Adding sides doesn’t have to be a chore, and these easy and healthy side dish recipes prove it. They bring balance to any plate without extra effort or complicated steps. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, they make meals feel complete without adding stress. These sides pair with mains effortlessly and help round out weeknight dinners. You’ll wonder why you ever skipped them before.
Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
This honey-roasted butternut squash balances natural sweetness with just a hint of spice from cayenne. Roasting brings out tender, caramelized edges, and a sprinkle of feta adds a creamy contrast. It works well as part of easy and healthy side dish recipes for weeknight dinners. Each serving is only 1 Weight Watchers point, making it simple to include in a lighter meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
Stuffed Eggplant
Baked eggplant halves are filled with a savory Italian-style shredded chicken mix, then roasted until warm and tender. This dish is ready in just 35 minutes and keeps the chicken juicy inside. It’s a low-point option that feels hearty without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Eggplant
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes get a creamy filling with smoky turkey ham, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan, then topped with crunchy pecans. They bake until golden, offering a combination of soft and crisp textures in every bite. This Weight Watchers-friendly dish is perfect for prepping ahead and reheating.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Weight Watchers Spinach Balls
Small and perfectly portioned, these spinach balls are easy to grab for a snack or serve as an appetizer. Four balls count as just 2 points, so you can enjoy multiple servings without concern. They also freeze well, making them convenient for parties or quick bites.
Get the Recipe: Weight Watchers Spinach Balls
Greek Vegetable Casserole
Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes roast together in this simple casserole. The flavors meld naturally without heavy sauces, and it keeps the veggies tender yet structured. This dish is one of the easiest and healthiest side dish recipes to include in your weeknight rotation.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetable Casserole
Black Bean and Corn Salad
Black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables come together in a light, tangy dressing in this salad. It’s versatile enough to pair with chicken, fish, or tacos for a quick meal. This is a great addition to easy and healthy side dish recipes for anyone looking to add protein and fiber without extra fat.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salad
Tex-Mex Potato Salad
Roasted potatoes combine with creamy avocado, sweet corn, and sharp red onion in this flavorful salad. A touch of taco seasoning gives the dish a savory kick that pairs well with grilled meats. It’s a simple, low-point way to upgrade potato salad for weeknight meals or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Potato Salad
Weight Watchers Coleslaw
Shredded cabbage and carrots are coated in a Greek yogurt-based dressing with just a little light mayo for creaminess. Celery seed and vinegar add bright, tangy notes that balance the flavors. This coleslaw is just 1 point per serving, making it a perfect example of easy and healthy side dish recipes for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Weight Watchers Coleslaw
Mashed Cauliflower
Cauliflower is boiled and blended until smooth, creating a creamy mash that works as a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes. Add garlic, butter, or seasoning to taste for a side that pairs with meats or roasted vegetables. It reheats well, making it a convenient addition to any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower
Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are roasted until tender and coated with a light garlic and butter glaze for extra flavor. This side pairs well with seafood or poultry, offering a crisp-tender texture without heaviness. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but flavorful enough for company.
Get the Recipe: Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts
Healthy Green Bean Bake
This green bean bake keeps dinner simple without skimping on flavor. Fresh green beans are mixed with a creamy sauce and finished with a crunchy topping that holds up in the oven. You can prep it ahead and pop it in when needed. It’s an easy way to get vegetables on the table without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Green Bean Bake
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
Sweet potatoes and broccoli roast together until they hit the perfect balance of tender and slightly crisp. A touch of seasoning brings out their natural flavors, and it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You can serve it as a side for dinner or add it to grain bowls for lunch. Cleanup is quick, too, which is always a plus.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
Squash Casserole
Sweet potatoes and broccoli roast together until they hit the perfect balance of tender and slightly crisp. A touch of seasoning brings out their natural flavors, and it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You can serve it as a side for dinner or add it to grain bowls for lunch. Cleanup is quick, too, which is always a plus.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole
Cheesy Balsamic Asparagus
Tender asparagus gets coated with cheese and a touch of balsamic for a rich, flavorful side. A sprinkle of cranberries adds a hint of sweetness without being overpowering. The dish roasts quickly, so it’s ready in time for the main course. It works well for holiday meals or simple weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Balsamic Asparagus
Maple Glazed Squash and Apples
Butternut squash, apples, and onions roast in a sweet and lightly tangy maple glaze that caramelizes just right. The dish uses only a handful of ingredients and stays easy to prep. It pairs well with roasted meats or grains for a complete plate. Leftovers reheat well for lunches or quick dinners.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Squash and Apples
Roasted Vegetables
This mix of roasted vegetables is simple but full of flavor. Just chop, season, and roast until tender and lightly caramelized. They work well on their own, tossed in salads, or added to grains. The recipe is easy enough for weeknight meals and still impressive for guests.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetables
Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
Diced potatoes crisp up perfectly in the air fryer while staying soft inside. Season them however you like for a flexible side dish. They cook quickly, making them convenient for weeknight dinners. Pair them with eggs, chicken, or steak for a simple, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
Pumpkin and Beetroot Salad
Roasted pumpkin and beetroot combine with peppery arugula, feta, pine nuts, and pepitas for a hearty salad. A touch of maple vinaigrette brings everything together without being heavy. It’s quick to assemble and works well as a main or a side. The flavors balance sweet, salty, and earthy in each bite.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin and Beetroot Salad
Roasted Acorn Squash
Acorn squash gets tossed in spices and roasted until tender, then drizzled with tahini sauce for extra richness. It pairs perfectly with tofu or another plant-based protein. Prep stays straightforward, so it’s easy to include in weeknight meals. This side is filling without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Acorn Squash
Spinach Pear and Feta Salad
Fresh spinach mixes with crisp pear, feta, pomegranate arils, and walnuts for a salad that’s ready in five minutes. A balsamic vinaigrette ties the flavors together with a touch of tang. It works well as a light lunch or a starter for dinner. The mix of textures keeps every bite interesting.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Pear and Feta Salad
