Gluten-Free Grains and Side Dishes

Mushroom Carpaccio with Gremolata and Shaved Parmigiano Recipe

This salad is the perfect antidote to the winter blues, and it pairs beautifully with foods of the season--roasts, stews, and braises. You could use a mandoline to slice the mushrooms, but a sharp knife will do.

Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir-Fry Recipe

Think of mild-flavored, juicy bok choy as an invitation to experiment in the kitchen. It's especially good with earthy mushrooms. Thoroughly drying the bok choy before cooking ensures that you don't end up with a watery sauce.

Stir-Fried Cabbage with Red Pepper and Peas Recipe

This quick, simple stir-fry elevates humble cabbage to a starring role and makes an extremely hearty and satisfying vegetarian dish. Coconut and curry leaves make it a more southern Indian dish; northern Indian cooks would also cook the cabbage much longer, until it's soft and slightly caramelized.

Indian Chopped Salad Recipe

Combining chopped vegetables with lime juice, ground cumin, and other seasonings give this Indian-style salad a unique flavor. 

Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe

Featuring cranberries, wild rice, toasted pecans, and scallions, this salad is full of fall flavor. 

Spicy Garlic Broccolini Recipe

Broccolini has long, thick stalks and small florets. Broccoli rabe has slender stalks, larger florets, and leaves, as well as a slightly bitter flavor. Either will work in this quick sauté.

Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots Recipe

Partially cover the pan as the carrots steam so they retain some texture. They will continue to soften as the glaze reduces in the pan.

Grilled Sweet Potato and Bell Pepper Toss Recipe

Cut the red bell peppers from top to bottom into four panels; then simply discard the core. The wide pepper pieces will take on more char and be easier to maneuver on the grill.

Roasted Asparagus and Baby Artichokes Recipe

To get a head start, prepare the recipe through step 2 up to two days in advance. Shortly before serving, place asparagus on pan with roasted asparagus, and proceed with step 3.

Wilted Kale with Bacon and Vinegar Recipe

Kale is a sturdy green that holds up to the bold, salty bite of bacon. Red onion, sherry vinegar, and maple syrup are other key ingredients in this satisfying side.

Charred Okra with Tomatoes Recipe

A serrated peeler works like magic to peel plum tomatoes, sparing you the hassle of blanching and shocking in ice water to get the skins off.

Charred Okra with Tomatillos Recipe

This healthy side dish is a fantastic way to get your daily serving of veggies.

Curried Quinoa Salad with Cucumber-Mint Raita Recipe

This Indian-inspired dish features quinoa, a high-protein grain that cooks relatively quickly. Cucumber-Mint Raita tames the heat of Madras curry powder, while mango and currants provide sweetness in this sensational salad.

Pan-Seared Potatoes with Blue Cheese and Walnuts Recipe

Serve these seasoned, pan-seared potatoes for a sophisticated twist on a classic side. 

Pan-Seared Potatoes with Quick Pickled Red Onions Recipe

Serve these seasoned, pan-seared potatoes for a sophisticated twist to a classic side.

Creamy Corn Risotto Recipe

Fresh kernels steep in milk before they're added to the rice, so the risotto absorbs every last bit of corn flavor. This gorgeous side is the perfect summer dish.

Coriander Carrots Recipe

Cooked carrots are an often-overlooked choice as a vegetable side. Coriander seeds and a little salt, pepper, and butter are all you need for this nutritious dish.

Balsamic Broccoli Rabe Recipe

Broccoli rabe is a leafy green vegetable with a slightly bitter taste. Olive oil, vinegar, Parmesan, and salt and pepper are all you need to create this nutritious, Italian-inspired side dish.

Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe

Serve Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce as a sort of warm side salad. The tangy-sweet pepper sauce makes a perfect flavor pairing for the tender, creamy flesh of the grilled eggplant.

Pan-Seared Mojo Potatoes Recipe

Serve these seasoned, pan-seared potatoes for a sophisticated twist to a classic side. For the topping, try plain, nonfat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. It’s less than half the calories, and you won’t be able to tell a difference!

Pan-Seared Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic Recipe

Serve these seasoned, pan-seared potatoes for a sophisticated twist to a classic side. 

Napa Cabbage-and-Sweet Pepper Slaw Recipe

Put this on your pulled pork sandwich and you'll never go back to regular coleslaw again.

Basic Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Basic, yes. Boring, no. Start with this recipe, and then try some variations. The key to perfect, fluffy spuds is not overworking them with an electric mixer; a ricer (or food mill, if you have one) or potato masher is the best tool for the job.

Sautéed Snap Peas with Ricotta Salata and Mint Recipe

Floral lemon zest (but no tart juice) allows the sweet pea flavor to shine. Chop mint, grate lemon rind, and crumble cheese while the peas cook. Serve with sandwiches, grilled chicken, or pork chops.

