No one said vegetables had to stay in the background. These veggie sides are bold, colorful, and flavorful enough to take over the plate. Roasted, grilled, sautéed, or no-cook fresh — they bring more than balance, they bring excitement. The kind of sides you’ll plan an entire meal around.

Candied Maple Brussels-gf/v

glass bowl with roasted brussels sprouts and more sprouts on a baking tray behind it.
Candied Maple Brussels-gf/v. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Candied Brussels sprouts need only 5 ingredients! These maple roasted Brussels are made without bacon, crispy and an easy win with kids.
Get the Recipe: Candied Maple Brussels-gf/v

Roasted maple root vegetables

A tray of roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and beets, garnished with sesame seeds on a sheet of foil—perfect for those seeking delicious and healthy side dishes.
Roasted maple root vegetables. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Tossed in a maple ginger dressing and roasted to caramelized perfection, these paleo-roasted root vegetables are the perfect side dish!
Get the Recipe: Roasted maple root vegetables

Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole

A dish of granola with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary.
Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing with berry granola topping is a little sweet, a little salty, the perfect Thanksgiving side.
Get the Recipe: Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole

Indian-style Okra curry recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

A black bowl filled with vegetables on a table.
Indian-style Okra curry recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This Indian-style Bhindi Masala Gravy (Okra Curry) recipe is an easy, slime-free stir fry of fresh okra with onions and tomatoes that has a mild, soft heat and a warm earthy aroma.
Get the Recipe: Indian-style Okra curry recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

Blackstone Green Beans

Blackstone Green Beans with pepper and salt in a white bowl with a spoon.
Blackstone Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making green beans on the Blackstone Griddle is incredibly easy to do! These green beans have just 5 ingredients and are made in just 10 minutes! Not only do they taste delicious, but they’re a great low carb side dish!
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Green Beans

Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans

Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans with parsley, salt, and pepper.
Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Roasted potatoes and green beans make for a delicious and easy side dish! Complex carbs and a starch, all you need to do is add your favorite protein! These roasted vegetables are vegan and gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans

Sauteed cabbage with peppers

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with a hearty vegetable stew and garnished with chopped chives sits on a patterned napkin—perfect inspiration for healthy sides and delicious veggie side dishes.
Sauteed cabbage with peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian sauteed cabbage is cooked in a smoky onion, tomato and pepper sauce, until it is silky, glistening and melting in your mouth.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed cabbage with peppers

Sauteed-rainbow-chard

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs.
Sauteed-rainbow-chard. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Cooking sauteed rainbow chard is incredibly simple, and this 3-ingredient sauteed rainbow chard is my go-to easy low-carb side dish recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed-rainbow-chard

Authentic Hunan Tofu Recipe (Stir-fry In Hunan-style)

Spicy and savory Hunan-style tofu stir-fry on a plate with a pair of silver chopsticks.
Authentic Hunan Tofu Recipe (Stir-fry In Hunan-style). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Hunan tofu is characterized by its bold and spicy flavor profile, with the tofu serving as a mild base to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hunan Tofu Recipe (Stir-fry In Hunan-style)

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle on a white plate.
Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Make perfectly cooked zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle. Quick and easy, these make for a healthy side dish! These Blackstone zucchini are low in carbs and great for a keto or paleo diet!
Get the Recipe: Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Simple Stir Fry Cauliflower Recipe: Sichuan Style

Stir-fried cauliflower with mushrooms, dried red chilies, and green onions on a white plate.
Simple Stir Fry Cauliflower Recipe: Sichuan Style. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Stir fry cauliflower is a quick and easy recipe with many flavors. It is a balance of sweet flavor, spiciness, and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Simple Stir Fry Cauliflower Recipe: Sichuan Style

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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