by Caitlin H,
Apr 1, 2024
There’s something special about enjoying brightly colored food that looks just as pretty as the flowers, fruits, and veggies that sprout in spring.
Take advantage of this bountiful season by creating one of our 8 favorite spring side dishes — delicious items like roasted carrots, avocado deviled eggs, pasta salad, and more — all of which you can bring to any upcoming event to leave your guests feeling satisfied and asking for more.
1) Strawberry Spinach Salad
Serves: 6-8
Calories: ~300
Color meets taste in this citrusy blend of spinach, berries, pecans, goat cheese, and tangy lemon poppyseed dressing. It’s the perfect dish for your Easter brunch or evening potluck, sure to have everyone asking for the recipe.
Recipe courtesy The Pioneer Woman
2) Creamy Cheesy Baked Asparagus
Serves: 6
Calories: 223
Your first warm-weather barbecue needs something extra special to wow friends and neighbors. Enter Creamy Cheesy Baked Asparagus, a delicious recipe made up of crunchy asparagus topped with creamy white sauce and aged cheddar cheese. Guests can take or leave as much of the sauce as they’d like, and you can substitute many of the ingredients to meet dietary restrictions — a dish for anyone and everyone.
Recipe courtesy Seasons & Suppers
3) Garlic and Herb Roasted Carrots
Serves: 4
Calories: 36
Carrots are the star in this flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that will steal the sideshow, whether you’re at a neighborhood potluck or preparing something to accompany the main at dinner. All you need are carrots, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to prepare this bright, spring-themed dish everyone will enjoy.
Recipe courtesy Ahead of Thyme
4) Avocado Deviled Eggs
Serves: 3
Calories: 275
Deviled eggs are a common go-to for spring potlucks or Easter events. This year, take them to the next level with a green twist by substituting the mayo with guacamole — a healthier creamy base that tastes just as good (if not better!) than the original. We can pretty much guarantee an empty dish within 30 minutes of setting them out.
Recipe courtesy Downshiftology
5) Twice-Baked Chipotle Sweet Potatoes
Serves: 4
Calories: ~140
Sweet potatoes may be naturally sugary, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t good for you! Sweet potatoes are packed with beta carotene, which supports gut health and your immune system. Elevate your usual baked sweet potato recipe with this take, which leverages chipotle peppers to add a bit of a kick. People are going to love it.
Recipe courtesy How to Eat
6) Cilantro Lime Rice
Serves: 6
Calories: 287
Nothing screams spring quite like a brightly colored dish with white rice and green cilantro. You can easily prep this tangy recipe in an instant pot or on the stove, and it’s just the thing to pair with a light chicken breast or as the base for homemade burrito bowls. It can work for an event or as a nice spring-themed side for a family dinner.
Recipe courtesy Tara Teaspoon
7) Spring Pasta Salad
Serves: 6
Calories: 270
This spring-inspired pasta salad is laden with fresh, seasonal vegetables like asparagus and mushrooms, and topped with a tangy lemon parsley dressing. It’s easy to make, and you can serve it at room temperature or chilled.
Recipe courtesy Feasting at Home
8) Gaby’s Cucumber Salad
Serves: 4
Calories: 185
Some people have described this particular spring side as “addictive.” And who can blame them? Its combination of crisp cucumber, velvety avocado, and tart balsamic dressing makes it a sure hit among those who try it.
Recipe courtesy Cookie and Kate
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Author: Caitlin H
Diet-to-Go Community Manager
Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.