Tastiest Veggie Sides
The leaves are turning, the breeze feels crisp, and the temps are lowering — it’s official, fall is finally here. Say goodbye to the pool, to sunny days and long evenings, and sadly, our veggie gardens. We’ve rounded up veggie side recipes to inspire you to use the last of what you’ve planted and harvested, as well as take advantage of the autumnal harvest at the last of the farmer’s markets and CSA box, if you’re lucky enough to get one!
Scrumptious Staples Turned Delicious
It is a universally acknowledged fact that putting parmesan on vegetables makes them one- thousand-times more delicious. Now that we can finally turn on our ovens without worrying about heating up the whole house, get those veggies roasting! Not only is roasting basically the easiest way to prepare large amounts of veggies, the crisp, seared texture it brings is so yummy! Try oven-baked green beans with parmesan cheese for a healthy side dish that will have you reaching for seconds. Lemon and garlic make roasted broccoli extra flavorful, with just a hint of tang to enhance the earthiness of the crunchy florets.
If you’re in the mood to kick things up a notch and toss the idea of “healthy” out the door in favor of “mouth-watering,” we’ve got two words for you: bacon and cheddar. When that magical combination is paired with cauliflower, you have the makings for one of the most addicting loaded side dishes ever.
Add a little style to an otherwise average meal accessory with Tuscan-style roasted carrots from Family Feast. The secret is adding balsamic vinegar to the carrots until the vinegar evaporates and starts to caramelize, transforming the simple root vegetable into a dish you’ll be requested to make time and time again.
Versatile Veggie Dishes
We love a versatile veggie, especially one that’s packed with nutrients and is easy to grow. If your garden was overtaken by kale this year, welcome to the club! Kale has a much stronger flavor than your average lettuce, so featuring it appropriately in a dish is key! Kale can be served fairly simply, just sautéed with garlic and olive oil for a twist on your average side salad, but why not kick things up a notch with something different? Add roasted chickpeas and parmesan for a kale Caesar salad worthy of a main course. Toss it with quinoa, bell pepper, onion, and feta for a flavor-packed side salad unlike any other.
Do you ever get in a veggie rut? You make them one way and never get out of your comfort zone. Take radishes, for example. Sure, they add a peppery bite into a salad, especially when paired with cucumbers and dill, but have you ever tried them roasted? Roasted radishes turn juicy and sweet, and they pair perfectly with feta and a vinaigrette for a side you’ll want to devour.
Harvest Dishes Packed with Fresh Veggies
Take full advantage of all the impressive harvest fare by combining your favorite veggies for delectable sides full of fresh flavor in every bite. Brussels sprouts, kale, and apples harmonize perfectly, and adding cheddar, bacon, and pecans turns the trio into a superfood group. Step out of the box with a roasted root vegetable salad with chimichurri — trust us, the zesty sauce is everything we never knew our harvest veggies needed.
Gourmet Kitchens at Colliers Hill
Putting together a tasty and healthy meal is easy in your very own gourmet kitchen outfitted with all the latest appliances and thoughtfully designed touches like kitchen islands and walk-in pantries. You’ll love living and growing your garden in our master-planned community, Colliers Hill, one of the safest and fastest-growing communities in Northern Colorado! With dozens of floor plans from Richmond American, Century Communities, and coming soon — K.B. Home, you’ll find plenty of variety to suit your budget and style, starting in the high $300s.