Healthy Microwave Side Dishes

Miracles in the microwave

These 7 vibrant and fresh vegetable side dishes prove that wonderfully healthy meals don't require standing over a hot stove (or even heating up the kitchen). A few minutes in the microwave will get these dishes on the table. Save these recipes for weeknight dinners or fuss-free dinner parties.

Microwaved Radishes in Butter with Honey and Chives

Radishes are often overlooked, but in this recipe, they take center stage. Raw radishes are slightly tangy, but cooked they have a much milder flavor. Butter and a touch of honey add a touch of sophistication to this dish. Serve with baked chicken for a quick and healthy meal.

Recipe: Microwaved Radishes in Butter with Honey and Chives

Microwaved Bok Choy with Miso Sauce

This quick and delicious vegetable side dish is ready in less than 15 minutes. Steam vitamin-rich young bok choy with garlic and ginger and drizzle with a quick miso sauce. For a healthy, filling meal, serve it with baked white cod or salmon.

Recipe: Microwaved Bok Choy with Miso Sauce

Microwaved Beetroot with Greens and Goat Cheese

This impressive side dish is much quicker to prepare than oven-roasted beets. We're using beet greens, but if you only buy beetroot, you can substitute the greens with 2 cups of another green, such as Swiss chard or kale. Serve with juicy slices of grilled beef steak.

Recipe: Microwaved Beetroot with Greens and Goat Cheese

Sweet and spicy carrots with green onions in the microwave

Brown sugar and coconut oil (it's important to use unrefined coconut oil—it's not bleached or deodorized, so it preserves the coconut flavor) add a sweet touch to this simple carrot side dish. Top the potassium-rich carrots with grilled shrimp for a quick dinner with a Caribbean twist.

Recipe: Sweet and spicy carrots with green onions in the microwave

Spicy Microwave Cauliflower Couscous with Raisins and Coconut

Vitamin-rich cauliflower is the base of this simple, healthy side dish. No need to light up the stove or oven, as the recipe is completely microwave-safe, including for toasting the coconut flakes! A blend of spices transforms this familiar vegetable into an exotic "couscous," perfect for beef and vegetable kebabs.

Recipe: Spicy Microwave Cauliflower Couscous with Raisins and Coconut

Microwave Braised Red Cabbage with Bacon and Cumin

Braised cabbage, a popular German side dish, can often be overly rich. This lightened version is incredibly simple, as all the ingredients, including the bacon and cabbage, are microwaved. Caraway adds a spicy note, and white apple cider vinegar helps keep the dish from becoming too heavy. For a German-inspired dinner, serve the cabbage with oven-roasted pork tenderloin.

Recipe: Microwave Braised Red Cabbage with Bacon and Cumin

Pumpkin spaghetti with fresh tomatoes and ricotta

This quick, flavorful, and healthy dish takes less than half an hour. We trim the top and bottom of the pumpkin, prick it all over, and microwave it faster than baking it in the oven. If you want to turn this vegetable "pasta" into a full meal, juicy turkey meatballs are a great addition.

Recipe: Pumpkin spaghetti with fresh tomatoes and ricotta