15 Fresh & Easy Spring Side Dishes to Brighten Your Table

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Spring is here, and so is the excuse to pile your plate with bright, fresh, and downright delicious sides. From Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad to Rainbow Orzo Salad, these dishes bring color and crunch to any table. Need something creamy? Pesto Havarti Macaroni and Creamed Spinach have got your back. And for those who like a little crisp, Oven Baked Asparagus Fries and Crispy Oven Fries with Flaky Sea Salt prove that veggies can be just as snackable as they are fancy. Of course, no Southern spread is complete without Creamy Southern Coleslaw—because some traditions are too tasty to skip. So grab a fork, because these spring sides are about to steal the show!

Sauteed Asparagus

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A close-up of vibrant green asparagus spears, lightly sautéed and seasoned, served on a plate with a spoon.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Sautéed Asparagus recipe is a quick, healthy side dish that highlights fresh spring flavors. Tender asparagus spears are cooked to perfection with olive oil, garlic, and a touch of lemon, creating a bright and delicious dish that comes together in minutes!Get the Recipe: Sauteed Asparagus

Creamed Spinach

Creamy greens dish topped with grated Parmesan cheese in a white bowl, resting on a wooden surface.
Photo credit: Baking a Moment

This Creamed Spinach recipe is so rich and flavorful, it rivals the best steakhouse versions! Perfectly seasoned with garlic, parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg, this dish is creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. The perfect side for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad

A rectangular plate of sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, red onions, basil, and oregano on a white surface. Four forks are placed beside the dish.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad is a game-changer—once you taste this vibrant, flavor-packed dish, you’ll never settle for an ordinary tomato salad again!

To learn more: Jamie Oliver’s ‘Mothership’ Tomato Salad

Eggplant Salad

Colorful vegetable salad with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, red onions, mint, and feta cheese garnished on a brown plate.
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

Colorful vegetable salad with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, red onions, mint, and feta cheese garnished on a brown plate.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Salad

Wedge Salad

The image features a wedge salad topped with bacon bits, blue cheese, chives, and cherry tomatoes.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Classic Wedge Salad by Chelsea’s Messy Apron is taken to the next level with a rich, creamy homemade blue cheese dressing. Crisp iceberg lettuce is topped with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a flavorful dressing, making it a simple yet impressive appetizer or side dish!
Get the Recipe: Wedge Salad

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts With Cipollini Onions

A colorful bowl of stir-fried vegetables featuring charred cabbage, onions, and bell peppers, all glistening with oil.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts deliver crunch, sweetness, and sizzle—crispy bacon and caramelized Cipollini onions make this dish downright irresistible!

To learn more: Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts With Cipollini Onions

Roasted Carrot Platter with Yogurt and Sumac

A vibrant dish of roasted carrots garnished with almonds and fresh herbs, served alongside a bowl of red dip and flatbread.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Roasted Carrot Platter with Yogurt and Sumac is a flavor adventure—warm Silk Road spices, tangy yogurt, and fresh herbs turn simple carrots into a stunning dish!

To learn more: Roasted Carrot Platter with Yogurt and Sumac

Roasted Parsnips with Romesco Sauce

A plate of roasted parsnips with green parsley and chopped nuts, served on a bed of orange sauce, against a dark background.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

Roasted Parsnips with Romesco Sauce make a simple yet flavorful vegan side or plant-based main dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining, or even a holiday table, the smoky, nutty romesco sauce adds an irresistible touch to these caramelized roasted parsnips!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Parsnips with Romesco Sauce

Creamy Southern Coleslaw

Close-up of creamy coleslaw, featuring shredded green and purple cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Creamy Southern Coleslaw isn’t just any slaw—it’s a barbecue must-have, with a secret ingredient that takes its flavor and creaminess to the next level!

To learn more: Creamy Southern Coleslaw

Pesto Havarti Macaroni

A creamy pasta dish with elbow macaroni, green peas, fresh basil, and dollops of pesto, garnished with red pepper flakes.
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

Pesto Havarti Macaroni is a creamy, comforting, and easy weeknight dinner made with under 10 ingredients! This dish is packed with rich, cheesy flavor and is perfect for any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Havarti Macaroni

Vegan Potato Salad with Mustard Seed Dressing

A close-up of a bowl filled with potato salad, garnished with arugula and mustard seeds, showcasing a fresh and vibrant dish.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

Vegan Potato Salad is a fresh, healthy twist on a classic! With baby potatoes, peppery arugula, and a flavorful mustard seed dressing, it’s the perfect side dish or light lunch—quick, delicious, and potluck-ready!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Potato Salad with Mustard Seed Dressing

Bake Some Crave-able Crispy Oven Fries With Flakey Sea Salt

A plate of golden-brown French fries with crispy edges, served with a small container of ketchup and a colorful checkered napkin.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Crave-able Crispy Oven Fries with Flaky Sea Salt prove that perfect French fries can be both healthy and crispy—because smart snacking should still be delicious!

To learn more: Bake Some Crave-able Crispy Oven Fries With Flakey Sea Salt

Rainbow Orzo Salad

A vibrant salad featuring chickpeas, colorful diced vegetables, orzo pasta, and fresh herbs, mixed with a creamy dressing.
Photo credit: Love and Lemons

Rainbow Orzo Salad is a bright, fresh mix of orzo pasta, crunchy veggies, sweet mango, and chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty tahini dressing—perfect for summer gatherings or a light, flavorful lunch!
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Orzo Salad

Oven Baked Asparagus Fries

Crispy baked green bean fries, coated in golden breadcrumbs and herbs, served on a white plate.
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

Oven-Baked Asparagus Fries swap potatoes for greens, crisp up with parmesan and breadcrumbs, and take a dunk in zesty lemon aioli—healthy never tasted this good!
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus Fries

Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic, Lemon and Parsley

Roasted cauliflower with parsley, garnished with lemon slices, served in a white bowl with a spoon.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Roasted Cauliflower recipe is a flavorful vegan side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s tossed with whole spices, garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley, making it a delicious and healthy addition to your meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed year-round!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic, Lemon and Parsley

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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