Healthy Easter Side Dish Recipes

Find healthy, delicious Easter side dish recipes including green bean, brussels sprout and asparagus recipes. Healthier recipes, from the food and nutrition experts at EatingWell.

Most Popular

Beet Salad

Rating: 4 stars 9
This simple beet salad recipe uses just a handful of ingredients to create a delightful side dish. Roasted beets add a sweet, earthy and aromatic flavor that shines in this side salad.
By Bruce Weinstein & Mark Scarbrough

Asparagus Casserole

Rating: 5 stars 3
Blanching the asparagus before assembling this casserole helps to maintain its vibrant green color. This asparagus casserole is perfect for the holidays or a weeknight dinner.
By Adam Hickman

Cauliflower-Broccoli Gratin

Rating: 3 stars 1
This creamy broccoli-and-cauliflower casserole is a hassle-free side dish that just about everyone loves. Our healthier version skips the heavy cream and butter found in most recipes--saving about 160 calories and 12 grams of saturated fat compared to a traditional version.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Spinach-Strawberry Salad with Feta & Walnuts

Rating: 4.5 stars 3
Sweet strawberries, salty feta and crunchy walnuts jazz up a simple spinach salad. The balsamic vinaigrette is incredibly easy; fresh shallots add more zip than you'll find in any commercial dressing.
By Carolyn Casner

Spinach Salad with Warm Maple Dressing

Rating: 5 stars 4
Pure maple syrup adds body and rich flavor to the dressing, providing a perfect counterpoint to the smoked cheese.
By Ruth Cousineau

"Use a Spoon" Chopped Salad

Rating: 4.5 stars 8
When Paul Newman and Michel Nischan opened their Westport, Connecticut, restaurant Dressing Room, Paul's request was that the menu always include a chopped salad that you could eat with a spoon. This chopped salad recipe is full of great flavors, colors and textures, featuring celery, carrots, red pepper, apple, cucumber, greens, cabbage, goat cheese and almonds. This is great for any holiday meal: you can let it stand and it stays crisp.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Creamed Spinach Casserole

Rating: 3.5 stars 2
This creamy spinach casserole recipe is a more sophisticated cousin to creamed spinach. It's perfect for weekend entertaining or as a holiday side dish.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Lemon Herbed Orzo Pasta

Rating: 5 stars 2
This quick and easy lemony and herb pasta dish makes a delicious side. Try adding chicken or shrimp for a more complete meal.
By Diabetic Living Magazine

Carrot-Parsnip Gratin

Make this creamy carrot-and-parsnip casserole for your next holiday meal--everyone will beg you for the recipe! Our healthier version skips the heavy cream and butter found in most recipes--saving about 160 calories and 12 grams of saturated fat compared to a traditional version.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Spinach & Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Rating: 5 stars 1
Homemade poppy seed dressing pairs beautifully with tender spinach, crunchy almonds and juicy berries for a fantastically refreshing and easy spring salad. To make ahead, whisk dressing, combine salad ingredients and store separately. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving. To make it a complete meal, top with grilled chicken or shrimp.
By Carolyn Casner

Roasted Pears with Brie & Pistachios

Rating: 4.5 stars 2
Roasted pears with Brie and pistachios is delicious as a first course or a side with roast pork or lamb. Leave the stems on for the prettiest presentation.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Herbed Lemon Orzo

Rating: 4.5 stars 4
Lemon zest and fresh parsley brighten up plain orzo for a great side dish you'll find yourself adding to your repertoire.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen
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Inspiration and Ideas

5 Make-Ahead Appetizers to Simplify Your Easter
Easter should be about spending time with family and loved ones, not spending all of your time in the kitchen. Keep your holiday simple with these appetizers that can be prepared ahead of time. Try classics like our Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp or fun dishes like our Strawberry & Brie Bites that will impress everyone around the table
9 Easy Sides to Try this Easter
Easter is a time to spend with family and those you love. We have pulled together some of our favorite sides to complement any main dish without a heavy lift. Enjoy our Garlic Parmesan Asparagus or Lemon-Dill Green Beans to work vegetables into your celebration in the most delicious ways. Or choose one of our beautiful salads or roasted vegetable dishes to round out your menu.
Bacon Mashed Potatoes
Rating: 5 stars 4

Serve these bacon-studded chunky mashed potatoes with grilled steak or chicken.