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Home » Trending

12 Sides That Turn Good Meals Into Great Ones

Published: Oct 10, 2024 by Lara Clevenger, Registered Dietitian This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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Why have a good meal when you can have a GREAT one? These 12 sides are all you need to add big flavor and make every meal a winner.

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Peppers and Onions. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions are sweet and full of flavor! They’re super simple to make and ready in just about 10 minutes. Cooking them in the Air Fryer is a breeze!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Air Fryer Radishes

Air Fryer Radishes with parsley, salt, and pepper in a white bowl with a spoon.
Air Fryer Radishes. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

These Air Fryer Radishes are super easy to prepare and need just a few ingredients. They make a fantastic low-carb, low-calorie side dish, adding a pop of color to your plate!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Radishes

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A bowl of Mexican street corn salad featuring corn kernels, diced red bell peppers, green onions, cilantro, cotija cheese, and sliced jalapeños, garnished with lime wedges on the side—one of the 13 sizzling Fourth of July recipes you'll love.
Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo Credit: The Crumby Kitchen.

When you're ready to shake up your menu, a bowl of Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad is just what you need! This fun summer side dish features freshly grilled corn, ripe avocado chunks, juicy tomatoes, and all your favorite street corn toppings!

Get the Recipe: Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash on a white plate with parsley, salt, and pepper.
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is a tasty side dish and a simple low-carb recipe. It’s a fantastic alternative to pasta, perfect for those on a keto or paleo diet! Plus, it’s super easy to prepare and ready in under 20 minutes!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free)

Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free) on a white plate with parmesan cheese.
Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making asparagus in the air fryer is super quick and easy! In just 7 minutes, you’ll have crispy asparagus ready to enjoy. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle on some grated parmesan cheese!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free)

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower in a white bowl with butter, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

This Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower is absolutely delicious! It’s a fantastic low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes. You'll love its creamy texture and rich buttery garlic flavors in this cheesy cauliflower mash.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Blackstone Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Blackstone Brussel Spouts with bacon in a white bowl with a fork.
Blackstone Brussel Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Prepare tasty Brussels sprouts with bacon on your Blackstone Griddle! This side dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family!

Get the Recipe: Blackstone Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle on a white plate.
Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Cook perfectly tender zucchini on your Blackstone Griddle! They’re quick and easy to prepare, making for a healthy side dish. Plus, these Blackstone zucchini are low in carbs, making them great for keto or paleo diets!

Get the Recipe: Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts

Brussel Sprouts in a white bowl with a spoon.
Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Cooking frozen Brussels sprouts in the air fryer is so easy, you won't believe it! In just about 15 minutes, you can go from freezer to perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts!

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts

Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe

Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe in a white bowl with a spoon.
Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making broccoli on the Blackstone Griddle is a breeze! You’ll have deliciously tender broccoli ready in no time. It’s a fantastic keto recipe that pairs well with many proteins.

Get the Recipe: Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe

Blackstone Corn on the Cob

Close-up of three buttered corn cobs sprinkled with herbs, with one cob partially eaten, against a white background.
Blackstone Corn on the Cob. Photo Credit: Lara Clevenger.

Blackstone Corn on the Cob is a tasty and easy side dish! Cook sweet, juicy corn on your Blackstone griddle in no time. It’s perfect for any occasion!

Get the Recipe: Blackstone Corn on the Cob

Easy Baked Skillet Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese garnished with a small parsley leaf.
Easy Baked Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo Credit: The Crumby Kitchen.

Skillet Mac and Cheese baked in the oven is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any dinner occasion! Whether you’re feeding a dozen people at a holiday potluck or four at a summer cookout, this easy side dish is always a hit with the crowd.

Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Skillet Mac and Cheese

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Hi, I’m Lara, a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer with a passion for food and travel.

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The information presented on this web site is not intended to take the place of your personal physician’s advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Discuss this information with your own physician or healthcare provider to determine what is right for you. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. We cannot and do not give you medical advice. See my privacy policy.

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