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19 Side Dishes That Are Worth Their Weight in Gold

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Ever feel like your main dish needs a little something extra? These 19 side dishes are the perfect companions to upgrade any meal. Each dish brings something unique and delicious, turning any meal into a feast. You’ll wonder how you ever got by without them—and your main dish might start feeling a bit jealous!

A girl holding a big casserole filled with vegetable stew.
Lecso Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

Crispy Baked Zucchini served on a white plate.
Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

If you enjoy things that crunch, this will make you look at zucchini in a new light. Bake them until they’re Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven, and you have a side that’s not just a joy to munch on but healthy too. It’s a simple trick that transforms this green vegetable into something you won’t be able to stop nibbling on.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

Fried Cheese Balls

Keto Fried Cheese Balls with parsley.
Fried Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Imagine biting into a golden brown snack and finding a gooey cheese center; that’s the magic of these. Midway through the first bite of Fried Cheese Balls, and it’s clear why they’re more than just a delicious snack. They are quick to grab attention at any gathering because nobody can resist the allure of melted cheese.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cheese Balls

Crispy Low Carb French Fries

Keto French Fries on the table with ketchup and mayo.
Crispy Low Carb French Fries. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Ever craved French fries but thought twice about the carbs? With Crispy Low Carb French Fries, that’s no longer an issue. They deliver all the crispy goodness you expect from the classic side but with a healthier twist that won’t weigh you down.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Low Carb French Fries

Best Salsa

Salsa in a container with chips around.
Best Salsa. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

It’s not just about the heat; it’s about the fresh burst of flavor that livens up anything it’s paired with. Best Salsa is a versatile side that can transform ordinary dishes into something vibrant. It’s a cool, refreshing counterpoint to heavier mains and can be as mild or as fiery as you like.
Get the Recipe: Best Salsa

Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

Cheese Puffs in a bowl with fresh parsley.
Cheese Puffs Air Fryer. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

When you want something that’s both airy and cheesy, this one’s a sure hit. Pop these Cheese Puffs Air Fryer out, and you have a puffy, cheese-laced treat that’s surprisingly light. It’s the sort of thing that you can pass around at parties or enjoy solo – they’re that adaptable and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

Faux Potato Salad

A white bowl of potato salad with mayonnaise.
Faux Potato Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

For a twist on the classic picnic staple without the potatoes, here’s your go-to. Faux Potato Salad retains all the creamy comfort you love but keeps it refreshingly low carb. It’s a smart pick for those aiming to keep things light yet longing for that traditional taste.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Baked Riced Cauliflower in a bowl with a spoon.
Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Sometimes a side dish subtly steals the show with its understated elegance. That’s the case with Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower, offering a gentle, nutty taste that pairs wonderfully with just about anything. It’s a humble offering that’s big on satisfaction while remaining wonderfully low in carbs.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Almond Flour Taco Shells

Almond Flour Keto Taco Shells on a white board.
Almond Flour Taco Shells. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

With these, you won’t miss the usual taco shells one bit. Almond Flour Taco Shells strike a perfect balance between being pleasingly crunchy and admirably low-carb. They’re the foundation for tacos that you can enjoy any day without reservation.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Taco Shells

Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish

Chicken mu in a brown bowl.
Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Sometimes, it’s that tangy side that refreshes your palate and makes a meal memorable. Enjoy Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish and it’ll have you thinking about it long after the meal. It’s crunchy, it’s vibrant, and it’s utterly tempting to keep going back for more.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh Salad inside colorful bowls.
Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Who knew substituting grains could lead to something so refreshing? Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad is all about tangy freshness without the carb count. It’s light, herbaceous, and an excellent companion to heavier mains, bringing that much-needed balance to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Coconut Cauliflower Rice inside golden plate with lime slices.
Coconut Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Here’s a side that surprises with a subtly sweet twist, proving cauliflower can play various roles. Tuck into a serving of Coconut Cauliflower Rice, and you’ll find it unexpectedly fulfilling. It’s a side that’s both health-conscious and comforting – a multitasker that’s as mouth-watering as it is versatile.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Rutabaga Fries

