Cutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty. For a little more elegance and color, garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley. -Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
This simple side dish is one you'll rely on often to serve with a variety of main courses. The hint of sugar brings out the vegetables' natural sweetness.
My husband and I are retired farmers. Our main crop was wheat, and we began growing beans when our son joined the operation. When our church cookbook was revised a couple years ago, this recipe was included...
Rich and creamy these grits make a great side dish for a Southern-style meal. I make these at my annual Kentucky Derby party.-Kristin Arnett, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
This fennel salad is a favorite of my wife's. Preserved lemon may be difficult to find, but the salad is still delicious without it. -Jason Purkey, Ocean City, Maryland
This is a colorful and tasty alternative to coleslaw. Like most gardeners, we usually have an abundance of squash and zucchini in summer, so this dish is inexpensive to prepare and a great way to put this...
Lightly glazed and seasoned with orange juice, honey and ginger, these tender carrots from our Test Kitchen make a lovely, low-fat side dish that appeals to all ages. This colorful dish will dress up a...
Since asparagus is so abundant here in spring, I like to put it to use with this tasty roasted asparagus recipe. Not only does it come together quickly, but it calls for just a handful of items. We all...
I have fond memories of standing at the stove cooking this hearty Italian rice dish with my Nona. I've altered the recipe a bit to save on time, but it still delivers just as much home-cooked love.-Amanda...
Using fresh spinach instead of frozen really enhances the flavor of this classic recipe from Ann Van Dyk of Wrightstown, Wisconsin. The hint of nutmeg makes this side dish even more appealing.
"I was fixing a Western omelet form my husband while frying up potatoes in another pan," recalls Shirley Frank of Neponset, Illinois. "I cut up too many vegetables for the omelet and didn't want to waste...
"My German father-in-law loves to vacation in Greece," relates Jerry Lappin of Garden City, Kansas. "After a stay on the sunny beaches of Rhodes, he game me the recipe for this zesty salad, full of fresh...
Our striking "flag" salad drew plenty of attention at our Independence Day party. The shimmering stripes are formed with distinctive gelatin layers. It makes you want to salute before spooning some up!...
"I've served this rice recipe to family and guests often and always receive high praise," writes Frances Easton from Warrenton, Virginia. With its mild curry flavor, this colorful side could complement...
I love this timesaving way to dress up fresh asparagus. Drizzle butter and lemon juice over the spears before topping them with almonds and lemon zest strips. -Linda Barry, Yakima, Washington
This side dish brings instant comfort. I first made it without spinach so my husband and daughter would like it. The next time, I added spinach for the extra health benefits. They still devoured it, so...
Marie Siciliano of Westerly, Rhode Island needs just four items to toss together this crunchy coleslaw that gets a sweet twist from dried cranberries. The shredded broccoli mixture is lightly coated with...
My husband, a pastor, and our three children enjoy these potatoes so much that I don't wait until the holidays to make them. This casserole often comes out when we invite church members over for a family-style...
This healthy side dish goes with just about anything. And for a satisfying meal, we like it over pasta or grilled chicken or turkey breasts. -Maureen McClanahan, St. Louis, Missouri
These tasty potatoes are golden and crusty on the outside and tender on the inside. I've served them with many kinds of meat. When a meal needs a comforting, homey touch, I whip up a batch. -Ruth Andrewson,...
My husband and I love this sweet and savory bean dish. It can be enjoyed as a side, but it's also fun for tortilla and corn chip dipping. -Sondra Pope, Mooresville, North Carolina
I made this recipe over 45 years ago for the first pheasant I ever roasted-it was a special dinner I prepared to thank a wonderful sister and brother-in-law for all of their help when we bought our first...
Impress dinner guests with this delightfully different take on traditional cranberry sauce. The nuts add a tasty crunch. -Dorothy Angley, Carver, Massachusetts
This scoop-able side with its sweet, crunchy topping makes a delightful alternative to the traditional sweet potato casserole. -Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
I first tasted this rich, old-fashioned fruit salad at my wedding reception many years ago. The ladies who did the cooking wouldn't share the recipe at the time, but I eventually got it. I've made it for...
This versatile, colorful dish complements a variety of meats or other vegetarian entrees. To give this dish a crunchy texture and additional flavor and protein, stir in 2 cups of bean sprouts just before...
Made with zucchini, these are a tasty change of pace from ordinary potato pancakes. Add a little shredded onion to give them a savory kick. -Charlotte Goldberg, Honey Grove, Pennsylvania
If your family likes the sweet-tart flavor found in many German dishes, they'll enjoy this recipe. The cabbage, apples and onions are cooked with vinegar, sugar and a variety of spices-the end result can't...
My mother made this casserole when I was growing up, so I know the recipe is an old favorite with many folks. After I married, I made sure this dish was regular fare at our house. It's one of those versatile...
These tender homemade spaetzle noodles take only minutes to make and are a natural accompaniment to chicken. You can use this spaetzle recipe with chicken gravy or simply buttered and sprinkled with parsley....
My family absolutely loves mashed potatoes. I created this recipe to lighten up the calories and sneak in a serving of rutabagas. If you have the time, boil the potatoes in chicken broth to add even more...
This comforting side dish makes a creamy accompaniment to most any main course. Not only can you double the recipe for larger crowds, but you can use reduced-fat or low-sodium ingredients if you prefer....
For a potluck or picnic, you can't beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness. -Pat Medeiros, Tiverton, Rhode Island
Brown rice, a whole grain, contains all the nutrients and essential parts of the entire grain seed. It adds almost three times as much heart-healthy fiber to this mild-flavored brown rice pilaf as white...
Lemon adds a refreshing taste to this lovely risotto dish that's perfect for spring. Sue Dannahower of Fort Pierce, Florida sent us this easy side that's festively sprinkled with baby peas.
I created this recipe after tasting quinoa at a local restaurant. I really enjoy rice pilaf, but I don't usually have time to make it. This quick-cooking side is a tasty alternative. -Sonya Fox of Peyton,...