkle with Parmesan, and continue roasting for another 10 minutes.

Spicy Sautéed Zucchini

Savor the flavors of summer with this spicy zucchini side.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add zucchini, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until tender.