Healthy Side Dishes: 9 Perfect Recipes Everyone Will Love!

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John Harris

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In this article, you will discover 9 delicious and healthy side dish recipes that are perfect for summer cookouts. These recipes will not only add more flavor to your meals, but they will also provide you with nutritious alternatives to traditional high-calorie options. From cucumber Greek salad to baked sweet potato fries, there are plenty of options to choose from. Each recipe comes with a list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions, making it easy for you to prepare these dishes at home. Additionally, you will find the nutritional information for each recipe, including calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber.

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start planning for those delicious cookouts and barbecue parties. While the main course takes center stage, it’s the side dishes that truly complete the meal. If you’re looking to add some healthier options to your summer cookout menu, look no further. This article provides 13 tasty and nutritious side dish recipes that are perfect for any outdoor gathering.

Cucumber Greek Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 cucumbers, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husks removed
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Brush each ear of corn with melted butter.
3. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the corn.
5. Place corn on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until slightly charred.
6. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 170
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g

Nutritious Refried Beans

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pinto beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add cooked pinto beans, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Mash the beans with a fork or potato masher until desired consistency is reached.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 140
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 8g

Sesame Green Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add green beans and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Drain the green beans and transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool.
4. Whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds in a small bowl.
5. Drain the green beans and toss with the sesame dressing.
6. Serve chilled.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 80
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 4g

Instant Cauliflower

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
4. Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender.
5. Carefully remove the lid or plastic wrap, as steam will escape.
6. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 110
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 2g

Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place asparagus on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly crispy.
6. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 90
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g

Cabbage Steaks

Ingredients:

• 1 head cabbage, cut into thick slices
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place cabbage slices on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the oil and spices into the cabbage slices.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cabbage is tender and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 60
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 4g

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, cut into fries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the fries out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fries are crispy.
5. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 150
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 3g

Mayo-less Herb Potato Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, and chives), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil baby potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Add warm potatoes to the bowl and toss to coat in the dressing.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

Conclusion

These 13 healthy side dish recipes are sure to be a hit at your summer cookouts. From the refreshing and tangy cucumber Greek salad to the hearty and flavorful roasted Brussels sprouts, there’s something for everyone. Each recipe includes a list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions for preparation, making it easy for you to whip up these dishes in no time. And with the nutritional information provided for each recipe, you can feel good about serving these nutritious alternatives to your guests. So, fire up that grill and enjoy a delicious and guilt-free summer feast!