The ‘Healthy’ Drink That May Be Spiking Your Blood Sugar, According to Dietitians
![](/<img src="https://healthnewschannel.com/images/joomgrabber/2026-02/9c90c9338a.jpeg" title="">)
Sidebar
Healthy Living
20 Winter Side Dish Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less
![](/<img src="https://healthnewschannel.com/images/joomgrabber/2026-02/e9eeb64a12.jpeg" title="">)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Caramelized-Broccolini-White-Beans203-edf5b1efc704498483899d17ca1cbcc1.jpg "a recipe photo of the Caramelized Broccolini and White Beans")
You can make one of these winter sides in just 20 minutes or less. From glazed veggies to creamy side salads, these dishes are packed with seasonal produce and will pair nicely with your favorite cozy meals. Try our High-Protein Creamy Broccoli Salad or our Buttery Irish Cabbage for a delicious, easy and healthy addition to the dinner table.
01 of 20
High-Protein Creamy Broccoli Salad
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.
02 of 20
Buttery Irish Cabbage
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.
03 of 20
Broccoli Salad with Feta
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.
Bright, crunchy and ready in just 15 minutes, this broccoli salad brings big flavor with minimal effort. A fresh lemony dressing lightly coats crisp broccoli, sweet bell pepper and cooling cucumbers. A sprinkle of feta adds creamy contrast and ties everything together.
04 of 20
Cabbage Salad with Bacon
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Hostein, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
This warm Cabbage Salad with Bacon turns simple ingredients into something delicious. Crisp, smoky bacon adds richness, while its rendered drippings are whisked into an apple-cider vinaigrette for a tangy, savory-sweet dressing that coats the cabbage perfectly. A touch of Dijon and honey makes each bite bright and satisfying.
05 of 20
Brussels Sprouts, Kale & Pear Salad
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.
06 of 20
Bang Bang Broccoli Skillet
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Pheobe Hausser, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.
This Bang Bang Broccoli Skillet is a one-pot dish that’s quick to make and totally satisfying. Tender broccoli is tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce made with mayo, Sriracha and a sweet chili sauce. The sauce clings to the broccoli, coating each bite in rich, tangy heat for a standout side.
07 of 20
Garlic-Parmesan Green Beans
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
These garlic-Parmesan green beans are a quick and easy side dish made in just one skillet. They pair beautifully with anything from roasted chicken to grilled steak, baked salmon or stuffed portobello mushrooms. They’re quick enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve at a gathering.
08 of 20
Garlic-Butter Brussels Sprouts
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
These super-quick Brussels sprouts have a hefty amount of garlic that’s softened by a splash of butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve this easy side with roasted chicken, seared pork tenderloin or salmon.
09 of 20
Sautéed Mushrooms with Balsamic & Parmesan
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
Tender cremini mushrooms soak up the tart-sweet flavor of balsamic vinegar, while nutty Parmesan cheese adds a savory note. This easy technique works well with other mushrooms too, like oyster mushrooms or shiitakes, so feel free to mix it up. Serve this big-flavored side alongside grilled steak, or make it a main dish by serving the mushrooms topped with a poached egg and a slice of grilled bread.
10 of 20
The Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes
This healthy mashed sweet potato recipe has just 5 ingredients and is dinner-ready in 20 minutes. Using sweet potatoes for this classic side dish adds color to your plate along with a little sweetness and a boost of vitamin A. With classic and simple flavors, it can easily be paired with any of your favorite dishes.
11 of 20
Caramelized Broccolini & White Beans
Broccolini takes on a smoky char from the cast-iron pan before it's combined with white beans and aromatics in this savory side dish. A vibrant parsley and hazelnut sauce finishes the dish with a bright and nutty flavor.
12 of 20
Balsamic Berry Vinaigrette Winter Salad
This festive winter salad recipe features colorful greens, fruit and cheese tossed with a light and zesty dressing.
13 of 20
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Department: Eating Well, Brand: Eating Well Digital, Source Type: Staff, Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Props: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Ana Kelley
Sweet cherries complement the tart goat cheese in this easy shaved Brussels sprouts salad. Pistachios add an extra layer of crunch. A sharp chef's knife works well to slice the Brussels sprouts thinly. A microplane grater is best for finely shredding the goat cheese.
14 of 20
Brown Sugar-Glazed Beets
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.
