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Short-Order Sides

April 09, 2014
Photo: Randy Mayor
Try these 28 fresh, fuss-free sides to complement any fast weeknight meal.
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Asparagus with Dill Vinaigrette

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Asparagus with Dill Vinaigrette

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.

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Citrusy Carrots with Parsley

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Citrusy Carrots with Parsley

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.

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Wilted Kale with Toasted Shallots

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Wilted Kale with Toasted Shallots

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

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Tarragon-Tomato Salad

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Tarragon-Tomato Salad

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

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Corn with Chile-Cheese Mayo

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Corn with Chile-Cheese Mayo

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

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Cider Vinegar-Spiked Steamed Baby Spinach

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Cider Vinegar-Spiked Steamed Baby Spinach

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.

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Cucumber, Black Olive, and Mint Salad

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Cucumber, Black Olive, and Mint Salad

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

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Green Beans with Lime

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Green Beans with Lime

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

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Smashed Yukon Gold Potatoes with Gorgonzola

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Smashed Yukon Gold Potatoes with Gorgonzola

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.

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Green Bean, Arugula and Clementine Toss

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Green Bean, Arugula and Clementine Toss

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

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Gingered Sweet Potatoes

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Gingered Sweet Potatoes

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.

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Edamame with Lime-Sesame Salt

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Edamame with Lime-Sesame Salt

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

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Sesame Broccoli

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Sesame Broccoli

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

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Shaved Fennel with Orange and Olives

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Shaved Fennel with Orange and Olives

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

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Sautéed Leeks and Radishes

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Sautéed Leeks and Radishes

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

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Broccoli Rabe with Golden Raisins

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Broccoli Rabe with Golden Raisins

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

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Chopped Salad with Chive Vinaigrette

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chopped Salad with Chive Vinaigrette

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.

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Herb Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Herb Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

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.

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Toasty Tomatoes

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Toasty Tomatoes

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

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Broiled Artichoke Hearts with Lemon Crumbs

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Broiled Artichoke Hearts with Lemon Crumbs

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

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Warm-Spiced Okra

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Warm-Spiced Okra

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.

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Jicama Slaw

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Jicama Slaw

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

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Shaved Yellow Beets and Mint

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Shaved Yellow Beets and Mint

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

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Shredded Cabbage Slaw

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Shredded Cabbage Slaw

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

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Steamed Snap Peas with Wasabi Butter

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Steamed Snap Peas with Wasabi Butter

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.

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Blasted Brussels Sprouts with Teriyaki Glaze

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Blasted Brussels Sprouts with Teriyaki Glaze

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.

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Zucchini Ribbons with Lemon and Pecorino

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Zucchini Ribbons with Lemon and Pecorino

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

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Buttery Mirin Mushrooms

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Buttery Mirin Mushrooms

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

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