With the end of the holiday season and the beginning of the New Year, the first thing on people’s to-do lists is often meal planning. After a full month of indulging yourself with all that turkey and dessert, we’re all craving a healthy dose of vegetables. Whether you’re entertaining this winter or just cooking up some delicious meals for yourself, you’ll want to make sure your veggies pack a punch and stand out just as much as the main course.
Preparation, as well all know, is key to a successful social meal. If you’re hosting, try to make sure your side dishes are well-rounded, colourful, and allergy friendly, and if you’re bringing a dish to contribute, be sure to coordinate with the other guests. Whenever possible, think about components you can make ahead of time to help save you stress in the kitchen (e.g. dressings, sauces, dips, etc.).
Below, you’ll find five vegetarian side dishes that will pair perfectly with any winter entrée. These are all great options if you’re looking to upgrade your steamed vegetables, try something new, or just lighten up your dinner fare. Each recipe takes less than 50 minutes to make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Crispy Garlic Brussel Sprouts with Sriracha Aioli
This dish features pan-fried greens, giving you all the crunch without the calories. Paired with a creamy dipping sauce, it’s sure to make any brussel sprout skeptic change their mind. Get the recipe at Minimalist Baker.
Crispy Sea Salt and Vinegar Roasted Potatoes
These potatoes are soaked in a vinegar bath before roasting to give them an intense flavour boost. Sprinkle them with fresh rosemary before serving to finish off this classic combination. Get the recipe at Host the Toast.
Melting Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Pecan Sauce
The butter in this dish is key to giving the sweet potatoes that caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Drizzle them with reduced maple syrup and pecans, and you’ll want to make this dish all year-round. Get the recipe at Dessert for Two.
Honey Butter Roasted Acorn with Burrata and Pomegranate
You can’t beat the combination of acorn squash, butter, and brown sugar. Top it with burrata cheese, pomegranates, and chopped hazelnuts and you have yourself a show-stealing side. Get the recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Roasted Cauliflower, Mushroom, and Wild Rice Stuffing
What’s a more wintery side dish than stuffing? Roasted vegetables, rice, and soup stock combine to create a hearty, flavourful, and low-carb version of this holiday favourite. Bonus: it’s vegan and gluten-free. Get the recipe at Gimme Some Oven.