Try a sweet glaze on beets or other root vegetables to help balance their earthy flavor. This easy recipe will work with steamed carrots, turnips or rutabaga too.
15 of 20
Pan-Roasted Carrots
Alexandra Shytsman
This recipe gives you a faster route to "roasted," lightly caramelized carrots. Instead of cooking in the oven (and waiting for it to preheat), here you cook the carrots on the stovetop in a cast-iron skillet. The key is to keep the carrots still; you'll cook them for 5 minutes without stirring, then stir and cook undisturbed for another 5 minutes. The results are beautifully browned, crisp-tender carrots that take about a third of the time as oven-roasted. A hint of hoisin and maple syrup enhances the sweetness of the carrots without rendering them cloying.
16 of 20
Cheesy Pull-Apart Broccoli with Cheddar
Cheddar and broccoli are a classic combination—and, here, we pair those flavors for one impressive side or appetizer that will have everyone reaching in for more. Garlic and mustard help amplify the deliciousness.
17 of 20
Spinach Salad with Warm Maple Dressing
Pure maple syrup adds body and rich flavor to the dressing, providing a perfect counterpoint to the smoked cheese.
18 of 20
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
What could be more satisfying than mashed potatoes? In this garlic mashed potato recipe, the potatoes are flavored with poached garlic, thinned with chicken stock and enriched with a small amount of sour cream. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if you're cooking for a crowd--say for Thanksgiving dinner.
19 of 20
Creamy Carrot Salad
Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Prissy Lee.
Bright, crunchy and creamy, this salad delivers a delicious balance of sweet, tangy and warm flavors. A golden turmeric-yogurt dressing adds color and anti-inflammatory benefits, while honey and plump golden raisins offer natural sweetness.
20 of 20
Chopped Beet Salad
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.
Lewis Hamilton Reveals the 3 Things He Does Every Morning Before Breakfast (Exclusive)
![](/<img src="https://healthnewschannel.com/images/joomgrabber/2026-02/472ad84afa.jpeg" title="">)
Costco Anxiety Is Real—and It Keeps Me From Going Back
![](/<img src="https://healthnewschannel.com/images/joomgrabber/2026-02/abf93c468f.jpeg" title="">)
The #1 Cereal You Should Be Eating to Help You Live Longer, According to Dietitians
![](/<img src="https://healthnewschannel.com/images/joomgrabber/2026-02/70de5c1ffc.jpeg" title="">)
I Just Learned Not All Balsamic Is ‘Real’ Balsamic—Here’s How to Tell If Yours Is
![](/<img src="https://healthnewschannel.com/images/joomgrabber/2026-02/3a4777836b.jpeg" title="">)
I Thought I Was Too Old to Roller Skate, I Tried It Anyway—And It Was a Game-Changer
![](/<img src="https://healthnewschannel.com/images/joomgrabber/2026-02/56897d0787.gif" title="">)
5 Anti-Inflammatory Vegetables You Should Be Eating in February
![](/<img src="https://healthnewschannel.com/images/joomgrabber/2026-02/079e0210a4.jpeg" title="">)
We’ve Tested 1,000+ Kitchen Items, and These Are the Only Ones Worth the Space—Now on Sale for Up to 60% Off
![](/<img src="https://healthnewschannel.com/images/joomgrabber/2026-02/3494a10e06.jpeg" title="">)
Most Women over 40 Don’t Get Enough of This Vitamin—These Foods Can Help
![](/<img src="https://healthnewschannel.com/images/joomgrabber/2026-02/e63ee7ace4.jpeg" title="">)
14 High-Fiber, Heart-Healthy Dinner Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes
![](/<img src="https://healthnewschannel.com/images/joomgrabber/2026-02/0d44c07b0b.jpeg" title="">)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/EatingWell-LWWD-Pesto-Pasta-Salad-Beauty-1x1-e58601987a2d47d9baff835ada983ccc.jpg "Pesto pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and peas in a bowl with a fork")
Ali Redmond
Need inspiration for some quick and delicious dinner recipes? These dishes take no more than 30 minutes to make, so you’ll have dinner on the table in a flash. They’re also high in fiber with at least six grams per serving, so you’ll feel full and satisfied. Another bonus? Each dish meets our heart-healthy parameters since they are low in saturated fat and sodium. Try options like our flavorful Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes or our 5-Ingredient Avocado & Chickpea Salad for an easy dinner everyone will love.
