10 Perfect Frugal Side Dishes for Every Meal

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a flavorful twist on a classic dish, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 bulb garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-35 minutes.
3. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Squeeze roasted garlic into the pot.
5. Add milk and butter. Mash the mixture until smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper.

Lemon Herb Quinoa

Lemon Herb Quinoa is a light and zesty side that complements any main dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, bring quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Fluff with a fork and stir in lemon zest, juice, parsley, olive oil, and salt.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Sweet and savory, Honey Glazed Carrots are an effortless side dish that adds color to your plate.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Boil carrots in salted water until tender, about 10 minutes, then drain.
2. In a pan, melt butter and stir in honey.
3. Add the carrots to the pan and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

These Spicy Roasted Chickpeas are a crunchy and flavorful addition to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat chickpeas dry with a towel.
3. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, cayenne, and salt.
4. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway.

Creamy Coleslaw

Creamy Coleslaw is a tangy and refreshing side that pairs well with grilled dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and grated carrot.
2. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar.
3. Pour dressing over cabbage mix and toss well.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Garlic Sautéed Spinach

Quick and nutritious, Garlic Sautéed Spinach is a healthy accompaniment to any main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is a savory side with a hint of cheese that kids and adults will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Transform Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze for a deliciously tangy side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.

Herbed Couscous

Herbed Couscous is a fluffy and fragrant side dish that's quick to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups boiling water
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Place couscous in a large bowl and pour boiling water over it.
2. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. Stir in mint, cilantro, salt, and pepper.

Sweet Potato Wedges

These Sweet Potato Wedges are a healthy and satisfying alternative to traditional fries.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.