This pilaf is both colorful and tasty," says Kris Erickson from Everett, Washington. "The slightly chewy texture of the barley, the tender vegetables and lively spices make it special enough for company....
Here's a summer salad that brightens any supper. The homemade dressing with a hint of berries is perfect with arugula, nectarines and blue cheese. -Christine Laba, Arlington, Virginia
How could creamy scalloped potatoes possibly get any better? We'll tell you: Add ranch dressing mix to the cheesy sauce and watch as your family dives back in for seconds. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen
For a simply delicious side dish, I often prepare these potatoes. I like the fact that there are few ingredients and they take such little time to prepare.-Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Lentils pack a little extra protein and fiber to this fragrant and flavorful brad shared by Mike Buescher from Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Writes Mike, "I grew up on a farm where bread was baked weekly...and have...
This recipe is a fresh flavorful vegetable dish. People will think you fussed when you offer this elegant skillet side dish.-Cherie Sechrist, Red Lion, Pennsylvania
The first time I tasted this casserole was at a church supper, and I immediately asked around to find out who made it. I asked the cook to share her recipe, and it has become one of my family's most-requested...
Baked beans don't get any easier! All you have to do is open some cans, chop an onion, and add a dash (or two) of hot sauce. They'll simmer to perfection in minutes.-James Schend, Deputy Food Editor
For a fun vegetable dish, try these tender carrots in a sauce that gets its zip from horseradish. With a crunchy crumb topping and comforting sauce, it will tempt even those who usually don't care for...
Want a change of pace from ketchup? Try fry sauce! You'll often find this spiced-up blend of ketchup and mayo in Utah and Idaho. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen
My husband, Michael, is the cook in our house and discovered this simple treatment for green beans. I hope you like its pleasant flavor as much as we do. -Kathy Jackson of Arlington, Virginia
Dawn Harvey of Danville, Pennsylvania writes, "This is a classic church-social casserole, which has become a family favorite, even with my extended family. I reduced fat in many of the ingredients and...
"WHEN Grandma prepared potato pancakes, she used an old-fashioned grater, great for potatoes but not for knuckles! With homemade applesauce, this sauce, this side dish complements a meal so well. I made...
I lightened up a tangy salad dressing by replacing some of the oil with lemon juice. The revamped dressing lends a refreshing twist to mixed greens, tomatoes, pepper rings and cucumbers slices.-Martha...
This is how my mom always made green beans. She got the recipe from a neighbor when we lived in Turkey. Make a double batch as they make an excellent healthy snack straight from the fridge. Add a thinly...
I OFTEN MAKE this easy potato dish when I invite someone over for lunch. It's a nice accompaniment to salads or sandwiches. This dish always draws complimentary comments when my lunch guest arrives...the...
I absolutely love squash-and I've filled it with so many variations of savory stuffing over the years. But my favorite way to stuff it is with an unexpected fruit filling, like this sweet apple-blueberry...
We love corn and are always looking for new ways to enjoy it. This tastes great right off the grill but leftovers are delicious in salads and tacos. I like to let the corn cool, cut it off the cob, then...
The heart of a Greek salad recipe is in the olives, feta, cucumbers and tomatoes. Dress it with olive oil and vinegar, then add more olives and cheese. -Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New Jersey
"We love the zing from the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce," writes Mary Hoxworth from Killbuck, Ohio. "I like to use this spicy rice to make stuffed green peppers."
WHEN MY MENU features poultry, I reach for this side dish recipe with its subtle sage flavor. The zesty onion and crunchy celery make a superb combination, and it's easy to make. -Estelle Stimel, Conway,...
I like to dress up these mashed spuds with a whole bulb of roasted garlic. It may seem like overkill, but once cooked, any harshness mellows out and you're left with sweet and delicate garlic flavor. -Mrs....
I created this Tex-Mex potato salad for one of my cooking classes, and it was a hit. It's perfect for a cookout or potluck. The secret ingredient is pickled jalapenos-they add so much interest and flavor!...
Bonnie Baumgardner often serves this quick skillet side dish to delighted guests at her Sylva, North Carolina home. "It tastes so delicious it's hard to believe it's good for you," she exclaims. "And it's...
This is a zippy alternative to refried beans. This easy side dish is so homey and hearty. Sometimes I top it off with a sprinkling of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.-Lorna Nault, Chesterton,...
This saucy dish is flavorful and filling, chock-full of ground beef, bacon and four varieties of beans. I've had the recipe for years, and I make it often for big appetites at home and for potlucks at...
These potato wedges make a perfect side any time you're looking for full-flavored fries. They go especially well with burgers on the grill. -Peggy Key, Grant, Alabama
"These cheesy stuffed potatoes are great for a meal or as a side dish," says Peter Barry of Norrisville, Maryland. "Cut the recipe in half and use a small potato for an after-school snack," he adds.
Our five kids are grown and live away from the farm, but they visit often with their families. So I stay in practice in the kitchen! I frequently serve this soup for Sunday dinner.
This rich, sweet dish was served on my first visit to my new in-laws 40 years ago. It's a colorful family favorite compatible with other fresh garden vegetables such as cabbage and green beans.
I'm not sure where my love of cooking comes from, but I speculate it's because I like to eat! This recipe from a treasured cookbook is a wonderfully different way to serve carrots. They do with most any...
I love serving this tender veggie side dish as part of a comforting dinner on a chilly night. The cayenne pepper lends zippy flavor that's not overpowering. -Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
This recipe is a traditional favorite in Minnesota, where wild rice is widely harvested. These fritter-like pancakes are great for brunch or even a light supper.
Here's a satisfying salad that's garden-fresh. It stars three delicious cheeses and refreshing vegetables like crisp cucumber, bell peppers and juicy tomatoes. This unique summer salad makes a nice light...
When you're grilling a main course, toss this side dish on as well...you'll be glad you did! The rich red potatoes are wonderful with many different meats.-Ms. Julie McQuiston, Bradenton, Florida
Not only is this salad wonderfully colorful, it takes very little time to prepare. I like to serve it for luncheons or light suppers...it's sure to please pasta lovers!
"This is a favorite vegetable casserole of ours," writes Arlene Lee of Holland, Manitoba. "It's very filling served over rice, and the cheese gives the veggies extra flavor. Great warmed up the next day...
Tangy Carrot Coins give a popular nutritious vegetable a new twist, remarks Lois Stephen from Mt. Morris, Michigan. "This colorful side dish is as easy to fix as plain carrots, but the light, creamy coating...