18 Simple Spring Side Dish Recipes to Complement Any Meal

A delicious side dish can make a meal super special. Just like a beautiful flower can make a garden look amazing, a simple side dish can make your meal look and taste great. You're about to find out the secret to making a fantastic side dish that will make your meal unforgettable.

Want to know the best part? You can easily make these side dishes at home with simple ingredients. Get ready to discover 18 easy and yummy side dish recipes that will complement any meal and make you a star in the kitchen!

1. Fresh Spring Greens Salad

Fresh Spring Greens Salad is a light and invigorating dish.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed spring greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed spring greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices.
2. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh mint over the top of the salad.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the salad immediately, garnished with additional fresh mint if desired.

2. Roasted Asparagus With Lemon

Roasted asparagus with lemon is a simple and flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh asparagus
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until tender.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with lemon zest and Parmesan cheese.
7. Squeeze the lemon juice over the asparagus and serve hot.

3. Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Colorful vegetables grilled to perfection on skewers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, onions)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread vegetables onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the vegetables.
5. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve hot and enjoy.

4. Quinoa and Mint Pilaf

Fresh quinoa pilaf infused with mint and lemon.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender.
4. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the fresh mint leaves and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
6. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and stir in the cooked mint, lemon juice, and salt.
7. Serve the quinoa and mint pilaf hot or at room temperature.

5. Steamed Carrots With Ginger

Delicious and healthy steamed carrots with a hint of ginger flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 large carrots
• 2 inches fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Peel and chop the carrots into bite-sized sticks.
2. Peel and slice the ginger into thin pieces.
3. Fill a pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and place a steamer basket over the pot.
5. Add carrots and ginger to the steamer basket.
6. Cover the pot and steam for 10-12 minutes or until carrots are tender.
7. Remove from heat and top with butter, salt, and pepper.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

6. Sauteed Spinach With Garlic

Sauteed spinach with garlic is a quick and flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 package fresh spinach
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring constantly.
4. Cook until spinach has wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve.

7. Braised Red Cabbage With Apples

Braised Red Cabbage With Apples is a hearty side dish combining sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 medium red cabbage, shredded
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add shredded cabbage, chopped apples, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

8. Creamy Spring Pea Soup

A creamy and comforting soup made with fresh spring peas.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh spring peas
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add fresh spring peas, chicken broth, and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
7. Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

9. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Roasted beet and goat cheese salad is a delicious spring side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 large beets
• 1/2 cup goat cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups mixed greens

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wrap the beets in foil and roast for 45 minutes, or until tender.
3. Let the beets cool, then peel and slice them into wedges.
4. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced beets, and crumbled goat cheese.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve.

10. Pan-Seared Radishes With Butter

Pan-Seared Radishes With Butter is a simple and flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of radishes
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Wash and trim the radishes, cutting them into halves or quarters.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the radishes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

11. Green Bean and Lemon Casserole

Green Bean and Lemon Casserole is a bright and flavorful spring side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup French-fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 5 minutes.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté the green beans until tender.
4. In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, cheddar cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
5. Combine the cooked green beans and soup mixture in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle French-fried onions on top and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.

12. Spring Onion and Potato Gratin

Creamy spring onion and potato gratin perfect for springtime meals.

Ingredients

• 3 large potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh spring onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine sliced potatoes and enough cold water to cover them.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
5. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
6. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is softened and lightly browned.
7. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, create a layer of potatoes.
8. Top the potatoes with a layer of cooked onions, garlic, and chopped spring onions.
9. Repeat the layering process until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
10. In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream and grated cheese.
11. Pour the cream mixture over the top layer of potatoes.
12. Dot the top of the gratin with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
13. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
14. Bake the gratin in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.

13. Zucchini and Feta Fritters

Crispy zucchini and feta fritters perfect for a spring side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 medium zucchini
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions

1. Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture.
2. In a large bowl, combine zucchini, feta cheese, flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and add it to the zucchini mixture.
4. Stir in the chopped parsley.
5. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties.
6. Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Fry the fritters until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Serve the fritters warm and enjoy.

14. Herbed Rice Pilaf With Peas

A flavorful and aromatic side dish featuring fresh herbs and peas.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh peas
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rice and stir to coat the rice with oil and mix with the onion and garlic.
5. Add the water and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
7. Stir in the fresh peas, parsley, and dill.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot.

15. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Caps

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Caps are a flavorful and earthy side dish.

Ingredients

• 4 Portobello mushroom caps
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and thyme.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the mushroom caps.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill the mushroom caps for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot and enjoy.

16. Steamed Green Beans With Pesto

Quick and easy side dish featuring steamed green beans with a flavorful pesto sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 1/4 cup pesto sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to a simmer and place a steamer basket over the water.
3. Add green beans to the steamer basket and cover with a lid.
4. Steam for 4-6 minutes or until tender but still crisp.
5. In a small bowl, mix together pesto sauce and olive oil.
6. Remove green beans from the steamer and place in a serving dish.
7. Drizzle the pesto sauce mixture over the green beans and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

17. Buttery Spring Corn on the Cob

Buttery Spring Corn on the Cob is a simple and delicious side dish perfect for spring.

Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn, husked and silked
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto each ear of corn.
4. Grill the corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until slightly charred.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley.
6. Serve warm and enjoy.

18. Caramelized Fennel With Orange Zest

Caramelized fennel with orange zest is a sweet and savory side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 large fennel bulbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 orange, zested
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

1. Slice the fennel bulbs into 1/2-inch thick wedges.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
3. Add the fennel wedges to the skillet and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until caramelized.
4. Stir in the orange zest, salt, pepper, and honey.
5. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the fennel is tender.
6. Serve warm, garnished with additional orange zest if desired.

Conclusion

You'll never be stuck with boring sides again, ironically, now that you have these 18 simple spring side dish recipes, your biggest problem will be choosing just one to serve, and that's a delicious dilemma to be in, isn't it?