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  5. Easy 15-Minute Side Dishes

Easy 15-Minute Side Dishes

By Real Simple Editors Updated June 28, 2013
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Summer Squash Ribbons With Lemon and Parmesan
Credit: 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

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Summer Squash Ribbons With Lemon and Parmesan

Summer Squash Ribbons With Lemon and Parmesan
Credit: 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.

1 of 18

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Chili-Lime Snap Peas

Chili-Lime Snap Peas
Credit: Anna Williams

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

Get the recipe.

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Sautéed Spinach With Basil

Sauteed Spinach With Basil
Credit: Ngoc Minh Ngo

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

Get the recipe.

3 of 18

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Three-Bean Salad

Three-Bean Salad
Credit: James Baigrie

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

Get the recipe.

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Couscous With Apricot Vinaigrette

Couscous With Apricot Vinaigrette
Credit: 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.

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Couscous With Cranberries and Almonds

Couscous With Cranberries and Almonds
Credit: Raymond Hom

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Pea, Feta, and Crispy Prosciutto Salad

Pea, Feta, and Crispy Prosciutto Salad
Credit: Christopher Baker

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Carrot and Apple Slaw With Raisins

Carrot and Apple Slaw With Raisins
Credit: Jose Picayo

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

Get the recipe.

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9 of 18

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Green Beans With Almond-and-Lemon Brown Butter

Green Beans With Almond-and-Lemon Brown Butter
Credit: Quentin Bacon

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

Get the recipe.

9 of 18

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Garlicky Green Beans With Pine Nuts

Garlicky Green Beans With Pine Nuts
Credit: 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.

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Spring Pea Salad

Spring Pea Salad
Credit: James Baigrie

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

Get the recipe.

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Grilled Asparagus With Manchego

Grilled Asparagus With Manchego
Credit: Charles Masters

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

Get the recipe.

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Roasted Asparagus With Olive Vinaigrette

Roasted Asparagus With Olive Vinaigrette
Credit: Christopher Baker

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

Get the recipe.

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Kale, Radicchio, and Orange Salad

Kale, Radicchio, and Orange Salad
Credit: Paul Sirisalee

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

Get the recipe.

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Curried Tomatoes and Chickpeas

Curried Tomatoes and Chickpeas
Credit: Paul Sirisalee

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

Get the recipes.

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Tomatoes With Ranch Dressing

Tomatoes With Ranch Dressing
Credit: 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.

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Sauteed Corn and Lima Beans

Sauteed Corn and Lima Beans
Credit: Raymond Hom

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

Get the recipe.

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Corn Salad With Feta and Walnuts

Corn Salad With Feta and Walnuts
Credit: Christopher Baker

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

Get the recipe.

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    1 of 18 Summer Squash Ribbons With Lemon and Parmesan
    2 of 18 Chili-Lime Snap Peas
    3 of 18 Sautéed Spinach With Basil
    4 of 18 Three-Bean Salad
    5 of 18 Couscous With Apricot Vinaigrette
    6 of 18 Couscous With Cranberries and Almonds
    7 of 18 Pea, Feta, and Crispy Prosciutto Salad
    8 of 18 Carrot and Apple Slaw With Raisins
    9 of 18 Green Beans With Almond-and-Lemon Brown Butter
    10 of 18 Garlicky Green Beans With Pine Nuts
    11 of 18 Spring Pea Salad
    12 of 18 Grilled Asparagus With Manchego
    13 of 18 Roasted Asparagus With Olive Vinaigrette
    14 of 18 Kale, Radicchio, and Orange Salad
    15 of 18 Curried Tomatoes and Chickpeas
    16 of 18 Tomatoes With Ranch Dressing
    17 of 18 Sauteed Corn and Lima Beans
    18 of 18 Corn Salad With Feta and Walnuts

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