Even the most enthusiastic cooks need a night off. Sometimes dinner just has to be simple. A veggie burger from the freezer. Rotisserie chicken from the store. Soup from a can.
So how do you turn these convenience foods into a dinner you feel great about? In the Meez Kitchen, the answer is simple: delicious vegetables on the side. This week we’re sharing 9 of our favorite ideas for hands-free sides that will dress up dinner without any work.
1) Roasted Anything
Combine baby carrots, pre-cut broccoli, zucchini coins or anything else that’s already prepped in olive oil, salt and pepper and roast. It’s less than a minute hands on and will make any meal feel special.
2) Asian Flair
Toss sauteed or roasted vegetables in sesame oil and a dash of soy sauce for instant Asian flair.
3) Grated Carrot Salad
Mix a bag of shredded carrots with a lemon and Dijon vinaigrette and you’ve got a French-inspired side to bring any dinner to life. Even better with some chopped parsley and toasted almonds.
4) Beets & Balsamic
Dress up canned beets by pairing them with diced apples in a balsamic vinaigrette. Feta, blue cheese or walnuts make a great topper.
5) Lemon Caper Veggies
Mix lemon juice, capers, feta and olive oil in a bowl, then drizzle over your favorite veggies. We particularly love it with steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower.
6) Red Wine Slaw
Make a red wine & mayo dressing with plenty of salt and pepper and toss with pre-chopped slaw mix. Raisins and nuts add extra interest, or add some diced apple for a Waldorf-inspired side.
7) Toss & Serve Salads
Meez makes sides super easy with salads ready to toss and serve.
8) Caprese Salad
Slice cherry tomatoes and toss with fresh mozzarella, fresh basil and a balsamic vinaigrette. These flavors work just as well with roasted eggplant or zucchini.
9) Mexican Slaw
Mash an avocado with a few tablespoons of salsa, olive oil and lime juice to create an avocado vinaigrette. Toss it with your favorite pre-chopped cabbage or broccoli slaw.
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