3 Easy Side Dishes to get Dinner Done

When we talk about what we are doing for dinner, we often focus on the main course- chicken, beef, seafood etc. But easy side dishes are just as important and often a very healthy part of the meal.

Here are three of our favorite side dishes that are quick to prepare and can put some variety back into your weeknight dinners, without much effort at all. And they will give you a break from the standard steamed veggie or plain rice. It is not a surprise these recipes are ranked as some of our most favorited side dish recipes by Dinner Daily members.

Corn and Avocado Salad:

This easy side dish recipe pairs the creaminess of the mighty avocado with garlic, shallots and corn. This is a great one for summer barbecues when fresh corn is plentiful, but can be served year round.

1 tbs olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced

1 shallot, chopped
10 oz frozen corn, (fresh works, too)
1 avocado, peeled & chopped
1 1/2 tbs fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Heat oil in small skillet. Add garlic & shallot and cook 3 minutes. Add corn to pan & cook 5 to 8 minutes until heated through and just starting to brown. Transfer to bowl & stir in avocado & lemon juice. Season with salt & pepper.

Mango Couscous:

Don’t be scared off by the mango! It really makes this side dish sing and the sweetness of the fruit really appealed to our kid testers. Balanced with the peppers and scallions it is a taste sensation!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups couscous
1 mango, peeled & chopped
1 red/orange/yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 tbs olive oil
3 scallions, chopped

Instructions:

Cook couscous according to package. Fluff with fork & place in bowl. Add remaining ingredients & stir. Season with salt & pepper.

Chopped Caprese Salad:

This salad is an easy spin on a classic combination that comes together quickly, and can be served in any season, but is especially good in the warmer months when fresh tomatoes are available locally.