Anything can be in a rice pilaf. Adding peas and baby portobello mushrooms gives it a springlike burst of color and a variety of textures. -Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
"This is a good way to spice up plain instant potatoes. I prepare these when I'm running out of time to get dinner on the table but want something that still tastes homemade." Carolyn Coop - Stuarts Draft,...
I concocted this recipe as a way to use up some vegetables before they went bad. Everyone loved this lively blend of roasted veggies, especially the acorn and butternut squash. It goes particularly well...
Tossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after you drain them infuses them with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. -George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Soy sauce and peanut butter flavor these crisp-tender beans. "They're a nice change from the usual green bean salads and casseroles," says Robin Joss from Ashburn, Virginia. "With a sesame seed crunch,...
Plenty of pecans and bacon give this stuffing a unique flavor, while using a packaged mix cuts down on the preparation time. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen
These spicy cowboy beans are a perfect contribution to a potluck buffet any time of year. Instead of hours on the stove, they cook quickly in the pressure cooker and there's no need to pre-soak the beans....
I created this recipe myself. The cheddar cheese and bread crumb topping makes it a pretty casserole for a holiday dinner. You can easily double the amounts if you're having a larger group.
We love squash, but I got tired of fixing just plain squash and cheese. I decided to jazz it up a bit. This was a huge hit with the family. -Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
This has been my family's favorite vegetable casserole for 20 years now! The kids requested it again and again for Thanksgiving dinner. -Barbara Preneta, Unionville, Connecticut
"My family really enjoys this hearty dish," writes Kate Selner from her home in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. "It makes a delicious side with grilled chicken or a filling main course when served with a salad...
Corn with tomatoes and jalapenos is one of the first dishes I cooked for my husband. Don't like heat? Use green bell peppers instead of jalapenos. -Cassandra Ramirez, Bardstown, Kentucky
This easy-to-prepare side dish brings me rave reviews whenever I prepare it for the holidays. Even when I double the recipe, my family eats every bite.
My family loves chilled asparagus. It's the perfect veggie to have on a warm night, or any night for that matter. My kids like this side dish so much that they snack on leftovers while watching TV at night....
For a buttery dish with wonderful texture and flavor, we make the comfort food known as "colcannon," an Irish version of mashed potatoes with cabbage. -Peggy Goodrich, Enid, Oklahoma
Zucchini, tomatoes and green peppers star in this make-ahead dish that offers a fresh take on traditional vegetable sides. Bubbly cheddar cheese adds a down-home feel. -Barbara Smith, Salem, Oregon
When I was growing up, my mother used to serve fried corn for breakfast with scrambled eggs and tortillas. Here in Arizona, corn is widely used in many dishes. This is a great way to use it- my husband...
These potato packets are so easy to prepare ahead of time, then pack in the cooler for camping trips or picnics and toss on the grill when needed. The mayonnaise, seasonings and cheese really coat the...
This is grilled butternut squash recipe is one of my favorite ways to cook with fresh produce. I usually make it when I am grilling steak or chicken. -Esther Horst, Monterey, Tennessee
Looking for a way to dress up fresh green beans in a flash? Try the tasty medley of flavors in this easy recipe. If you don't have sherry vinegar for the tangy sauce, try using cider or wine vinegar instead....
When you're in the mood for Mexican food, reach for this recipe. The tomato, corn and bean mixture can also be refrigerated and eaten as a relish without the rice.
We grow our own strawberries, so our table usually features an abundance of this fruit. We gather other favorite fruits at the store and blend them with our berries for a refreshing, colorful breakfast...
As novice gardeners, my husband and I sowed zucchini seeds-15 hills' worth! Happily, my family requests this corn souffle side dish often, so it's a keeper. -Carol Ellerbroek, Gladstone, Illinois
I found this recipe in a newspaper and adjusted it somewhat by adding additional Parmesan cheese. This is a wonderful side dish, and since the potatoes are cooked with the skin on, they are nutritious...
We love it when opposites attract. A sweet-and-sour gingery dressing goes hand in hand with soft soba noodles, edamame and crunchy slaw. Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein-packed finish. -Mandy...
A simple cooked dressing gives this crisp cabbage mixture a delightful sweet-and-sour flavor my family savors. When I was a child, my mother used the recipe often, too. It's perfect for potlucks since...
This side goes well with any meat you might also be grilling. Thanks to the Cajun seasoning, the zesty eggplant gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Forget the potatoes and rice, and consider this change-of-pace dinner accompaniment. Wholesome barley makes for a heart-smart dish that complements just about any main course and other sides, too. -Shirley...
I usually serve this as a side dish with poultry or pork. As the wonderful aroma wafts through the house, I'm always asked, "Is dinner ready yet?" So don't be surprised if your gang comes to the table...
This is a great grilled side dish with just about any meat. For a variation, add one large baking potato, or mix in asparagus for a veggie extravaganza! -Tara Delgado, Wauseon, Ohio
This tasty potato gratin side dish combines great garlic and onion flavor, and kids love the nice crispy topping, too! -Jennifer Olson, Pleasanton, California
This baked pineapple recipe has just the right amount of sweetness. It's a great accompaniment to any meaty entree. Using canned pineapple makes it a snap to assemble. -Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh,...
Mom loves sweet potatoes and fixed them often in this creamy, comforting baked sweet potato casserole. With its nutty topping, this side dish could almost serve as a dessert. It's a yummy treat! -Sandi...
Add a hint of citrus to your vegetables with an attractive side dish. Ideal with most any entree, this time-saving specialty dresses up broccoli, pimientos and onions with a dash of lemon. -Tonya Farmer,...
Earthy grilled mushrooms taste like flame-kissed goodness. The balsamic vinegar adds just enough tanginess to the savory side. -Melissa Hoddinott, Sherwood Park, Alberta
With potatoes, asparagus, squash and radishes, there is something for everyone in this dish. What a wonderful way to present a variety of spring veggies-Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Everyone who samples this crisp and tender carrot dish loves it. I make it often when we have fresh produce from our garden. Its bright orange color of the shredded carrots looks so pretty on our Thanksgiving...