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Fresh vegetables, roasted roots, or inventive swaps make sides that keep meals balanced without sacrificing fullness. Texture, seasoning, and vibrant flavors ensure plates are never boring. Recipes complement main dishes while supporting lighter eating goals. Every meal feels nourishing, colorful, and satisfying.

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free)

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower in a white bowl with a spoon, parsley, butter, salt, and black pepper.
Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.
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Creamy mashed cauliflower delivers all the cozy comfort of mashed potatoes with way fewer carbs. Buttery flavor and smooth texture make it a side dish that feels rich and satisfying. Great for keto, gluten-free meals, or lighter weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free)

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash on a white plate with parsley, salt, and pepper.
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Tender spaghetti squash turns into a quick, low-carb swap for pasta in under 20 minutes. Light, slightly sweet strands pair well with sauces, herbs, or simple butter and parmesan. Perfect for keto, paleo, or easy meal prep sides.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Blackstone Green Beans

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

Crisp-tender green beans cook fast on the griddle with just a few simple ingredients. Bold flavor and a slight char make every bite extra satisfying. Ready in about 10 minutes, making dinner sides effortless.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Green Beans

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Peppers and Onions. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Sweet peppers and onions soften perfectly in the air fryer with rich roasted flavor. Great for topping tacos, bowls, sandwiches, or serving alongside grilled meats. Done in around 10 minutes for an easy, colorful side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

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

Crunchy asparagus cooks quickly on the griddle with garlic, oil, and simple seasoning. Light char adds extra flavor while keeping the texture fresh and crisp. A fast, healthy side dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower

A white bowl filled with roasted broccoli and cauliflower florets, perfect for low carb sides, with a wooden spoon resting on the side.
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Roasted-style broccoli and cauliflower turn crisp-tender without heating up the oven. Simple seasoning brings out the natural flavor and makes it easy to pair with any main. Great for quick dinners, meal prep, or low-carb plates.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower

Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Sauteed Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in a white bowl with red pepper flakes, a spoon, and a fork.
Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Crispy bacon and sautéed Brussels sprouts make a bold, savory combo with tons of flavor. Only a handful of ingredients keeps prep and cleanup super simple. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday-style sides in less time.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Hands holding a white bowl of cauliflower mac and cheese garnished with chopped herbs.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Creamy, cheesy comfort meets a low-carb twist in just 15 minutes. Cauliflower soaks up the sauce for a rich, satisfying bite without the pasta. Great for quick cravings, keto-friendly dinners, or easy side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Radishes

Air Fryer Radishes with parsley, salt, and pepper in a white bowl with a spoon.
Air Fryer Radishes. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Air-fried radishes turn tender with a lightly crisp outside and a mellow flavor. Low-carb and low-calorie, making them a fun swap for roasted potatoes. A colorful, easy side dish with minimal ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Radishes

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

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

Griddled zucchini cooks fast and comes out tender with lightly browned edges. Simple seasoning keeps it fresh, healthy, and easy to pair with anything. Great for keto, paleo, or quick veggie sides.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

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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