Rutabaga Fries serves in a glass.
Rutabaga Fries. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

If you’re after a side that’s out of the ordinary yet utterly scrumptious, we’ve got just the thing. Rutabaga Fries come loaded with a rustic, earthy charm that could convert even the most steadfast potato fry lovers. They’re a hearty yet lighter option that brings novelty to the fries game.
Get the Recipe: Rutabaga Fries

Mashed Cauliflower ala Mashed Faux Potatoes

Mashed cauliflower inside a bowl.
Mashed Cauliflower ala Mashed Faux Potatoes. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Here’s a side that is smooth, creamy, and completely decoupled from the usual heaviness of mashed potatoes. Mashed Cauliflower ala Mashed Faux Potatoes is the ultimate swap that’s bound to please everyone at the table. It captures the essence of comfort food in every spoonful, leaving folks wondering what the secret is.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower ala Mashed Faux Potatoes

Steamed Artichoke

An artichoke in a bowl with lemon slices and a fork.
Steamed Artichoke. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Now, for something a bit interactive and thoroughly enjoyable, this side never fails to add a bit of fun to the dining experience. With Steamed Artichoke, it’s all about peeling off leaf after tender leaf, dipping, and nibbling your way to the artichoke’s heart. It’s less about filling up and more about slowing down to taste each bite.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichoke

Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat

Ground Beef Taco Meat inside a white plate with smaller bowls of veggies and sauces.
Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Let’s talk about a versatile side that can double as a main with ease. Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat isn’t just for tacos; it’s a protein-packed addition that can add some serious oomph to salads, bowls, and more. You can expect it to give your meal just the right amount of heartiness without overpowering other flavors.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat

Breaded Cauliflower

Pieces of breaded cauliflower close up.
Breaded Cauliflower. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Are you in the mood for something crunchy, warm, and surprisingly not sinful? Breaded Cauliflower hits all the right notes, with a crispy exterior that gives way to a tender, almost creamy center. It’s the kind of side dish that invites you to keep reaching for one more piece.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Cauliflower

Lecso Vegetable Stew

A girl holding a big casserole filled with vegetable stew.
Lecso Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Here’s a stew that brings comfort in each bite, without sitting too heavy on your stomach. Dig into Lecso Vegetable Stew, and it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket – cozy and full of homestyle goodness. It’s rich in flavors, yet brilliantly balanced to act as a complement to any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Lecso Vegetable Stew

Purple Pickled Daikon Radish

Purple daikon in a bowl on a white background.
Purple Pickled Daikon Radish. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

When you want to add a pop of color and a punch of flavor to your meal, look no further. Purple Pickled Daikon Radish is pickling done right, producing slices of tangy, crisp freshness that cut through richer dishes expertly. It’s the little side that can make a big impact, both visually and on your palate.
Get the Recipe: Purple Pickled Daikon Radish

Cauliflower Pumpkin Puree

Cauliflower Pumpkin Puree in a bowl.
Cauliflower Pumpkin Puree. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

For a side that’s smooth and rich without being too heavy, this one ticks all the boxes. Cauliflower Pumpkin Puree blends the best of two worlds, offering a velvety texture that’s brimming with nuanced flavors. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that feels indulgent and yet is wholesomely light.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Pumpkin Puree

By Zuzana Paar on July 21st, 2024
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About Zuzana Paar

Zuzana is the creative force behind this vibrant blog. With passion as a recipe developer, content creator, food writer, movie maker, and photographer, she poured her heart and soul into curating a space brimming with delightful keto and low carb recipes. Join her on this flavorful journey where quick, easy-to-make dishes take center stage, bringing joy and nourishment to your table.

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