01 of 14
Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes
Ali Redmond
This Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes is a bright, flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Pasta is cooked alongside frozen sweet peas, then tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and basil pesto for a fresh, herbaceous finish. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks or picnics. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon add the perfect final touch.
02 of 14
Chopped Salad with Italian Vinaigrette
This chopped salad is a crisp, colorful mix of veggies. It’s tossed with a zesty homemade vinaigrette, while chickpeas bring on the plant-based protein and fiber. Everything is chopped small for the perfect forkful every time.
03 of 14
Lemony Orzo & Tuna Salad with Broccoli
Leigh Beisch
This pasta-salad and tuna-salad mashup gets a boost of color and texture from broccoli. Plenty of Kalamata olives add a briny bite. Be sure to monitor the pasta-cooking carefully, as orzo can go from al dente to mush in a minute. If in doubt, drain it a little early—it’ll soften further in the lemon dressing.
04 of 14
5-Ingredient Avocado & Chickpea Salad
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.
This avocado-and-chickpea salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Made with just five ingredients, it’s as simple as it is satisfying. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with hearty chickpeas for a filling, plant-based meal. With no cooking required and minimal prep, it’s a perfect quick lunch or dinner.
05 of 14
Bhel Puri-Inspired Salad
Ali Redmond
This flavorful salad was inspired by bhel puri, a type of chaat (savory snack) served across India, and features puffed quinoa and lentils for extra protein and fiber.
06 of 14
Skillet Salmon with Orzo & Green Pea Pesto
Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco
This delightful one-pan dinner combines salmon fillets with fresh green pea pesto and orzo pasta. Green pea pesto adds a unique twist to the traditional pesto, bringing a hint of sweetness, body and a vibrant green color to your plate. If you like a more traditional pesto flavor, swap out the dill for chopped fresh basil, or use store-bought basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto in its place.
07 of 14
Spaghetti with Creamy Lemon-Spinach Sauce
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Give your veggie servings a boost with this easy spaghetti with spinach sauce recipe. Loosely inspired by the flavors of classic pesto, this vibrant pasta packs in plenty of spinach and basil with a garnish of nutty walnuts and savory Parmesan cheese. Serve with a drizzle of good olive oil and a green salad on the side.
08 of 14
Eat-the-Rainbow Vegetable Soup
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall , Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
This vibrant and wholesome soup recipe helps support your well-being. It’s packed with a variety of colorful vegetables like tomatoes, which contain lycopene, a phytochemical that may help reduce inflammation. The base of the soup is prepped ahead of time and stored in separate containers. Simply add the broth and heat it in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. If you don’t wish to travel with vegetable broth or don’t have access to a microwave, you can use reduced-sodium bouillon instead and just add hot water.
09 of 14
Veggie Fajitas
Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Joseph Wanek
These veggie fajitas are packed with sweet bell pepper and red onion. Creamy avocado and warm tortillas complete the meal. The veggies alone make a great meal-prep recipe to have on hand. Serve them over rice, or heat them up over tortilla chips topped with melting cheese. To get a little char on your tortillas, place them over a medium gas flame and cook until darkened in spots, flipping once. Place on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
10 of 14
Chhole (Chickpea Curry)
Andrew Scrivani
This healthy Indian recipe is a flavorful chickpea curry that you can make in just 20 minutes. Also called chana masala, this dish is a comforting and delicious dinner.
11 of 14
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Addelyn Evans, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Look for pre-sliced pepper-and-onion mix in the produce section of the supermarket. It helps save prep time in this quick five-ingredient dinner. This easy dinner calls for hot cooked brown rice, which is perfect if you have leftovers. If not, look for microwaveable brown rice or frozen brown rice to keep prep minimal.
12 of 14
Baked Halibut with Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa
Fish plus two sides? It seems fancy, but this healthy dinner comes together in just 30 minutes.
13 of 14
Chickpea Pasta with Mushrooms & Kale
Loading up your pasta with vegetables like the kale and mushrooms used here is not only delicious, it also makes the meal more satisfying.
14 of 14
3-Ingredient Farro Bowl with Rotisserie Chicken
To make this hearty grain bowl, grab a salad kit from the grocery store. Then, top the kit with farro and chicken for a high-protein lunch or dinner that’s ready in minutes.