I know, I know—vegetables are good for you. They taste good and they’re healthy. But sometimes it’s nice to have something that’s a little more exciting than roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach. These five recipes make vegetables the star of the show in creative ways that will make you look forward to eating your greens (or legumes or grains).

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Feta and Pistachios

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Feta and Pistachios

Ingredients:

• 1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise (about 2 cups)
• 12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley leaves (optional)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place brussels sprouts in a large bowl; toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and salt to taste. Transfer to a baking sheet; spread out evenly on one side of pan. Add tomatoes; sprinkle with pepper and drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over top of vegetables, then arrange them in an even layer across from Brussels sprout side of pan so they are not touching each other or edges of pan. Roast until tender when pierced with fork but still firm enough for serving without falling apart (about 25 minutes). Remove from oven; let cool slightly before serving alongside feta cheese sprinkled liberally over top along with some chopped pistachios if desired!

Cauliflower Gratin

Cauliflower is a great source of vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system. Plus, it has a similar consistency to potatoes and can be used as a substitute for potatoes in many dishes. It’s also good for you because it has anti-inflammatory properties (which are especially helpful if you have arthritis).

Cauliflower Gratin: If you’re looking for healthy side dishes with vegetables that will go well with any meal, this recipe is perfect! It’s made with cauliflower instead of pasta or breadcrumbs so it contains fewer carbs but still tastes delicious!

Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Sriracha Mayo

If you love french fries, these sweet potato fries are for you. They’re baked in the oven and served with a spicy sriracha mayo dip for an extra kick.

The trick to making sweet potato fries is to cut them into thin strips so they cook evenly and quickly. You can choose whether or not to peel your potatoes before cutting them into strips–if they’re organic or not too dirty (i.e., if they haven’t been growing in mud), then it’s probably best not to peel them because that would remove some of their nutrients!

To make the sriracha mayo: In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; salt & pepper until well combined

Roasted Carrots with Garlic, Thyme and a Toss of Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, toss together carrots and 1 Tbsp olive oil until evenly coated; spread out in an even layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until tender but still firm, stirring halfway through cooking time if needed so all sides get browned and crispy at some point during roasting process (this will help them caramelize). Remove from oven; let cool about 5 minutes before tossing in remaining ingredients along with another drizzle of EVOO if desired.”

Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Hash with Apples, Walnuts and Feta

If you’re looking for a healthy side dish with vegetables that will appeal to all ages, this recipe is for you. It’s easy to make and can be made the day before serving it.

The brussels sprouts and butternut squash make a great combination of flavors and textures–the sweetness from the fruit balances out the bitterness from the Brussels sprouts. The nuts add crunchy goodness, while feta cheese adds saltiness and tanginess. And lemon juice gives this dish an extra kick in flavor!

These side dishes will make your meal complete.

These side dishes will make your meal complete.

These recipes are the perfect complement to any meal. And if you’re looking for more ways to incorporate vegetables into your diet, check out our other healthy side dish recipes here: https://thekitchn.com/article/10-healthier-option-for-your-side-dishes

Conclusion

We hope that you’ve enjoyed these healthy side dishes with vegetables. If you want to try out some more recipes with veggies, check out our other articles!