Side Dishes that are Tasty and Easy to Prepare
I thought this week you might like some tips and recipes for a bunch of side dishes to prepare. My rules for a side dish are:
Must be Tasty
Must be EASY to prepare.
Ain't nobody got time to spend on making a side dish with 10,0000 ingredients, some of which you may never use again (hello, Saffron!).
For some reason, side dishes for me sometimes are a little harder to come by or dream up or even prepare. Today, I have gathered up some of Sursee Gal's Favorites, and by that I mean; I have tried them- several times, and others have tried, and they have received a big Yes!
Gals, remember if your dish does not receive a big yes from you or the majority of your people, toss the recipe! We do not keep recipes that are kind of good. I would not toss if your four year old bolted from the table, but if you don't like it or it was too labor intensive or just was kind of meh....toss. Even if it is one of these below. Life is too short to cook recipes that don't work for you.
So here we go...in no certain order. Enjoy the magic of the Veggie Side Dish!
Creamy Tomato, Onion, Cucumber Salad
This is a great way to use up your last tomatoes, onions and cucumbers. So easy, really tasty.
an Avocado Bar
I have used this for a Baby Shower and a Christmas Eve family get together, but why not use it for a week night meal? It is easy, allows your guest choose the toppings. Only thing to remember is you have to buy your avocados ahead and let them ripen. Once they get a little soft, put them in the frig, and they will last a lot longer.
Charlie Bird's Farro Salad
I have come to love farro. The packaging calls it the Ancient Grain- a mainstay of the daily diet in ancient Rome. I feel so wise and wizened when I eat this....Ha, ha. It is very easy to prepare in the Instant Pot or on the stove top. This recipe has a nice addition of the apple cider as the liquid which adds a piquant flavor to a very humble, wise salad.
Coconut Black Bean Rice
This is one of my go- tos with Fish, Tacos, and Grilled meats. You can leave the black beans out if you don't like or have problems with beans. This recipe is a great addition to the table for the Vegetarians that join you.
Smitten Kitchen Roasted Carrots with lots of yummy things
I have made this recipe several times. One daughter- in- law said it was one of the favorite dishes I prepared in the months of cooking and helping with a new baby. I have made with baby carrots and regular big carrots.
Easy Scalloped Potatoes
So easy, pretty and all over delicious. Have Muffin Tin, will travel.
Veggie Saute
Maybe the easiest recipe on here. And you can use any veggies you have in the frig or need to use up.
Lemony Zucchini Salad
Delightfully fresh and only has two ingredients really-- Lemons and Zucchini.
Green Salad
Just your friendly reminder that a Green Salad is always the easiest Side Dish to prepare and is good for all ages. The littles will love dredging it with Ranch Dressing. The big people will enjoy any of the extra veggies you throw in. Use a simple vinaigrette of Olive oil and White Wine Balsamic vinegar, Salt and Pepper and you are ready for showtime. Reminder. I almost always serve a green salad. BAM>
Smashed Taters by 1/2 Baked Harvest
Y'all, I made this for our Easter lunch this year, but you could make for an easy win at supper or serve to your guests for the Big Deal Supper.
Smitten Kitchen's CornSalad with Chile and Lime
Recently made this and the Bear and I ate almost the whole thing....it was supposed to serve 6. Oops. Easy to make and delicious. I didn't roast the corn and it was still dee-Lish. Don't leave off the pickled red onions.....
Smitten Kitchen's Squash Potato Torte
Easy. Uses up squash or you could use zucchini. I did. Looks amazing. Tastes better. You will love this. I also think this would be so delicious for a brunch. Good for your vegetarians, too!
I hope this helps you with your meal planning this week. GO easy this week with the main dish:
Buy a rotisserie chicken. Grill some meat. Broil some fish.
Then experiment and have fun with the sides!
Tag me when you make one- #Heygalwhatsforsupper
I would love to hear what you are cooking!
XoXo