Easy 15-Minute Side Dishes

By Real Simple
Updated June 28, 2013
Kana Okada

Need something quick to go with that main dish? These recipes for 15-minute sides will help you get dinner on the table in a flash.

Start Slideshow

1 of 18

Summer Squash Ribbons With Lemon and Parmesan

Kana Okada

Dress up strips of squash with a little olive oil, lemon juice, and shaved Parmesan for a simple, summery side—no cooking needed.

Get the recipe.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 18

Chili-Lime Snap Peas

Anna Williams

Crisp, sweet snap peas get a vibrant hit of heat from a sliced red chili pepper.

Get the recipe.

3 of 18

Sautéed Spinach With Basil

Ngoc Minh Ngo

Toss in fresh basil leaves at the end to give wilted spinach an herbal twist.

Get the recipe.

Advertisement

4 of 18

Three-Bean Salad

James Baigrie

Combine cannellini beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas for an easy no-cook option.

Get the recipe.

5 of 18

Couscous With Apricot Vinaigrette

Beatriz da Costa

Warm up apricot preserves and whisk in oil, white wine vinegar, and salt and pepper to create the sweet and tangy vinaigrette.

Get the recipe.

6 of 18

Couscous With Cranberries and Almonds

Raymond Hom
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Pea, Feta, and Crispy Prosciutto Salad

Christopher Baker

8 of 18

Carrot and Apple Slaw With Raisins

Jose Picayo

This fresh, crisp slaw uses Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, healthier take.

Get the recipe.

9 of 18

Green Beans With Almond-and-Lemon Brown Butter

Quentin Bacon

The deliciously nutty brown butter sauce takes just 2 minutes to make.

Get the recipe.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Garlicky Green Beans With Pine Nuts

Mikkel Vang

You can prep part of this 15-minute side dish in advance: Boil the beans until tender, plunge into an ice bath, drain, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Get the recipe.

11 of 18

Spring Pea Salad

James Baigrie

Mild goat cheese balances out the piquant capers, shallot, and lemon zest.

Get the recipe.

12 of 18

Grilled Asparagus With Manchego

Charles Masters

Sprinkle the dish with smoked paprika to enhance the smokiness of the grilled vegetables.

Get the recipe.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

Roasted Asparagus With Olive Vinaigrette

Christopher Baker

Jazz up tender, caramelized asparagus with a zippy dressing of chopped olives, parsley, vinegar, and oil.

Get the recipe.

14 of 18

Kale, Radicchio, and Orange Salad

Paul Sirisalee

Orange segments help sweeten up this fresh, healthy salad; chopped cashews add a salty crunch.

Get the recipe.

15 of 18

Curried Tomatoes and Chickpeas

Paul Sirisalee

Scallions, ginger, and curry transform plain tomatoes and chickpeas into a deliciously unexpected side dish.

Get the recipes.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

Tomatoes With Ranch Dressing

Paul Sirisalee

The recipe calls for fresh dill, but any soft herb will work with this dressing. Try basil, chives, or thyme.

Get the recipe.

17 of 18

Sauteed Corn and Lima Beans

Raymond Hom

The sweet corn complements the peppery arugula in this 10-minute side.

Get the recipe.

18 of 18

Corn Salad With Feta and Walnuts

Christopher Baker

You can use raw or cooked corn in this recipe; raw kernels will be juicier and crisper.

Get the recipe.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Advertisement
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.realsimple.com