Short-Order Sides

Every entrée deserves a tasty side, and different meals call for different flavors and textures. So forget the same old time-consuming sides. We whipped up 28 fast and delicious matches for main meals that will complete your dinner in a hurry.

For our first side, everyone's favorite springtime veggie gets a massive flavor boost via a sublime dill vinaigrette glaze.

We took a simple approach to cooking carrots for dinner. Ready in less than 10 minutes, this side gets its sweet from a tablespoon of honey.

Toasted shallots swimming in a sea of wilted kale make for one über-nutritious and delicious side dish.

Pair your entrée with this vibrant, aromatic delight. This salad was voted one of our staff favorites.

Try our corn on the cob with a spicy twist. Your kids will love the cheesy topping.

You can throw this dish together in about five minutes. The cider-vinegar sets this side apart and gives the baby spinach a subtle, sour flavor.

Ripe cucumbers and fresh mint create a light and easy summer side. This portable dish also packs well for a picnic.

Ready-to-cook bags of haricot verts cut down on your prep time. Simple and flavorful, this side goes great with grilled salmon.

Although often associated with empty carbs and loads of calories, mashed potatoes can show a lighter side. This cheesy variation clocks in at only 192 calories per serving, so feel free to indulge.

It only takes six ingredients and 20 minutes to serve up this crowd-pleasing side.

Your favorite comfort food gets a face-lift when you substitute sweet potatoes for conventional potatoes. Antioxidant-rich ginger adds nutritious benefits and sweet flavor.

We gave this popular Japanese side dish a jolt of citrus, and the result is a taste bud celebration.

It's amazing what a little seasoning can do for the simplest of sides. Case in point—this sumptuous Sesame Broccoli.

Feed this side to adventurous eaters. When shopping for fennel, choose heavy, firm bulbs, and avoid those that are brown or split.

Mix crunchy radishes with sliced leeks to create a quick and easy side at only 113 calories per serving.

Sweet golden raisins lessen the bitterness of the popular Italian vegetable, a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.

Hearts of romaine pack this family-friendly salad with tons of nutrients, including vitamins B1 and C, potassium, copper, iron, and folate. Some experts swear the lettuce prevents or alleviates many common health complaints, so feel free to eat this low-calorie food often.

A homemade vinaigrette tops this classic side that is high in flavor but low on calories. Pre-packaged salad takes this dish from the kitchen and to the table in five minutes.

Another staff favorite, these Parmesan-topped tomatoes are sure to win over even the pickiest eaters in your family.

You're only 15 minutes away from this show-stopping side dish that gets added flavor from lemon rind, Parmesan cheese, and panko.

This okra gets its kick from curry powder and crushed red pepper. It's hard to believe something so yummy could only contain 41 calories per serving.

Try our south-of-the-border-style coleslaw. The minced jalapeño pepper gives this side dish just enough heat.

Serve this colorful, healthier alternative to scalloped potatoes. The sweetness of the beets complements the cool flavor of fresh mint.

Our staff loves this simple cabbage slaw, which blends two types of leafy greens tossed in an easy homemade dressing.

Two teaspoons of wasabi powder, found near the soy sauce in your local grocery store, adds the right amount of spice and makes these steamed snap peas a delight to eat.

The sweet blend of soy sauce, sake, sugar, and ginger in teriyaki sauce gives your Brussels sprouts a crisp tang. Bake this three-ingredient dish for 12 to 15 minutes, and you're ready to eat.

Made from 100 percent sheep's milk, Italian pecorino cheese combined with fresh lemon juice lends old world flavor to ribbons of fresh zucchini.

Super easy to get to the table, button mushrooms coated in butter and garlic makes this side dish melt-in-your-mouth delicious.