It’s essential to have a selection of fantastic, timeless vegetable side dishes that can be easily served on the dinner table in under 45 minutes, regardless of the season. Below are 10 of our preferred options, ranging from straightforward glazed carrots to quickly steamed broccoli in the microwave, from flavorful sautéed mushrooms to delectable stuffed tomatoes. Discover a new favorite or rediscover an old classic and include that dish in tonight’s dinner menu!
1. Crispy Parmesan Potatoes – Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm recommends using baby potatoes of 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size for this recipe. If your potatoes are larger, consider cutting them into quarters.
2. Lemony Broccoli Rabe with White Beans – Sheryl Julian suggests cutting the thicker stalks of broccoli rabe in half lengthwise and then into shorter pieces to help with blanching and consumption.
3. Chickpea and Spinach Rice – Simply Recipes / Photo by Andrew Bui / Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne is a quick side dish perfect for busy weeknights. Julia Turshen recommends adding feta and dill at the end for a burst of freshness.
4. Bombay Potatoes – Simply Recipes / Shilpa Iyer shares a spicy potato recipe influenced by Indian flavors. Adjust the chili levels to suit your spice preference.
5. Bang Bang Broccoli – Simply Recipes / Ali Redmond suggests using broccoli florets or a mix of broccoli and cauliflower for this roasted dish.
6. Roasted Zucchini with Garlic – Elise Bauer recommends arranging zucchini spears skin-side down while roasting to allow moisture to evaporate.
7. Easy Sautéed Mushrooms – Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel advises selecting fresh, plump mushrooms with unblemished caps for best results.
8. Microwave Garlicky Creamed Spinach – Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel recommends using fresh baby spinach for quick steaming in the microwave. The sweeter flavor of baby spinach complements the creaminess of this classic dish.
9. Mozzarella and Basil Stuffed Tomatoes – Kalisa Marie Martin suggests using medium-sized tomatoes with firm walls for this recipe. “Tomatoes on the vine” work well due to their uniform roundness and classic flavor.
10. Zucchini Con Patate – Shilpa Iyer’s recipe combines zucchini and potatoes in a delightful dish.
The 30-Minute Recipe My Mom Has Made for Over 40 Years
“If you prefer your zucchini to remain intact, it is best to add it to the dish only after the potatoes have reached a mostly cooked state.” — Sara Bir, Senior Editor at Simply Recipes
Microwave Broccoli with Sesame Dressing
“We have meticulously developed and tested this recipe utilizing a 1,200-watt microwave. Depending on the power output of your own microwave, you may find it necessary to extend the cooking time for the broccoli, adding increments of 1 minute as needed. Look for visual indicators—ensure the broccoli displays a vibrant green color and is tender, yet retains its structure, avoiding a mushy consistency.” — Liz Mervosh, Recipe Tester at Simply Recipes
Classic Glazed Carrots
“Prioritize cutting the carrots into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking throughout each portion.” — Elise
Peperonata (Sautéed Peppers and Onions)
“Peperonata recipes present in a variety of iterations; some are cooked for an extensive period, others include potatoes, while some omit tomatoes altogether. This dish allows for creative improvisation!” — Elise Bauer
Crispy Parmesan Broccoli
“I particularly enjoy the subtly nutty essence of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheeses, though aged cheddar or Gruyere can serve as suitable substitutes.” — Molly Adams, Contributor at Simply Recipes
Sweet and Sour Onions
“These onions retain their delectable flavor whether served at room temperature or piping hot.” — Hank Shaw, Contributor at Simply Recipes
Gochujang Green Beans
“For a wide selection of gochujang varieties, consider exploring an Asian market; however, many well-stocked conventional grocery stores, specialty shops, and organic markets also offer this ingredient. Online platforms like Amazon also serve as reliable sources.” — Katie
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
“Commence the potato cooking process by immersing them in cold water: this method guarantees uniform cooking. Initiation with hot or boiling water may lead to uneven cooking, with exteriors softening while the interiors remain firm.” — Elise
Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
“To enhance caramelization, sprinkle a small amount of sugar over the fries before baking.” — Elise
Air Fryer Green Beans
“Maintain a single layer of green beans when utilizing an air fryer. Some overlap is permissible, but overcrowding will hinder proper cooking. It is advisable to work in batches for optimal results.” — Nick Evans, Contributor at Simply Recipes
Stir-Fried Maitake Mushrooms with Garlic and Chile Oil
“If experimenting with alternative mushroom varieties, slice them into thick sections (approximately 1/4 inch) and proceed with the recipe accordingly, adjusting the soy sauce incrementally to suit individual tastes. Different mushrooms may require varying levels of seasoning.” — Georgia Freedman, Contributor at Simply Recipes
