These easy summer side dishes are lifesavers on busy nights. Find salads, veggies and so many other goodies that come together in a snap.
61 One-Step Summer Sides
Updated on Mar. 17, 2023
Sour Cream Cucumbers
We have a tradition at our house to serve this creamy cucumber salad with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are freshly picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
1/61
2/61
Grilled Zucchini Salad with Mediterranean Dressing
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This zucchini salad with Mediterranean dressing is the best side dish. I also like to add summer squash for a variation, or crumbled goat cheese when I want some extra creaminess. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 220 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
3/61
Caprese Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love Caprese salad, but not the high prices we pay for it in restaurants. Here, we created our own version which tastes incredibly close, if not better, than any restaurant version we've tried. —Melissa Pearson, Sandy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 256 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
4/61
Zesty Sugar Snap Peas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lemon-pepper seasoning and garlic make these crisp-tender sugar snap peas flavorful and an ideal accompaniment to a variety of entrees. You'll come to rely on this five-ingredient dish. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 74 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
5/61
Tomato-Melon Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says summer like picking watermelon, tomatoes and raspberries, then tossing them together in a salad. The addition of grilled chicken makes it a satisfying summery meal. —Betsy Hite, Wilton, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 266 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
6/61
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.
7/61
Ruby Raspberry Slaw
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Give ordinary coleslaw a "berry" tangy twist. It's sure to get raves at your next picnic or potluck. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 122 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
8/61
Creamed Spinach
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made a variety of spinach dishes when I was growing up. This rich, delicious creamed version is the only one that stayed with me through the years. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 129 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
9/61
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.
10/61
Marinated Tomatoes
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My niece introduced me to this colorful recipe some time ago. I now make it when I have buffets or large gatherings because it can be prepared hours ahead. This is a great way to use a bumper crop of tomatoes. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
about 2 pieces: 93 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
11/61
Skillet Cabbage
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I use this dish often when the schedule gets tight and I need a hurry-up vegetable to cook. It adds plenty of substance to a simple meal. —Charmaine Fricke, St. Charles, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 100 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
12/61
Jalapeno Corn
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This comforting and creamy corn side dish is appealing to almost everyone. It gets its spicy kick from jalapeno peppers.—Judy Carty, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 251 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
13/61
Baked Beans with Bacon
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family enjoys eating these baked beans with cornbread, but they also round out any meal. Canned pork and beans make preparation easy. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 293 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 793mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein.
14/61
Lemon Rice Pilaf
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No need to buy premade pilaf mix when you can easily make your own in 20 minutes. The lemon zest adds a welcome burst of tang. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 155 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 454mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
15/61
Pomegranate Splash Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The sparkling pomegranate gems make this salad irresistibly beautiful. My family loves it at holiday gatherings when pomegranates are in season. Even the children can't get enough of this antioxidant-rich delight. —Emily Jamison, Champaign, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with about 4-1/2 teaspoons vinaigrette: 164 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
16/61
Asian Green Beans
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These Asian-style green beans are a tasty addition to any meal. The flavors of sesame oil and soy sauce work so well together! —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 58 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
17/61
Marinated Broccoli
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This festive side dish couldn't be easier to throw together. But because it's so pretty, it's perfect for special occasions. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 119 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
18/61
Corny Green Bean Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crushed crackers and french-fried onions create a fast and flavorful topping for this home-style green bean casserole with cheese. It's the perfect cheesy dish to take to potluck dinners. —Dorothy Bahlmann, Clarksville, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 315 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
19/61
Minty Peas and Onions
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mother always relied on peas and onions when she was in a hurry and needed a quick side dish. Besides being easy to prepare, this recipe was loved by everyone in our family. It was handed down to my mother by my grandmother. —Santa D'Addario, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 134 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
20/61
Fiesta Red Potatoes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son-in-law, who is very creative, came up with these potatoes. Use only one jalapeno or serve these fiery potatoes with sour cream to cool them off a bit. —Pat Pennell, El Dorado Springs, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 146 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
21/61
Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I can never get enough of these air-fryer sweet potato fries! Even though my grocery store sells them in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull sweet potatoes out of my garden and slice them up fresh! —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 243 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
22/61
Mixed Veggies and Rice
