You can easily turn a home-cooked meal from good to great with the addition of just one side dish. But even though a side dish can elevate a main dish from good to great, not all side dishes are created equal. Some can be a touch bland, heavy on calories or tough on the digestive system.
To help you find your go-to side dishes for all the family, we rounded up the best fresh prepared side dishes available at your local grocery store.
Read on to shop the best fresh prepared side dishes.
Our Editor’s Best Fresh Prepared Side Dishes Reviews
- This item is typically available for pickup/delivery between 10am-6pm
- All items from the Whole Foods Market Prepared Foods department are held to high ingredient standards, so you can feel good about what you're buying (and eating). Here's what you can count on with this selection:
- No hydrogenated fats, high-fructose corn syrup or added MSG
- Convenient & Beneficial—Delicious asparagus fresh side dishes made fast with no prep & no mess; Microwave-ready in under 5 mins for quick, wholesome prepared foods
- Ideal for Busy Lives—Ready to eat meals for families, seniors, college students, & health-conscious eaters seeking fast, nutritious veggies that pair with any meal without hassle
- Cook in Minutes—Each bag contains 10 oz of asparagus & flavoring pack; Just add flavoring, reseal, & microwave for 2-3 mins; SteamFast vents ensure best results; Fresh snack foods with no cleanup
- Flavorful Features—These bold flavored Lemon Garlic asparagus dinner sides are GMO-free, gluten-free, & always fresh; Steam release valve, easy-tear top, & zip-lock seal for microwave food simplicity
- About Us—JMB Produce has 130+ years of expertise delivering premium asparagus & corn; We partner with growers to bring excellent farm-fresh veggies to tables everywhere
- AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FLAVOR: Classic yellow rice seasoned with traditional spices and simmered with vegetables; fully cooked, never frozen, and ready to serve.
- READY IN MINUTES: Refrigerated and fully cooked for convenience. Heat in microwave for just 5 minutes or on stovetop; no pots, no prep, no cleanup. Serve hot and fresh from the tray.
- FAMILY SIZE, EASY TO SHARE: One 22 oz tray provides about four servings. Perfect for family dinners, weekday meals, or quick sides. Serve as-is or portion for meal prep bowls throughout the week.
- PAIRS WITH TAMALES, FAJITAS & MORE: A versatile rice side dish that complements any Latin entrée. Serve with tamales, carnitas, grilled chicken, or inside burrito bowls for a flavorful meal.
- FRESHLY MADE & PACKED: Delivered chilled, never frozen, for superior flavor and texture. Made with simple, clean ingredients, naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and no preservatives.
- Convenient & Beneficial—Delicious, fresh-tasting corn side dishes made fast; Corn on the cob with no prep, no mess; Microwave-ready in under 5 mins for quick, wholesome prepared foods
- Ideal for Busy Lives—Ready to eat meals for families, seniors, college students, & health-conscious eaters seeking fast, nutritious veggies that pair with any meal without hassle
- Cook in Minutes—Each bag contains 2 ears of fully-husked corn & flavoring pack; Just add flavoring, reseal, & microwave for 2-3 mins; SteamFast vents ensure best results; Fresh snack foods with no cleanup
- Flavorful Features—These bold flavored Chili Lime corn dinner sides are GMO-free, gluten-free, & always fresh; Steam release valve, easy-tear top, & zip-lock seal for microwave food simplicity
- About Us—JMB Produce has 130+ years of expertise delivering premium asparagus & corn; We partner with growers to bring excellent farm-fresh veggies to tables everywhere
- Contain healthy probiotic Lactobacillus
- Improve your digestive system
- Strengthen your immune system
- Keep your brain sharp
- Help lower your Cholesterol
- FRESHLY CARVED TO PERFECTION: Each rutabaga piece is meticulously hand-carved to order, ensuring superior quality and precision. Perfect for gourmet presentations and enhancing the visual appeal of your dishes.
- VACUUM SEALED FOR FRESHNESS: Our rutabaga pieces are vacuum sealed immediately after carving to lock in freshness and maintain their crisp texture. This ensures they arrive at your kitchen in peak condition.
- RESTAURANT QUALITY PRODUCE: Ideal for chefs and culinary lovers, our rutabaga pieces deliver a consistent, high-quality ingredient for your gourmet creations. Elevate your dishes with this premium produce.
- CONVENIENT BULK PACKAGING: With 275 pieces per case, this bulk packaging is perfect for busy kitchens, catering services, and large-scale culinary events. Save time and effort with our ready-to-use rutabaga pieces.
- VERSATILE CULINARY USES: These rutabaga pieces are perfect for a variety of dishes, from elegant appetizers to hearty main courses. Enhance your soups, stews, and salads with the delicious flavor and unique texture of freshly carved rutabaga.
- IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR: Dive into the rich, creamy goodness of our four-cheese macaroni, 32 ounces of taste that will leave you craving more.
- QUICK & EASY TO PREPARE: Experience ultimate convenience with our ready-to-serve macaroni, allowing you to whip up a delectable dish in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
- VERSATILE SIDE DISH: Whether paired with your favorite main course or served as a standalone dish, our Mac & Cheese adds a touch of comfort and satisfaction to any mealtime.
- FAMILY FAVORITE: From kids to adults, everyone loves the comforting taste of our Mac & Cheese, making it the perfect choice for family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday enjoyment.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: If you're not 100% satisfied with your Mac & Cheese purchase from Kansas City Steaks, we’ll make it right. It's that simple. Enjoy a worry-free, delectable dining experience.
- Trade name: healthy and natural dried lily, ingredients for cooking Congee and soup, Lily flower tea, freeze-dried lily, edible flowers, delicious flower side dishes, healthy vegetarian.
