Throwback Thursday, Satisfying Lighter Sides
Posted by the Painted Apron on January 11, 2024 · 28 Comments
I have been hibernating lately,
I’m not a fan of January cold weather!
One thing I’ve been doing is looking back through old posts
and I found some recipes in the archives
that you might want to consider
for your lightened up January menus
When the weather is cold, we all crave comfort food,
but when you want to eat lighter this can be challenging
Instead of having bread with your soup or casserole,
have Zucchini Parmesan Ribbons
You’ll never miss the high carb bread!

Keep things interesting and serve some unexpected vegetables like
Lemon Parmesan Broccolini and Roasted Radishes

Even if you think you don’t like kale,
try cutting it into ribbons and pan frying it with garlic
and you will become a fan!
Pan Fried Kale Ribbons with Garlic

Instead of french fries, lighten up with vegetable “fries”
Parmesan Crusted Vegetable Fries with Lemon Aioli
Green beans and zucchini spears are roasted with Parmesan and garlic
for a crunchy and flavorful bite

Asparagus Parmesan Aoili Fries are delicious too,
and just like the vegetable fries, they can be a side or an appetizer

Onion Straws are light and they have a lot of flavor
yes they are fried,
but since they aren’t battered they don’t soak up oil
Try them in place of french fried onions in your favorite casseroles
or a garnish on your salad or meat

Golden Zucchini Chips are better than potato chips!
Zucchini is cut into thin slices,
seasoned and topped with Parmesan,
and baked until golden
Trust me they’re addicting…

Quinoa is low in fat and a great source of fiber,
protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Try Vegetable Patch Quinoa, a very healthy side dish

Roasted Cauliflower Gratin tastes just like scalloped potatoes,
but is lower in fat and calories

Maple Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts
is full of sweet and savory flavors to compliment
any meat, chicken, pork or fish entree
You could also put it on a salad of greens, spinach or kale
It would be great on pasta too,
and you could mix in cooked chicken, ham or bacon to make it a meal

I hope you enjoy these satisfying lighter sides!
I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:
Sundays on Silverado/ Happiness is Homemade
What’s for Dinner / Love Your Creativity
Between Naps on the Porch / Monday Linky Party
Wednesday Linky Party / Karin’s Cottage Linky Party / Creative Crafts
Full Plate Thursday /Thursday Favorite Things
Share this:
- Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
- Print (Opens in new window) Print
- Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
- Share on X (Opens in new window) X
- Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
- Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
- Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
Filed under recipe box, throwback Thursday · Tagged with healthy side dishes, lightened up side dishes, meal plan, menu plan, vegetable recipes


RSS - Posts


















Delicious and lighter ways to eat your veggies Jenna! I’m enjoying hibernating and the slower pace of January after the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Stay warm ♥
Thanks Mary, enjoy your hibernation!
A lot of delicious sides. I could eat a lot of them alone for dinner.
Thank you Bernadette
Better than potato chips??? Hmmm. As a chip lover – but also as a zucchini lover, I’ll have to test this. The cheese may tip the decision. I actually like all of these ideas. If you need me I’ll be snacking on all sorts of chips. (Chips Ahoy?)
I want to try making them in my air fryer, that is a magic appliance!
They look healthful and delicious!
Thanks Angie, have a great weekend!
Thanks Dorothy!
It all looks so yummy! Just what we need this time of year.
Happy Thursday, Jenn! Vegetable fries look delicious and healthier than the potato version. Thanks for sharing the satisfying and lighter recipes. Jenna, stay warm and cozy these next few days.
I am sad that Saban is retiring, but everyone needs to when it is right for them. I can’t imagine Bama football without him!
Thank you Pam. I first had these at North Italia at the Summit, they are so good! Yes, we were in SHOCK yesterday when we heard the news! Even my 8 year old grandson is sad! The end of a very special era, what a legend!! I can’t wait to see who is going to be the next coach!
I haven’t eaten at North Italia, maybe I should try. Yes, the end of an era and he is a legend!
I hate cold weather too. Thankfully, we don’t have very much in Northeast Florida. All I want to do is eat and sit under a blanket or quilt. I love your recipes especially your appetizers.
Thanks so much Nancy!
These all look delicious. I love vegetables.
Thank you, me too!
Artfully created and looks so very yummy!
Thank you Mary, stay cozy!
All of these sides look delicious! I happen to be a big vegetable fan. My mother was as well. In fact, she would say that she could make an entire meal out of vegetables. I’m with her. Beginning with the onion straws. I also love the artwork.
I’m not sure why my posting (above) came up as anonymous, but it’s me, Pattie, from Olla-Podrida.
Me too, thanks Pattie!
The asparagus and cauliflower dishes are calling to me, Jenna! Thank you!
It’s freezing 🥶 here today; 16 degrees! I’m not a fan either.
Thank you Kitty! We’re supposed to get snow tonight!
It all looks great! I love the cheesy ones the best. Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party. Hope your week is starting great!
Thanks Helen, I love vegetables!
Oh my gosh Jenna – these are all perfect. I have squash and brussel sprouts in my fridge as we speak and what a fabulous way to combine them. I adore zucchini and the cauliflower gratin looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing this wonderful collection of light dishes!
Thanks so much Kim, enjoy!