Zesty corn, cheesy potatoes, saucy squash—there's a little something for everyone in this collection of easy side dishes.
30 Super Tasty 15-Minute Sides
Updated on Jan. 14, 2022
1/29
Confetti Corn
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy corn dish is sure to dress up almost any entree. I added the crunch of water chestnuts, red pepper and chopped carrot—along with extra nutrition. —Glenda Watts, Charleston, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 140 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
2/29
Sweet Carrots
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a flavorful way to dress up carrots without a lot of fuss. Simply steam the good-for-you veggies, then season with butter, brown sugar, vinegar and a sprinkling of chives. The carrots are not only colorful, but they're tasty, too. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 72 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
3/29
Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pair any entree with this fresh side dish for a truly succulent meal. With subtle garlic, melted butter and a hint of Parmesan cheese, what’s not to love? —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 71 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
4/29
Lemon Garlic Mushrooms
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 94 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
5/29
Seasoned Fries
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 108 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
6/29
Festive Corn ‘n’ Broccoli
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you have it, substitute a tablespoon of minced fresh basil instead of dried and two to three ears of sweet corn (cut fresh from cob, about a cup) for the Mexicorn in this dish. —Lucile Throgmorton, Clovis, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 135 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
7/29
Dutch Beets
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who typically shy away from beets will polish these off. This healthy canned vegetable recipe is quick to make, too, since you start with canned beets. —Marie Hattrup, Sonoma, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 118 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 717mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
8/29
Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’re betting you won’t find a faster way to dress up crisp sugar snap peas than this simply scrumptious recipe. It goes with a variety of entrees and is pretty enough to dish up for company. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 91 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
9/29
Fire and Ice Tomatoes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You won't miss the salt in this refreshing tomato salad! It's well-seasoned with cayenne pepper, mustard seed and vinegar but not the least bit spicy. This dish is always a hit at potlucks. —Nan Rickey, Yuma, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 72 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
10/29
Snappy Green Beans
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The buttery and citrus flavors in this brightly colored side dish go with just about any entree. I enjoy it most when green beans are in season. —Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 59 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable.
11/29
Salsa Rice
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's a snap to change the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. It's a delicious way to round out burritos or tacos when the clock is ticking. —Molly Ingle, Canton, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 232 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat.
12/29
White Beans and Spinach
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This skillet side is a variation of a recipe I received from my Italian mother. I've prepared spinach this way for years—because my children eat it happily! —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 116 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
13/29
Spicy Refried Beans
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Need a quick side? All you need is a can of refried beans, jalapeno pepper, seasonings and cheese. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for scooping. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 95 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
14/29
Sauteed Zucchini
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I plant many vegetables to use in cooking. Zucchini is among our favorites and usually grows in abundance. This zucchini stir-fry is always a hit at our house. —Deborah Elliot, Ridge Spring, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 77 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
15/29
Honey-Lemon Asparagus
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone who tastes my glazed asparagus takes a second helping, so I usually double the recipe. For another option, try using a root vegetable such as turnip or parsnip. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 73 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/29
Cilantro Ginger Carrots
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Peppery-sweet ginger and cooling cilantro have starring roles in this colorful side of crisp-tender carrots. The veggie goes from pan to plate in a twinkling. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 73 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 396mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
17/29
Sauteed Spinach and Mushrooms
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mushrooms and spinach make a super fast combination that’s perfect for two. And it’s easy to double or triple for a crowd. —Pauline Howard, Lago Vista, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 76 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
18/29
Waffle-Iron Acorn Squash
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to get the kids involved in cooking, and this squash is so simple even a small child can cook it with minimal adult supervision. The recipe is fun, fast and no-fuss, and it doesn’t use valuable oven space before big family meals. —Donna Kelly, Orem, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 98 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
19/29
Marinated Mushrooms & Artichokes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings (1/2 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I marinate mushrooms and artichokes in fresh tarragon, thyme and seasonings so they turn out tart, tangy and irresistible. —Marcia Doyle, Pompano, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 43 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
20/29
Peas with Shallots
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first served this at an Easter dinner. Delicious! My guests suggested I use even more shallots. It's so easy, nutritious and always a hit! —Rosemary Schirm, Avondale, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 91 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 360mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
21/29
Breakfast Potatoes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These cheesy potatoes are a super morning side dish. I prepare them often for my husband and myself. They go great with just about any breakfast main dish. —Judy Dupree, Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 180 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
22/29
Dill & Chive Peas
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 113 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
23/29
Tarragon Asparagus
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grow purple asparagus, so I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. Recently, my husband and I discovered how wonderful any color of asparagus tastes when it's grilled. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 76 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
24/29
Balsamic-Glazed Zucchini
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am a member of a community-supported agriculture farm. I once received the most delicious garden-fresh zucchini and garlic in a seasonal box. That's when I came up with this fabulous recipe. —Joe Cherry, Metuchen, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 65 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
25/29
Lemon Broccoli
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Add a hint of citrus to your vegetables with an attractive side dish. Ideal with most any entree, this time-saving specialty dresses up broccoli, pimientos and onions with a dash of lemon. —Tonya Farmer, Iowa City, Iowa
26/29
Grilled Pattypans
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Just a few minutes and a handful of ingredients are all you’ll need for this scrumptious side dish. Hoisin sauce and rice wine vinegar give grilled pattypans Asian flair. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 54 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
27/29
Pepper Parmesan Beans
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A colorful mixture of peppers and green beans gets an Italian treatment with basil and Parmesan cheese in this delightful vegetable dish. The garlic adds a savory zip. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 107 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
28/29
Sauteed Mushrooms
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty garlic butter mushrooms are so delicious served with steak, chicken or pork. The sauteed garlic is the secret! —Joan Schroeder, Mesquite, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 109 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
29/29
Lemon-Parmesan Broiled Asparagus
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These special spears are packed with flavor, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing they're tossed in before roasting. It's a simple, quick side that goes with almost anything. —Tina Repak, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 156 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
