Nutritious Side Dishes: SparkRecipes SlideShow

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Nutritious Side Dishes

By Megan Patrick, Staff Writer

Turn a beautiful piece of grilled fish or baked chicken into a filling meal by adding one of these 14 healthy side dishes. Full of flavor but not fat, they pair well with any kind of protein you enjoy.

Italian Vegetable Bake

Italian Vegetable Bake is a colorful, low-sodium cholesterol-free side that is prepared without any added fat but lots of flavor from herbs. You could even serve this over whole-wheat pasta for a filling vegetarian main course.

37 calories, .2 grams fat

Wonderful Stuffed Potatoes

Wonderful Stuffed Potatoes, filled with seasoned cottage cheese, are a lavish low-fat, low-cholesterol, and low-sodium treat. Serve with grilled chicken breast slices for a hearty meal.

305 calories, 1.4 grams fat

Boston Baked Beans

These slow-cooker Boston Baked Beans can easily be made vegetarian by skipping the bacon--they'll still be full of protein and fiber!

170 calories, .8 grams fat

Broiled Asparagus

Adding a squeeze of lemon just before serving will bring out the wonderful flavors of Broiled Asparagus. When the weather is warm, take this recipe outside to the grill for a special treat!

57 calories, 3.8 grams fat

Grilled Corn with Lime Butter

This Grilled Corn with Lime Butter recipe can also be made using the broiler if the weather isn't right for outdoor cooking.

97 calories, 3.3 grams fat


Parmesan Rice & Pasta Pilaf

Sauteing the rice and onion adds tons of flavor to this Parmesan Rice & Pasta Pilaf without adding much fat.

84 calories, 3.2 grams fat

Roasted Broccoli

Roasting broccoli in the oven gives it a toasted, nutty flavor that even "broccoli haters" will enjoy. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the veggies just before serving for an even livelier taste.

74 calories, 5.1 grams fat

Roasted Red Potatoes

Garlic, paprika and lemon turn traditional Roasted Red Potatoes into a memorable side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken or beef.

200 calories, 9.8 grams fat


Cauliflower 'Mashed Potatoes'

If mashed potatoes don't work for your eating plan, try Cauliflower "Mashed Potatoes" instead. You'll be surprised by the creamy texture and satisfying flavor.

69 calories, 4.3 grams fat


Garden Potato Salad

Low-fat cottage cheese is the secret to the dressing in this delicious and simple summer Garden Potato Salad.

100 calories, .2 grams fat

Garlic-Spike Broccoli and Mushrooms with Rosemary

Elevate steamed broccoli into a delicious, elegant side perfect for special dinners with this Garlic-Spiked Broccoli and Mushrooms with Rosemary recipe.

56 calories, 2.7 grams fat

Light and Spicy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Coriander and cumin pair perfectly with sharp Cheddar in Light and Spicy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, a modern spin on traditional scalloped potatoes.

140 calories, 4.2 grams fat

Veggie-licious Guacamole

Serve this Veggie-licious Guacamole with carrot, celery and cucumber slices instead of tortilla chips for healthy side or appetizer that's big on flavor.

81 calories, 6.7 grams fat

Beet and Wheat Berry Salad

Hearty wheat berries and sweet beets are dressed up with a tangy vinaigrette in Beet and Wheat Berry Salad with Spinach and Parmesan, a side that's so filling it could easily be a main dish.

141 calories, 5 grams fat