Vegetable Sides For Spaghetti And Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian dish that has become a staple in American cuisine. While the pasta and meatballs are the stars of the show, it's important not to overlook the importance of a good vegetable side dish. Not only do they add color and nutrition to your plate, but they also help balance out the richness of the pasta and meatballs. Here are some delicious vegetable sides that will elevate your spaghetti and meatballs game.
Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, and roasting it brings out its natural sweetness and crunch. To make roasted broccoli, preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut a head of broccoli into bite-sized florets and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the broccoli out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred. Serve alongside your spaghetti and meatballs for a delicious and healthy side dish.
Garlic Green Beans
Green beans are a classic side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. Adding garlic to the mix takes them to the next level. To make garlic green beans, start by trimming the ends off a pound of green beans. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add two cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still slightly crisp. Serve hot alongside your spaghetti and meatballs.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a refreshing and colorful side dish that's perfect for summer. To make a traditional Caprese salad, slice a few ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese into thin rounds. Arrange them on a plate, alternating between tomato and mozzarella slices. Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with salt and fresh basil leaves. Serve alongside your spaghetti and meatballs for a light and refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
Grilled Zucchini
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many different ways, but grilling brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor. To make grilled zucchini, cut a few medium-sized zucchinis into thick slices. Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the zucchini slices over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are tender and slightly charred. Serve hot alongside your spaghetti and meatballs for a delicious and healthy side dish.
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Looking for delicious and healthy vegetable sides to pair with your spaghetti and meatballs? Look no further than these recipes for roasted broccoli, garlic green beans, Caprese salad, and grilled zucchini.
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Vegetable Sides, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Roasted Broccoli, Garlic Green Beans, Caprese Salad, Grilled Zucchini