18 High-Fiber Side Dishes To Make This Summer

Reviewed by Dietitian Madeline Peck, RDN, CDN
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

Eating enough fiber is beneficial for your health in a lot of ways, whether it’s maintaining healthy cholesterol levels or supporting your gut microbiome. Luckily, you can take advantage of those benefits with these flavorful dishes, with each serving of these sides packing at least 3 grams of fiber. Plus, they take advantage of delicious summer produce like tomatoes, cucumber, zucchini and more. Pair options like our Salt & Vinegar Melting Potatoes or our Crunchy Cucumber, Radish & Snap Pea Chopped Salad with your favorite seasonal entrees for a filling and tasty fiber-rich meal.

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Memorial Day Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This fresh Memorial Day pasta salad is packed with crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes and creamy butter beans, all tossed in a bright herby dressing made with cottage cheese, lemon and fresh dill. Whole-wheat orzo adds hearty texture, making this colorful side dish the perfect addition to cookouts, picnics and potlucks.

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02 of 18

Salt & Vinegar Chips Melting Potatoes

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

These tender-on-the-inside potatoes get their bold flavor from a classic salt-and-vinegar pairing. Roasting at a high temperature creates deeply golden edges, while a final splash of vinegar and broth infuses the potatoes with tangy brightness as they finish cooking.

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03 of 18

Crunchy Cucumber, Radish & Snap Pea Chopped Salad

Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio.
Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio.

This chopped salad combines crisp cucumber, sweet snap peas and peppery radishes with a bright lemon-shallot dressing. Letting the shallot stand briefly in the lemon juice softens its bite while building flavor in the dressing.

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04 of 18

Simple Fruit Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

A quick lemon-honey dressing ties this adaptable fruit salad together, making it easy to create different variations with one simple base. You can also swap in seasonal fruit or use up what you have on hand, making this a go-to formula for the perfect fruit salad no matter what.

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05 of 18

Roasted Vegetable & Bean Pasta Salad

Credit: Photographer: Diana Chistruga.
Credit: Photographer: Diana Chistruga.

This easy pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. Roasted vegetables and white beans add plant-based fiber and protein, while a quick herb vinaigrette ties everything together. If you want to make it more filling, grilled chicken would be an excellent addition.

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06 of 18

Melting Broccoli with Lemon & Feta

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

This melting broccoli roasts until tender and deeply caramelized, then finishes with a splash of broth for extra softness. Bright lemon and briny feta add contrast, making this simple side both comforting and vibrant.

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07 of 18

Million Dollar Broccoli Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio.
Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio.

This “million dollar” broccoli casserole earns its name with layers of rich, savory flavor and plenty of texture. Tender-crisp broccoli is coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes, then topped with crispy bacon and a golden whole-wheat panko crust.

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08 of 18

Green Goddess Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

This green goddess salad is crisp, creamy and packed with fresh herbs. A vibrant basil-yogurt dressing coats crunchy cabbage, romaine and cucumber, while avocado adds richness for a refreshing side that pairs well with grilled meats or seafood.

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09 of 18

The Easiest Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.

This roasted cauliflower is a simple side dish that’s big on flavor. The cauliflower florets roast until golden and crispy, with delicious caramelized edges. Garlic powder adds a savory kick, while the Parmesan melts over the hot cauliflower for a nutty, cheesy finish. It’s a tasty way to turn humble cauliflower into a crowd-pleasing dish.

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10 of 18

Cheesy Baked Tomatoes

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

Baked tomatoes with cheese are a simple side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of summer-ripe tomatoes. We top halved tomatoes with a layer of melted mozzarella and tangy feta cheese, creating a deliciously gooey, golden crust. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a fresh note, but any fresh herb will pair perfectly with these warm juicy tomatoes.

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11 of 18

Sour Cream & Onion Melting Potatoes

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Ruff, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Ruff, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.

This simple potato side dish uses onion powder, dried and fresh chives and garlic to re-create the classic flavor of sour cream and onion chips. Each potato is tender, with a creamy texture on the inside that truly melts in your mouth. You can substitute red bliss potatoes if you have them on hand.

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12 of 18

Cauliflower Steaks with Herb Butter

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Ruff, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Ruff, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee.

These cauliflower steaks with herb butter are a delicious side that pairs well with any main. Roasting the cauliflower leads to nice browning and brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetable. Lemon zest and juice in the herb butter adds a pop of brightness and is so good, you’ll want to use it on other dishes like roasted potatoes or salmon.

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13 of 18

Loaded Melting Potatoes

Credit: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.
Credit: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.

These loaded melting potatoes are a comforting side dish featuring thick-sliced potato rounds roasted until golden and tender. The potatoes are then simmered in broth and butter as they continue to bake, giving them a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This version is topped with classic “loaded” toppings and is perfect for dinners when you need something tasty to please a crowd.

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14 of 18

My Mayo-Free Potato Salad Is the Summer Side You Didn’t Know You Needed

Credit: Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
Credit: Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

Dressed with a tangy lemon vinaigrette and fresh mint, this potato salad makes the perfect summer potluck contribution.

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15 of 18

Loaded Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Hannah Grennwood.
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Hannah Grennwood.

This loaded bean salad is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s full of creamy texture and all the classic fixings. The navy beans serve as a neutral base, allowing ingredients like bacon, scallions and Cheddar cheese to shine. A creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and sour cream ties everything together. This salad is rich in fiber and plant-based protein, making it the perfect easy side dish.

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Cheesy Summer Squash with Hot Honey

Credit: Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
Credit: Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee

This cheesy summer squash with hot honey is a sweet, spicy and savory dish that highlights the best of summer produce. Sliced yellow squash is roasted, then topped with cheese that’s melted until bubbling and golden. A drizzle of hot honey adds a bold kick that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese and the mild flavor of the squash.

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Lemon-Garlic Melting Potatoes

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell

Lemony, garlicky, buttery and tender, these melting potatoes have it all. Each slice soaks up rich broth and butter as it roasts, creating a tender texture that practically melts in your mouth. These versatile potatoes make a perfect side dish for almost anything, pairing beautifully with steak, pork chops, roasted chicken or flaky fish.

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Green Bean Caesar Salad

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Hostein, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Hostein, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee

This green bean Caesar salad is a crisp and flavorful twist on the classic Caesar. Blanched green beans replace the traditional romaine, bringing a fresh snap and vibrant color to the dish. Crispy panko and shaved Parmesan add flavor and texture, making this salad the perfect pairing for grilled or roasted meat, seafood or grain bowls.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/high-fiber-summer-side-dish-recipes-11994135