16 Healthy Side Dishes That Are so Good They Will Take Over Your Plate

Add colour to your plate with this rainbow veggie salad that's full of vitamins, fibre, and lots of crunch. It's a simple side dish you can throw together in minutes that looks great and tastes even better.

Get the recipe: carrot and cabbage salad

For a hydrating recipe that's packed with protein, bring this quick black bean mango salad to your special outdoor spread — the addition of mango makes this dish feel extra summery. It's an easy make-ahead recipe everyone will love.

Get the recipe: black bean and mango salad

Many pasta salad recipes are high in fat (hello mayonnaise) and sodium. Swap out your standby by recipe for this fibre-filled side dish; crisp veggies, whole-wheat pasta, plus a tangy low-fat dressing come together to create a tasty pasta dish that's packed with vitamins A and C.

Get the recipe: tangy pasta salad

Eat the rainbow with this vibrant quinoa salad that brings a ton of veggies and delectable Asian-inspired dressing to the party. Be sure to save a lunch-size portion at home! This colourful salad will be gobbled up in no time.

Get the recipe: rainbow quinoa salad

When you toss in rich avocado and hydrating cukes, it take the classic caprese to whole other level — one that is healthy and refreshing. Follow this easy recipe for a nutrient-rich dish, and chances are high it will become a staple for your barbecue season.

Get the recipe: avocado cucumber caprese salad

The bulk of this tart and tasty dish is red cabbage, which not only registers just a blip on the carb scale, but is also packed with antioxidants. Dressed with lime juice and coriander, it's beyond refreshing.

Get the recipe: cabbage hemp salad

What can't the mighty cauliflower do? In this recipe, cauliflower takes the place of potatoes for antioxidant-rich salad. Trust us, you will not miss the spuds.

Get the recipe: cauliflower salad

This crowd-pleasing salad puts all our favourite ingredients into one incredible side dish: farro, avocado, kale, radishes, and more. The green goddess dressing will keep your guests coming back for more.

Get the recipe: kale and farro salad

This is the best use of leftover watermelon! We love adding it to the classic caprese for a hydrating side dish welcome on any picnic table.

Get the recipe: watermelon caprese salad

This dish is meal unto itself but pairs nicely with anything coming off the grill. The quinoa adds some extra protein to the dish and the tangy olives mix with fresh oregano for a taste of the Mediterranean.

Get the recipe: Mediterranean quinoa salad