From crunchy kale chips and roasted potato wedges to creamy soups and herbaceous pasta salads, here are 15 healthy sides to pair with your sandwich.
Sandwiches are a very satisfying lunch!
I believe the first sandwich was created to efficiently pack all the carbohydrates, veggies, and protein you need into a portable, easy-to-eat, hold-it-in-your-hand meal.
Sandwiches are versatile, easy to prepare, and offer endless flavor combinations. Whether you prefer classic ham and cheese or gourmet creations with artisanal ingredients (that’s me!), a sandwich is a complete meal in itself. Check out my list of delicious sandwich recipes.
This photo reminds me of the time I made Great Harvest Sandwiches!
But pairing it with the right side can really enhance the flavor of your sandwich and add variety and nutrition to your plate. Whether you’re eating a cold or hot sandwich, adding a good side can make your meal more satisfying and nutritionally balanced.
Fun fact: When I first met Thomas, his sandwich side dishes were chips and cookies. I (slowly and gently!) encouraged him to add veggies and antioxidants to his side dishes. I’m happy to say that he now does this naturally (though he still eats chips all the time!).
Here’s a roundup of healthy sandwich-friendly sides (from KERF and our fellow bloggers) that will make your meal even more enjoyable.
15 Healthy Side Dishes to Go With Your Sandwiches
1. Fruit salad
A fruit salad is a refreshing, healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with any sandwich. A variety of fresh fruits, including berries, melon, grapes and citrus fruits, not only add flavor but also provide essential vitamins and minerals. Fruit salads are quick and easy to prepare in advance, making them a convenient addition to a busy lunch or picnic.
2. Vegetables and hummus
For a crunchy and hearty side, veggie sticks with hummus are a great choice. Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper slivers, and celery are perfect for dipping into the creamy hummus. Not only is this side dish healthy, it also adds a nice textural contrast to your sandwich.
3. Pasta salad
Pasta salad is a versatile side dish that complements any sandwich. Choose a whole-grain or veggie-based pasta and mix it with colorful veggies, lean protein like grilled chicken or beans, and a light vinaigrette. This dish can be served cold, making it the perfect pairing for a cold sandwich. I love this Summer Pasta Salad with Herb Dressing and this Caprese Pasta Salad.
4. Potato salad
Potato salad is a classic sandwich side dish, but with a few tweaks you can make it healthier: Use Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise as a base to create a creamy, low-calorie dressing. Add diced celery, red onion and fresh herbs for extra flavor and texture.
5. Green salad
A simple green salad is the perfect side dish for any sandwich. Mix together a variety of leafy greens, like spinach, arugula, and kale, and add your favorite salad toppings. Lightly season with a homemade salad dressing.
6. Quinoa salad
Quinoa salad is a hearty side dish that pairs well with hot or cold sandwiches. KERF has several quinoa salad recipes, including this Quinoa Salad with Feta and Herbs and this Greek Quinoa Salad.
7. Roasted vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a great side dish that can be cooked in the oven or air fryer. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers are just a few of the veggies that look beautiful when roasted. Season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs for a flavorful, healthy side dish. Have you tried roasted breaded okra?
8. Potato wedges
If you’re looking for something more substantial, potato wedges (or sweet potato wedges) are a great alternative to traditional French fries. They can be baked in the oven or cooked in the air fryer and seasoned with a variety of spices to suit your sandwich taste. They provide a satisfying crunch without the extra oil of deep frying.
9. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish for sandwiches, especially grilled cheese and pulled pork sandwiches. To make it healthier, use a vinegar-based dressing or a lighter version of the traditional creamy dressing. For extra sweetness, add a mix of green and red cabbage, carrots, and apple slices.
10. Creamy Soup
A bowl of creamy soup can transform a simple sandwich into a hearty meal. Opt for a healthier soup like Creamy Tomato Basil Soup made with low-fat milk or Creamy Carrot Soup, which uses a blend of vegetables to create a creamy texture. This warming, appetizing side is perfect for cold days.
11. Zucchini chips
If you’re looking for a crunchy, healthy alternative to chips, try Air Fried Zucchini Chips. Thinly slice zucchini, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, and air fry until crispy. These chips are perfect for adding a few extra veggies to your meals without sacrificing flavor or texture.
12. Cucumber salad
Cucumber salad is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with sandwiches. This recipe from Eating Bird Food is a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for hot summer days. I love the crunch.
13. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a traditional Italian side dish made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Not only is this salad beautiful to look at, but its fresh, tangy flavor makes it a great complement to sandwiches.
14. Kale chips
Who doesn’t love chips on their sandwich? Yes, potato chips! There’s nothing wrong with having a few chips, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, try kale chips. Air fryer kale chips are perfectly crispy and crunchy in just minutes, making kale preparation a breeze!
15. Grilled vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a great sandwich side dish, especially during the summer. Zucchini, peppers, eggplant, and mushrooms all taste great on the grill, and seasoning them with herbs and spices helps bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables. Warm vegetables make a hearty, healthy meal when served with your favorite sandwich.
Why Side Dishes Are Important
Adding a side dish to your sandwich not only makes your meal more enjoyable, but it also makes it more balanced. Healthy side dishes add nutrition, texture, and flavor, making your meal more interesting and satisfying. Here are some reasons why side dishes are important:
Nutritional Balance: Side dishes can supplement the protein and carbohydrates of a sandwich and add essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your meal. Taste Variety: Well-chosen side dishes can provide taste and texture contrast and enhance the overall flavor profile of a meal. Satisfaction: Including a variety of foods in your meal makes you feel more satisfied and less likely to snack between meals.
Pairing Tips
When choosing sandwich sides, consider these tips to create a harmonious meal:
Balance flavors: Pair a savory sandwich with a lighter side dish like a salad or fruit to balance the flavors.Textural contrast: If your sandwich is soft and creamy, add a crunchy side dish like veggie sticks or air-fried zucchini chips to vary the texture.Temperature matching: Pair a hot sandwich with a hot side dish like roasted vegetables or creamy soup, and a cold sandwich with a cold side dish like pasta salad or cucumber salad.
Whether you’re enjoying a quick lunch at home or heading out for a picnic, these 15 healthy and delicious side dishes are perfect to serve with your sandwiches.
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