Don’t you just love summer parties! Most of us do, but so many of my clients fret about their diets. What will they eat? What will they bring?
No fear! Here’s a fabulous collection of healthy side dishes that are a perfect fit for any summer meal, potluck, or cookout.
I asked some top registered dietitian nutritionists for their favorite heart-healthy and diabetes-friendly recipes. Since some of you count calories or carbs for blood sugar management, I’m made a few notes when appropriate. Enjoy this collection of healthy side dishes!
Wholesome Grain-based Sides:
This red quinoa salad is as delicious as it is nutritious.
Healthy Red Quinoa Tabouli, Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, Food and Nutrition Solutions by Jill (shown above)
Mediterranean Hummus Pasta Salad, Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RD
An array of veggies and a hummus dressing! If you’re managing your weight or diabetes, you may want to trim back the serving size.
Get Your Legumes On:
Think lentils next time you need a healthy side dish recipe.
Triple Orange Lentil Salad, (shown above) Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, Food and Nutrition Solutions by Jill for Food & Nutrition magazine
Lentils rock when it comes to heart health and blood sugar sugar management! And there’s a whopping 12 grams of fiber in this heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly salad. If the total amount of carbohydrate is too high for you, enjoy a 1/2-cup serving.
A protein and fiber-filled, plant-based dish that pairs well with nearly everything. Make it in advance to let the flavors develop. This recipe is moderate in sodium and has a hefty 7 grams of disease-fighting fiber per serving.
The combination is unexpected, and the pistachios add heart-healthy fats. The sodium in this recipe is a little high, but draining and rinsing the beans will wash away a good bit of the sodium.
Cold potatoes contain resistant starch, which doesn’t contribute to blood sugar and is food for your gut bacteria. Plus, you get a larger portion because this potato salad is veggie heavy.
Hydrating cucumber and crisp apple make for a refreshing summertime side that’s packed with flavor and low in calories. The pumpkin seed oil dressing adds healthy fats and balances out the dish! Make 2-4 servings out of this recipe.
Chunky Gazpacho Recipe, Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, Food and Nutrition Solutions by Jill
Few calories, tons of taste and oodles of health-shielding nutrition.
This easy cucumber salad uses vinegar and dill to make a refreshing side dish for your summer BBQs. The flavor is reminiscent of dill pickles but without all of the sodium and the overpowering punch. A 1/2-cup serving has only a about 12 calories and a couple grams of carbohydrate.
I'm Jill, and I believe simple changes in your mindset and health habits can bring life-changing rewards. And I don't believe in willpower. It's waaaay overrated. As a food-loving registered dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist and certified health and wellness coach, I've helped thousands of people solve their food and nutrition problems. If you're looking for a better way to master this whole healthy eating/healthy living thing or if you're trying to prevent or manage diabetes or heart problems, you'll find plenty of resources right here.
Hi there! I'm Jill, a nutrition & diabetes expert and the author of 4 books.
I believe simple changes in health habits can bring you life-changing rewards.
And I believe willpower is way overrated.
Right here is where you can discover the mindset and habits to stick with healthy lifestyle choices most of the time - and drop the guilt when you don't.
