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Tired of the same old vegetables you have in rotation? Fortunately, the coming months will bring a new harvest to your local market. With spring on the horizon, you can look forward to cooking with fresh ingredients. (Although you can find some of these vegetables year-round, the flavors are the best during peak season.) From artichokes to rainbow chard, we rounded up healthy and tasty spring veggies side dishes to try this season.
Baked Stuffed Artichokes
Beloved artichokes are back, so show them the love they deserve with a fresh new recipe. This one calls for lemon, garlic, and parmesan cheese stuffed inside and baked to perfection. It’s the ultimate spring side dish or appetizer.
Cider and Bourbon Glazed Shallots
Shallots are like onions except they are smaller and milder in flavor—a little cousin, if you will. Offset their rich taste by caramelizing them in apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and bourbon for a flavorful dish that will go great with any meaty main.
Green Beans with Pancetta and Browned Butter
Even if you’re not a green bean fan, we have a feeling this recipe might sway you. Drenched in browned butter and topped with salty pancetta, it takes plain veggies to a whole new level. You will never see green beans the same way again.
Green Dragon Apple Salad with Butter Lettuce, Blue Cheese Crumbles, and Walnuts
They don’t call it butter lettuce for nothing. This soft, delicious lettuce makes any salad taste great, especially when you top it with fresh apples and cheese. Drizzle this healthy dish with vinaigrette, included in the recipe, for an appetizing side that only takes 15 minutes.
Fava Bean Quinoa Cakes
Vegan and gluten-free, these bean cakes make for a perfect accompaniment to a healthy dinner. They are packed with kale, ginger, fava beans, and mint. (Alternatively, if you can’t get your hands on fava beans, you can substitute them for peas, which are also in season.)
Spicy Rainbow Chard with Bacon and Polenta
With healthy benefits like Vitamin A, iron, and magnesium, you can feel great when you cook with this colorful vegetable. Pair it with creamy polenta and salty bacon for a hearty side dish or even a tasty lunch option.
Roasted Lemon Parmesan and Garlic Asparagus
Quick, easy, and healthy is everything we look for on busy weeknights. This asparagus dish is all that and more because it also tastes amazing. Adjust the ingredients to your liking to create a customized side dish that you can keep in rotation all season long.
Southern Fried Okra
Bring out the flavor of okra this season by frying it in a rich buttermilk batter that sounds just as good as it tastes. Pair these dippable bites with ranch dressing or chipotle mayo for a unique game-day snack that is healthy(ish).