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
- WHAT'S INSIDE: 4.7-ounce box of scalloped potatoes
- WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Real cheese and creamy, seasoned sauce give these scalloped potatoes the perfect home-cooked flavor. Just add milk and butter.
- ALSO CONTAINS: Milk, Wheat
- HIGH QUALITY, LOW PRICES: Amazon Fresh brand products are all about high-quality food that fits every budget, every day.
- ONLY FROM AMAZON: Look for the Amazon Fresh label to find great deals on a wide selection of grocery essentials.
- WHAT'S INSIDE: 4.7 ounce box of au gratin potatoes
- WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Made with 100% real Idaho potatoes and real cheese, these potatoes deliver creamy and delicious home-cooked flavor in minutes.
- ALSO CONTAINS: Milk, Wheat
- HIGH QUALITY, LOW PRICES: Amazon Fresh brand products are all about high-quality food that fits every budget, every day.
- ONLY FROM AMAZON: Look for the Amazon Fresh label to find great deals on a wide selection of grocery essentials.
- The Fan Favorite - Ready in Minutes
- Twin Pack: Makes 8 total servings
- Partner with Box Tops for Education
- Six 9 oz. microwave trays of HORMEL COMPLEATS Meatloaf & Gravy With Mashed Potatoes is comfort food ready in 60 seconds – it’s America’s no.1 shelf stable tray
- Made with high quality ingredients and homestyle recipes HORMEL COMPLEATS Meatloaf & Gravy With Mashed Potatoes has savory meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes with gravy – it’s big on flavor and a big value
- Shelf stable, HORMEL COMPLEATS entrees go from shelf to table with no prep, no mess and no clean up – conveniently stocked in your pantry whenever hunger hits
- A quick, nourishing option for a satisfying lunch or a hearty dinner with 15 g of protein per serving (22% DV) and no artificial ingredients
- From chili with beans to Salisbury steak, mac and cheese, beef stew, chicken and dumplings, pot pie and more, HORMEL COMPLEATS microwaveable trays are an easy, affordable way to get supper on the table.
- DELICIOUS & SATISFYING Weight loss never tasted so good! Enjoy six of HMR’s most popular entrées with this Customer Favorites variety pack. Set includes 1 each of Chicken Pasta Parmesan, Beef Stroganoff, Lasagna with Meat Sauce, Rotini Chicken Alfredo, Penne Pasta with Meatballs, and Turkey Chili. With only 200 - 250 calories per entrée, you won’t need to sacrifice a mouthwatering meal for a low-cal alternative.
- FILLED WITH PROTEIN With 12 - 20 grams of protein and 1 - 3 grams of fiber per entrée, these savory cuisines are tasty and filling. The 7 - 8oz servings are portion controlled to help you stay on track while pursuing your weight loss goal.
- NO REFRIGERATION REQUIRED Shelf-stable, individual servings are ideal for home, office, and travel. Maintain a healthy diet while on the go. Heat in the microwave for just one minute and enjoy.
- ADD VARIETY Pair steamed vegetables or a hearty salad to complement these entrées and further supplement their nutritional benefits. Meals shown with added vegetable suggestions. Visit our Amazon Store for more delicious entrée selections.
- ABOUT HMR HMR Plan, LLC is a weight loss/maintenance and lifestyle change program designed to provide nutritionally complete, filling meals, and snacks that are calorie and portion controlled.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Eat Regal Veg Fried Rice is perfect for those busy nights. Ready in just 90 seconds, this pre-cooked rice allows you to enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal without spending much time in the kitchen. Simply tear open the pouch, microwave it, and serve. It’s an ideal solution for an easy dinner when time is of the essence.
- Natural and Sustainable Ingredients: Made with 100% authentic ingredients, our microwave rice ensures a natural flavor in every bite. The rice is sourced sustainably, promoting environmentally friendly practices. The mix of vegetables such as sweet corn, green peas, and bell peppers provides a fresh and healthy side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
- Nutritional Benefits: Each serving of our Veg Fried Rice contains 228 calories, making it a wholesome addition to your meal. It offers 4g of protein and is free from added sugars, supporting a balanced diet. The rice is low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, making it heart-healthy. It also provides essential nutrients like potassium and calcium, contributing to overall health.
- Delicious and Authentic Taste: The combination of long grain white rice, vegetables, and seasonings creates a rich and satisfying flavor. This ready-to-eat meal brings the authentic taste of traditional fried rice, enhancing any main course. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian options, adding a flavorful touch to your meals.
- Safe and Convenient Packaging: Our rice comes in BPA-free pouches, ensuring your meal is free from harmful chemicals. The packaging is designed for convenience, allowing you to quickly heat and serve the rice with minimal effort. Enjoy the assurance that your food is safe and of high quality, making it an excellent choice for a quick and easy dinner.
- Made from high-quality buckwheat, ensuring a pure and natural flavor in every bite. We prioritize ethical sourcing practices, ensuring our buckwheat is grown sustainably and responsibly, promoting both environmental and social well-being.
- Packed with essential nutrients, our buckwheat is a great source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of diets. Whether you're following a gluten-free, vegan, or plant-based diet, DOMA Buckwheat is an excellent addition to your pantry, enhancing your meals with wholesome goodness.
- Use DOMA Buckwheat in a wide range of recipes, It can be used to prepare porridges, soups, minced meat patties, salads, from hearty breakfast to savory side dishes and even gluten-free baked goods. Let your culinary creativity shine!
- Packaged in airtight, resealable bags to preserve freshness and flavor. Experience the farm-to-table difference with every meal. Our buckwheat cooks quickly and easily, saving you time in the kitchen. Enjoy its nutty flavor and tender texture without the hassle.
- Introduce your family to the goodness of DOMA Buckwheat. Its mild, nutty taste appeals to all ages, making it a nutritious choice for the whole family.
- Classic Cobb salad with iceberg and romaine lettuce, topped with chicken, bacon, hard-boiled egg, and a blue cheese dressing
- 14 grams of protein per serving; 340 calories per serving
- No high fructose corn syrup or synthetic colors
- Fork included
- Best when enjoyed within a couple days of arrival
- Knorr Pasta Sides Creamy Garlic is a side dish that enhances meals with amazing flavor
- Creamy Garlic Pasta Sides expertly combines garlic and butter with a Romano-cheese-flavored sauce
- Knorr Pasta Sides are quick and easy pasta side dishes — this creamy Italian pasta cooks in just 11 minutes
- This Creamy Garlic Pasta Side contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, and is made with high quality, flavorful ingredients
- Serve this pasta as a standalone side dish, or use it as an ingredient in a delicious family recipe
- DELICIOUS & HEALTHY- We've combined organic pasta, olives and veggies with sustainably-caught tuna for a culinary-inspired tuna salad without the mayo
- NO PREP REQUIRED- Our Wild Tuna Salad bowls don't require any preparation, assembly, heating, or refrigeration. Simply open, stir, and enjoy
- EXCELLENT SOURCE OF PROTEIN- Our Wild Tuna Pasta Salad contains 16g of clean protein to help keep you full and satisfied
- ON-THE-GO NUTRITION- Great for a post-workout snack, quick lunch at the office, dorm room staple, or any place you need a convenient meal. Dairy-Free
- SUSTAINABLY SOURCED WILD-CAUGHT TUNA- We catch our tuna to the highest sustainability standards. Wild Planet tuna is 100% pole and line caught, eliminating bycatch, or the capture of unintended species. Dolphin and turtle safe
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.