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To add variety to sides for those who don't care for potatoes, I came up with this colorful dish. It's an easy slow-cooker recipe that you can put right onto the buffet table. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 120 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 254mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
23/61
Green Beans in Bacon Cheese Sauce
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to take this side dish to potlucks, because it is easy to make and always popular. —Karen Lewis, Pleasant Grove, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 137 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 817mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
24/61
Nutty Green Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a deliciously different summer salad just for two. You’ll want to try the light curry-orange dressing! —Barbara Robbins, Chandler, Arizona Beach, Florida Delray Beach
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 112 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
25/61
Carrots and Snow Peas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is without question my favorite side dish, both for flavor and ease of preparation. Sherry adds an amazing spark to the vegetables. —Cheryl Donnely, Arvada, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 129 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
26/61
Air-Fried Radishes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Radishes aren't just for salads anymore. These fried radishes make a colorful side for any meal. Plus, they're quick to make in your air fryer. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 88 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
27/61
Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Time to gather round the table, y'all! This dish has special meaning on New Year's Day, when Southerners eat greens for future wealth and black-eyed peas for prosperity. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 177 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
28/61
Fried Red Potatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm in a hurry to prepare potatoes, I resort to this recipe for skillet potatoes that I created myself. The mix of seasonings is just right and makes a delicious, attractive side dish. It's been a family favorite for a long time and fits with most any meal. —Lois Collier, Vineland, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 205 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
29/61
Creamed Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, in a mild creamy sauce, complement any meat entree, and they're a pleasant change from mashed or baked.
-Susan Ormond, Jamestown, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 243 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
30/61
Salsa Corn
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
All you'll need for this corn salsa recipe is corn and pico de gallo—a simple and effective solution for last-minute guests. —Danielle Lee, Sewickley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 62 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
31/61
Summer Zucchini Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always experimenting when my garden is cranking out zucchini and summer squash. This simple and healthy pasta dish is one of my latest wins. It's meatless, but you can add shredded chicken or grilled salmon for a heartier dish. —Beth Berlin, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 254 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
32/61
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.
33/61
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.
34/61
Cucumber Tomato Salad with Italian Dressing
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy medley of vegetables is a cool complement to zesty dishes like my fish, and also barbecued meats and poultry. —Florine Bruns, Fredericksburg, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 93 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
35/61
Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bring back the taste of days gone by with this ooey-gooey classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give this old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese just the right spice. —James Backman, Centralia, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 267 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
36/61
Asian Cucumber Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful Asian cucumber salad makes a simple, cool side dish when we have stir-fry for dinner. —Tari Ambler, Shorewood, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 34 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
37/61
Balsamic Asiago Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can toss this tasty salad together in 10 minutes flat. Simply drizzle bottled dressing over the colorful blend of greens, tomato and peppers. Then add a quick sprinkle of garlic-seasoned cheese and serve. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 72 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
38/61
Cheddar Mashed Cauliflower
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want an alternative to mashed potatoes? Try cauliflower jazzed up with cheddar cheese and rosemary. —Chrystal Baker, Studio City, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 122 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 374mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein.
39/61
Green Salad with Tangy Basil Vinaigrette
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A tart and tangy dressing turns a basic salad into something special. It works for weeknight dining but is good enough for company and pairs perfectly with just about anything. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 89 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
40/61
Bok Choy Toss
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chop some fresh veggies, add a gingery bottled dressing and savor this unique bok choy salad that’s big on flavor and crunch. How cool is that? —Andrew McDowell, Lake Villa, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 47 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
41/61
Broccoli Cauliflower Combo
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Shallots, basil and broth rev up the taste of this nutritious vegetable medley. The bright color and fresh flavors will dress up your plate! —Clara Coulston, Washington Court House, Ohio.
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 38 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable.
42/61
Garlic Asiago Cauliflower Rice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The garlic seasoning and Asiago really pack a punch, making this five-ingredient low-carb side dish a real weeknight winner. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 112 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
43/61
Festive Corn ‘n’ Broccoli
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is delicious and versatile. I often substitute a tablespoon of minced fresh basil for the dried, and two to three ears of sweet corn (about a cup cut fresh from the cob) for the Mexicorn. —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.