Bean Salad Quinoa Recipe

Cannellini beans, plum tomatoes, and red onion add a variety of colors and textures to this superfast side.

Creamy Gorgonzola Teff with Herb-Roasted Tomatoes Recipe

Teff is a tiny grain that cooks in 20 minutes. It's porridgy, like polenta, with a deep, toasty flavor. It works well with sweet flavors, but creamy Gorgonzola and herb-roasted tomatoes are the savory stars in this recipe.

Mushroom and Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe

While old-school stovetop-stirred risotto is undeniably delicious, the pressure cooker also delivers astonishingly good results: perfectly creamy, al dente risotto without constant stirring.

Beet-Citrus Salad with Pistachios Recipe

This is a fresh, bright, zero-effort side, thanks to precooked beets and precut fresh citrus. It makes a lovely accompaniment to grilled salmon, pork, or chicken.

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Anchovy Recipe

Minced anchovy fillets deliver bold flavor to this simple side. Broccoli retains all of its flavor and even gains deliciously crisp bits when roasted.

Cabbage with White Beans, Turnip, and Pecorino Recipe

This monochromatic dish is anything but boring. Creamy, earthy, crunchy, and bright, the variety of flavors and textures make this a great dish to serve alongside roast chicken or pork.

Sorghum with Summer Corn, Tomatoes, and Tarragon Recipe

Sorghum is a mild pearl-shaped grain, like a chewier version of Israeli couscous when cooked. Sweet summer veggies like corn, tomatoes, and asparagus pair well with the grain's slight sweetness in this recipe.

Nutty Almond-Sesame Red Quinoa Recipe

We love the color and texture of red quinoa, but regular quinoa also works well in this recipe. Sliced almonds bring out the pleasant nuttiness of this protein-packed grain.

Wilted Kale with Coconut, Ginger, and Lime Recipe

Coconut milk, ginger, and lime juice bring Asian-inspired flavor to this nutritious side dish.

Slow-Roasted Grape Tomatoes Recipe

Slow-roasting little grape tomatoes intensifies their sweetness, allowing you to enjoy summer flavors year-round. Serve as they are for a side dish, on crostini with ricotta for an appetizer, or tossed with pasta and olive oil for a main dish.

Tabbouleh-Style Amaranth Salad Recipe

Need a change from brown rice and quinoa? Amaranth is a ancient grain that is naturally gluten-free and a source of complete protein. Try it in this Middle Eastern salad tossed with veggies, herbs, chickpeas, and feta.

Bitter Greens Salad with Spiced Mirin Dressing Recipe

It's common to add a touch of sweetness to salad dressings for bitter greens. Instead of sugar or honey, here we use the richness of mirin, a sweet rice wine.

White Bean-Asparagus Salad with Bacon and Thyme Recipe

This hearty salad with beans, asparagus and bacon is so hearty it could almost pass for a main dish!

Quick Classic Baked Beans Recipe

Our baked beans are cooked mostly on the stovetop and then briefly broiled for crusty edges. If you want extra herby flavor, garnish with fresh thyme leaves.

Esquites (Creamy Corn Salad) Recipe

Esquites is a cousin to elote--that street food favorite of creamy cheese-coated corn cobs. You can also find this off-the-cob version with Mexican street food vendors. It's great on its own or served as a side dish with grilled meats.

Steamed Green Beans with Lemon-Mint Dressing Recipe

If you don't have mint, tarragon or basil would be equally delicious in this speedy side. If desired, top with fresh lemon rind for a little extra zing.

Green Bean, Orange, and Fennel Salad with Hazelnuts and Goat Cheese Recipe

We love this satisfying, citrusy salad with green beans. Make sure to top with plenty of hazelnuts and goat cheese! 

Cheesy Buckwheat with Kale and Mushrooms Recipe

Buckwheat is an earthy grain and pairs well with smoky flavors. In this recipe, bacon, kale, mushrooms, and Gruyère are the flavor boosters.

Wilted Escarole with Lemon and Garlic Recipe

Escarole is transformed by heat, turning soft and mellow, with only a slight edge of bitterness. Swiss chard and mature spinach are also delicious cooked this way.

Golden Buttermilk-Chive Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Yukon gold potatoes give this dish its desirable color and buttery flavor. Mashed spuds work well with almost any dish, so be sure to add this recipe to your arsenal.

Lemon-Snap Pea Quinoa Recipe

The natural sweetness of sugar snap peas is balanced by tart lemon juice in this superfast side.

Yogurt Rice with Cumin and Chile Recipe

Using whole packages of precooked rice and yogurt saves the time of measuring in this 5-minute side. Serve with grilled lamb chops, roasted chicken, or grilled salmon.

Wilted Kale with Golden Shallots Recipe

Sautéed shallots add bite to this simple side, packed with vegetal flavor. The recipe calls for Lacinato kale, also called Tuscan, dinosaur, or black kale.

