Kick Start Healthy with These 12 Easy Sides – Just Add Protein!

Eating healthier has never been easier than with these delicious side dishes and salads. Here are 12 of our favorite side dishes!

Southwest Quinoa Salad

quinoa salad in a bowl

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Photo Credit: Champagne and Coffee Stains

Southwest Quinoa Salad is loaded with protein thanks to the superfoods of quinoa and black beans. This is a delicious dish that will keep you satisfied for the entire day!

Get the Recipe: Southwest Quinoa Salad

Chickpea Pasta Salad

pasta salad in a bowl with cheese
Photo Credit: Champagne and Coffee Stains

Chickpea Pasta Salad is a healthy spin on the classic side dish. It’s a quick and easy no bake dish that is guaranteed to please a crowd. 

Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pasta Salad

Greek Quinoa Salad

quinoa salad in a bowl with tomatoes
Photo Credit: Champagne and Coffee Stains

Greek quinoa salad is a healthy protein packed salad that’s loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives. It’s an easy to make dish that is is super flavorful and bright colors!

Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad

tomatoes in a bowl with red onion
Photo Credit: Recipe Idea Shop

This simple sliced tomato and onion salad comes together almost instantly with just about 10 minutes of effort. You can use any tomato and onion, so feel free to use whatever you have. The simple balsamic vinaigrette takes the whole thing over the top!

Get the Recipe: Sliced Tomato and Onion Salad

Arugula Spinach Salad with Winter Citrus

winter salad with citrus
Photo Credit: Pass Me Some Tasty

Arugula is tossed with fresh baby spinach and topped with thinly sliced sweet onions, sweet winter citrus, and a super simple homemade vinaigrette. It’s a simple, tasty, and vibrant salad that can be prepped in just 10 minutes!

Get the Recipe: Arugula Spinach Salad with Winter Citrus

Peach Caprese Salad

caprese salad with peaches
Photo Credit: Pass Me Some Tasty

Sweet, juicy peaches, summery tomatoes, slices of avocado, fresh basil, creamy burrata, and a drizzle of olive oil are all that is needed to create this fresh, colorful peach caprese salad in just 5 minutes! Serve with grilled steak, chicken, salmon, as a side with your next cheeseburger, or on its own as a light dinner or refreshing summertime lunch!

Get the Recipe: Peach Caprese Salad

Protein Power

sheet pan dinner with roasted vegetables
Photo Credit: Champagne and Coffee Stains

Level up your side dish with these easy protein recipes.

Tomato and Red Pepper Salad

tomato in a bowl with onions
Photo Credit: Recipe Idea Shop

The bold flavors of fresh tomatoes and peppers are a match made in heaven in this easy tomato and red pepper salad. It’s such a refreshing late-summer side dish, and the cumin adds a depth that can’t be beaten.

Get the Recipe: Tomato and Red Pepper Salad

Mediterranean Red Bean Salad

bean salad in a bowl
Photo Credit: Pass Me Some Tasty

With fresh produce and simple ingredients, this Mediterranean bean salad is a satisfying and fillingsalad that should definitely be served at your next outdoor bbq and picnic. Serve with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp, or simply enjoy as a quick and easy go-to lunch!

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Bean Salad

Asian Cucumber Salad

cucumber salad in a bowl
Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

This Asian cucumber salad TikTok recipe features crunchy cucumber springs tossed in a sesame soy dressing. It’s fun, easy, and absolutely delicious!

Get the Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad

Baby Kale Salad

salad with beans and apple
Photo Credit: Running to the Kitchen

The best tasting recipe for a quick and easy baby kale salad! Tossed in a simple tahini dressing and topped with roasted BBQ chickpeas and apple slices, it’s a complete plant-based meal with little effort.

Get the Recipe: Baby Kale Salad

Sweet Potato Kale Salad

kale salad in a dish
Photo Credit: xoxo Bella

This kale salad is a delicious and healthy salad recipe that is sure to become a new favorite. The sweet potatoes are oven roasted to perfection, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy inside. There are chickpeas added for a boost of protein, making this salad a complete meal. You will love that this easy kale salad is bursting with flavor and texture.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Beet Salad with Feta

beet salad in a bowl with spoon
Photo Credit: Running to the Kitchen

This beet salad with feta cheese is a truly delicious and impressive dish using simple ingredients. Cooked beets, crumbled feta and pistachios come together with fresh herbs and a lemon olive oil dressing to enjoy as a side salad or light meal.

Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta

Author

  • Ali Van Straten

    Ali Van Straten is the founder and journalist of Champagne and Coffee Stains. She is a Peloton expert, certified running coach and certified nutrition coach. Champagne and Coffee Stains provides information and resources on Peloton Interactive, running and recipes.

    View all posts https://www.champagneandcoffeestains.com

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