19 Healthy Side Dishes That Aren’t Roasted Veggies

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

Roasting veggies has a strong reputation for being an easy side dish, but it's certainly not the only way to do things. These flavorful side dish recipes are absolutely delicious, ranging from vibrant salads to sauteed veggies, and so much more. Pair options like our Cucumber Salad with Spicy Yogurt Dressing or our Cacio e Pepe Sautéed Green Beans with all your favorite main dishes to round out your meals.

01 of 19

Carrot-Vinegar Salad Is a Quick, Brain-Healthy Side

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This carrot-vinegar salad is a simple, refreshing side that highlights crisp vegetables and a lightly sweet-tangy dressing. Finished with fresh herbs, this quick salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes and comes together in just 20 minutes.

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02 of 19

Cucumber Salad with Spicy Yogurt Dressing

Credit: Photographer: Jason Donnelly, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Food Stylist Assistant: Debra Cioccio, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.
Credit: Photographer: Jason Donnelly, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Food Stylist Assistant: Debra Cioccio, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.

Cool, crisp and creamy, this cucumber salad is the kind of refreshing side dish you’ll want on repeat all summer long. Persian cucumbers, red onion and jalapeño are tossed in a tangy cilantro-lime yogurt dressing that’s packed with bright, herby flavor and just a hint of heat. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers or tacos for an easy dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.

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03 of 19

Garlic-Butter Sautéed Asparagus

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

This quick and easy garlic-butter sautéed asparagus is finished with a fresh hit of basil. It’s the perfect spring vegetable dish to serve alongside fish, chicken or pasta.

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04 of 19

Cucumber Crunch Salad Is a Quick, Low-Calorie Side

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This cucumber crunch salad gets big flavor from a quick dill pickle vinaigrette. Fresh dill, shallot and lemon brighten the dressing, while toasted cashews help make it satisfying. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy, refreshing side dish for grilled chicken, fish or burgers.

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05 of 19

This Memorial Day Salad Is Perfect for Summer Gatherings

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This fresh Memorial Day pasta salad is packed with crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes and creamy butter beans, all tossed in a bright herby dressing made with cottage cheese, lemon and fresh dill. Whole-wheat orzo adds hearty texture, making this colorful side dish the perfect addition to cookouts, picnics and potlucks.

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06 of 19

Chopped Beet Salad

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

This vibrant chopped salad delivers a refreshing balance of earthy, tangy and citrusy flavors in every bite. Sweet, tender precooked beets are tossed in a bright orange–champagne vinaigrette, then topped with creamy feta and crunchy pistachios. A hint of honey smooths out the acidity, while the option of fresh mint adds a cool, aromatic finish. It’s a simple side that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish or holiday mains, and it looks as stunning as it tastes.

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07 of 19

Pea Cakes with Feta Dipping Sauce

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

These pea cakes are packed with sweet green peas and fresh mint, served with a tangy whipped feta sauce for dipping. They’re light, crisp and perfect as a spring-inspired side dish or vegetarian appetizer.

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08 of 19

Crunchy Cucumber, Radish & Snap Pea Chopped Salad

Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio.
Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio.

This chopped salad combines crisp cucumber, sweet snap peas and peppery radishes with a bright lemon-shallot dressing. Letting the shallot stand briefly in the lemon juice softens its bite while building flavor in the dressing.

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09 of 19

Buttery Irish Cabbage

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.

This Buttery Irish Cabbage comes together quickly for a simple, satisfying side that highlights the cabbage’s natural sweetness. A touch of garlic infuses the buttery sauce with rich flavor, making this dish as comforting as it is easy. Serve it with roasted meats or add it to your St. Patrick’s Day table for a traditional touch.

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10 of 19

High-Protein Creamy Broccoli Salad

Credit: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.
Credit: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.

This high-protein broccoli salad uses cottage cheese to create a creamy dressing. Crisp broccoli and red onion bring crunch, tender herbs add brightness, and chopped pecans lend a satisfying finish. It’s a side that works just as well for weekday lunches as it does for potlucks and holiday spreads.

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11 of 19

Cacio e Pepe Sautéed Green Beans

Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

If you love the bold flavors of classic cacio e pepe, these green beans will earn a spot in your weekly lineup. They’re sautéed until bright green and lightly blistered, then tossed with Pecorino Romano until it forms a cheesy, creamy sauce.

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12 of 19

Green Goddess Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

This green goddess salad is crisp, creamy and packed with fresh herbs. A vibrant basil-yogurt dressing coats crunchy cabbage, romaine and cucumber, while avocado adds richness for a refreshing side that pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.

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13 of 19

Easy Marinated Cucumbers

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

These Easy Marinated Cucumbers are crisp and refreshing, and they come together with just a handful of ingredients. Rice vinegar, fresh herbs and a touch of sugar create a light, tangy marinade that enhances the cucumbers’ natural crunch. They’re perfect for meal prep and pair well with grilled meats, sandwiches or grain bowls.

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14 of 19

Smashed Green Beans with Parmesan & Balsamic

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.

These Smashed Green Beans with Parmesan & Balsamic take a flavorful twist on a classic roasted side. Smashing the beans creates extra surface area that catches a coating of Parmesan and garlic, adding a savory crunch. A drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze ties it all together with a sweet-savory finish. If you follow a vegetarian diet, look for Parmesan made without animal rennet.

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15 of 19

Maple-Mustard Green Beans with Crispy Shallots

Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.
Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.

Tangy and crisp-tender, these maple-mustard green beans offer a fresh twist on a classic side dish. The beans are tossed in a glossy dressing of maple syrup, Dijon and vinegar for a perfect balance of sweetness and zing. Crispy shallots add crunch, making the dish feel special enough for entertaining, yet it’s simple enough for a weeknight. The flavors work perfectly with roasted meats or holiday mains.

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16 of 19

Brussels Sprouts, Kale & Pear Salad

Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower
Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

This crisp and colorful salad celebrates the best of cool-weather produce while delivering plenty of texture and flavor in every bite. Kale and Brussels sprouts are massaged in a tangy apple-cider vinaigrette, while sweet red pear slices and jewel-toned pomegranate arils add juicy pops of freshness. Shaved Parmesan ties it all together with its rich, salty bite. This festive salad is sure to be the star of your holiday dinner.

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17 of 19

Five-Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

This vibrant five-bean salad is a refreshing, protein-packed side that’s as flavorful as it is colorful. A zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette coats a hearty mix of five different beans, along with crisp bell pepper and red onion for crunch. Easy to make ahead, it tastes even better after chilling, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

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18 of 19

Cheesy Sautéed Cabbage

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This cheesy cabbage is a comforting side dish that turns shredded green cabbage into something special. Creamy havarti cheese melts onto the warm cabbage, creating a rich, velvety texture. A layer of crispy panko breadcrumbs adds just the right amount of crunch. This easy dish pairs well with roasted meats or fish.

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19 of 19

Smashed Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Joshua Hoggle
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Joshua Hoggle

This refreshing salad is a summertime favorite, offering a cool contrast to the hotter dishes it often accompanies. Chinkiang vinegar, a Chinese black vinegar with rich, tangy depth, adds a complexity to the dressing, but rice vinegar will work well in its place. This comes together in under an hour and delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/healthy-side-dishes-that-arent-roasted-veggies-11987108