44/61
Snickers Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, sweet salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
45/61
Quick Cheesy Broccoli
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with crumbs, this cheesy broccoli is a decadent side dish for any occasion. Plus, it can be on the table in just 10 minutes! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 101 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
46/61
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a flavorful side dish, try this fried cabbage and bacon. It's not only delicious, but fast to fix when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. —Lori Thompson, New London, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 93 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
47/61
Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas)
Total Time
45 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Feed a crowd with this authentic arroz con gandules recipe, which was handed down to me from my mom. It's a staple with the familia at all our gatherings. —Evelyn Robles, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 220 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
48/61
Sweet Pepper Skillet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for tasty sweet pepper recipes to go with spaghetti or meat loaf, this is it. The easy pepper medley is a snap to saute on the stovetop. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 57 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
49/61
Baked Vidalia Onions
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Vidalia onion recipes are some of my favorites to whip up. Served alongside any of a variety of fish and meats, these tender onions are a nice change of pace. Folks find it a fun and flavorful side dish. —Norma Durham, Rogersville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 onion: 148 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 376mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
50/61
Smoky Cauliflower Bites
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These healthy little treats work well as a side or as fun bite size appetizers. Roasting the cauliflower adds deep flavor and gives it an irresistible crunch. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 129 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
51/61
Spanish Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll find that my easy Spanish rice is better than any boxed mix in grocery stores. Best of all, it can be prepared in the same amount of time as those so-called "quick and easy" boxes. —Anne Yaeger, Washington, DC
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 217 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 886mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
52/61
Simple Maple Baked Beans
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe in a pinch after running out of baked beans at our oldest daughter's birthday party. I dressed up canned beans with maple syrup and a few other ingredients to produce this sweet, saucy version that tastes like homemade. They're so easy to fix that I rarely make baked beans from scratch anymore.
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 168 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
53/61
Broccoli Rice Casserole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty broccoli rice casserole is my usual choice to make for a potluck. With the green of the broccoli and the rich cheese sauce, it's pretty to serve, and it makes a tasty side dish for almost any kind of meat. —Margaret Mayes, La Mesa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 241 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 782mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
54/61
Glazed Julienned Carrots
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's just enough butter and sugar in this glazed julienned carrots recipe to bring out its natural sweetness. With just five ingredients, this recipe is ready to serve in minutes. —Mary Lou Boyce, Wilmington, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 140 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
55/61
Colorful Couscous
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love it when side dishes pop with color, like the bright pepper accents you'll see in this light and fluffy couscous. It's a scrumptious and welcome switch from baked potatoes or rice. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 220 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
56/61
Glazed Carrots with Green Grapes
Total Time
3 hours 50 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After receiving a slow cooker many years ago and not knowing what to do with the thing, I finally branched out and read up on what it was all about. This is one of the recipes I make that is really enjoyed by all at any time of the year. It is so colorful and a delightful side for any meal. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 98 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
57/61
Garlic-Herb Fried Patty Pan Squash
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I grew a garden, I harvested summer squash and cooked it with garlic and herbs. This fried patty pan squash recipe is a creative twist. —Kaycee Mason, Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 58 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
58/61
Sauteed Cabbage
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was young, my family grew our own cabbages. It was fun to put the cabbage to use in the kitchen, just as I did with this comforting side. With potatoes, deviled eggs and cornbread, fried cabbage tastes like home. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 59 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
59/61
Savory String Beans
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making this dish when I can pick the beans right out of the garden and put them into the pot. The fresh taste is unbeatable. I've also made it with beans purchased at the store. Either way, you'll find this recipe a winner. There's no need for any extra seasonings at the table. —Ina Reed, Kingman, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 179 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
60/61
Parmesan Pasta
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My recipe for tender noodles makes for a quick, tasty side dish that goes well with all kinds of meats. For a colorful variation, sometimes I add slightly cooked red and green peppers and a quarter cup of peas. —Denise Elder, Hanover, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 243 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
61/61
Broccoli Apple Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even my picky daughter loves this fast-to-make salad! My yogurt dressing on a crunchy veggie salad makes a cool and creamy side dish. —Lynn Cluff, Littlefield, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 124 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