Pineapple and Orange Salad with Toasted Coconut Recipe

Serve this tropical side with your favorite gluten-free grilled entrée. Assemble the night ­before, but stir in and sprinkle with coconut just before serving.

Toasted Millet with Cilantro Vinaigrette Recipe

Millet is a fast, fluffy, and nearly foolproof gluten-free grain. Its corn-forward flavor makes it perfect for spicy, highly-seasoned recipes like this one.

Charred Broccolini with Lemon Recipe

You can prepare this dish on the grill, or in the oven on a rimmed cookie sheet under the broiler.

Classic Risotto Milanese Recipe

Saffron gives Classic Risotto Milanese its golden color. Enjoying a warm bowl of this comforting side will leave you wanting for more of its rich, creamy, earthy flavor.

Celery and Arugula Salad Recipe

This simple salad is a perfect accompaniment to chicken or fish, and can be served with plenty of parmesan cheese.

Orange-Jicama Salad Recipe

The cool crunch of jicama is a great accompaniment to the deliciously juicy orange slices.

Roasted Balsamic Radicchio with Pancetta and Walnuts Recipe

Radicchio--that bitter, crunchy, scarlet and white vegetable Italians adore, becomes entirely different when roasted. Its color deepens and the flavor turns mellow and nutty, with just a hint of bitterness remaining. Serve it alongside roast pork, chicken, or beef. Or, to turn it into a main course, chop and toss with hot cooked pasta.

Carrot and Cumin Salad Recipe

Cooked matchstick-cut carrots bring a crisp and flavorful texture when sprinkled with spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon.

Anchovy-Parmesan White Bean and Kale Salad Recipe

This cozy salad makes a great side dish for many dishes and features an anchovy and crushed red pepper sauce that is drizzled over top.

Garden Potato Salad Recipe

New potatoes are baby spring potatoes with beautifully thin skins. We love how red-skinned potatoes contrast with vibrant green peas and herbs, but you can use any kind of potato you like.

Carrot "Tabbouleh" Recipe

Fresh carrots stand in for bulgur in this no-cook, gluten-free side dish. You can use white wine vinegar in place of lemon juice.

Roasted Carrot Salad Recipe

Top kale with roasted carrots. Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with dates and cheese. Season with additional pepper, if desired.

Shaved Vegetable Salad with Toasted Almonds Recipe

All it takes is a sharp vegetable peeler to transform a few favorite veggies into an inventive salad. To shave the asparagus into ribbons, place each spear flat on your work surface so you can pull the peeler evenly down its length.

Skillet-Charred Vidalia Onion Salad Recipe

Make sure to have your stove's hood vent cranking--the onion will give off smoke as it chars. A hit of floral fresh oregano provides the perfect top note for the salad's Mediterranean flavors.

Pickled Tomatoes Recipe

Toast the spice seeds in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and start to release their flavorful oils. Use Pickled Tomatoes to brighten sandwiches and grilled meats.

Spring Greens, Pea, and Citrus Salad Recipe

Orange slices add a tantalizingly tart flavor to tossed spring greens.

Rice with Almonds and Peas Recipe

Basmati rice is fluffy and fragrant; top with stir-fries, use for rice stuffings, or make rice pudding.

Chili Garlic Broccolini Recipe

Chili garlic sauce can be found on the international aisle of most supermarkets. Add to stir-fries or marinades, stir into ketchup for a spicy kick, or top scrambled eggs.

Balsamic and Grape Quinoa Recipe

White balsamic vinegar and seedless red grapes bring subtle sweetness to this superfast side.

Grilled Green Onions with Corn and Tarragon Recipe

This refreshing corn and green onion salad clocks in at less that 150 calories per serving.

Butter Lettuce, Asparagus, and Hazelnut Salad Recipe

Butter lettuce, also called Boston or Bibb lettuce, is delicate; it can bruise and wilt as easily as fresh herbs. Instead of tossing together in a bowl, arrange the lettuce on individual plates before adding other elements.

Turnip and Leek Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Get an extra boost of nutrients by adding turnips to basic mashed potatoes. The result is a creamy and earthy side with a hint of onion flavor from the leek.

Baby Greens and Artichoke Salad Recipe

This simple baby greens salad is the perfect accompaniment for light and flavorful dishes.

Spinach Salad with Berries and Goat Cheese Recipe

With only a handful of ingredients, this spinach salad is the perfect accompaniment for any meal on a busy weeknight.

Carrot Salad with Red Quinoa and Chickpeas Recipe

This healthy salad is picnic-perfect, because the carrots stay crunchy and the quinoa and chickpeas keep their texture. (Regular quinoa works fine in this recipe, if you can't find the red variety.)

Picnic tip: This salad is delicious at room temperature, so if you'll be eating it within 2 hours, there's no need to pack it in the cooler.