22 Delicious Healthy Side Dishes to Make Today
My absolute favorite way to make a healthy meal complete is by pairing it with nutritious side dishes! These sides will complement and enhance your meal, all while being healthy and nutritious! I'm so excited to share with you all 22 delicious and healthy side dishes that are simple to throw together and perfect for just about any occasion.
Main Course Recipes!
Don't have a main course recipe yet? Try these ones below from my blog!
Let's dive right in!
1. Quick and Easy Mango Salsa Recipe
Quick and Easy Mango Salsa Recipe
This mango salsa is so colorful and full of flavor! The sweet mango combined with red bell pepper, red onions, and a squeeze of lime juice creates a refreshing and flavorful salsa. I love pairing this salsa with tacos, rice, and chips, or serving it alongside my Grilled Mahi Mahi Recipe!
2. Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Feta
Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Feta Recipe
My watermelon cucumber salad combines sweet watermelon with cucumber, creamy feta cheese, fresh mint, pistachios and lime juice. This recipe makes the perfect summer side salad or when you're in the mood for something light and fresh.
3. Easy Smoked Salmon Dip
My smoked salmon dip is easy to make and also doubles as an appetizer. It's smoky, creamy, and quick to whip up! Serve this one up on a bagel, as a dip, in a sandwich, or tossed into salads.
4. Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower with Ranch Dip
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe With Ranch Dip
Anyone who loves wings is sure to fall in love with my buffalo cauliflower wings! My husband was amazed by how delicious and crispy they were after trying them. He ended up devouring the entire head of cauliflower in one sitting! Oh and this recipe also includes a delicious homemade ranch dip that pairs perfectly with the buffalo wings.
5. Whipped Cottage Cheese
The Best Creamy Whipped Cottage Cheese Recipe
My whipped cottage cheese recipe is packed with tonssss of protein, making it great for anyone looking for an easy way to boost their protein intake! Inspired by a dish I tried at a Mediterranean restaurant, this creamy treat is topped with pomegranate seeds and pistachios, giving it a nice crunch and subtle salty note. This one pairs perfectly alongside fresh fruits like berries, sliced peaches or citrus!
6. Stuffed Mushrooms
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe
These stuffed mushrooms are packed with parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs, making them the perfect side dish for pretty much any main course. The cheese and garlic flavors pair well with most savory dishes, and they’re easy to make, too!
7. Chinese Chicken Salad
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Chinese Chicken Salad
This yummy and delicious Chinese chicken salad is packed with lots of fresh veggies like romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, and green onions, all tossed in a light sesame soy dressing. I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe, making it incredibly simple and easy to recreate! It's the perfect healthy side dish for lunch or dinner!
8. Tortellini Pasta Salad
Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
This easy recipe is a flavorful mix of cheese-filled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and fresh herbs, all tossed in Italian dressing. I love pairing this delicious side dish with a yummy veggie burger!
9. Air Fryer Corn on The Cob
Quick and Delicious Air Fryer Corn on The Cob
Sweet and juicy fresh corn cooked in the air fryer with a touch of butter and chopped parsley! It's a simple side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any main dish, especially during the hotter months or grilling season.
10. Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Recipe
These zucchini fries have such a nice crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender zucchini inside. The rich flavor from the parmesan cheese adds a delicious depth, making each bite sooo delicious and satisfying! They also make a great alternative to traditional fries,
11. Air Fryer Avocado Fries
Creamy, crispy, golden avocado fries coated in panko breadcrumbs—if you've never tried these before, you're definitely missing out! These pair well with grilled chicken, alongside fish tacos or a fresh bowl of Mexican street corn salad.
12. Copycat Chick-Fil-A Nuggets
If you're craving a healthier version of your favorite Chick-Fil-A nuggets, you'll love this recipe! My copycat Chick-Fil-A nuggets are cooked in the air fryer making them a much healthier option compared to the original nuggets. Tender, juicy chicken is coated in a flavorful batter and air fried until crispy. It’s hard to resist eating the whole thing in one sitting!
13. Copycat Chick-Fil-A Market Salad
Copycat Chick-Fil-A Market Salad
This fresh and vibrant salad is packed with a mix of greens, fresh fruit, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers and tossed in a light vinaigrette that pulls all of the ingredients together. Try this dish to add a freshness to your meal, perfect for weeknight dinners!
