Kale, broccoli, zucchini, we’ve got all the best recipes right here. Each one is healthy, easy, and radiating green. Sides are a fantastic way to sneak more veggies into your diet. And it doesn’t have to involve a long list of ingredients or a whole lot of fuss. You can make a quick side in just 5 minutes like sauteed snow peas. Or, you could go at it low and slow by crafting some authentic collard greens. Whatever your time or dinner menu needs, you’re guaranteed immune-boosting green veggies with these recipes.
1. Balsamic Roasted Green Vegetables
Grab a piece of paper and jot this one down. You’re about to be using it a lot. Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, mushrooms, and fennel roast in the oven. They get a coating of sweetened balsamic vinegar. Top the veggies with walnuts and parmesan or keep the recipe vegan and nut-free.
2. Sauteed Green Beans
Family dinners, Thanksgiving feasts, and lonely proteins are all made better with sauteed green beans. They have a simple seasoning of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Saute them with olive oil until you get them to your desired consistency and serve. I like mine tender and a little crisp, which only takes about 5 minutes.
3. Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
How do you get the family to consume their broccoli? By using Parmesan cheese! Sprinkle grated Parmesan all over the crispy florets and give them a squeeze of lemon. Roasting broccoli caramelizes it, making it taste even better than steaming. You also don’t have to hover over the stove because the oven takes care of the cooking for you. The process and the ingredients are both very simple. And it goes with just about everything.
4. Perfect Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is perfect in and of itself. However, there is a method to the madness despite its simplicity. You’ll want to cut off a bit of the base, as it tends to be tough and woody. Next, toss those spears in olive oil, but not too much. You want them to be crisp and tender, not soggy. Depending on the thickness, they’ll need to roast anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Sauteed Spinach
Sauteed spinach is a classic that never goes out of style. Garlicky, buttery, and lemony, it’s surprisingly tasty given its simplicity. Plus, it’s a superfood, so it’s very good for you. Pair it with roasted chicken, juicy pork chops, fresh cod, or a protein of your choosing. I also like to add a side of mashed potatoes to make it a full spread.
6. 10-Minute Garlic Kale
Here’s another flawless leafy green side. You saute kale in olive oil with garlic and red pepper chili flakes. Since you cook it in a healthy fat, the entire dish is nothing but nutritious. It only takes 10 minutes, so it will be a lifesaver time and time again.
7. Easy Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles
Can’t get the kids or stubborn adults to eat their green veggies? Here’s a recipe that works every time. You make a mess of zoodles and toss them with garlic and parmesan cheese. The whole thing takes roughly 10 minutes and you don’t need a ton of ingredients. Although, you could add some blistered tomatoes and leftover chicken to make it a full meal.
8. Crunchy Baked Broccoli
Even the biggest naysayers won’t be able to resist this broccoli. Crunchy, tender, garlicky, and cheesy, these baked florets are super delish. Serve them to your family and watch them gobble these up bite after bite without a single complaint.
9. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
I admit it. I’m addicted to these sprouts! I know not everyone is keen on this green veggie. But if you even semi-remotely like it, you’ll be excited about this. The air fryer cooks them so they’re tender and crisp. And the creamy sauce coats them in yumminess.
10. Baked Zucchini Fries
Fries are fun. So why not get creative with it? These zucchini fries are healthier than regular ones because they’re not submerged in a vat of grease. And they’re low-carb, too. Plus, you get to snack on zucchini! Tender and crisp, coat them in a breadcrumb mixture, and bake them.
11. Southern Collard Greens
You can’t make a proper Southern supper without a side of collard greens. And these are legit! The collards braise with ham hock and everything! Authentic collards like this don’t come together quickly. But that’s okay. It gives you more time to prepare your soul food spread.
12. Garlic Butter Sauteed Zucchini
This recipe had me at zucchini! But then it adds garlic and butter to the mix. How is one to say no to that?! This 10-minute recipe is just about as quick and healthy as green sides get.
13. Sauteed Cabbage
Cabbage might not be everyone’s favorite green. Yet, it’s remarkable what you can do to this dense veggie once you give it a saute. It becomes tender and incredibly flavorful thanks to butter, apple cider vinegar, and thyme. It’s a nice addition to a holiday spread and a quick fix for adding a low-calorie, high-nutrient side to family dinners. If you wanted, you could even add a protein like chicken or sausage to the pan and turn it into a gratifying meal all in itself.
14. Broccolini
Broccolini is more than just fancy-sounding broccoli. The loose florets and long stalks have a distinct texture and slightly sweeter flavor. Steam them until the stalks are fork-tender, then flavor them with butter and garlic. It’s a low-calorie side that takes minimal work and few ingredients. And you can pair it with Asian, Italian, American, and even Mexican food if you like.
15. Easy Snow Peas
So you have dinner on the table, and it just dawns on you that you forgot a side. That’s when these easy snow peas will come to your rescue! Their delicate crunch and sweet flavor go great with a variety of dishes. I love them with Asian food, short ribs, baked salmon, and pasta. But really, I just love them in general! They take a mere 5 minutes, and you can season them any way you like.
16. Thai Stir-Fried Greens with Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce is a magical ingredient that instantly transforms greens into an irresistible side. Mix it with fish sauce, water, and sugar. Then, slather it all over your sturdy green of choice. Whether you’re making firecracker chicken or simple tofu, you’ll want this one for all your Asian proteins.
17. Spring Steamed Vegetables with Feta
When in doubt, add cheese! Creamy, tangy, and sharp feta has the bite your green veggies need. There’s no need to go overboard with it. This isn’t about gooey cheese-bomb veggies. Rather, it’s about relishing in the flavor of your greens with a bit of dairy to accentuate the flavor. So for this one, use the best steam-able greens like asparagus, green beans, snap peas, and broccoli. Click on a star to rate it!
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