17 side dishes that make healthy eating delicious

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Side dishes can turn any meal into something special. These options add variety and flavor while keeping things balanced and wholesome. Perfect for busy nights or weekend gatherings, they bring fresh ideas to your table. Healthy eating feels easier when the sides are just as enjoyable as the main course.

Keto French Fries on the table with ketchup and mayo.
Crispy Low Carb French Fries. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Best Salsa

Salsa in a container with chips around.
Best Salsa. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

If you’re aiming for a healthier snack option, Best Salsa might just be what you need. Its fresh flavor can liven up any dish without adding too many calories. This salsa brings a kick that is hard to resist and can turn a simple meal into something special. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy flavorful eating while keeping health in mind.
Get the Recipe: Best Salsa

Fried Cheese Balls

Keto Fried Cheese Balls with parsley.
Fried Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Fried Cheese Balls offer a unique twist for those seeking a nutritious yet indulgent side dish. While cheese is the star, this recipe manages to keep things lighter than you might expect. Serve these golden, crispy treats at your next gathering, and watch them disappear fast. They prove that you can still enjoy fried foods with a healthy eating plan.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cheese Balls

Faux Potato Salad

A white bowl of potato salad with mayonnaise.
Faux Potato Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

You won’t even miss the traditional version with Faux Potato Salad. This dish is packed with flavor and is a clever way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. It’s creamy and fulfilling, making it a hit at any table it graces. This salad is a testament to how creative you can be with healthy ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

Cheese Puffs in a bowl with fresh parsley.
Cheese Puffs Air Fryer. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Cheese Puffs Air Fryer are the epitome of comfort food without the extra oil usually required. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside, making them a crowd-pleaser. Ideal for those cosy nights in, they pair wonderfully with your favorite films. This is a way to treat yourself to something special while keeping it light.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing in a glass bowl with sticks of veggies.
Homemade Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Homemade is always better, and Homemade Ranch Dressing is no exception. This recipe allows you to control what goes into your dressing, avoiding preservatives and additives. It’s versatile, working well with salads, snacks, and as a dip. Enjoying this healthier version will make you rethink store-bought dressings entirely.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ranch Dressing

Purple Pickled Daikon Radish

Purple daikon in a bowl on a white background.
Purple Pickled Daikon Radish. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Adding a pop of color to your meals, Purple Pickled Daikon Radish brings both visual appeal and unique flavors. This side dish is not only attractive but also packed with health benefits. It’s a conversation starter, thanks to its vibrant hue and tangy taste. Plus, it’s a simple way to include more fermented foods in your diet.
Get the Recipe: Purple Pickled Daikon Radish

FDL’S 75 Best Bites

FDL's best bites tasty recipes.
FDL’S 75 Best Bites. Photo credit: Food Drink Life.

Our cookbook with 75 tasty recipes will be your go-to kitchen companion for easy dinners with ad-free recipes right at your fingertips. Crafted by experienced chefs and recipe developers, this collection offers a treasure trove of tried-and-true dishes that make mealtime a breeze.
Get the Recipe: FDL’S 75 Best Bites

Steamed Artichoke

An artichoke in a bowl with lemon slices and a fork.
Steamed Artichoke. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

If you haven’t tried Steamed Artichoke as a side dish, you’re missing out on a nutritious treat. This method of preparation retains its natural flavors and nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. It’s surprisingly filling and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new favorite vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichoke

Homemade Curd Cheese

Curd cheese inside a cup with frozen berries.
Homemade Curd Cheese. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Homemade Curd Cheese is simpler to make than you might think and incredibly versatile. It’s a healthier alternative to store-bought cheeses, with the added benefit of knowing exactly what you’re consuming. Use it in salads, spread it on crackers, or enjoy it as is. This is a rewarding DIY kitchen project with delicious results.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Curd Cheese

Avocado Egg Salad

Avocado Egg Salad on a salad leaves.
Avocado Egg Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A creamy, delicious twist on the classic egg salad is Avocado Egg Salad. Its rich texture and nutritious profile make it a fantastic option for sandwiches or as a side. This dish proves that simple ingredients can create something wonderfully satisfying. It’s a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Rutabaga Fries

Rutabaga Fries serves in a glass.
Rutabaga Fries. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Rutabaga Fries are a fantastic alternative to traditional French fries. Baked to perfection, they offer a satisfying crunch with fewer carbs. This side dish is a clever way to sneak more vegetables into your meals. They’re so delicious, even kids will love them, making them a win-win for healthy family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Rutabaga Fries

Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling

Keto steamed bread on a wooden board sliced.
Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Enjoy a comforting side that complements any stew or soup wonderfully with Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone watching their carbohydrate intake but still craving the coziness of bread. They’re light, fluffy, and surprisingly simple to make. This dish will keep you warm and satisfied on chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling

Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Baked Riced Cauliflower in a bowl with a spoon.
Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower is a versatile side that can easily take the place of grains in any meal. Its mild flavor makes it a perfect base for a variety of seasonings and toppings. Healthy and hearty, it’s a side dish that lands on the table with ease. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy comfort food while keeping it nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Easy Guacamole Dip with Sour Cream

Guacamole Dip with Sour Cream in a bowsl with chips.
Easy Guacamole Dip with Sour Cream. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

For a creamy dip that pairs well with everything, Easy Guacamole Dip with Sour Cream is your go-to. This blend is smoother and richer, adding a new dimension to the classic guacamole. It’s perfect for gatherings or enjoying a quiet night at home. This dip invites you to enjoy fresh flavors in a health-conscious way.
Get the Recipe: Easy Guacamole Dip with Sour Cream

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Coconut Cauliflower Rice inside golden plate with lime slices.
Coconut Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Coconut Cauliflower Rice transforms a simple side into something exotic. This dish brings a hint of tropical flair to your meal, without the need for a passport. It’s a creative way to enjoy vegetables, making it ideal for people of all ages. Plus, it introduces a new flavor profile that will keep your meals exciting.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish

Chicken mu in a brown bowl.
Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

You bring a bit of international cuisine right into your kitchen with Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish. This side dish is crunchy, tangy, and refreshing. It pairs exceptionally well with heavier dishes, providing a delicious contrast. Explore new flavors and give your meals a healthy, flavorful boost.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish

Crispy Low Carb French Fries

Keto French Fries on the table with ketchup and mayo.
Crispy Low Carb French Fries. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Crispy Low Carb French Fries marry the desire for crunch with the need for health. They’re oven-baked, making them a superior choice for anyone monitoring their fat intake. This dish proves that you don’t need to sacrifice favorites to keep things healthy. Enjoy them anytime for a comforting yet lighter option.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Low Carb French Fries

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe Skewers Style

Bacon wrapped brussels sprouts on skewers.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe Skewers Style. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Bring a playful twist to a nutritious vegetable with Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe Skewers Style. This combination of flavors makes for an irresistible side dish that even skeptics will enjoy. It’s a novel way to present a vegetable, making it approachable and fun. This side can easily become the highlight of your winter meals, offering warmth and satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe Skewers Style

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