10+ Veggie Side Dish Recipes to Serve with Pasta

Balsamic-Parmesan Sautéed Spinach

Tender spinach with a hint of garlic, Parmesan cheese and sweet balsamic vinegar makes a quick and flavorful side dish. The sturdy leaves of mature spinach hold up best during cooking.

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02 of 15

Sautéed Oyster Mushrooms with Garlic Butter

a recipe photo of the SautÃ©ed Oyster Mushrooms with Garlic Butter — Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Joseph Wanek

This oyster mushroom recipe is quick, easy and versatile. Serve them on their own, or spin them into a vegetarian main dish by using them as a topping for creamy polenta or farro. The trick to super-savory mushrooms is not crowding the pan while they cook. We brown the mushrooms in two batches and add the garlic and butter in the last step to maximize the flavor.

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03 of 15

Garlic-Butter Green Beans

These no-fuss green beans are smothered in melted garlic butter and mixed with fresh herbs. They pair with everything, from steak to chicken and seafood. Steaming them before sautéing results in the perfect tender-crisp texture without the risk of burning them in the pan.

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04 of 15

Roasted Kalettes

Kalettes, a cross between kale and Brussels sprouts, cook quickly in a hot oven in this easy vegetable side dish recipe.

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05 of 15

Citrus-Arugula Salad

This easy salad recipe makes a stunning side dish for anything you've got cooking for dinner. The bright flavor of the citrus pairs perfectly with peppery arugula and avocado, plus a bit of jalapeño for a slight kick.

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06 of 15

Asparagus with Balsamic & Parmesan

a recipe photo of the Quick & Easy Asparagus with Balsamic and Parmesan — Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Elevate your main course with these tender-crisp asparagus spears drizzled with a glossy balsamic glaze and topped with Parmesan cheese. Try to find asparagus spears that are a medium thickness—slightly larger around than a pencil. Although thinner or thicker asparagus will work, be mindful that the cooking time may differ.

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07 of 15

Zucchini & Mushroom Sauté

Serve this simple side dish with grilled turkey burgers. Other fresh herbs, like thyme or oregano, work well too.

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08 of 15

Balsamic & Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

This healthy side dish recipe couldn't be simpler--or more delicious. Broccoli is roasted until brown and crispy, then topped with Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar for a savory and sweet flavor combination that can't be beaten. Try this quick vegetable dish along with chicken, fish or really any main course. It's also great in salads or warm grain bowls. Tip: Preheating the pan helps the broccoli to brown and develop nutty flavors.

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09 of 15

Broccolini Amandine

a recipe photo of the Broccoli Amandine — Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Perfectly steamed broccolini seasoned with a nutty, buttery almond topping in just 10 minutes is a side dish that can't be beat. Broccolini is a bit milder and sweeter than broccoli and, because its stalks are thinner, broccolini requires less prep work than broccoli. However, if the stalks are thicker than 1/2 inch, cut them in half lengthwise. Pair this quick side dish with everything from pan-seared fish to roasted chicken.

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10 of 15

Simple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts have surged in popularity recently and it's easy to understand why. They're high in nutrients while low in calories and can be prepared quickly in a variety of ways--baked, steamed, and even eaten raw! This simple side dish recipe serves up roasted sprouts seasoned with just a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

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11 of 15

Sautéed Cabbage

This easy side dish takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. You can enjoy sautéed cabbage simply cooked with butter and onion or jazz it up with one of the variations (see below). Enjoy all the versions of this quick side dish with roasted pork or chicken.

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12 of 15

Purslane, Cucumber & Tomato Salad with Mint

Purslane is a nutrient-packed green with a bright, lemony flavor and delicate crunch. Many gardeners in the U.S. consider it a weed, but Cypriots use it to make refreshing salads. If it isn't growing in your own yard, try calling a local vegetable farmer, who might be pleased to give some away, or you can order it from melissas.com or chefs-garden.com. Watercress makes a peppery substitute in this simple salad recipe.

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13 of 15

Broccoli Rabe with Olives & Garlic (Broccoli di Rape Stufati)

In this healthy Italian vegetable side recipe, garlic, olives and olive oil tone down broccoli rabe's bitterness a bit. Serve with your favorite Italian pasta, chicken or steak.

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14 of 15

Basic Green Salad with Vinaigrette

Make a larger batch of this basic vinaigrette to have on hand for salads throughout the week.

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15 of 15

Broiled Broccolini

This broiled broccolini recipe is the answer when you're looking for a quick vegetable side dish. Broccolini is a bit sweeter and more tender than broccoli, and tastes delicious when broiled quickly and topped with chopped walnuts.

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