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10 Tasty Side Dishes

by | Feb 14, 2015 | Last updated Apr 5, 2023

Eating healthy can make you feel great — but it can also get monotonous. (One person can only handle so many baked chicken breasts.) Side dishes are a great way to spice up your meals and keep things from getting boring. Below, we’ve put together a list side dishes that are full of flavor but won’t crush your calorie budget (think green foods — veggies, soups, and whole grains — cooked in healthy oils with no calorie spices). Go ahead and give them a try!

Fennel, Orange, and Arugula Salad (Noom Pro Recipe)

This super light side will leave your meal full of flavor and you with no regret. This healthy dish is packed with Noom green foods to keep you full without sacrificing your calorie budget.

Ingredients:

  • Raw Fennel
  • Navel Oranges
  • Salad Greens
  • Olive Oil
  • Orange Juice

Instructions:

Grate 2 tsps of orange zest. Whisk the zest, orange juice, oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Remove the fennel stalks and chop enough of the fronds to measure 1 tbsp. Cut the bulb lengthwise into quarters. Cut out and discard the core. Cut each quarter crosswise into thin slices. Toss the orange cubes, fennel, fennel fronds, and arugula with the dressing.

Roasted artichokes via Iowa Girl Eats

This easy and elegant dish features tender roast artichokes dripping with fresh lemon juice and olive oil, and is delicately flavored with roasted garlic which is stuffed into the center. Artichokes have been shown to lower cholesterol and are packed with antioxidants, making for a tasty and nutritious side dish.

Calories per serving: 170 (reduce olive oil by ½ to reduce calories 110)

Zucchini Feta Bites via 5 Dollar Dinners

Zucchini is a very low-calorie vegetable and has a high anti-oxidant value. Sprinkle these healthy veggies with a bit of feta for a filling, bite-sized side the whole family will love.

Calories per serving: 62

Pomegranate, Pear, and Pistachio Salad with Creamy Pomegranate Dressing via Prevention RD

This salad is a great winter comfort food while still embracing your health. Packed with color, nutrients, and tons of fiber, this salad utilizes unique flavors and textures.

Calories: 161

(Cut this recipe in half to make 7 side servings)

Cheesy Bacon and Kale Potato Skins via Pinch of Yum

These cheesy bacon and kale potato skins are baked to a golden crispy brown and filled with a healthy and vibrant garlic-and-parmesan-laced kale pesto. They are then sprinkled with crumbled bacon and topped with a pinch of shredded cheese. The perfect way to satisfy your “junk food” cravings.

1 skin: 211 calories

Skinny Baked Broccoli Mac n Cheese via Skinny Taste

Cheesy macaroni and broccoli are topped with bread crumbs and baked to perfection. Kid friendly, vegetarian, and comfort food at it’s finest.

 ½ cup: 150 calories

Grilled Sweet Potato Fries via Gimme Some Oven

Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients including vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin D. This recipe uses this veggie and turns it into a healthy comfort food.

Calories per serving: 186

Brussels Sprouts with Coconut Ginger Sauce via Cookie and Kate

Brussels sprouts may get a bad rap but these little green veggies are packed with nutrients that can help prevent cancer and other disease. In this recipe, brussels sprouts are roasted until tender and then tossed in a simple, spicy coconut ginger sauce. This dish is gluten-free and vegan and comes together in less than 15 minutes.

Sweet and Spicy Carrot Salads via Lunch Box Brunch

Calories per serving: 150

This carrot salad features two recipes — one spicy and one sweet. Both are light and refreshing, making for a great side dish.

Calories per serving: 65

Red Wine Glazed Mushrooms and Potatoes via What’s Gaby Cooking?

Extra red wine lying around? Whip up this dish that is bursting with flavor. Red wine is cooked down into a thick, creamy glaze and then dusted over mushrooms and potatoes. Yum!Extra red wine lying around? Whip up this dish that is bursting with flavor. Red wine is cooked down into a thick, creamy glaze and then dusted over mushrooms and potatoes. Yum!

Servings: 6

Calories per serving: 150