Side dishes are basically an accompaniment to the main course in a meal. But you don’t have to go in for plain boring salads, noodles, pastas or potatoes as side dishes all the time. There are numerous sumptuous and delectable options that can be used as side dishes to enhance the flavor of your meal even more. Read on to know about some great and easy side dish ideas that you will love to serve to your family and friends.
- As mentioned above, apart from mashed potatoes and easy salads, you can also go in for exciting food items such as tacos. Although Mexican in origin, tacos have become an all-time favorite of food-lovers across the globe. Not only are they good in taste but tacos are also healthy because they are made of corn or wheat tortillas. You can have the filling of your choice which could include: chicken, beef, pork, vegetables or cheese etc.
- French fries are another very popular side dish that everyone loves to gorge on. The crispy potato fries are a good accompaniment with almost any fast food item such as burgers, pizza, sandwiches and macaroni etc. Steak fries are a very good option for people who love to eat non-vegetarian food.
- Salads can prove to be a great accompaniment for people who are very conscious about their health. Go in for dark leafy greens combined with crunchy vegetables such as sweet peppers, carrots, radish and broccoli etc. Low fat croutons can provide even more crunch to the salad. Just add olive oil and your favorite herbs to prepare the salad of your liking!
- Pasta and rice are other flavorful options for side dishes. For added taste, you can put some chopped fresh vegetables and dry fruits. Garnish with herbs and the cheese of your choice. Low-fat cheese could be a healthy alternative if you do not want the side dish to harm your health.
- You can substitute rice or pasta with many other options such as quinoa, bulgur or barley etc. Polenta, made from cornmeal is also a very tasty side dish and can substitute the French fries. It can be a good change from the regular side dishes.
You can definitely move away from clichés when it comes to cooking and serving side dishes. Also, side dishes do not have to be necessarily unhealthy. You can substitute simple ingredients with healthier options and come up with a side dish that is nutritious as well as easy on the palate.
