15 Healthy Summer Side Dishes

Written on 06/05/2016
BettyRocker

healthy side dishesI wanted to share some delicious, healthy recipes with you for Summer!

The girls and I scoured the world wide web to put together some Betty Rocker approved dishes for you to try – they’re all gluten free, dairy free, made with whole food ingredients – and should give you a nice broad spectrum of options.

I hope you find a couple new ideas for your Summer cooking that inspire you from some of our favorite food bloggers!

I know how much it means to me when you tell me that you tried my recipes and inspires me to keep making more yummy things to share, so when you visit, let the bloggers know you were there by commenting on their posts and letting them know who sent you.

Let me know what your favorites are, and how you’re doing!


15 Summer Side Dishes


Curried Roasted Carrots

Curried Roasted Carrots from Once Upon a Chef

I love this recipe because it’s simple, fresh and bursting with bright flavors. It really puts a unique twist on your average roasted vegetable side dish! This recipe would go great with grilled chicken this summer.

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


Summer Vegetable Saute

Summer Vegetable Saute from Garlic and Zest

I love the mix of summer vegetables in this dish – it is perfect for a light dinner with baked fish or chicken. The addition of fresh basil really makes these flavors pop and lends some serious nutrient power. Basil is known for it’s heart health benefits as well as it’s anti-inflammatory properties.

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


Zucchini Pasta with Cashew Cream Sauce

Zucchini Pasta with Cashew Cream Sauce from The Fitnessista

This recipe really caught my eye because I LOVE zoodles (zucchini noodles)! I am a huge fan of sundried tomatoes so I like the addition of those in this recipe – it pairs perfectly with the creamy cashew sauce.

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


Sundried Tomato Tuna Salad

Sundried Tomato Tuna Salad from The Betty Rocker

Speaking of sundried tomatoes, here is one my absolute favorite recipes. I make this all the time for a quick snack, but it’s also great as a side dish! You can also easily make different variations and use different vegetables as a “plate”.

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


Grilled Peaches and Cherries

Grilled Peaches and Cherries from Home Cooking Memories

Just the name of this recipe instantly brings summer to mind (and has me drooling!). There is something about grilling fruit that brings out its natural sweetness – and makes it EXTRA yummy. You can try this as a side dish, or make it super decadent by pairing it with ice cream for dessert.

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


Horseradish Potato Salad

Horseradish Potato Salad from Gluten Free Goddess

It’s almost impossible to find a good, healthy potato salad recipe without a bunch of dairy and mayonnaise, so I was very happy to find this one. This would be a great side dish to bring to your next summer BBQ!

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


Vegan Caesar Salad

Vegan Caesar Salad from Craftsy

The beautiful, crunchy roasted chickpeas and almonds really caught my eye with this recipe. This takes a regular caesar salad to a whole new level of delicious! I love that this recipe uses avocado oil – if you’ve followed my blog you know how much I love using it.

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


Beet and Green Apple Salad

Beet and Apple Salad from Stupid EasyPaleo

What a beautiful, crunchy salad that is perfect for summer! Beets are incredible for assisting your body’s natural detoxification process. The slightly tanginess of the apple really complements the earthy beet flavor.

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


Tropical Kale Salad

Tropical Kale Salad from Oh She Glows

I love this combination of flavors – mango, banana, pineapple and coconut – it makes me feel like I’m on a vacation somewhere tropical, like Hawaii. The creamy pineapple coconut dressing just adds the best flavor and texture to this already delicious mix!

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


Summer Spinach Berry Salad

Summer Spinach Berry Salad from Foodie Crush

This recipe is so beautiful, tasty and simple. Spinach and berries are 2 amazing powerhouse foods – both are high in anti-inflammatory nutrients. You can get creative with this recipe and try different combinations of berries!

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


Dairy Free Nacho Cheese Dip

Dairy Free Nacho Cheese Dip from Primally Inspired

Who doesn’t love nacho cheese dip?! This is a super healthy dip made with sweet potato and nutritional yeast instead of fake processed cheese product like most nacho cheese. I love the addition of the spices to give it a unique flavor.

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


Zucchini Pasta Pesto

Zucchini Pasta Pesto from Cook Eat Paleo

I love zoodles so much, I had to include another recipe that included them! If you’ve done any of my meal plans, you know how much I love the herb-packed pestos…they pack a HUGE nutritional punch! The roasted garlic in this pesto brings out a deep flavor that raw garlic doesn’t give.

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


Roasted Carrot Summer Rolls

Roasted Carrot Summer Rolls from Naturally Ella

This recipe is great because it combines the crunchy texture of the carrots and cabbage with the soft rice paper and tangy sauce. It would be perfect with an asian-marianated steak or chicken dish!

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


Spicy Fruit Salad

Spicy Fruit Salad from Minimalist Baker

I love the sweet and spicy flavors of this fresh summer salad! It would be perfect on a hot summer day for a picnic or family get together. And the tangy lime juice really makes a perfect trio of flavors – spicy, sweet, tangy!

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


Roasted Artichokes with Garlic

Roasted Artichokes with Garlic from The Almond Eater

These roasted artichokes are so simple, yet super delicious and a perfect side dish for summer! I love the use of fresh lemon and thyme – those flavors are magical together.

CLICK HERE TO GET THIS RECIPE


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