Sides

Just as shoes complete an outfit, side dishes complete a meal!

About Sides

The only rule for side dishes is this: Eclectic is fine when you dine! Mix it up with different tastes, textures and temperatures to give your meal a nice variety. Choose side dishes of varying colors, too, for a balanced presentation on the plate.

Featured Recipes

Mediterranean Minted Peas

Peas go Mediterranean with mint, feta and olives for a simple starter.

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Savory Mashed Potato Pie

While savory vegetable pies are not as well known in this country as meat pies, they offer a creative way to dress up everyday foods. Serve a wedge of this attractive tomato-topped pie as a side dish for a company dinner or as a light luncheon main dish.

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full starfull starfull starfull starhalf star  (6)

Cheesy Vegetable Risotto

Veggies and rice blend beautifully in this cheesy, flavorful side dish.

Prep Time: 30 min
Total Time: 30 min

Recipe Rating
full starfull starfull starfull starempty star  (7)

Featured Content

Tips & Tricks

Need some new ideas to spice up side dish selections? Try these:

  • When making white rice, flavor the water with chicken stock or the seasoning packet from ramen noodle soup.
  • Add crunch to rice, cooked green beans or lettuce salads with toasted almonds, pecans or walnuts.
  • Use simple presentation techniques for an easy wow; for example, use a large ice-cream scoop (or 1-cup measuring cup) to mound rice or potatoes on a plate.
  • Think diversity when choosing sides for a plain entree. Colorful vegetables, different flavors and colors and a variety of textures will make dinner taste even better.
  • Garnishing takes only moments but makes a terrific presentation. Two pieces of lemon grass or chives, for example, can be crossed and placed on rice or potatoes for an extra pop.
  • Invest in a peppermill so you can add fresh-ground pepper to the plated meal.