- A variety of delicious ways to eat: after soaking, it can be used as the side dish of soup, Congee, or stir fry, and it can also be used to boil sugared water (For example, mung bean and lily Congee), make flower tea, and so on.
- Net content: 100g (3.53oz) per bag.
- Shelf life: 365 days (please note: the date on the packaging is the production date, not the expiration date).
- Storage method: Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Enjoy the unique taste of Spicy Enoki Mushrooms, perfect for snacking or as a flavorful side dish
- Made with good-quality ingredients, these mushrooms offer a delightful red oil flavor and a hint of garlic aroma
- Versatile and convenient, they can be enjoyed straight from the bag or added to your favorite noodle dishes
- With a shelf life of 12 months, these tasty snacks are easy to store at room temperature
- Share the joy of these delicious mushrooms with friends and family, making every meal a special occasion
- AUTHENTIC FLAVOR: Enjoy the rich taste of our Southern-style cornbread dressing, made with fresh celery, onions, buttermilk, eggs, and traditional spices for that genuine Southern comfort.
- VERSATILE SIDE DISH: Swap out ordinary dinner rolls for our flavorful cornbread dressing. It's a delicious twist that adds excitement to any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
- GENEROUS PORTION SIZE: Each tray contains a generous 32 ounces of premium cornbread dressing, providing plenty to share with family and friends or enjoy as leftovers for a delicious Southern-inspired meal anytime.
- MEAL MADE EASY: Preparing a delicious side dish has never been easier - simply heat and serve our cornbread dressing for a quick and satisfying addition to any meal.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: If you're not 100% satisfied with your Cornbread Dressing purchase from Kansas City Steaks, we’ll make it right. It's that simple. Enjoy a worry-free, delectable dining experience.
Best Fresh Prepared Side Dishes Buying Guide
Before choosing the best fresh prepared side dishes you should consider following options:
1. Frozen Vegetables: If you’re looking for convenience and affordability, then frozen vegetables are a great option. They’re easy to prepare and are often less expensive than fresh.
The two main categories of frozen vegetables are frozen greens and frozen mixed vegetables. Frozen greens are a great source of nutrients and vitamins. Examples include frozen spinach and frozen kale.
Frozen mixed vegetables are a good alternative for fresh vegetables. You can often get a variety pack that includes carrots, peas, corn, green beans and possibly more.
2. Canned Vegetables: Canned vegetables are often more affordable than fresh or frozen. However, they’re not as fresh and sometimes lack in flavor.
You can buy canned vegetables by the individual variety or can also get a mixed variety that contains a variety of different vegetables.
3. Pickled Vegetables: Pickled vegetables are a great way to add flavor and crunch to a meal. Although they’re often more expensive than fresh or frozen, they can be a great, convenient option.
You can get a variety of pickled vegetables, including carrots, cauliflower, onions and more. You can also get pickled vegetables in a variety pack.
4. Vegetable Chips: If you’re looking for a crunchy addition to a meal, then vegetable chips are a great option. You can get them in a variety of flavors, including tomato, onion and corn.
Vegetable chips are often more affordable than fresh or frozen, but they’re not as healthy.
5. Frozen Greens: You can also get frozen greens in a mixed variety pack. They’re a good alternative for fresh greens, but they do lack in flavor.
6. Vegetable Rice: Vegetable rice is a great way to add flavor and texture to a meal. It’s often more affordable than fresh or frozen.
You can get vegetable rice in a variety of flavors, including mixed, Indian and Chinese.
7. Dried Vegetables: Dried vegetables are a great way to add flavor and crunch to a meal. They’re often more affordable than fresh or frozen.
8. Vegetable Pasta: Vegetable pasta is another great way to add flavor and texture to a meal. You can get it dried or frozen.
9. Vegetable Chips: You can get vegetable chips in a variety of flavors, including tomato, onion and corn. If you’re looking for a crunchy addition to a meal, then vegetable chips are a great option.
10. Vegetable Medley: Vegetable medleys are a good alternative for fresh vegetables, but they do lack in flavor.
11. Vegetable Soup: Vegetable soup is the perfect addition to a meal on a cold day. It’s often more affordable than fresh or frozen.
12. Vegetable Casseroles: Casseroles are a great way to add flavor, texture and convenience to a meal. You can often get a variety pack that includes a variety of different casseroles.
13. Vegetable Pasta: Vegetable pasta is another great way to add flavor and texture to a meal. You can get it dried or frozen.
14. Vegetable Rice: Vegetable rice is a great way to add flavor and texture to a meal. It’s often more affordable than fresh or frozen.
15. Vegetable Chips: You can get vegetable chips in a variety of flavors
What else you should know about fresh prepared side dishes
1. What are some popular fresh prepared side dishes?
Some popular fresh prepared side dishes include roasted vegetables, quinoa salad, and roasted potatoes.
2. How do you make a fresh prepared side dish?
There are many ways to make a fresh prepared side dish. Some popular methods include roasting, sauteing, grilling, and baking.
3. What are some tips for making fresh prepared side dishes?
Some tips for making fresh prepared side dishes are to use quality ingredients, cook the food properly, and season the food to taste.
4. What are some common mistakes people make when making fresh prepared side dishes?
Some common mistakes people make when making fresh prepared side dishes are not properly cooking the food, not using fresh ingredients, and not following directions.
5. How can you make a fresh prepared side dish more healthy?
You could make a fresh prepared side dish more healthy by adding less salt, using leaner meats, and avoiding high-fat ingredients.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best fresh prepared side dishes. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best fresh prepared side dishes will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.