When it comes to preparing a healthy family dinner, it's essential to ensure that you're not just focusing on the main course, but also including nutritious side dishes. These side dishes not only add variety to your meal but also provide essential nutrients that are beneficial for the whole family. Here are some delicious and nutritious side dishes that you can easily incorporate into your family dinner: Roasted vegetables: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavours. You can roast a variety of vegetables like carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. Drizzle them with a little olive oil, sprinkle some herbs and spices, and pop them in the oven until they become tender and slightly caramelised. Quinoa salad: Quinoa is a nutrient-dense grain that is packed with protein, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals. Prepare a refreshing quinoa salad by combining cooked quinoa with colourful vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Toss it with a light vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. Steamed greens: Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are powerhouses of nutrition. Steaming them helps retain their vibrant colour and preserves their nutrients. Simply steam the greens until they are tender and bright green. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of garlic powder for some extra flavour. Baked sweet potato fries: Swap out regular fries for a healthier alternative by making baked sweet potato fries. Sweet potatoes are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious choice. Cut the sweet potatoes into thin strips, toss them with a little olive oil and your favourite seasonings, and bake them in the oven until they're crispy and golden brown. Quinoa stuffed bell peppers: Another way to incorporate quinoa into your family dinner is by making quinoa stuffed bell peppers. Cook the quinoa and mix it with sautéed onions, garlic, and your choice of vegetables. Stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top, and bake them until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. Cucumber and tomato salad: A simple yet refreshing side dish, cucumber and tomato salad is a great way to add some crunch and freshness to your meal. Chop cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and toss them with a little olive oil, vinegar, and your choice of herbs. You can also add some feta cheese or olives for extra flavour. Whole grain garlic bread: Instead of regular white bread, opt for whole grain bread when making garlic bread. Whole grain bread is higher in fibre and nutrients, making it a healthier choice. Spread some garlic butter on the bread slices, sprinkle some herbs and grated cheese, and toast them in the oven until they're golden and crispy. Roasted chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas are a delicious and nutritious snack that the whole family will love. Simply toss drained and rinsed chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and your choice of spices like paprika, cumin, or garlic powder. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven until they're crispy and golden brown. You can also try different flavour variations like honey cinnamon or spicy buffalo for a fun twist. Veggie stir-fry: Stir-fries are a quick and easy way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your family's meals. Heat some oil in a pan and add your choice of veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Cook them until they're tender-crisp and then add a sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey. Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. Fruit salad: End your family dinner on a sweet note with a refreshing fruit salad. Chop up a variety of your favourite fruits like strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and melon. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to keep the fruits fresh and vibrant. Serve the fruit salad as is or top it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of granola for added texture. Remember, when it comes to family dinners, it's all about finding a balance between healthy and delicious. By incorporating these nutritious side dishes into your meals, you can ensure that your family is getting the nutrients they need while still enjoying tasty and satisfying meals. So next time you're planning a family dinner, give these side dishes a try and watch as your loved ones gobble them up with delight. Happy cooking!