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When your main dish is all about the protein—think steak, grilled tofu, salmon, or roast chicken—you need a side that brings balance without stealing the show. These 20 vegetable-based sides are just that.
They’re colorful, flavorful, and built to complement your protein powerhouse. Whether you want something roasted, sautéed, or fresh and crunchy, these veggies add nutrition and flair without weighing things down.
1. Garlic Roasted Broccoli
Crispy edges with bold garlic punch. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and a squeeze of lemon.
Roast at high heat until browned and crisp-tender. It’s bold enough for steak, light enough for fish.
2. Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Sticky, sweet, and perfectly charred. Halved Brussels sprouts get roasted until crisp, then tossed with balsamic reduction.
The glaze adds just enough sweetness to balance savory proteins like grilled chicken or pork chops.
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3. Sautéed Zucchini and Mushrooms
Soft, earthy, and surprisingly juicy. This side is quick and packed with umami.
Cooked in olive oil with garlic and herbs, the zucchini soaks up flavor while the mushrooms bring depth to your dish.
4. Cumin-Spiced Carrot Ribbons
Bright, fragrant, and full of texture. Use a vegetable peeler to create thin carrot ribbons.
Sauté lightly with cumin seeds and olive oil. It’s fast, colorful, and works beautifully with grilled meats or lentil dishes.
5. Lemon-Parmesan Asparagus
Crisp, cheesy, and citrusy. Roast or pan-sear asparagus with lemon zest and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
It’s a bright and snappy partner for any grilled protein or baked fish.
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6. Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
Fluffy, light, and veggie-loaded. Pulse cauliflower into rice-sized pieces, then sauté with onions, garlic, and herbs.
Add peas or diced peppers for extra color. It’s low-carb and still totally satisfying.
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7. Smashed and Roasted Baby Potatoes
Crispy outside, creamy inside. Boil baby potatoes, smash them gently, then roast with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic.
A perfect match for a seared protein—beef, chicken, or tempeh alike.
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8. Ginger-Sesame Green Beans
Snappy, savory, and Asian-inspired. Blanch green beans, then sauté in sesame oil with fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Perfect next to teriyaki salmon or tofu stir-fry.
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9. Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Thyme
Sweet, earthy, and visually stunning. Use multicolored carrots for that wow factor.
Roast until caramelized with olive oil and thyme. A naturally sweet side that pairs well with anything herby or roasted.
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10. Creamed Spinach (Lightened Up)
Rich, velvety, but not heavy. Sauté spinach with garlic and shallots, then stir in a touch of Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese.
It adds richness without overpowering your protein.
11. Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad
Smoky, fresh, and loaded with crunch. Charred corn and sliced zucchini get tossed with lime, cilantro, and feta.
It’s a fresh, tangy addition to any meaty or plant-based plate.
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12. Crispy Kale Chips
Crunchy, salty, and addictive. Bake kale with olive oil and sea salt until crisp.
These chips are great for texture contrast and go especially well with tender proteins like salmon or soft tofu.
13. Warm Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Earthy, tangy, and creamy. Roast beets until sweet and soft, then toss with arugula, goat cheese, and a splash of balsamic.
It’s a gorgeous, slightly decadent veggie side.
14. Chili-Lime Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Spicy, sweet, and zingy. Cut sweet potatoes into cubes, toss with chili powder, lime zest, and olive oil.
Roast until caramelized. The spice and acid brighten up heavier proteins.
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15. Shaved Fennel and Orange Salad
Crisp, juicy, and totally refreshing. Thinly sliced fennel and orange segments tossed with olive oil and sea salt create a bright palate cleanser.
Great next to grilled fish or rich meats.
16. Oven-Roasted Romanesco
Crunchy florets with fractal flair. This cousin of broccoli gets crispy edges and a nutty taste when roasted.
Toss with lemon and chili flakes for an eye-catching, tasty side.
17. Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower
Golden, fragrant, and anti-inflammatory.
Cauliflower tossed with turmeric, cumin, and olive oil roasts to crispy perfection. It adds warmth and color to any lean meat or lentil main dish.
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18. Spicy Cabbage Slaw
Cool, crunchy, and a little kicky. Shredded cabbage dressed with lime, jalapeño, and cilantro is refreshing and bold.
A perfect cooling side for spicy grilled chicken or steak.
19. Grilled Bell Peppers with Garlic Oil
Sweet, smoky, and silky. Grill sliced bell peppers until tender and slightly charred, then drizzle with garlic-infused olive oil.
The natural sweetness works great with any rich, protein-heavy plate.
20. Mediterranean Cucumber-Tomato Salad
Juicy, herby, and cooling. Chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley get tossed with lemon and olive oil.
It’s crisp, refreshing, and the ideal contrast to grilled lamb or chicken.
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