14. Copycat Chick-Fil-A Cobb Salad
Copycat Chick-Fil-A Cobb Salad
This salad is a mix of fresh vegetables and greens that pairs so well with just about anything! It's one of my favorite recipes to recreate at home because I usually have all the ingredients on hand. It's loaded with flavor, and because it uses a lot of common ingredients, it doubles as a great way to use up all those leftovers from the fridge :) Loaded with bacon, eggs, and veggies, this salad is hearty to say the least. It makes for a great main dish, too!
15. Air Fried Brussels Sprouts
These yummy Brussels sprouts are tossed with bacon, making them incredibly delicious! They're made in the air fryer, making them the best way to create an easy side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal while offering lots of flavor! They’re the perfect choice for anyone looking for healthy recipes that don’t compromise on taste!
16. Copycat Cheesecake Factory Skinnylicious® Chopped Salad
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Skinnylicious® Chopped Salad
If you love a good, crunchy chopped salad, then you need to try this one!! It has a mix of chopped romaine, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crispy turkey bacon, all topped with air-fried chicken nuggets and tangy blue cheese-- this meal brings so much flavor to the table! It’s one of my favorite side dishes for a healthy, delicious option.
17. Crispy Air Fried Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy Air Fried Sweet Potato Fries
Who doesn't love sweet potatoes? Better yet, sweet potato fries? They're sweet, filling, and just like regular fries but even better! Sweet potatoes are a hugeeee staple in my kitchen, and these crispy air fried sweet potato fries are one of the best ways to enjoy them. My sweet potato fries are delicious with so many different dishes – burgers, vegetarian chili, hot dogs, or a hot grilled crispy chicken sandwich; you name it!
18. Healthy Mac & Cheese
When you think of comfort food, mac & cheese is at the top of the list. My version uses a cheese sauce made from simple ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, and a hint of lemon juice making it a healthier alternative to regular mac and cheese. It's topped with breadcrumbs and baked until crispy and golden. This dish makes for a comforting food that everyone will love!
19. Chickpea Tuna Salad
Chickpea tuna salad is a fresh and healthy option that makes a great lunch or side dish. It’s made with chickpeas, tuna, red onions, and a tangy dressing, making it a delicious and protein-packed addition to your meal. This side dish is perfect for pairing with some Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries or a bowl of fruit salad for a well-rounded meal.
20. TikTok Green Goddess Salad
21. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Buffalo chicken tenders are always a hit, and the air fryer makes them healthier and just as delicious as the deep-fried version. These tenders are coated in a spicy buffalo sauce that pairs perfectly with a cooling ranch dip. They’re a great addition to a simple side dish like celery salad or carrot fries.
22. Air Fryer Asparagus
Last but not least, air fryer asparagus is an easy and healthy veggie side that takes just minutes to make in the air fryer. It's one of those vegetables that can elevate just about any meal! My favorite way to prepare this side is in the air fryer, it gives it the perfect crisp. This is one of my all time favorite healthy sides that pairs well with everything from pasta dishes to salmon.
Jazz’s Tips and Tricks for the Best Healthy Sides:
Opt for seasonal ingredients and fresh produce for the best flavor and nutrition. I personally love visiting my local farmers' market to find fresh fruits and veggies!
Use an Air Fryer! The air fryer is my absolute favorite kitchen tool! They make dishes healthier by using less oil while still keeping things crispy.
Prep Ahead! Many of these sides can be prepped ahead of time, which makes creating your meal so much easier!
Jazz's Recommended Products:
Our Place Wonder Oven
The Our Place Wonder Oven is a game-changer for efficiency and even cooking—read my full review here or buy it here!Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray
I love using Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray for a crisp, golden finish—read my review here or buy it here!Bowls:
There you have it, 22 delicious and healthy side dishes that you can make to add to any main event! Whether you're in the mood for something light and refreshing or a warm, comforting side, these easy recipes are full of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and are all healthy versions of your favorites. I hope you enjoy exploring these side dish recipes as much as I do, and that they become some of your favorite ways to complete your meals.
Let me know which ones you try, I'd love to hear all about it!
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
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